A Full Guide for Beginner’s to Epic Fantasy Series

Here’s everything you need to know about epic fantasy books. If quests, adventures, magic, and myths create the perfect story for you, then epic fantasy is your genre.

What Is Epic Fantasy?

Epic fantasy is a genre of fiction that’s big in scale. It’s set in fictional worlds with magic, mythical creatures and epic adventures. Think “The Lord of the Rings” or “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. These are both well-known epic fantasy stories. 

Epic fantasy is a genre where we often see our heroes set off on perilous quests to save kingdoms, defeat dark lords or uncover ancient secrets. These stories often have intricate world-building, rich lore and conflicts. 

If you prefer fantasy that is centred around a smaller scope of characters, then opting for a high fantasy book might be more your style. Don’t know the difference? If you’re getting muddled up between the sub-genres, check out Epic Fantasy vs. High Fantasy for a deep dive into the genres.

Why Choose Epic Fantasy?

What are the defining aspects of epic fantasy fiction that make it so loved? Whether traditionally or indie published, we see a range of tropes and themes that on a grand scale make up the genre. From a cast of misfits to showdowns between good and evil, the genre filled with adventure.

It’s no wonder why so many readers flock to the genre. But for someone new to reading or perhaps looking to make the genre switch,  why choose epic fantasy over other genres? Here’s all you need to know…

Themes and Messages

Epic fantasy isn’t just about swords and sorcery. This is a genre that delves deep into complex themes and messages. These can range from the classic struggle between good and evil to the complexities of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. 

Epic fantasy offers a chance to explore ideas in the guise of thrilling adventures. Often we see the lines between good and evil blur as the story progresses. When the entire world is at stake, we see our epic fantasy characters step up and do what needs to be done to become heroes. 

If you love these themes, chances are you’ll love epic fantasy where you can dive into a tale of dark magic, an ancient evil or a dragon hatchling and see where the chapters take you!

Immersive World-Building

One of the main pillars of epic fantasy is world-building. We see complex and intricate worlds being constructed in these stories, transporting us to new universes, realms or parallel realities. 

These worlds often feel as real as our own, filled with magic, mythical creatures, or ancient civilizations. From their culture to their languages and nuances, authors fill out even the smallest details to create immersive epic fantasy worlds.

Character Development

Often in epic fantasy, we see a range of morally grey characters and anti-heroes. There is often a range of characters, including our main characters and the side characters and these all have their own motivations, flaws, and arcs of growth. We see these characters change throughout the story and undergo transformations. 

Here’s Where to Start Best epic fantasy books to read

Looking to start on your epic fantasy reading adventure but unsure where to begin? Fear not, for we’ve curated a selection of the best epic fantasy series to kickstart your reading, no matter what sub-genre and tropes you love. 

Classic Epics

The classic epic fantasy books are the pillars of the genre. These include works like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. This epic fantasy is filled with friendship, courage, and the battle against darkness, it’s a cornerstone of the epic fantasy genre.

Other classic epics include:

• “The Earthsea Cycle” by Ursula K. Le Guin
• “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan
• The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch

Modern Fantasy Books

Our modern epic fantasies are filled with fresh twists in the genre. These modern fantasy books include works like George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. Filled with complex plots, plenty of morally grey characters, and shocking twists, it’s globally loved worldwide. 

Many other great fantastic books in this genre, include “The Mistborn trilogy” by Brandon Sanderson, “Assassin’s Apprentice” by Robin Hobb, and “The Fifth Season” by N.K Jemisin.

Other modern masterpieces include:

• “The Stormlight Archive” series by Brandon Sanderson
• “The Kingkiller Chronicle” series by Patrick Rothfuss
• “Jade City” by Fonda Lee

Hidden Gems

Let’s not overlook the hidden gems in the genre. From lesser-known indie authors to forgotten classics, the world of epic fantasy is full of treasures. There’s more than the big names that we all know and love. Discover new books and authors that perhaps don’t get the attention they deserve for their works. 

Some hidden gems include:

• “The Powder Mage Trilogy” by Brian McClellan
• “The Poppy War” series by R.F. Kuang
• “In All Jest” series by D.E. King

Ready to dive into your first epic fantasy or explore a new world as an epic fantasy lover? Find out more about the “In All Jest” series. 

In A Fool’s Errand, Book 1, Lani’s life changes forever when she stumbles upon Ashantha dying in a storage cave. Setting off to protect a jewel that holds the key to an eight-hundred-year-old secret, we follow Lani in her quest. 

In book 2, Fool Me Twice, Lani’s life takes unexpected turns as her quest continues, leading her on a search for answers about her family and her place in the world. 

And don’t miss Spire of Fools, Book 3, where the stakes are higher than ever for Lani, Tillandra, Goran, and the Jesters Court.

Read books 1, 2, and 3 out now and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the “In All Jest” series!

Classic vs. Modern Epic Fantasy

But the genre has stopped there. Epic fantasy is constantly growing and transforming. It offers timeless adventures and fresh new stories. 

The classic epic fantasy books follow a traditional arc. This means heroes on a quest and fighting the big bad villain. They have a clear divide between good and evil, and worlds full of magic and myths. These stories tend to uphold noble ideals and feel like an epic tale from mythology.

Modern epic fantasy brings a more grounded approach. Characters are complex and morally ambiguous and personal struggles often take centre stage alongside global stakes. We see themes like power, identity and political unrest explored through layered plots and diverse world-building. While modern stories still have magic and scale, they challenge familiar tropes and bring fresh perspectives.

Choosing between classic and modern epic fantasy comes down to your reading preferences. If you love timeless tales of courage, clear-cut heroism and richly poetic worlds, classic epic fantasy is for you. It’s comforting and a deep dive into the origins of the genre. But if you love unpredictable plots, flawed characters and thought-provoking themes you might prefer modern epic fantasy.

The beauty of epic fantasy is that you don’t have to choose one over the other. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweeping legend or a gritty tale with moral dilemmas, the genre has something to match every reader’s taste.

How to Get the Most Out of Reading Epic Fantasy

Diving into epic fantasy fiction can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. If you’re a fan of thrillers, romance, sci-fi or even historical fiction stepping into epic fantasy can feel like discovering a whole new world. Epic fantasy has the emotional depth of drama, the suspense of a thriller and the scope of history all in one book.

From the power struggle of good and evil to high fantasy tales that span through history, Here are some tips for beginners: 

1. Start with a small series or a standalone epic fantasy fiction books
2. Join a book club or communities on social media 
3. Epic fantasy audiobooks, especially those with skilled narrators, can make the genre more accessible
4. Start a reading journal to track your progress 

Epic fantasy is beloved for its familiar yet endlessly flexible tropes that keep readers coming back for more. Expect to find chosen ones, sparks of hope, the presence of fate and the looming future, ancient prophecies from gods, and of course, reluctant heroes pulled into world-changing quests. 

Prepare to face rich magical systems, imaginary kingdoms, and epic battles between good and evil. Part of the fun in reading epic fantasy is recognising these tropes and seeing how each author makes them feel fresh and exciting.

Happy Reading

If you’re a veteran of epic fantasy or a newcomer to the genre, there’s the perfect niche for everyone. Discover what you do and don’t love about the genre or epic fantasy. The best way to find that answer? Pick up a book and start reading. Check out the classics or discover a modern tale. No matter what you choose, just enjoy the adventure. 

Find your next adventure with a fantasy author!