Why trust this fantasy novel series list?

I’m a lifelong series-hopper who’s spent more midnights than I can count chasing page-turners, tracking award short-lists, and digging through publisher stats. The picks below blend critical acclaim, cultural impact, and sheer reading joy.

Fast FAQ: Best Fantasy Novel Series

Q1: What is the single best fantasy novel series of all time?

Most polls still crown Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings—150 million+ copies and counting.

Q2: Which modern epic should I start after Game of Thrones?

Try Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson’s Wheel of Time for scope, or Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive for pacing.

Q3: Best fantasy novel series for adults who love politics?

George R. R. Martin’s ASOIAF or Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law.

Q4: Where can I buy these books?

Any major online retailer, your favourite local indie shop, or the nearest public library (many now lend ebooks/audiobooks via Libby or OverDrive).

The 12 Best Fantasy Novel Series (and who will love them)

1. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Epic • foundational • myth-heavy

Over 150 million copies sold, endless adaptations, and a depth of lore that set the template for modern fantasy.

Readers who’ll love it: World-builders, linguists, and anyone ready for a slow-burn classic.

2. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

Political • morally grey • HBO-famous

An unquestionable addition to the list of best adult fantasy books, the ASOIF series has more than 90 million copies in print—proving palace intrigue can rival dragon-fire for thrills.

Perfect for: Fans of knotty politics, shocking reversals, and sprawling ensemble casts.

3. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

Sprawling • mythic • binge-ready

A 90-million-copy juggernaut that weaves Celtic, Hindu, and Buddhist myth into 14 door-stoppers.

Ideal for: Readers who adore multi-POV epics (or just binged the Prime Video show).

4. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Cinematic • high-octane • magic-system candy

Sanderson’s flagship saga has already topped 10 million copies and delivers anime-worthy set pieces plus engineering-grade magic rules.

Ideal for: Action-junkies who still crave deep lore.

5. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin

Geological apocalypse • social commentary

Jemisin became the first author to win back-to-back-to-back Hugo Awards for every book in a trilogy.

Great for: Readers who want big ideas and big magic—and to feel seen on the page.

6. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

Wizard-school • record-shattering

At 600 million+ copies, it’s still the best-selling series ever.

Perfect for: Newcomers to fantasy, nostalgic adults, and family read-aloud sessions.

7. Discworld by Terry Pratchett

Satirical • comedic • surprisingly profound

Listed at 90 million copies and counting, proof that humour and depth can coexist.

For readers who: Like Douglas Adams-style wit with their world-building.

8. The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss

Lyrical • intimate • bardic

Two books, 10 million copies, and a fandom that analyses every line of music and math.

Great for: Word-nerds, aspiring musicians, and lovers of unreliable narrators.

9. The First Law Universe by Joe Abercrombie

Grimdark • cynical • laugh-out-loud black humour

Abercrombie’s blend of violence and wit has moved ~5 million copies.

Ideal for: Readers who think villains get the best lines.

10. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

Complex • military epic • philosophy-laden

Notorious for its £675 k advance for 10 books—one of fantasy’s biggest deals.

For readers who: Enjoy feeling lost in labyrinthine plots—and finding their way out.

11. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Theological • multiverse • daemons!

Over 22 million copies sold plus award-winning stage, film, and HBO/BBC adaptations.

Ideal for: Philosophically minded teens and adults who like science with their sorcery.

12. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

Classic • allegorical • portal fantasy

120 million copies cement its status as foundational children’s (and adults’) fantasy.

Perfect for: Family read-alongs and anyone curious about the roots of portal fantasy.

My rules for buying books

• Browse locally: Support your neighbourhood indie bookstore or a big-box chain—most carry all 12 sagas in multiple formats.

• Borrow first: Public libraries worldwide lend print, ebook, and audiobook editions (check apps like Libby/OverDrive).

• Shop online: If I do shop online, it's because some major retailers offer bundled box-sets and special editions that are great for gifting or marathon reading.

  
  

Final word

Whether you’re plotting a year-long epic-fantasy challenge or just hunting for your next weekend binge, these twelve series cover every flavour of the genre from Tolkien’s mythic highlands to Jemisin’s tectonic upheavals. Each earns its slot on any best fantasy novel series list and, hopefully, a place on your bookshelf. Happy questing!