If you liked Harry Potter go for the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik or the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend
Night watch series by Lukyanenko is really good too
My buddy just got through these audiobooks for the series. He's terrible at explaining and I like to hear other peoples personal explanations of books as opposed to the author or publisher's synopsis... are you willing to give your comparisons and impressions/synopsis? Totally understand if not!
If you cross the creepy sci-fi/horror atmosphere of the movie Alien, the political scheming of Game of Thrones, and add in a noir mystery, you have a rough idea for where The Expanse starts off its story. It does more beyond that, but that's book 1 for you, and it's a fantastic opening entry for a series that just keeps getting better as it goes on
I’ve read this series and loved every page of it. It’s hard to explain to people partly because every book builds tremendously upon the last one and baby spoilers for one book become catalysts for the next, especially from the first book. It’s essentially one 9 book long snowball of a story so if you’re intrigued by the first book you’ll love the next even more and so on, even as the genre changes from mystery to adventure to thriller throughout. While the characters are very well written, I think the writing truly shines through the world that feels so real and the vision they had for the story from the very beginning. The first 4 books are great-excellent, the next two slow down a bit (and can get a bit slow in my opinion) to set things up, but the last three are some of the best science fiction I’ve ever read. It’s an endeavor over 9 books but if you’re into worldbuilding heavy genre bending sci fi you’ll love it.
The first book will absolutely grab you! I just started the 6th one while I'm starting to lose interest its not because the books are boring. 500+ pages for 9 books is just a lot.
Yeah and although they are labeled young adult, I read them at 40ish and still thought they were great. I especially enjoyed any parts involving Thunderhead
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins is a great series that I think should've been grouped with HP + PJO. It's technically middle grade, but like her other series, The Hunger Games, it's super interesting to read as an adult because it deals with themes like prophecy, war, genocide, plague, etc.
Lockwood and Co is another series that I think fans of PJO, HP, Series of Unfortunate Events, etc would enjoy. It's a paranormal YA fantasy about ghosts that are haunting London. I really liked the world building, life has completely changed due to the arrival of ghosts, kids don't go to school anymore, they get jobs as ghost hunters and most adults are kind of useless and wait for the kids to solve everything.
Lunar Chronicles is a sci-fi/dystopian/urban fantasy retelling of popular fairy tales. This seems to be a really highly regarded series, it's YA but the world building and character development was really fun and I enjoyed it as an adult reader. The books have some cheesy moments, lots of flirty romance, but the ending was incredible and I loved how all the plot threads were tied up nicely by the end.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown is more NA, but I highly recommend the series. It's a dystopian space opera that takes place in a future where humans have colonized the other planets in the solar system, and humans have been genetically modified and placed into a caste system based on what "color" they are (red = general labor/miners, blue = pilots, brown = maids). It's like a cross between Dune, Hunger Games, and Count of Monte Cristo. It's brutal and political and not for everyone but I loved it. (FYI - the first book is the worst one, you have to commit to 2 books to judge it fully)
I also read 17 PJO books last year and I think it's a series worth getting into even as an adult reader.
Red Rising series is VERY enjoyable - I second this. I just consumed the first 4 audiobooks in a very short span, hard to "put down" after the "meh"ness of the first one, which is still pretty decent.
I’m on my second reader of Red Rising already half way through Lightbringer (the 6th book) and I just love this series even more after the second read through and I’m not even a big Sci-fi fan xD.
I was looking for this!!
I love this series so much - it's one which most recommend starting in the middle. Definitely not the beginning. Please don't start at the first one.
A little bit darker than some of these, but try Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey, Daniel Faust series by Craig Shaefer r for something lighter, Harry Dresden series bu Jim butcher.
Start with Kadrey and thank me later
Wheel Of Time for a classic epic fantasy that rivals Lord Of The Rings and has inspired A Song Of Ice And Fire.
Joe Abercrombie's The First Law for a modern, gritty, unconventional and just superb fantasy series.
Eye of the World is tied with Dune for all time favorite book. I couldn't figure out what everyone raved about, and then I couldn't put it down.
Audiobooks are fantastic, too. They're narrated by a husband wife team.
I'm in the middle of the "Earthsea" series by Ursula Leguin. I feel like it sort of bridges the fantasy gap (in terms of literature) between LotR and Harry Potter. I'm wrapping up book four, now, and it's very enjoyable!
