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The Ultimate Fantasy Reads List

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My ultimate fantasy read list. I've broken some of them down into sections for when you know what kind of book you're in the mood for but just can't decide. Some I have read and loved and some are on my TBR. This list is a work in progress so come ba...
Sections
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COSMERE

Brandon Sanderson's diverse magical universe

 
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Part of the Cosmere and a great starting point if you're new to the universe! #Mistborn #cosmere
THE MISTBORN® SAGA - THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY
 
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Your new favorite character will be Kaladin. Again, part of the Cosmere. #brandonsanderson #cosmere #fantasy
THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE® SERIES
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A girl on an adventure across the midnight sea. A quick read that makes a great break if you're buried in the Cosmere (or other great series) #cosmere #fantasybooks
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
 
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A (sort of) standalone novel within Sanderson's Cosmere. Elantris was once a huge city filled with powerful beings. The magic is gone and Elantris is falling.#fantasy #books
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

CLASSIC FANTASY/HIGH FANTASY

For lovers of the classics, like Tolkien. Some of these may toe the line…but this is my list.

 
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My introduction to fantasy and still a favorite to this day. A classic adventure story that follows a group of friends from a small village. 14 books and a great time. #wot #robertjordan #wheeloftime #fantasy #highfantasy
The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan
 
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Garion's journey to find a sacred stone. This reads like a comfort series and Eddings is a great writer. #belgariad #fantasy #read #books
The Belgariad Series by David Eddings
 
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One of the best fantasy series I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Stephen King does some of his best works in this series. All things serve the beam. #maninblack #darktower #ka #allthingsservethebeam
The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
 
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What kind of fantasy list wouldn't have Tolkien? A classic must-read with hobbits, elves, battles, ans friendship. #lotr #fantasy
Middle Earth Series by J.R.R. Tolkien
 
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Pratchett's Discworld series contains 41 books, so if you're in for the long haul, come on down. I've read the first 2 and really enjoyed his humor. #pratchett #discworld ##fantasy
Discworld
 
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A six part series about a powerful wizard. Ursula K. Le Guin is an amazing author and I personally thing Earthsea is a good introduction to her work.
A Wizard of Earthsea - Ursula K. Le Guin
 
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This began as a web series and is now considered the longest fantasy book of all time. An innkeeper serves drinks to monsters and goblins. #pirateaba #wanderinginn #fantasy
The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba

STANDALONE FANTASY

For when you have just finished one of the series on this list or when you need a satisfying ending to an epic journey.

 
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A story of war that will move you. I don't want to give spoilers! #swordofkaigen #fantasy #readers
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
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Dark academia meets fantasy?! After reading Wang's Sword of Kaigen, I had to get my hands on this.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
 
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A boy finds himself with keys to a parallel world, where he finds unexpected connections. Stephen King does it again! #stephenking
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
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“as you wish” #fantasy #booktok #princessbride
The Princess Bride
 
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A tollbooth shows up one day in Milo's room, so he goes exploring. A timeless classic and a great book to get little ones interested in fantasy and adventure.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
 
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This has been on my TBR for months. Susanna Clarke is such a fantastic writer.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
 
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Okay, I'll admit that this is more science fiction than fantasy, but I had to recommend. This is an exploration of what a world without sexism may look like. Le Guin's writing is the icing on top. #leguin #fantasy #read #reading
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
 
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Set in a post-apocalyptic world, I Who Have Never Known Men is narrated through the eyes of a young woman trapped in an underground bunker with 38 other women. One of the best books I read this year, an absolute gem. #fantasy #feminism
I just finished I Who Have Never Known Men by Jaqueline Harpman and I'd ...
 
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Circe is a beautiful retelling by who is considered by now, a master of mythology: Madeline Miller. Circe is the story of the daughter of Helios finding her power and protecting mortals.
Circe - Madeline Miller
 
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I'm going to do something a little strange here and admit…this is not my favorite read. BUT!!!! I have recommended it to other people several times who I feel would enjoy it and they have! The dark academia vibes are perfect for fall and I would sugg...
Ninth House| Leigh Bardugo

TRILOGIES

Sometimes a short, three volume set is really all you need. 

 
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Another one that has been on my TBR for such a long time! A modern fantasy trilogy with rave reviews.
The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee
 
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A Hugo Award winning trilogy! In a post-apocalyptic world, a woman is forced to hide her power as she searches for her daughter.
The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth, #1) by N.K. Jemisin
 
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Another trilogy on my TBR list…everyone absolutely raves about this popular fantasy series. #fantasy #bookrecs #reading
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
 
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I recently read the first book and cannot wait to read the second. I love Kuang's writing style. #fantasy #reading
The Poppy War Series by R.F. Kuang
 
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A book store employee recently recommended this trilogy and had great things to say. The protagonist is a man with forbidden magic that enters a war.
The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington

DARK/ACTION FANTASY

Recommendations on the darker side. Some of these may require you to check trigger warnings.

 
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I can't wait to start this 10 book series! It had been described as dark and unpredictable. #fantasy #malazan #reading #stevenerikson
The Malazan Book Of The Fallen
 
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The Lies of Loch Lamora was a standalone novel for years, but now has two follow-up novels. This series is action forward. #scottlynch #fantasy #gentlemanbastard #bookseries
Gentleman Bastard Series by Scott Lynch
 
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Geralt of Rivia is a hunter known as the Witcher. When a child of prophecy is born, it is suddenly Geralt's job to protect her. #thewitcher #geralt #fantasy
The Witcher
 
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A fantasy story about an adventurer named Kvothe. A little dark, lots of action, and a sequel when you can't get enough. #nameofthewind #rothfuss #fantasy #reading
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
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This one has been on my list for a while. Goodreads says, “Brother Diaz has been summoned to the Sacred City, where he is certain a commendation and grand holy assignment awaits him. But his new flock is made up of unrepentant murderers, practitioner...
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

YA Fantasy

For those looking for series to share with their children or to feel the nostalgia…I've got you.

 
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If you've seen the films, you know what's in store. Personally, I love the first one the most, so that's what you'll find linked. The entire series is a fantastic adventure. You'll experience character growth and development and I think this series i...
His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
 
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A series revolving around some small but mighty mice!
Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
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I read the first book earlier this year and loved it. The writing is great and the characters immediately caught me. This boxed set is affordable and would  make a great gift for a teen or young adult reader in your life :)
Six of Crows Series by Leigh Bardugo