One of the best parts of a good fantasy books is the growth we get to witness from our favorite characters. Whether it’s emotional or physical maturation, there’s something undeniably satisfying about watching a person go beyond their limits.
In these titles, ordinary people and prodigies alike find the strength within and build themselves into something totally new. If you’re a fan of badass main characters who come from humble beginnings, the power fantasy subgenre is for you. These characters are too smart, too powerful, and too talented. Reading their plots sometimes feels like wish fulfillment, and that's the point!
So, if you're not afraid of a Mary Sue or a Gary Stu, this list is perfect for your TBR.
Unsouled (Cradle Book 1)
One of the first and best entries in the power fantasy (or progression fantasy) subgenre, Will Wight's Cradle has enjoyed a recent renaissance. The story begins with Lindon, an impressively untalented young man who's unable to use any of the magical Paths that come so naturally to his family. When a heavenly deity warns Lindon of impending doom, however, he must find a way to power one way or another.
This completed, 12-book series takes readers from fist fights in the mud all the way to galactic warfare. Dungeon Crawler Carl author Matt Dinniman calls it “explosively fun” and “endlessly addictive,” and there's a good reason you can't enter a conversation about power fantasy books without hearing about this one.
Dungeon Crawler Carl
Speaking of Dungeon Crawler Carl, Matt Dinniman's series has absolutely blown up over the past couple of years. As of this writing, it ranks #2 on Amazon's charts for all fiction… and it's been in the top 20 for the past 29 weeks.
This story is a LitRPG, which formalizes the power development with levels and ratings. It follows the titular Carl, a Coast Guard vet, and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut. Together, they must find a way to survive an apocalyptic world suddenly infiltrated by aliens, monsters, and drug-dealing llamas. Fun and funny, it's also worth trying the audiobook for this series, lovingly performed by narrator Jeff Hays.
Red Rising
Main character Darrow starts out among the lowest caste in all the galaxy. As a Red, he's been lied to all his life and made to drill into the core of Mars under terrifying circumstances. When tragedy strikes his family, however, his quest for revenge will take him far beyond the surface of the red planet.
Darrow endures a physical transformation to disguise himself as a Gold (think of titanic warriors like Achilles) and infiltrate their battle school. Can he dominate the children who've trained all their lives for this moment?
If you've already read Red Rising, you need to check out the new deluxe edition with all the art, maps, and posters you could possibly want. It's a perfect gift for science fiction fans and a great addition to your bookshelf.
Ascendant
Holt Cook might be weak compared to the ordinary dragon riders. He was only ever meant to clean pots, after all. But when he discovers that dragons kill the weak hatchlings, he risks everything to save and befriend a blind dragon.
The dragon has a terrifying power hidden within, but they're on a time limit. The strongest dragon riders are being slain by the Scourge and undead hordes, so what chance do two misfits have in such a dangerous world?
Mother of Learning
Zorian isn't completely useless as a teenage mage, but he's nothing to write home about, either. Not yet, anyway. But where Zorian might lack in natural talent and famous parentage, he makes up for with ambition and drive.
When he's abruptly murdered at the annual summer festival, only to find himself revived and stuck in an endless time loop, he finds the opportunity he needs to become something no one can see coming… maybe even someone strong enough to break out of this cage.
Free the Darkness
Unlike some of the other entrants on this list, Rezkin (the main character of Free the Darkness) doesn't need a training montage to level up. He's been preparing for battle all his life, trained in a secret fortress in the northern wilds. What he doesn't know, though, is why or what he's supposed to do with his masterful weapons.
One man can help him find his purpose, but pursuing this elite warrior across a broken kingdom means Rezkin must unravel the mystery of the land and his own past.
Furies of Calderon
The Codex Alera series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher follows a fifteen-year-old boy named Tavi. Tavi lives in a magical kingdom where magic users wield the elements to survive an otherwise-uninhabitable world. Tavi can't call the wind or master fire, but as his home is threatened, he must compensate with nothing more than mere courage… at least, to start.
But don't worry, Tavi has a serious glow-up throughout the six-book series, leveling up at every turn.