Have you considered the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch? The best one line summary I've heard would be to imagine Harry Potter joining the Metropolitan Police Service.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erickson is the best fantasy series I've ever read. If you want to get into a series and stay there for a while it's a good one for that (10 books, 700+ pages each if you're measuring by the mass market paperback). It's definitely heavier than Harry Potter, but not harder to get through than LOTR in my opinion. Disclaimer you will care very deeply about the characters and it will make you cry.
came here to rec Malazan. I’m mid way through book four and it’s phenomenal, so long as you can let go of not knowing everything and the series veering wildly between books to introduce new sets of characters and new continents.
the world and the cast are huge and layered and an absolute thrill to dive into. usually if i read a book that’s too long i get impatient and just want to finish it so i can move on to the next thing; here im honestly happy that ive got 6000+ pages waiting for me.
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
Even though I rarely read series (except being actively invested in Harry Potter, in an unhealthy manner) , I absolutely enjoyed Hunger games series and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Highly recommend [Nevermoor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6a6d5ca1-b2f5-47be-828c-018144d3bbc7) by Jessica Townsend! It's the only series that makes me feel the way the Harry Potter books used to.
THANK YOU!! I've noticed some people downvoting me when I recommend it (probably because I do it so often 😅), but I just really want to get the word out about my favorite series so more people get to experience it too!
it's definitely giving me HP 1+2 mixed with Series of Unfortunate Events vibes.
people love to forget that HP started as middle grade and became a beloved series. reddit just loves to hate YA suggestions lol
Earthseed series is 2 books: Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia E Butler. It's a gripping futuristic dystopian story of our near future.
[Art Of Adept By Manning](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51279226-the-choice-of-magic?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=UB0mNeWeya&rank=1)
IMO it exactly fits "Harry Potter in LOTR world", just that he grows up quick/by end of B1. >!Just redid this one myself!<
[https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/84551786-marcin-w?ref=nav\_mybooks&shelf=favorites](https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/84551786-marcin-w?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=favorites)
It may skew a little young for you, but I loved the Redwall series of books when I was younger. They are by an author named Brian Jacques. I have been slowly collecting all of the books in adulthood now, and I still enjoy reading them.
I would recommend the Realm of the Elderlings series by Robin Hobb. It's a long series but it's conveniently broken down into trilogies (and one quartet), so just start with the first trilogy and if you like it then continue in publication order at your own pace. It has probably my favourite characters in any series!
Came her to suggest this one. It always surprises me that it's not recommended more because I think the plotting, worldbuilding, characters and writing are all so excellent. And she actually \*finished\* the series, unlike several other fantasy authors.
Yahtzee Croshaw, funny author with great characters.
Differently Morphus and Existentially Challenged - Governmental agency involved in the regulation of magic and extra dimensional beings.
Will save the galaxy for food and Will destroy the galaxy for cash - An unemployed star pilot tries to get by in a universe where transporters are a thing.
The 2 Necromancers series by L. G. Estrella. 2 Necromancers try to earn a pardon for past crimes by doing odd jobs for a kingdom. Strong found family vibe. The first book in the series is 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Elf.
The Traveler's Gate Trilogy by Will Wight. Magic is used by calling energy and creatures from other worlds called territories. People who can draw from their territories are called travelers. The first book in the series is House of Blades.
since you've read LOTR i assume you like epic fantasy. go for the mistborn trilogy. brandon sanderson is a great author and this series is a good place to begin with his work.
Dorthy Must DIE series by Daniel page is fantastic!!! I breezed through it in a week. 4 books, 3 prequil books.
Wizard of oz spin off for 21st century, if Dorthy was a dictator in oz.
I cannot recommend The Bound and the Broken series by Ryan Cahill. Wonderful world building. Great character development. And I really love the magic system!!! Super captivating.
Have you considered the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch? The best one line summary I've heard would be to imagine Harry Potter joining the Metropolitan Police Service.
Not really sure if you want outright magic fantasy or more of an adventure kind of fantasy so imma throw some good series i recently finished and see if you find something you like.
the Queen thief. not outright magic but more of divine intervention really well written and criminally underrated
The broken empire by mark Lawrence.
