Fantasy Books in Order

Looking for fantasy books in order? This page collects my Fantasy reading-order guides in one place so you can find the right series fast. If you want all fantasy content (including reviews and summaries), use the Fantasy category page instead.

Start Here

Epic Fantasy Books in Order

Big worlds, big casts, long arcs: if you want multi-book commitments and deep worldbuilding, start here.

The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R. Tolkien)
The Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan)
A Game of Thrones (George R.R. Martin)
The Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson)
The Legend of Drizzt (R.A. Salvatore)

Fantasy Romance Books in Order

Romance-forward fantasy where the relationship is a core engine of the story, not just background flavor.

A Court of Thorns and Roses (Sarah J. Maas)
From Blood and Ash (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
Throne of Glass (Sarah J. Maas)
The Cruel Prince (Holly Black)

Urban Fantasy Books in Order

Magic collides with modern life (cities, hidden worlds, ongoing protagonists), usually with faster pacing and series momentum.

The Dresden Files (Jim Butcher)
Mercy Thompson (Patricia Briggs)
Sookie Stackhouse (Charlaine Harris)
Shadowhunters (Cassandra Clare)

Dark Fantasy Books in Order

Grittier tone, higher stakes, and morally gray characters for readers who like their fantasy a little sharper around the edges.

The First Law (Joe Abercrombie)
The Witcher (Andrzej Sapkowski)
The Dark Tower (Stephen King)

More Fantasy Series Orders

Percy Jackson (Rick Riordan)
Avatar: The Last Airbender
The Sword of Shannara (Terry Brooks)
Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
Realm of the Elderlings (Robin Hobb)
Discworld (Terry Pratchett)
Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
Grishaverse (Leigh Bardugo)
Red Queen (Victoria Aveyard)

Fantasy Book FAQ

Chronological vs. Publication Order?

Most readers should start with publication order, because that’s how the author originally revealed the world, characters, and twists.

Publication order also protects against spoilers, because prequels published later often assume you already know who survives and what the big reveals are.

Chronological order can be fun, but it’s often best saved for seasoned fans doing a re-read, especially in big universes where prequels and side stories assume you already understand the setting.

Do I have to read the companion books?

Usually, no. Companion books (side novels, collections, “extra” stories, lore guides, character spotlights) are typically supplementary and optional—great if you’re obsessed with a world, but not required to follow the main plot.

If a companion title becomes truly essential, I’ll flag it inside the relevant reading order guide so you know when it actually matters