Inspirations and Influences: Top Fantasy Authors and Fantasy Books
Are you a lover of fantasy or new to the genre? Join us in taking a deep dive into the genre and the names that have defined it over the years.
The best fantasy writers of all time can conjure up our imagination, and the stories stay with us long after we’ve finished the book.
From the legendary works of Tolkien and Lewis to the best modern fantasy authors by Sanderson, and Bardugo, the fantasy genre is ever growing. From epic series like Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time to the best modern fantasy authors and their debut books, there’s plenty to explore in fantasy literature.
Let’s take a look at the best fantasy writers of all time and the timeless masterpieces and fantasy novels we love.
Table of Contents
The Roots of Fantasy: Mythology and Folklore
The rich history behind fantasy literature often draws from ancient myths and folklore. Passed down through the centuries, these fantastical elements gave us the foundation for many of the tropes and fantasy archetypes we see in modern fantasy.
From Greek mythology’s Odysseus to King Arthur’s knights, these timeless classics stand the test of time and set the standard for modern books. The wise mentor, the trickster, and even magical creatures like dragons, elves and witches all have roots in these old stories. Many of the archetypes we see in books from our top fantasy authors draw from these legends and myths.
Famous Authors and Their Legendary Works
With unforgettable characters, complex themes, twists and turns, and magic systems, fantasy fiction often mirror real world issues. These fantasy authors are more than just “the best fantasy writers of all time”, they are the founders of the genre, those who have shaped the genre to what we know today.
If you’re talking about influential fantasy, you have to start with Tolkien, often regarded as the founder of the fantasy genre. His masterpieces, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, were inspired by his love of mythology, linguistics, and folklore. Tolkien’s work is surrounded by great success and set the standard for epic fantasy, inspiring generations of fantasy writers after him. In both books and the big screen, Middle Earth and the Lord of the Rings series holds a place in many fantasy fan’s hearts.
Lewis brought a touch of magic to fantasy with The Chronicles of Narnia. Combining allegory and adventure, his stories were rich with Christian symbolism and themes of redemption, friendship, and courage.
Brandon Sanderson is one of the best modern fantasy authors. With books like The Final Empire, Sanderson has shown the fantasy genre how to create not just complex plots but entire universes. Through the Cosmere universe and his series including the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive, he’s built a reputation for intricate magic systems.
His attention to detail and ability to create layered, compelling characters make his books impossible to put down.
Robin Hobb and her series, including the Farseer trilogy and the Realm of the Elderlings, have helped shape the fantasy genre with in-depth character development and detailed worlds.
She is also celebrated for her worldbuilding, which feels rich and lived-in without overwhelming the human stories at its core. In doing so, Hobb helped pave the way for more introspective, literary fantasy and inspired a generation of writers to focus not just on the epic, but on the intimate.
Best Modern Fantasy Writers Today
While the legends of the past laid the groundwork, modern fantasy authors are taking the genre to new heights. Drawing from both old and new, here are some of the best fantasy authors. These authors are the best at telling stories that speak to today’s readers while honouring the roots of fantasy.
If you grew up in the late ‘90s or early 2000s, chances are you’ve either read or heard about Harry Potter. Rowling’s magical world of wizards, Hogwarts, and a boy with a lightning bolt scar captivated millions. Her blend of magical school life, hero’s journey, and themes of love, friendship, and resilience made fantasy mainstream in a way few could have imagined.
Sapkowski’s The Witcher series is where gritty realism meets Slavic folklore. His morally complex characters and intricate plots make his work stand out in the fantasy landscape. It’s no wonder his stories have found new life as a wildly popular TV series and video game franchise.
George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is another modern example of genre-defining fantasy literature. His twists and interconnected characters keep you hooked from the first chapter.
He’s influenced many readers new and old to the genre. His grounded world-building and mature themes paved the way for a darker, more complex style of fantasy.
The author of The Kingkiller Chronicle series brought an introspective voice to modern fantasy. Rothfuss focused on the power of storytelling itself, using a layered narrative structure that blurred the line between legend and reality. His beautiful prose, language and music in the same breath.
The In All Jest series is a fun blend of intrigue, adventure and world-building. It begins in Dharatan, a continent in the midland of the world of Scurra, where a secret society of Jesters work behind the scenes to keep the peace. No one knows the full truth about Dharatan’s past, not even the Jesters themselves. But everything changes when a powerful amulet resurfaces after 800 years.
In A Fool’s Errand, Book 1 of the series, a dying Jester named Ashantha entrusts the amulet to Lani, a young woman scraping by in the northern city of Barnen. Ashantha’s last request sets Lani on a perilous journey she never wanted, into the hidden world of Jesters and the deadly pursuit of the amulet.
As the magical barrier protecting an ancient secret begins to crack, Lani becomes the key to survival. Hunted by ruthless Derk assassins and burdened with a responsibility she doesn’t fully understand, Lani must travel far from home to find the one person Ashantha said could be trusted with the amulet.This series is known for its layered storytelling and world with history, mystery and magic. Epic fantasy fans will love the characters and high stakes of D.E. King’s In All Jest.
Bardugo has blown up the fantasy world with her Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology. Her dark, complex worlds and lovable morally grey characters.
The Influence of Other Genres on Fantasy
Fantasy isn’t just about swords and sorcery. It blends with other genres to create amazing stories.
It may even borrow from other genres to create something even more dynamic, such as:
- Science fiction adds futuristic tech and philosophical questions to magical worlds. Think space-faring adventures with fantastical elements.
- Romance brings emotional depth and relationships to the forefront, making characters feel real.
- Horror adds suspense and a bit of fear, keeps you on the edge and expands what fantasy can do.
This cross-genre blending has given us some of the best fantasy books, proving fantasy can be as flexible as it is imaginative. For more on these hybrid stories check out our guide to Epic Fantasy Series.
The Evolution of the Fantasy Genre
What makes fantasy so cool is it’s always evolving. Each new generation of fantasy writers builds on the work of the legends before them and takes the genre in new and exciting directions.
So whether you’re a long time fan of famous fantasy authors or just starting out with modern fantasy writers, there’s always something new to discover. Let these amazing authors and their stories inspire you to dream bigger, read more and maybe even write your own epic tale.
Ready to pick up a science fiction book or a new fantasy series? Whether you’re looking for books in the same universe or a science fiction and fantasy hybrid book, there’s a book and a new adventure waiting for you. Happy reading!