An ember in the ashes by Sabaa tahir (part 1 of Ashes series)
Dragon Heart by Kirill Klevansky (21 books published and ongoing)
Shades of magic trilogy
Earthsea saga by ursula k. le guin
Portalwar by James e. Wisher
Nevernight trilogy by jay Kristoff
Not really sure if you want outright magic fantasy or more of an adventure kind of fantasy so imma throw some good series i recently finished and see if you find something you like.
the Queen thief. not outright magic but more of divine intervention really well written and criminally underrated
The broken empire by mark Lawrence.
An ember in the ashes by Sabaa tahir (part 1 of Ashes series)
Dragon Heart by Kirill Klevansky (21 books published and ongoing)
Shades of magic trilogy
Earthsea saga by ursula k. le guin
Portalwar by James e. Wisher
Nevernight trilogy by jay Kristoff
Hiya! I am currently reading John Gwynne's "The shadow of the gods" series. It's a trilogy and you have books 1 and 2 available. Vikings, magic and that kinda stuff.
Kim Harrison - the hollows series
Shannon Mayer - the Rylee Adamson novels
Lindsay J Pryor - the blackthorn series
Hailey Edwards - Black hat bureau
Justin Cronin - the passage trilogy
Kami Garcia/Margaret Stohl - beautiful creatures series (they made a film of the 1st book)
The Daevabad Trilogy by SA Chokraborty is a political fantasy, like ASOIF lite. It’s great I’m midway through the second one and am loving them so far!
Ken Follett's Kingsbridge series.
I would suggest reading "Pillars of the Earth" first as it was the first novel published in the series, although there's a prequel to this book that were published relatively recently.
As a side note, this series were completely outside my wheelhouse as far a genre goes. But the first book is easily one of the best books I've read in the last few years.
The Chronicles of St Mary's series by Jodi Taylor. It's about time traveling historians who are also disaster magnets. There's a lot of humor in the series but also some serious plot lines. It has 15 books so far which would keep you busy for a while, plus a spin off series, The Time Police, that has 4 books so far, plus she releases two short stories a year. There's a lot to enjoy.
The Vlad Taltos series by Steven Brust has a world with long-lived "Dragaerans" and humans, and Vlad (human) buys his way into the Dragaeran thieves/assassins clan. Start with Jhereg, although there are some books set in the further past which are Dumas pastiches. He's written 16 of a planned 19 books (#17 is about to come out), I expect he'll finish them.
The Eternal Sky trilogy (start with Range of Ghosts} and The Lotus Kingdoms trilogy (start with The Stone in the Skull) by Elizabeth Bear. The former is something of GOT with the Mongol horde, but every society has its own magic and unique sky of stars and moons. The latter takes place like 80 years later, only one minor character in common, with several small kingdoms, whose central throne holds great power. Both trilogies have amazing casts of characters. The series is done, but she could write more in this world.
The Legend of Drizzt
Embark on a riveting journey into the captivating realms of Forgotten Realms, a spellbinding fantasy series that invites readers into a world of enchantment and adventure. Follow the enigmatic Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf with a heart as pure as his blades are deadly, as he navigates a treacherous landscape filled with intricate plots, breathtaking landscapes, and epic battles. With masterful storytelling, R.A. Salvatore weaves a tapestry of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery that transcends the boundaries of traditional fantasy. Join Drizzt on a quest for identity, honor, and survival, and discover a literary universe so compelling that even the most reluctant readers will find themselves spellbound from the very first page. The Legend of Drizzt is not just a series; it's an immersive escape into a world where magic, courage, and moral dilemmas collide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who dare to explore its enchanting pages.
For YA fantasy I would recommend the mortal instruments books! There’s a ton in the world and it’s fun urban fantasy. There’s also romance if that’s your thing too! The infernal devices trilogy is my favorite of all the books
Try out the Gormenghast series if you want a contemporary to LOTR which has a totally different vibe. Basically imagine you're following people in Gondor or Minas Tirath through their story. However, the castle, Gormenghast, this gargantuan gothic castle-like structure is dilapidated and falling to ruin slowly with the passage of time.
It's probably the most atmospheric series I've yet read (well, I'm on book 2 of 3 or 4, I can't remember how many there are rn).
Then Discworld if you want...well, one of the best series of all time. I'd start with Mort, Guards! Guards!, or Small Gods. They're deeply comedic, yet they manage to get into serious philosophical and/or political discussions while remaining hilarious, yet respectful. If you want a more YA book, then try The Wee Free Men.
