Fantasy Books Stories

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.

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Soul Fraud Weaves Together Sarcasm, Urban Fantasy, and Deals With the Devil

Dive into the underworld with this series-starting urban fantasy.

Freaky Fungal SFF for Anyone Missing The Last of Us

These hallucinatory reads are full of shrooms, spores, and more.

Kate Elliott Books That Prove Why She's Among the Best in SFF

Let’s take a closer look at this author’s decades-spanning career.

The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books for Animal Lovers

From Animorphs to Redwall, these stories starring lovable critters are heartwarming and full of adventure.

How Being a Sci-Fi Author Helped Dan Moren Win Jeopardy!

Author Dan Moren credits his love of knowledge (and librarian parents) for his success.

High-Flying, Rip-Roaring Dragon Rider Books

These dragon rider books will carry you off to epic worlds.

Wit, the Cosmere, and More Books Like Tress of the Emerald Sea 

Explore these whimsical fairytales and pirate adventures. 

Legends in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Like the Sun Eater Series

Fans of Hadrian Marlowe will enjoy these tales of war, revenge, and valor.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Books You Can Read for $5 or Less

Looking for a great read at an even better price? Try one of these titles!

Joe Abercrombie on The Devils and His Best Writing Advice

Lord Grimdark's latest is a Papal Suicide Squad full of antiheroes and bloody comedy.

Glory, Vengeance, and Duty in Books Like The Shadow of the Gods

Dead gods and monsters abound in Gwynne's latest epic fantasy series.

30 Epic Books Like The Name of the Wind

These grand tales will sweep you away just like Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicle saga.

Summery Sci-Fi/Fantasy That Bring the Heat

Enjoy the dog days with beach reads, desert battles, and glistening sea adventures.

Is Gregory Maguire's Elphie as Wonderful as Wicked?

Gregory Maguire released a new Elphaba book this spring. 

Atmospheric Horror Like What Moves the Dead

These dark and disturbing tales will keep you up at night.

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the 1990s

The '90s were a special time for speculative fiction. 

8 Books Like Katherine Addison's The Goblin Emperor

If you need something to read while you wait for the next installment of The Chronicles of Osreth, try these titles.