Epic Fantasy Books Guide

Epic fantasy centers on large-scale conflicts, expansive settings, and long, interwoven plots. Ideal for readers who enjoy deep worldbuilding and ongoing sagas.

Curated by Fabled Tome

151 Books in subgenre
Apr 13, 2026 Last updated
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145 Kushiel's Dart

Kushiel's Dart

By

Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 85,148 reviews.

Kushiel's Dart (Phèdre's Trilogy #1) by Jacqueline Carey follows Phédre nó Delaunay, a woman marked by a scarlet mote in her eye and sold into indentured servitude in the nation of Terre d'Ange. Trained as a courtesan and spy, Phédre uncovers a conspiracy threatening her homeland and is forced into captivity in the hostile northern land of Skaldia. Her subsequent escape and perilous journey back to warn her people set the stage for a complex narrative involving political intrigue, betrayal, and survival. The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice within a richly detailed fantasy world.

Book 1 of Kushiel's Legacy series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Erotica Adult Romance Science Fiction Gods Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Medieval Survival Mythology Ruling Class Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Bdsm Female Protagonist
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146 Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Dragons of Autumn Twilight

By ,

Rated 4.01 out of 5 stars, based on 123,231 reviews.

Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman introduces the war-torn world of Krynn, where dragons have reappeared and the old gods seem to have vanished, taking divine healing with them. A group of long-separated companions—Tanis, Sturm, Caramon, Raistlin, Flint, and Tasslehoff—reunite and are drawn into events when they witness a mysterious woman wielding a blue crystal staff with miraculous power. As they investigate whether this magic signals the return of the gods, they clash with the Seekers, an ambitious new religious order determined to control the staff and dominate Ansalon. The novel blends epic and high fantasy adventure with character-driven tension, as reluctant heroes confront both external threats and the secrets they keep from one another.

Book 1 of Dragonlance: Chronicles series

Magic Gods Dragons Epic Fantasy War Male Protagonist Dragonlance
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147 Dragon Rider

Dragon Rider

By

Rated 4.01 out of 5 stars, based on 85,881 reviews.

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke follows Firedrake, a young dragon who sets out to locate a hidden refuge where silver dragons might finally be safe. Joined by Sorrel, a wary brownie, and Ben, a human boy without a family, he crosses oceans and remote mountain ranges guided only by an old dragon’s memories and an uncertain map. As they encounter magical creatures and unexpected allies, the trio must also evade a relentless monster determined to wipe out the last dragons on earth. Blending classic fantasy adventure with a strong, youthful protagonist, this novel offers an accessible epic for children and younger teens interested in dragons, magic, and heroic quests.

Book 1 of Dragon Rider series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy Monsters Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
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148 A Crucible of Souls

A Crucible of Souls

By

Rated 4.00 out of 5 stars, based on 8,255 reviews.

A Crucible of Souls (Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, #1) by Mitchell Hogan follows Caldan, who, after the brutal death of his parents, is raised by monks and trained in sorcery. Seeking to uncover the truth behind his family’s past, he enters a dangerous city where he must prove his magical abilities to join a sorcerers’ guild. As Caldan navigates this darker world, he encounters hidden evils and forbidden powers that threaten to ignite a long-standing conflict with catastrophic consequences. The novel blends elements of epic and high fantasy with a focus on magic and adventure.

Book 1 of Sorcery Ascendant Sequence series

Magic Epic Fantasy Monsters War Coming Of Age Rebellion Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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149 The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

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Rated 3.90 out of 5 stars, based on 82,418 reviews.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (Inheritance Trilogy, #1) by N.K. Jemisin follows Yeine Darr, a young woman from the northern tribes who is unexpectedly summoned to the floating city of Sky after her mother's death. Named an heiress to the ruling king, Yeine becomes entangled in a deadly contest for power against her unfamiliar cousins. As she uncovers the truth behind her mother's demise and her family's violent past, Yeine confronts complex alliances involving gods and mortals in a narrative that blends political intrigue with supernatural elements.

Book 1 of Inheritance Trilogy series

Magic Romance Gods Epic Fantasy War Dark Supernatural Medieval Mythology Enemies To Lovers Low Fantasy Ruling Class Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Royal Road Female Protagonist
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150 The Darkness That Comes Before

The Darkness That Comes Before

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Rated 3.88 out of 5 stars, based on 23,963 reviews.

The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker introduces a meticulously crafted world marked by an apocalyptic history and a looming crusade. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters, including the enigmatic Anasûrimbor Kellhus, whose origins and motives intertwine with the unfolding conflict. Set in a richly detailed universe with unique cultures, religions, and social structures, the novel explores themes of power, belief, and survival amid a vast holy war.

Book 1 of The Prince of Nothing series

Magic Gods Epic Fantasy Monsters War Military Fiction Dark Fantasy Medieval Philosophy Apocalyptic Mythology Rebellion Political Intrigue Religious Conflict Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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151 Prince of Thorns

Prince of Thorns

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Rated 3.84 out of 5 stars, based on 124,379 reviews.

Prince of Thorns (Broken Empire, #1) by Mark Lawrence follows Honorous Jorg Ancrath, who witnessed the brutal murder of his family at a young age and became the ruthless leader of a violent gang by his early teens. At fifteen, Jorg aims to reclaim his birthright by returning to the castle he abandoned, confronting both human treachery and supernatural forces. The novel explores themes of vengeance, power, and survival in a dark, medieval-inspired setting where Jorg’s determination is tested against enemies wielding dangerous magic.

Book 1 of Broken Empire series

Magic Post Apocalyptic Epic Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Medieval Horror Thriller Survival Ruling Class Revenge Strong Protagonist Anti-Hero Male Protagonist
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