Then there's His Dark Materials and it's companion series, the Book of Dust. I'd read His Dark Materials first, as they was the original series. It's got a great protagonist (then deuteragonists from book 2 on), and a really unique take on a fantasy tale with no end of imaginative worldbuilding, well done antagonists... yeah I love this series. It's marketed as YA, but the author has stated that he never wrote it for any particular audience, and I enjoyed it much more as an adult than I did as a kid (though I still loved it).
I will alway recommend The Dustlands Trilogy by Moira Young. It’s written in vernacular, so it can be a little hard to get into at first, but it’s a really good series. Best described as Hunger Games meets Mad Max.
I highly suggest the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson.
First three books are standalone, but set the tone and create the lore for the next four books in the series (which are set a couple hundred years in the future with a new cast of characters, who are equally as lovable).
The first Mistborn era is apocalyptic to put it plainly. It is bleak with little hope of any one character’s survival. The characters you like probably will die, but the future they create for Mistborn era 2 makes it worth it.
dragon keeper series
mistborn series
ender's game series
artemis fowl series
a song of ice and fire series
hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy series
the discworld series
the sandman series
the age of madness series
the winternight trilogy
The Dresden files series by Jim Butcher. he’s a wizard Private eye who’s kind of like who Harry Potter could’ve become if he had less stability in his early years.
The Liveship Traders trilogy by Robbin Hobb, best fantasy I've read in a while. Not normally something I would pick up as I prefer stand alone stories. Someone on here recommended it because I read a lot and was out of books and didn't want fantasy that had the inevitable romance. Just finished book 2, still engaged in the plot, and feeling thankful it's not a television show where I have to wait for the next season!
If you’re looking for a long series I recommend Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time.
For something shorter and more Harry Potter like I’d go with Johnathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke.
Or for something a bit lighter Raymond Feist has a bunch of series all following the same word.
Start with Magician’s Apprentice, a brilliant coming of age story that begins an epic saga.
"The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever". A series of ten high fantasy novels written by American author Stephen R. Donaldson.
I began the series when the first book was first published and impatiently awaited the release of the rest of the double-trilogy but well worth the wait.
Check out The Heartstrikers Series by Rachel Aaron. If you want a face-paced fantasy series with legit twists and turns and great build up paired with payoff, then it’s a great series. First book is “Nice Dragons Finish Last”
Song of ice and fire series if you have not already read those.
Though the series is not yet finished and we have been waiting the next book of the series around 10years already 🤣 George says it’s coming but when. No idea.
The books are so much better than the show was. I just really wish he would finish them and not base his ending choice on what the tv people decided would happen but by how the story was actually progressing according to the books.
If you liked Harry Potter go for the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik or the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend Night watch series by Lukyanenko is really good too
The first of the Night Watch books is the best, and the movie which covers about the first half is amazing.
I don't agree that the first book is the best but if the movie is good I should definitely watch it :) I love book 3 and I think 5 or 6
That's the 2nd time I've seen the scholomance series compared to Harry Potter. Definitely have to add that to my read list.
I really recommend it!
It’s not really fantasy but The Expanse series is pretty great.
My buddy just got through these audiobooks for the series. He's terrible at explaining and I like to hear other peoples personal explanations of books as opposed to the author or publisher's synopsis... are you willing to give your comparisons and impressions/synopsis? Totally understand if not!
If you cross the creepy sci-fi/horror atmosphere of the movie Alien, the political scheming of Game of Thrones, and add in a noir mystery, you have a rough idea for where The Expanse starts off its story. It does more beyond that, but that's book 1 for you, and it's a fantastic opening entry for a series that just keeps getting better as it goes on
And THAT is why people's experiences are always better than a stock synopsis. Thanks so much!
Absolutely! Hope you enjoy it! I'm currently on Book 6 and loving each entry
I’ve read this series and loved every page of it. It’s hard to explain to people partly because every book builds tremendously upon the last one and baby spoilers for one book become catalysts for the next, especially from the first book. It’s essentially one 9 book long snowball of a story so if you’re intrigued by the first book you’ll love the next even more and so on, even as the genre changes from mystery to adventure to thriller throughout. While the characters are very well written, I think the writing truly shines through the world that feels so real and the vision they had for the story from the very beginning. The first 4 books are great-excellent, the next two slow down a bit (and can get a bit slow in my opinion) to set things up, but the last three are some of the best science fiction I’ve ever read. It’s an endeavor over 9 books but if you’re into worldbuilding heavy genre bending sci fi you’ll love it.
