Whether you prefer epic fantasy series or standalone fantasy, there’s nothing like getting lost in the pages of a fantasy book. But where to begin with all the treasures of the fantasy genre? Fantasy is a vast realm, and there can be distinct differences between low fantasy, urban fantasy, sword and sorcery, grimdark, and the myriad other subgenres.
Thankfully, The Portalist offers a map to help you on your quest. We recommend classic fantasy, award-winning titles, underrated works, and the bibliography of icons like Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin, Terry Pratchett, and other greats. And from exploring beloved characters to landmark quotes, we go deep on foundational series such as George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
If you’re interested in writing fantasy—in addition to reading it!—explore The Portalist’s writing advice on how to perfect the magic system in your work in progress, honing worldbuilding, and surprising yourself through your own fiction.
Regardless of what you want from your fantasy quest, we’re excited to help you achieve your destiny. Grab your sword, your sidekick, and a bit of Chosen One panache, and embark on your fantasy quest today.
These novels offer well-written male characters to root for and plenty more.
Here are some of our favorites from Addison, including the works written under her pen name.
Whether you snikt, bamf, or sugah your way through life, your next SFF read is waiting.
These fairy tales build on the classics to offer a dreamy escape from the everyday.
These powerful reads will cast a spell on you.
Bestselling author V. E. Schwab spoke to The Portalist about her writing process and newest book.
By Jena Brown
Looking for a great read at an even better price? Try one of these titles!
Lock up your treasures and unlock adventure.
By Shealea Iral
Bold princesses, flirtatious frogs, and dangerous dragons await.
By Ella Burch, Aviva Kaplan & Lola Bosa
From grimdark fantasies featuring necromancers to gothic romantasies, pick up these novels next!
Overwhelmed by where to start with the many great sagas of R.A. Salvatore? Let us light your way.
Scroll your way through different worlds.
Alice Hoffman blends genres to create unforgettable stories.
Dive into the underworld with this series-starting urban fantasy.
These hallucinatory reads are full of shrooms, spores, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at this author’s decades-spanning career.
Author Dan Moren credits his love of knowledge (and librarian parents) for his success.
From Animorphs to Redwall, these stories starring lovable critters are heartwarming and full of adventure.
These dragon rider books will carry you off to epic worlds.
Better undead than unread.