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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Octavia Butler’s Wild Seed to Be Adapted for the Small Screen

A creative team including Nnedi Okorafor and Viola Davis will bring the sci-fi novel to life.

See the 2019 Hugo Awards Finalists 

Mary Robinette Kowal, Martha Wells, and John Krasinski are among this year's nominees. 

10 of the Best Game of Thrones Quotes

Season 8 is coming — prepare yourself with these wise words from the denizens of Westeros.

'Give Us a Happy Ending & Don’t Hurt The Dogs': Writing The Sterkarm Handshake

Author Susan Price shares the trials, tribulations, and joys of writing her time travel novel The Sterkarm Handshake and its sequels. 

Feminism Through the Ages: 11 Powerful Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books

Spanning decades, these books show how feminism has always been relevant.

Game of Thrones Season 8 Predictions

If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.

16 Books Like Harry Potter

As these books like "Harry Potter" prove, magic exists in more places than you might think...

A Hungry Monster Haunts a Young Boy in Neil Gaiman's "Troll Bridge"

Read an excerpt from the short story below, part of the gripping fairy tale anthology Snow White, Blood Red.

Read the Realm: Books for Each Kingdom of Westeros

Explore the home of the Iron Throne with this literary roadmap.

VIDEO: Neil Gaiman Discusses the Lasting Legacy of Douglas Adams

Celebrate the late Adams' birthday today with this thought-provoking lecture.

‘Our Myths, Ourselves': Marlon James Talks J.R.R. Tolkien

In this fascinating lecture, Black Leopard, Red Wolf author Marlon James talks J.R.R. Tolkien and the relationship between trauma and fantasy.  

How Game of Thrones Became the TV Juggernaut It Is Today

Take a crash course in the page-to-screen history of George R.R. Martin's hit series.

Don't Panic Explores Douglas Adams' 'Lost Year' in L.A.

Neil Gaiman's book Don't Panic: Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy shines a light on lesser-known aspects of Adams' career—including his challenging first year in L.A.

Fewer Than 42 Facts About Douglas Adams

Here are some of the most fascinating facts we learned about the late author from Neil Gaiman's Don't Panic.

All Seven Harry Potter Books, Ranked

Every Harry Potter book is magical – some more so than others.

“Parrots, the Universe and Everything”: What Douglas Adams Learned from Traveling the World

The author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy had a few thoughts to share about our very own planet.

10 Andre Norton Books Everyone Should Read

Get to know the woman who changed science fiction and fantasy.

Lightning Bonds a Young Girl and a Lethal Dragon in The Elementalists

Chloe hasn't been the same since her accident. And neither has the world...

Stirring First Trailer for Tolkien Biopic Takes Us There and Back Again 

The upcoming biopic of J.R.R. Tolkien promises to explore the rich past of one of the greatest fantasy writers ever.

14 John Bellairs Books for Fans of Fantastical Mysteries

Boy-heroes, Gothic suspense, and magical quests are all part of the Bellairs norm.