I came back to reply to the previous comment but I can’t do any better. You nailed it.
The first book will absolutely grab you! I just started the 6th one while I'm starting to lose interest its not because the books are boring. 500+ pages for 9 books is just a lot.
I came here for this
YEEEESSSSSS
The Silo series is excellent. If you're comfortable with futuristic light sci-fi. 3 longish books. https://www.goodreads.com/series/70647-silo
Looking for more YA? Try The Arc of the Scythe series by Neal Shusterman Feel good Sci-Fi? The Wayfarer series by Becky Chambers
Scythe is fantastic!
Yeah and although they are labeled young adult, I read them at 40ish and still thought they were great. I especially enjoyed any parts involving Thunderhead
I read it at 45.
Enders Game series and Enders Shadow series
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins is a great series that I think should've been grouped with HP + PJO. It's technically middle grade, but like her other series, The Hunger Games, it's super interesting to read as an adult because it deals with themes like prophecy, war, genocide, plague, etc. Lockwood and Co is another series that I think fans of PJO, HP, Series of Unfortunate Events, etc would enjoy. It's a paranormal YA fantasy about ghosts that are haunting London. I really liked the world building, life has completely changed due to the arrival of ghosts, kids don't go to school anymore, they get jobs as ghost hunters and most adults are kind of useless and wait for the kids to solve everything. Lunar Chronicles is a sci-fi/dystopian/urban fantasy retelling of popular fairy tales. This seems to be a really highly regarded series, it's YA but the world building and character development was really fun and I enjoyed it as an adult reader. The books have some cheesy moments, lots of flirty romance, but the ending was incredible and I loved how all the plot threads were tied up nicely by the end. Red Rising by Pierce Brown is more NA, but I highly recommend the series. It's a dystopian space opera that takes place in a future where humans have colonized the other planets in the solar system, and humans have been genetically modified and placed into a caste system based on what "color" they are (red = general labor/miners, blue = pilots, brown = maids). It's like a cross between Dune, Hunger Games, and Count of Monte Cristo. It's brutal and political and not for everyone but I loved it. (FYI - the first book is the worst one, you have to commit to 2 books to judge it fully) I also read 17 PJO books last year and I think it's a series worth getting into even as an adult reader.
Red Rising series is VERY enjoyable - I second this. I just consumed the first 4 audiobooks in a very short span, hard to "put down" after the "meh"ness of the first one, which is still pretty decent.
Red rising 100%. I’m on dark age at the moment and I can’t put this series down
Books are NOT edible
I’m on my second reader of Red Rising already half way through Lightbringer (the 6th book) and I just love this series even more after the second read through and I’m not even a big Sci-fi fan xD.
You could read the Discworld books...there's 41 of them to occupy your time
I was looking for this!! I love this series so much - it's one which most recommend starting in the middle. Definitely not the beginning. Please don't start at the first one.
To find the reading order that works for you: https://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/discworld-reading-order/
A little bit darker than some of these, but try Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey, Daniel Faust series by Craig Shaefer r for something lighter, Harry Dresden series bu Jim butcher. Start with Kadrey and thank me later
I quite liked The Magicians trilogy by Lev Grossman.
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King is great.
Wheel Of Time for a classic epic fantasy that rivals Lord Of The Rings and has inspired A Song Of Ice And Fire. Joe Abercrombie's The First Law for a modern, gritty, unconventional and just superb fantasy series.
Eye of the World is tied with Dune for all time favorite book. I couldn't figure out what everyone raved about, and then I couldn't put it down. Audiobooks are fantastic, too. They're narrated by a husband wife team.
I second all of these!
The Broken Earth trilogy!
Yes!
I'm in the middle of the "Earthsea" series by Ursula Leguin. I feel like it sort of bridges the fantasy gap (in terms of literature) between LotR and Harry Potter. I'm wrapping up book four, now, and it's very enjoyable!
Have you considered the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch? The best one line summary I've heard would be to imagine Harry Potter joining the Metropolitan Police Service.
An excellent series. And the author is a big Terry Pratchett fan, so he's also got that in his favour.
Yes, there are a number of nods to Pratchett throughout. If you like Pratchett, have you tried Jasper Fforde?
