Every fantasy enthusiast maintains a personal canon of books that resonate deeply with them, yet certain novels have an undeniable influence that transcends individual taste. It is widely acknowledged that most contemporary authors have been inspired by these iconic titles, or at the very least, recognize their significant contributions to the genre. The realm of fantasy literature is an intricate tapestry where narratives build upon one another, engaging in a dialogue that spans generations.

These captivating fantasy book series capture readers’ imaginations from beginning to end, as many of these narratives lay the groundwork for sprawling, beloved multi-volume sagas. When both the characters and the worlds they inhabit are compelling, it becomes thrilling to embark on countless adventures alongside the protagonists, uncovering new layers of a richly imagined universe.

However, the impact of these seminal works extends beyond mere literature. Numerous acclaimed fantasy television shows, renowned for their exceptional world-building, owe a significant debt to these classic novels, which served as foundational source material or inspired the evolution of their narratives. Without these legendary books and their timeless story arcs, the landscape of the fantasy genre would be unrecognizable today.

10
Unleashing Darkness: The Blade Itself (2006)

Crafted By Joe Abercrombie

When discussing the best fantasy novels centered around revenge, one cannot overlook Joe Abercrombie. He is often credited with reinventing the Grimdark subgenre of fantasy literature for modern audiences, and The Blade Itself stands as a prime example of this transformation. The First Law series is decidedly not for the faint of heart, as Abercrombie delves into graphic depictions of violence and brutality.

While such graphic elements may seem commonplace in today’s fantasy narratives, The Blade Itself played a pivotal role in establishing these elements as essential components of the genre. This novel immerses readers in a savage realm replete with visceral violence and darkly comedic action, taking the fantasy genre to unprecedented heights.

Often likened to Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, which also holds significant influence, The First Law explores the morally ambiguous choices of its characters, allowing their dark and perilous decisions to drive the narrative. Abercrombie excels at intertwining these violent and shocking moments with influences from other genres, such as Westerns, all while incorporating a touch of modern wit.

9
Experience Unimaginable Power: The Fifth Season (2015)

Crafted By N.K. Jemisin

Accolades are not the sole measure of a book’s significance, yet N.K. Jemisin’s groundbreaking The Broken Earth trilogy exemplifies the union of critical acclaim and lasting influence. Each installment of the series garnered Jemisin the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel, a testament to the enduring power and impact of her storytelling.

This remarkable narrative engages readers through multiple perspectives, each delving into different facets of a richly constructed world. The Fifth Season is anchored by an unforgettable and intricate magic system, yet it remains memorable primarily due to its deeply developed characters. What starts as a familiar tale of survival against insurmountable odds evolves into a narrative that surprises and challenges expectations.

The unexpected twist at the conclusion of The Fifth Season is one that readers will not anticipate, compelling them to continue with the series. Furthermore, Jemisin skillfully weaves sharp social and cultural critiques throughout the narrative, enhancing the central story and making it even more impactful and emotionally resonant as the series unfolds.

8
Rediscovering Love and Adventure: The Princess Bride (1973)

Crafted By William Goldman

Humor and self-aware references to the tropes of the genre have long been elements of fantasy, but William Goldman’s The Princess Bride solidified this distinctive style. The narrative simultaneously honors the beloved heroes and magical elements of high fantasy while candidly addressing the imperfections of these storytelling devices. The Princess Bride engages in a lively dialogue with its audience.

The film adaptation of The Princess Bride is a fantasy spectacle that merits multiple viewings, largely due to the brilliance of its source material. While the movie takes some creative liberties with the book’s plot and embraces a more overtly romantic tone, enthusiasts of the film should explore the original narrative, as it is an essential piece of fantasy literature history.

However, The Princess Bride has influenced not only fantasy but also numerous works of speculative fiction, imparting lessons on how to cleverly critique narrative conventions. Even if The Princess Bride had never been adapted for the screen, it would still be a standout in the genre, leaving a lasting impact that can be felt widely.

7
Embracing Identity: A Wizard Of Earthsea (1968)

Crafted By Ursula K. Le Guin

It’s no secret that the fantasy genre, especially throughout the 20th century, was dominated by male authors. However, this narrative is shifting as the genre evolves into a more diverse and expansive literature niche. Ursula K. Le Guin was a transformative figure in catalyzing this change, significantly impacting both the fantasy and science fiction realms with her groundbreaking literary contributions.

Outside the Earthsea Cycle, Le Guin’s Hainish Cycle is one of her most celebrated contributions to literature. However, regarding coming-of-age tales in fantasy, A Wizard of Earthsea serves as the foundational model for all subsequent magical narratives. Following the journey of the young wizard Ged, this novel delves into profound emotional themes set against a thrilling backdrop.

A Wizard of Earthsea follows a classic narrative arc, allowing readers to accompany Ged as he embarks on his quest to become a legendary sorcerer, making numerous mistakes along the way. True to her style, Le Guin employs her vivid characters to convey essential themes of balance, tolerance, and the importance of conservation, all interwoven within an already captivating narrative that remains impossible to set aside.

