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.

17886299aeac-spaceship.png

10 Fantasy Drinking Establishments We Want to Patronize

♫ Sometimes you want to go, where everybody is a mage. ♫

[CLOSED] The Portalist's HUGE Summer Reading Giveaway!

We're giving away 20 exciting sci-fi and fantasy books to kick off the new season.

Listen to an Audio Excerpt from Alan Dean Foster's The Deavys

Someone has stolen the truth—and these siblings will stop at nothing to get it back.

Grand Master Jane Yolen on Why It's Important to Just 'Write the Damn Book'

The newly-minted Grand Master discusses her prolific career in science fiction and fantasy.

10 Transformative Fantasy Books About Shapeshifters

Werewolves, dragons, and cats are only a few of the animals taking shape in these top-notch fantasy books.

What If You Were Kidnapped as War Threatened Your Kingdom?

In Patricia C. Wrede's Shadow Magic, dark wizards awaken the Shadow-Born and the Lithmern kidnap Princess Alethia as they make plans to invade her home.

8 Unlikely Heroes Who Shaped the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Genres

These underdogs didn't just save their own worlds – they changed the history of the genre.

8 Weird and Wonderful Fantasy Books for Tim Burton Fans

If you've seen all of his movies and need more, or if you're just looking for a Burton-inspired read, we've got you covered.

8 Must-Play Sci-Fi and Fantasy Board Games

Science fiction and fantasy elements have been invading board games for almost as long as there have been board games at all, and it's not hard to see why.

Re-Read: Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling's Black Swan, White Raven

Speculative fiction writer K. Tempest Bradford looks back at this anthology of feminist fairy tale retellings.