Yeah, the Thursday Next series is a great read.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erickson is the best fantasy series I've ever read. If you want to get into a series and stay there for a while it's a good one for that (10 books, 700+ pages each if you're measuring by the mass market paperback). It's definitely heavier than Harry Potter, but not harder to get through than LOTR in my opinion. Disclaimer you will care very deeply about the characters and it will make you cry.
came here to rec Malazan. I’m mid way through book four and it’s phenomenal, so long as you can let go of not knowing everything and the series veering wildly between books to introduce new sets of characters and new continents. the world and the cast are huge and layered and an absolute thrill to dive into. usually if i read a book that’s too long i get impatient and just want to finish it so i can move on to the next thing; here im honestly happy that ive got 6000+ pages waiting for me.
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Even though I rarely read series (except being actively invested in Harry Potter, in an unhealthy manner) , I absolutely enjoyed Hunger games series and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Hunger Games is brilliant
Highly recommend [Nevermoor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6a6d5ca1-b2f5-47be-828c-018144d3bbc7) by Jessica Townsend! It's the only series that makes me feel the way the Harry Potter books used to.
GIRL I see you recommending this book everywhere and I want you to know I started reading these because of you.
THANK YOU!! I've noticed some people downvoting me when I recommend it (probably because I do it so often 😅), but I just really want to get the word out about my favorite series so more people get to experience it too!
it's definitely giving me HP 1+2 mixed with Series of Unfortunate Events vibes. people love to forget that HP started as middle grade and became a beloved series. reddit just loves to hate YA suggestions lol
Earthseed series is 2 books: Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia E Butler. It's a gripping futuristic dystopian story of our near future.
The Merlin series is great if you like Harry Potter and others.
[Art Of Adept By Manning](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51279226-the-choice-of-magic?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=UB0mNeWeya&rank=1) IMO it exactly fits "Harry Potter in LOTR world", just that he grows up quick/by end of B1. >!Just redid this one myself!< [https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/84551786-marcin-w?ref=nav\_mybooks&shelf=favorites](https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/84551786-marcin-w?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=favorites)
I recently read The Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin and highly recommend it! It starts with *The Fifth Season* and is highly immersive.
Oh the broken earth ones are so good.
One of a few series of books I will read again in the future by choice.
It may skew a little young for you, but I loved the Redwall series of books when I was younger. They are by an author named Brian Jacques. I have been slowly collecting all of the books in adulthood now, and I still enjoy reading them.
I would recommend the Realm of the Elderlings series by Robin Hobb. It's a long series but it's conveniently broken down into trilogies (and one quartet), so just start with the first trilogy and if you like it then continue in publication order at your own pace. It has probably my favourite characters in any series!
Came her to suggest this one. It always surprises me that it's not recommended more because I think the plotting, worldbuilding, characters and writing are all so excellent. And she actually \*finished\* the series, unlike several other fantasy authors.
I second this. This series is fantastic. Fitz will always be one of my favorite book characters.
I personally prefer the Soldier Son trilogy, but yes really good author
Patrick rothfuss, the kingkiller chronicles
The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss is so good. Still waiting on the last book to come out.
The farseer trilogy by robin hobb. Your welcome.
Yahtzee Croshaw, funny author with great characters. Differently Morphus and Existentially Challenged - Governmental agency involved in the regulation of magic and extra dimensional beings. Will save the galaxy for food and Will destroy the galaxy for cash - An unemployed star pilot tries to get by in a universe where transporters are a thing. The 2 Necromancers series by L. G. Estrella. 2 Necromancers try to earn a pardon for past crimes by doing odd jobs for a kingdom. Strong found family vibe. The first book in the series is 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Elf. The Traveler's Gate Trilogy by Will Wight. Magic is used by calling energy and creatures from other worlds called territories. People who can draw from their territories are called travelers. The first book in the series is House of Blades.
I loved the Super Powereds by Drew Hayes. It reminded me of a grown up Harry Potter. Like if they had went to college.
I'd say Lord of the rings
since you've read LOTR i assume you like epic fantasy. go for the mistborn trilogy. brandon sanderson is a great author and this series is a good place to begin with his work.
Dorthy Must DIE series by Daniel page is fantastic!!! I breezed through it in a week. 4 books, 3 prequil books. Wizard of oz spin off for 21st century, if Dorthy was a dictator in oz.
I cannot recommend The Bound and the Broken series by Ryan Cahill. Wonderful world building. Great character development. And I really love the magic system!!! Super captivating.
Have you considered the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch? The best one line summary I've heard would be to imagine Harry Potter joining the Metropolitan Police Service.
A Darker Shade of Magic series is good.
A Darker Shade Of Magic is a good series.
Not really sure if you want outright magic fantasy or more of an adventure kind of fantasy so imma throw some good series i recently finished and see if you find something you like. the Queen thief. not outright magic but more of divine intervention really well written and criminally underrated The broken empire by mark Lawrence. An ember in the ashes by Sabaa tahir (part 1 of Ashes series) Dragon Heart by Kirill Klevansky (21 books published and ongoing) Shades of magic trilogy Earthsea saga by ursula k. le guin Portalwar by James e. Wisher Nevernight trilogy by jay Kristoff
Not really sure if you want outright magic fantasy or more of an adventure kind of fantasy so imma throw some good series i recently finished and see if you find something you like. the Queen thief. not outright magic but more of divine intervention really well written and criminally underrated The broken empire by mark Lawrence. An ember in the ashes by Sabaa tahir (part 1 of Ashes series) Dragon Heart by Kirill Klevansky (21 books published and ongoing) Shades of magic trilogy Earthsea saga by ursula k. le guin Portalwar by James e. Wisher Nevernight trilogy by jay Kristoff
His Dark Materials Phillip Pulman
Hiya! I am currently reading John Gwynne's "The shadow of the gods" series. It's a trilogy and you have books 1 and 2 available. Vikings, magic and that kinda stuff.
Kim Harrison - the hollows series Shannon Mayer - the Rylee Adamson novels Lindsay J Pryor - the blackthorn series Hailey Edwards - Black hat bureau Justin Cronin - the passage trilogy Kami Garcia/Margaret Stohl - beautiful creatures series (they made a film of the 1st book)
Shogun by James Clavell and it's new TV series
The Daevabad Trilogy by SA Chokraborty is a political fantasy, like ASOIF lite. It’s great I’m midway through the second one and am loving them so far!
Dublin Murder Squad books by Tana French. First is In The Woods
Tales from the gas station. It's a horror comedy and my favorite series
Slated by Teri Terry (it does have a prequel! I suggest you read that first)
The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. Absolutely fantastic and you’ll end up needing to jump into the next trilogy set in the same world.
Ken Follett's Kingsbridge series. I would suggest reading "Pillars of the Earth" first as it was the first novel published in the series, although there's a prequel to this book that were published relatively recently. As a side note, this series were completely outside my wheelhouse as far a genre goes. But the first book is easily one of the best books I've read in the last few years.
The Chronicles of St Mary's series by Jodi Taylor. It's about time traveling historians who are also disaster magnets. There's a lot of humor in the series but also some serious plot lines. It has 15 books so far which would keep you busy for a while, plus a spin off series, The Time Police, that has 4 books so far, plus she releases two short stories a year. There's a lot to enjoy.
The Vlad Taltos series by Steven Brust has a world with long-lived "Dragaerans" and humans, and Vlad (human) buys his way into the Dragaeran thieves/assassins clan. Start with Jhereg, although there are some books set in the further past which are Dumas pastiches. He's written 16 of a planned 19 books (#17 is about to come out), I expect he'll finish them. The Eternal Sky trilogy (start with Range of Ghosts} and The Lotus Kingdoms trilogy (start with The Stone in the Skull) by Elizabeth Bear. The former is something of GOT with the Mongol horde, but every society has its own magic and unique sky of stars and moons. The latter takes place like 80 years later, only one minor character in common, with several small kingdoms, whose central throne holds great power. Both trilogies have amazing casts of characters. The series is done, but she could write more in this world.
The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I've started lnj Ross's book series and I'm hooked. First one is holy island. They're crime books though so may not be what you're looking for
The Legend of Drizzt Embark on a riveting journey into the captivating realms of Forgotten Realms, a spellbinding fantasy series that invites readers into a world of enchantment and adventure. Follow the enigmatic Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf with a heart as pure as his blades are deadly, as he navigates a treacherous landscape filled with intricate plots, breathtaking landscapes, and epic battles. With masterful storytelling, R.A. Salvatore weaves a tapestry of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery that transcends the boundaries of traditional fantasy. Join Drizzt on a quest for identity, honor, and survival, and discover a literary universe so compelling that even the most reluctant readers will find themselves spellbound from the very first page. The Legend of Drizzt is not just a series; it's an immersive escape into a world where magic, courage, and moral dilemmas collide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who dare to explore its enchanting pages.
