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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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!

7 Magical Realism Books That Blur the Line Between Fact and Fantasy

These novels explore grief, love, and wonder through the fantastic.

9 of the Most Spectacular Circuses and Carnivals in Fantasy Books

Dive into the strange and magical in these tales of spectacle and showmanship.

11 of the Best Fantasy Books for Adults 

These beguiling novels will help you fall in love with magic again. 

Slice-of-Life SFF That Are Magically Ordinary

These stories take you inside the everyday lives of enchanting characters.

7 of the Best Science-Fiction and Fantasy for Women

Take your pick from feminist classics and contemporary reads.

The Best SFF Still to Come in 2025

From Mesopotamian retellings to toxic vampires, you need to add these books to your TBR pile.

8 of the Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books for Men

These novels offer well-written male characters to root for and plenty more.

12 Fantastic Katherine Addison Books for Fans of The Goblin Emperor

Here are some of our favorites from Addison, including the works written under her pen name.

Mutant and Proud: Science Fiction and Fantasy Books to Read Based On Your Favorite X-Men

Whether you snikt, bamf, or sugah your way through life, your next SFF read is waiting.

7 Fairytale Novellas You Can Devour in an Evening

These fairy tales build on the classics to offer a dreamy escape from the everyday.

V. E. Schwab on Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil and the Key to Her Success

Bestselling author V. E. Schwab spoke to The Portalist about her writing process and newest book.

Cults and Necromancy: Books Like The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten

From grimdark fantasies featuring necromancers to gothic romantasies, pick up these novels next!

16 Robin McKinley Books That Will Sweep You Away

Bold princesses, flirtatious frogs, and dangerous dragons await. 

7 Classic and Compelling Fantasy Series by R.A. Salvatore

Overwhelmed by where to start with the many great sagas of R.A. Salvatore? Let us light your way.

9 of Our Favorite Magical Realism Books by Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman blends genres to create unforgettable stories.

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

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