35 Fantasy Books for the Ultimate Escape

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Let's face it: Everyone needs a little escape from time to time—and fantasy books can help get you there. Sometimes, it just takes some magic and a squad of hobbits to forget about reality for a few minutes (or hours, if you're lucky). If that doesn't work, mythical stories and mysterious, other worlds might also help you forget about everything going on in the world. (See: A Game of Thrones.) The greatness of a fantasy novel is that it gives you a hero to root for, and in the end, remind you that when all looks bleak, the impossible is still possible.

But don't make generalizations: fantasy books aren't just knights and witches and quests. There's fairy tale retellings, mythical reimaginings, and much, much more. The genre has tons to offer any kind of reader. And when you're done reading, there's also many television and film adaptations of these acclaimed works, like The Changeling show on Apple TV+ or the newest Percy Jackson series on Disney+. You can put down the book and see how the two mediums stake up in telling such vast and imaginative stories. Whether you're looking for something more adult, or a more family-friendly read, there's fantasy books for every occasion and every age range.

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for one hell of a ride. Below, a list of our favorites from the genre, from classic novels to the spooky and paranormal.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

One of the most iconic novels of the 21st century, the story follows Harry Potter as he discovers his magical powers and begins a long fight to defeating the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. It's a practical rite of passage.

Outlander, Book 1

Claire Randall, a WWII-era nurse, finds herself transported back to 1743 Scotland, where the country is war-torn and clans are raiding lands for conquer. Our protagonist, Claire, must decide if she will return to her own time or stay with the man she now loves.

The Hobbit

Tolkien's first entrance into the world of Middle Earth, the story follows Bilbo Baggins as he sets off on a quest to win a treasure protected by a dragon called Smaug.

The Fellowship of the Ring

Once you finish The Hobbit, continue exploring Tolkien's created world with the first novel of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The story explores as Frodo Baggins leaves the Shire (with friends in tow) to protect the ring that can give power to all things good... and evil.

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)

The first in the famous book series, Martin's book follows the beginnings of the noble families of Westeros (Targaryen, Stark, etc.) and their struggle to claim the Iron Throne. You might've seen it played out on the hit HBO show, but the book offers a lot more.

The Neverending Story

The book follows a young boy who, after finding his own book, enters the world of a warrior who tries to ward off evil in a magical realm. It's a children's book, but who cares. It's a total fantasy genre staple.

American Gods

Neil Gaiman's novel follows Shadow, an ex-con, who meets a stranger after the deaths of his wife and best friend. After accepting the stranger's offer of employment, he discovers he's been pulled into a dangerous game that can destroy the United States. (No biggie.)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia)

Good Omens

Heaven and Hell collide when an angel (Azirophale) and a demon (Crowley) must work together to save the world from the Anti-Christ and the End Times. It's witty, the characters will make you laugh, and when you're done, you can watch the book come to life in the Amazon Prime miniseries.

Interview with the Vampire

The Magicians

The basis for the 2014 television series of the same name, Lev Grossman's novel follows Quentin Coldwater as he discovers a secret magical college deep in New York. It might sound like the beginnings of a Harry Potter novel, but it has its own unique quirks that are perfect for those looking for the next fantasy read.

A Wrinkle in Time

Considered a classic, the story follows three kids (Meg Murry, Charles Wallace Murry, and Calvin O'Keefe) on an adventure to save their father, including traveling through space and bending time itself.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

The Princess Bride: An Illustrated Edition of S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

John Carter: A Princess of Mars

Sure, the 2012 film might've been a flop, but the story of a young Confederate soldier transporting to Mars (or "Barsoom," as it's called in the books) will draw you in at first glance.

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 1)

A young boy with dyslexia and ADHD discovers he is the son of Poseidon—as he's being accused for stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. Teens love it and so do we.

Cursed

Now a Netflix series, the story reimagines an Arthurian legend and Nimue, a young witch who's destined to become the Lady of the Lake. Her story isn't as known as King Arthur, but she plays a big role in it.

The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1)

The first of a popular trilogy of novels, the book explores Lyra Belacqua's quest to save her best friend. Once you're done reading, move onto the HBO-adapted series.

Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)

Telling the story of a private investigator/wizard as he looks into supernatural investigations in Chicago, the book is part-paranormal, part-true crime.

The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, Book 1)

Stephen King is well-known for his horror novels, but he blends fantasy and tales of the Wild West in the first of the Dark Tower novels. As you read through the main character's adventures in the desert, you can follow up with its 2017 film adaptation.

Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1)

The first book in the Farseer Trilogy follows Fitz, the illegitimate son of a noble, as he learns how to become an assassin. When he discovers the he has magical powers in his blood, he begins a mission that could make him a threat.. or the key to saving his kingdom.

Fantastic Beasts & Where Find Them

Diving back into the world of Harry Potter, this book is the written version of a textbook the young wizard uses. Learn about all the magical creatures created for the series, and once you're done, let Eddie Redmayne continue the lesson in the 2016 film.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Wisehouse Classics - Original 1865 Edition with the Complete Illustrations by Sir John Tenniel)

Fall down the rabbit hole and into the world of Wonderland, as Alice discovers deceiving cats, an evil queen... and one hell of a tea party.

The Name of the Wind: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Kingkiller Chronicle)

The first in the Kingkiller Chronicle series explores a young man who becomes one of his world's most famous magicians.

1984

Okay, so this George Orwell novel isn't necessarily a fantasy we'd want to live in. Still, it's a classic for a reason.

Palm-Wine Drinkard

A Hero Born: The Definitive Edition (Legends of the Condor Heroes, 1)

The Crystal Cave (The Arthurian Saga, Book 1)

The Once and Future King

Howl's Moving Castle

The Song of Achilles: A Novel

The Buried Giant (Vintage International)

Black Leopard, Red Wolf (The Dark Star Trilogy)

The Changeling: A Novel

Haroun and the Sea of Stories

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