6
Immortal Legends: Dracula (1897)

Crafted By Bram Stoker

Vampire folklore, myths, and legends have existed for centuries, almost as long as storytelling itself. While Bram Stoker cannot be credited with the creation of these seductive creatures, he played a pivotal role in popularizing the narrative of Dracula. The profound connection that readers and audiences everywhere have with vampires and the Dracula tale cannot be underestimated.

Even as contemporary perceptions of vampire narratives continue to evolve, fragments of the Dracula story persist in modern films, television shows, and novels. The portrayal of vampires today differs greatly from Stoker’s original vision, yet it owes its existence to his groundbreaking work.

Even though not all fantasy fans have read Stoker’s Dracula, they have undoubtedly heard of it or encountered it in some form. It often seems as if every facet of the genre has been thoroughly explored for originality. However, the way Dracula drew from existing folklore and has inspired countless unforgettable narratives proves otherwise.

5
The Definitive King Arthur Saga: The Once And Future King (1958)

Crafted By T.H. White

Every adaptation of the legendary tales surrounding King Arthur, Camelot, and the famous monarch’s knights has added layers to the legacy of these narratives. T.H. White’s The Once and Future King adeptly synthesizes many of these stories, creating a definitive rendition of Arthur’s rise and fall, encapsulating his brief glory before the downfall of his enchanted kingdom.

The Once and Future King serves as a compilation of all White’s stories chronicling Arthur’s life, detailing his experiences from his childhood, where he is groomed to become a great king by Merlin, to his eventual tragic demise at the hands of his son, Mordred. Although the tales White presents are familiar, he revitalizes them, ensuring their relevance in modern times.

The contemporary understanding of Arthur, Merlin, and the adventures of Camelot can largely be traced back to The Once and Future King. Rich with humor, the inherent tragedy of Arthur’s journey, and a lingering sense of timelessness, the novel remains foundational to some of the most captivating retellings of these classic legends.

4
A Magical Journey Begins: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (1950)

Crafted By C.S. Lewis

It is often unjust that children’s literature is frequently overlooked in discussions of the best works within a genre. Thankfully, The Chronicles of Narnia stands as a notable exception. C.S. Lewis’ iconic series commences with its most celebrated installment, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, capturing readers’ imaginations from the very moment the Pevensie siblings step through the mystical wardrobe.

Every young fantasy reader fervently seeks out tales of magic that can transport them to other worlds, yet few narratives achieve this as profoundly as Lewis’s masterpiece. With its blend of danger and adventure, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe captivates anyone who engages with its pages, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

One of the more recent fantasy series that drew direct inspiration from the Narnia books is The Magicians by Lev Grossman, which was also adapted into a television series. While some darker, more adult narratives that have emerged from The Chronicles of Narnia may not align with Lewis’s original intent, the boundless imagination sparked by his work honors the essence of the original series.

3
Embark on an Epic Quest: The Eye Of The World (1990)

Crafted By Robert Jordan

In crafting his expansive fantasy saga, The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan drew heavily from the classic high fantasy works of the past, transforming their essence into something fresh and invigorating. The intricate world of WOT features a rich tapestry of vivid characters, settings, and cultures worth exploring, enriching the overarching hero’s journey throughout the lengthy narrative.

While many components of high fantasy remain unchanged over decades, WOT sought to advance this genre by closely examining the archetypal chosen one narrative and its profound influence on fantasy literature. Jordan was one of the first writers to meld these traditional themes with a style that would resonate with modern readers.

Despite the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of The Wheel of Time season 4, there are still a plethora of books to dive into, even though this news comes as a letdown. However, the ambition of Prime to bring <em>The Wheel of Time</em> to life on screen was always a monumental challenge, as it epitomizes the definition of a modern epic, comprising fourteen volumes.

2
Political Intrigue and Power Struggles: A Game Of Thrones (1996)

Crafted By George R.R. Martin

While the impact of the television adaptation based on George R.R. Martin’s novel series may have eclipsed the original books, none of this would have been conceivable without A Song of Ice and Fire. The cross-media success of both the novels and the TV adaptation was initially astonishing, but Martin’s meticulous crafting of a compelling story, irrespective of genre, is the key to their enduring appeal.

Following the release of A Game of Thrones, it became evident that a multitude of fantasy writers began to incorporate large ensembles of characters and multiple perspectives into their storytelling. Of course, Martin himself drew inspiration from the literary giants of yesteryears, employing classic elements of the fantasy genre, such as dragons, yet his focus on political machinations and intricate character dynamics distinctly set his work apart.

At this juncture, it appears increasingly improbable that we will witness the completion of Martin’s final volumes of A Song of Ice and Fire. With new television additions to the Game of Thrones franchise and a conspicuous absence of updates on the novels, audiences have largely redirected their attention to the shows and spin-offs to satiate the longing left by A Song of Ice and Fire.