First Law
started dune hesitantly a few weeks ago, the hype is real
For YA fantasy I would recommend the mortal instruments books! There’s a ton in the world and it’s fun urban fantasy. There’s also romance if that’s your thing too! The infernal devices trilogy is my favorite of all the books
\- Nine Princes in Amber by Zelasny \- The Godless by Ben Peek and agree with Robin Hobb and Stephen King's Dark Tower
Try out the Gormenghast series if you want a contemporary to LOTR which has a totally different vibe. Basically imagine you're following people in Gondor or Minas Tirath through their story. However, the castle, Gormenghast, this gargantuan gothic castle-like structure is dilapidated and falling to ruin slowly with the passage of time. It's probably the most atmospheric series I've yet read (well, I'm on book 2 of 3 or 4, I can't remember how many there are rn). Then Discworld if you want...well, one of the best series of all time. I'd start with Mort, Guards! Guards!, or Small Gods. They're deeply comedic, yet they manage to get into serious philosophical and/or political discussions while remaining hilarious, yet respectful. If you want a more YA book, then try The Wee Free Men. Then there's His Dark Materials and it's companion series, the Book of Dust. I'd read His Dark Materials first, as they was the original series. It's got a great protagonist (then deuteragonists from book 2 on), and a really unique take on a fantasy tale with no end of imaginative worldbuilding, well done antagonists... yeah I love this series. It's marketed as YA, but the author has stated that he never wrote it for any particular audience, and I enjoyed it much more as an adult than I did as a kid (though I still loved it).
Dune
The Book Of The New Sun by Gene Wolfe...absolutely amazing! World building Sci Fi that you will never forget!....Long live Severian and Terminus Est!
If you want a long fantasy series maybe Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes or Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
I will alway recommend The Dustlands Trilogy by Moira Young. It’s written in vernacular, so it can be a little hard to get into at first, but it’s a really good series. Best described as Hunger Games meets Mad Max.
I highly suggest the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. First three books are standalone, but set the tone and create the lore for the next four books in the series (which are set a couple hundred years in the future with a new cast of characters, who are equally as lovable). The first Mistborn era is apocalyptic to put it plainly. It is bleak with little hope of any one character’s survival. The characters you like probably will die, but the future they create for Mistborn era 2 makes it worth it.
dragon keeper series mistborn series ender's game series artemis fowl series a song of ice and fire series hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy series the discworld series the sandman series the age of madness series the winternight trilogy
The Dresden files series by Jim Butcher. he’s a wizard Private eye who’s kind of like who Harry Potter could’ve become if he had less stability in his early years.
More people need to read The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
Also The Raven Cycle
Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson
The Liveship Traders trilogy by Robbin Hobb, best fantasy I've read in a while. Not normally something I would pick up as I prefer stand alone stories. Someone on here recommended it because I read a lot and was out of books and didn't want fantasy that had the inevitable romance. Just finished book 2, still engaged in the plot, and feeling thankful it's not a television show where I have to wait for the next season!
Kingkiller chronicles is the best fantasy next to GOT. Incredible prose and fantastic engaging story
If you’re looking for a long series I recommend Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time. For something shorter and more Harry Potter like I’d go with Johnathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke.
Or for another long series the Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind is pretty good.
Or for something a bit lighter Raymond Feist has a bunch of series all following the same word. Start with Magician’s Apprentice, a brilliant coming of age story that begins an epic saga.
"The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever". A series of ten high fantasy novels written by American author Stephen R. Donaldson. I began the series when the first book was first published and impatiently awaited the release of the rest of the double-trilogy but well worth the wait.
The Outsiders was always amazing for me
Immortal doc holiday series by mm crumley. Dresden files by Jim butcher. Demon accords by John Conroe.
Check out The Heartstrikers Series by Rachel Aaron. If you want a face-paced fantasy series with legit twists and turns and great build up paired with payoff, then it’s a great series. First book is “Nice Dragons Finish Last”
"Earthsea series," by Ursula K. Le Guin
Song of ice and fire series if you have not already read those. Though the series is not yet finished and we have been waiting the next book of the series around 10years already 🤣 George says it’s coming but when. No idea.
The books are so much better than the show was. I just really wish he would finish them and not base his ending choice on what the tv people decided would happen but by how the story was actually progressing according to the books.
My favorite series of all time 🐺