Epic fantasy series offer something no other genre can match: the chance to lose yourself completely in a world unlike our own. These sprawling sagas, often spanning thousands of pages across multiple volumes, create universes so detailed and immersive that readers carry them in their hearts for years. If you're ready for a reading adventure that will consume your imagination, these are the series that demand to be read in order.
Why does reading order matter so much in epic fantasy? These aren't standalone adventures loosely connected by setting—they're intricate tapestries where every thread matters. Characters evolve across books, political landscapes shift, and revelations in later volumes recontextualize everything that came before. Reading out of order doesn't just spoil surprises; it robs you of the carefully crafted emotional journey the author intended.
The Titans of the Genre
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson has established himself as one of fantasy's most prolific and beloved authors, and the Stormlight Archive represents his magnum opus. Set on the world of Roshar, where devastating highstorms shape both the landscape and society, this series follows multiple point-of-view characters as they navigate war, politics, and the return of ancient threats.
What sets Stormlight apart is Sanderson's meticulous magic system and worldbuilding. Every detail has been considered, from the ecology of Roshar to the mechanics of Stormlight—the magical energy that powers both technology and supernatural abilities. The result is a world that feels not just imagined but discovered, as if Sanderson is documenting a place that actually exists.
Be prepared: these books are massive, with the first installment, The Way of Kings, clocking in at over 1,000 pages. But readers who commit to the journey find themselves rewarded with some of the most complex characters and satisfying plot payoffs in modern fantasy.
Reading Order: The Way of Kings → Words of Radiance → Edgedancer (novella) → Oathbringer → Dawnshard (novella) → Rhythm of War → (more to come)
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
The series that launched a thousand thinkpieces (and a certain television adaptation), Martin's saga redefined what fantasy could be. Gone were the clear-cut heroes and villains of traditional fantasy; in their place, morally complex characters navigating a brutal world where anyone could die and power corrupts absolutely.
Martin's Westeros feels lived-in, its history stretching back thousands of years with consequences that echo into the present narrative. The political intrigue, family dynamics, and devastating plot twists have influenced an entire generation of fantasy writers. While readers still await the final volumes, the existing books offer one of the most gripping reading experiences in the genre.
Reading Order: A Game of Thrones → A Clash of Kings → A Storm of Swords → A Feast for Crows → A Dance with Dragons
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (completed by Brandon Sanderson)
Spanning fourteen novels plus a prequel, The Wheel of Time is one of the most ambitious fantasy series ever completed. Following Rand al'Thor and his companions as they confront a world-ending threat, the series combines classic fantasy elements with Eastern philosophy and complex magic systems.
Robert Jordan created a world of remarkable depth, with distinct cultures, detailed history, and a magic system that feels both logical and wondrous. After Jordan's passing, Brandon Sanderson completed the final three volumes, honoring Jordan's vision while bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. The complete series represents a reading commitment of millions of words—but for those who take the journey, it becomes a part of their reading identity.
Reading Order: New Spring (optional prequel) → The Eye of the World → The Great Hunt → The Dragon Reborn → The Shadow Rising → The Fires of Heaven → Lord of Chaos → A Crown of Swords → The Path of Daggers → Winter's Heart → Crossroads of Twilight → Knife of Dreams → The Gathering Storm → Towers of Midnight → A Memory of Light
Modern Epic Fantasy Essentials
The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
If you like your fantasy with a side of cynicism and dark humor, Abercrombie's series delivers. The First Law trilogy and its companion novels subvert fantasy tropes while still delivering compelling characters and satisfying action. Abercrombie writes some of the genre's best morally gray characters—people you'll root for even when they make terrible decisions.
The series is notable for its character work, particularly the tortured Inquisitor Glokta and the infamous Logen Ninefingers. Abercrombie excels at making readers care about deeply flawed individuals while never letting them off the hook for their choices.
Reading Order: The Blade Itself → Before They Are Hanged → Last Argument of Kings → Best Served Cold → The Heroes → Red Country → A Little Hatred → The Trouble With Peace → The Wisdom of Crowds
Starting Your Epic Fantasy Journey
Committing to an epic fantasy series is no small decision. These are books that will live on your nightstand for months, that will make you late for appointments because you need to finish just one more chapter. Choose your first series based on what appeals to you most: intricate magic systems, political intrigue, character development, or world-building.
Many readers find it helpful to join online communities dedicated to these series. Discussing theories, sharing reactions, and connecting with fellow fans enhances the reading experience and provides a support network for those moments when a beloved character meets an untimely end (it happens—a lot—in epic fantasy).
Whatever series you choose, remember: the journey is the destination. These books aren't meant to be rushed through but savored, their worlds explored and their characters befriended. Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime.