Best Epic/Fantasy Book Series of All Time

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The Top Ten

1Lord of the Rings/Middle Earth Books - J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord Of The Rings is definitely the best book trilogy EVER - and I won't talk about the plot r r r heroes as other fans have! I will speak with real and proved criterions... So for everyone who doubts that LOTR is the best book trilogy ever, I'd tell you just go at J.R.R. tolkien's biography and see that he is considered to be "father of HIGH FANTASY" did you get that? -"not just fantasy - but HIGH FANTASY" and if it is not enough for u, I think you should know that LOTR is the 3rd most succesful book series in history(as having sold over 150 million copies)while each HP book has sold about 10 million and only the last one has hardly reached 44 million copies... So leaving aside the Holy Bible which is the 1st book in the list but not literature- LOTR is the 2nd most succesful book series in history! It is also worldwidely known that LOTR trilogy has been rendered as the "standard" books for every other fantasy books... So I do not see the reason why some even try to compare it with other books! In summary, The Lord of the Rings film trilogy is a myth on its own!
This is the best series ever written. It has so much to offer. It can be taken for the story only, or for the symbolism and hidden meanings throughout the book. Tolkien was an incredible author, and he created languages for his novels, which is incredible. The Hobbit, which started The Lord of the Rings series, is also a great read, and a little "lighter reading" (not as difficult to read as some of his other books. )
It transcends space and time. If you have never read this before your in for a rude awakening. It's about death and the hope that challenges its impending doom. The calm before the storm. The crescendo of different races and characters woven into the ever present theme of good versus evil. Apocalypse. Tolkien masterfully raises the bar. Epic in proportions. It's beautiful.
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2Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter is my childhood... I cannot compare it to any book I have evr read... hands down... best book of all times
Best book ever... I can read it a million times and yet find it interesting! Every time I read it I understand it better and learn something new!
The best book series of all time! It's great how all the characters have there own personality. Some writers just forget that all people have there own characteristics.

Eli

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3A Song of Ice and Fire Series - George R.R. Martin
Simply amazing scope. The depth of every character is amazing. Of the thousands of players in the game, they all have a story.
Absolutely spectacular! George R. R. Martin has a fantastic way of keeping you hooked into the story with the way he bases his chapters around certain characters. You'll never want to put it down!
The best fantasy series I have ever read. Character development is amazing, timeline is perfect, a plot that turns and changes -- Trust me.. You will never see it coming, alliances, betrayals, and an entire world of characters with the best history and development within each one that I have ever seen. I went to bed thinking about this book, and dreamed about it. Enjoy.
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4Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series - Rich Riordan
The series is amazing and should be at least in the top three if not number #1. Because Rick Riordan is such an amazing author, his books are so great and they bring mythology into the modern world.

madmax32

Best book series ever! I completely fell in love with these books. Rick really makes the characters come to life and the plot is really well thought out. Should be number 1 :)
His name's not rich. I voted to get this above a song of ice and fire.
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5The Sword of Truth Series - Terry Goodkind
You people must be nuts! Goodkind is a well renowned plagiarist. I mean come on. Both series have magic collars that stop the user from using magic. Both have good and bad magic using sisterhood of sorceresses and both call the evil ones "sisters of the dark", both have a split derivative magic source with a male and female side, and both have a central character that began in a small village but quickly rose to power and skill, ends up with multiple wives and has magical skills and magical sword mastery. Problem is, Robert Jordan had them all first. Sword of truth is readable but if you've read anything by Jordan, Tolkien, Brooks or a few others, you will find obvious theft of content in Goodkind's books. Readable, yes, top ten in ANY list, resoundingly, NO.
Can't put the amazing book down it draws you in like crazy mystery plot so twisting it will blow out your mind I definitely recommend this book
Absolutely amazing! Couldn't stop the entire series... Somewhat cheesy at times but it was necessary to appreciate some aspects.
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6Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel - Micheal Scott

7The Dark Tower Series - Stephen King
Best first line of any book ever. "The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed"
Everything in this series is epic. Quite possible the greatest series of all time and a life changer.
The perfect epic fantasy. This is by far King's greatest work. He truly creates a universe you can get wrapped up in.
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8Inheritance Cycle - Christopher Paolini

Inheritance is and epic book
It teaches you about friendship
And it has so much great information and characters!
The adventure never ends!,!,
The new book is coming

Inheritance is the best book that I have ever read. Every single character is so deeply woven into the fabrics. If you lose one character, then you lose the entire book.

CBro7

I felt like ride a real dragon!

rukaxyusuf

9The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
The kindest and the wisest fiction books I've ever read. The world C.S. lewis creates is not only a beautiful and harmonious place, but also a school of life. The books are exciting and they set an example of what is good and what isn't. A must-read for everyone.
Why Raymond e Feist (rift war) isn't there I have no idea, however if any epic, fantasy battle series came close, this would be it. However Harry potter, a very good book for people under ten years of age.
The best book I've ever read! Magical stories written like beautiful pale reflections of the Bible's words. A very good book for children, adults and the elderly! Truly love The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. lewis!
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10Shannara Series - Terry Brooks

I have all his books.
They are the best.
I swear the publisher puts nicotine in the pages. I read them again and again

These are the books that got me into epics... Not only did he create a whole world but he created its future as well. To say the least this is my favorite series.

These books are the best fantasy books ever! I have read all of the books, and they are just simply amazing, better than any other fantasy book! I first fell in love with the series when I picked up the first book, it was just simply amazing. I have not stopped reading them since.

The Contenders

11Peter and the Starcatchers - Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry

12The Wheel of Time Series - Robert Jordan
The intensity of the storyline can't be matched. I don't know how Jordan did it, the amount of time he put into these books, the world he created sometimes feels more real than the real world. And I know that sounds geeky
Amazing series. It feels like a real world instead of just words on a page. It gets criticized sometimes for being your average fantasy novel. I say it is the best of that kind so it is a must read if you are into this kind of literature.
No epic fantasy series evokes as much passion as does The Wheel of Time. It's got a legion of fanatical fans as well as a legion of critics. When you mention epic fantasy, it's simply impossible NOT to mention Robert Jordan in the same breath -- either as a template for what not to do or as an example of classic fantasy that does many things right and some things wrong.

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13Maximum Ride - James Patterson

a great story with action, romance, comedy, and adventure. james patterson has once again shown us that he can create great books for people of all ages.

cielphantomhive

14The Pendragon Series - D. J. MacHale

Best book series I have ever read. It is awesome the way it came up with an idea that not a single person had ever used before and turn it into a massive ten book series. He is on my top 5 artist list

15Magic Tree House - Mary Pope Osborne

16Halo Series - Eric Nylund

17Junie B. Jones - Barbara Parks

18The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Absolute best series I have ever read. Words can't describe how I feel now that its over, I just wish it would have never ended. It was so well written very easy to follow. This beautiful set of books will without a dought draw you in, making u want yo read more and more. I can agree with others as well I did find myself holding my breath on some parts of each book.
Absolutely stunning series, I could not put them down! The series is a perfect balance of complex characters, exceptional description, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning pages. I found myself holding my breath multiple times throughout the books, and was saddened when it came to an end.
This book can only be explaned in one word UNIQUE(good unique). I can't belive how amazing this book is, the plot has me clinging on to life at some point I'm going to have to go to a some place some place far, far away for a month just to think about one chapter!
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19The Spiderwick Chronicles - Holly Black

20Warriors Series - Erin Hunter
The first fantasy story I ever read where there's action, adventure, and even some romance between the characters. At the end of the "Omen of the Stars" series I cried because it had ended.
HUGE FAN! I LOVE WARRIORS! HAVE ALL 50 BOOKS OR WHATEVER! You HAVE TO READ IT!

21His Dark Materials - Phil Pullman

The first fantasy series I ever read, and I will never forget these books. Re-reading them as a adult added new depth to the series.

Fantastic series, and my favorite books of all time. Phillip Pullman creates a world you want to get lost in, and believe me, you'll have no trouble at that.

22Chronicles of Prydain - Lloyd Alexander

23Ranger's Apprentice - John Flanagan

The best book ever! So exciting and sometimes it makes me cry! Even better than Harry Potter! I love RA. I've been scolded by my mom because I kept reading it

These books are impossible to put down, they are so good. I read the series in 2 months, and there are ten books at least. They are humorous, action packed, and are addicting also!

24Malazan Book of the Fallen Series - Steven Erikson
More epic in scale than almost any other work of fiction known previously, compelling characters, backstory reaching 100s of 1000s of years. Incredible ambition
! BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN BY FAR. Most Epic series ever written. People often judge the seies on the first few pages, but get halfway through the first book and you will have to read the rest.
This series is worth the effort. I've read the entire series and I'm waiting impatiently for Erikson to complete the next related series. It is truly that awesome.
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25Rift War Series - Raymond E. Feist

26Memory, Sorrow and Thorn Series - Tad Williams

27The Vampire Chronicles - Anne Rice

28The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archive, Book One) - Brandon Sanderson
Only one book, and waiting...
Awesome start to what should be an awesome series! Can be slow at times but what an incredible ending. Can't wait for the next one to hit the shelves.

29GONE Series - Michael Grant
Best book I have ever read.. Rokmance, action, death, a dark spirit, a plague, kings and queens, two brothers,... Best book series ever

30The Kane Chronicles - Rick Riordan

31Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer

32The Witcher Saga - Andrzej Sapkowski
Should be upper. Amazing plot and brave witcher
Amazing main character and original fable! The best of fantasy

33Gregor the Overlander Series - Suzanne Collins

34The Alexander Trilogy - Valerio Massimo Manfredi

35Realm of the Elderlings - Robin Hobb

36House of Night Series - P. C. Cast

37Red Wall Series - Brian Jacques

38Ringworld Series - Larry Niven

39Obernewtyn Chronicles - Isobelle Carmody

40Guardians of Ga'Hoole - Kathryn Lasky

41The Belgariad - David Eddings

42The Fae Series - Karen Marie Moning
This series is amazing! It's all about dangerous lust, that turns into hot love. There's romance, humor, adventure and death. An excellent book to read if your into world dominating Fae, and other dark creatures.

43The Saga of Darren Shan - Darren Shan

44Earthsea Series - Ursula K. LeGuin

Very well writen, thought provoking, exciting, excessively likable characters, I've read many of the series on here and this is the best!

CaptainComedy17

One of the most brilliant series ever written

45Dune Series - Frank Herbert

46Discworld Series - Terry Pratchett
Ha! I despaired of finding a book series I truly found worthy in this list, yet here, at the very end, is one I approve of. Hilarious, inventive, not stuck up its own arse about "saving the world from the dark lord" or anything so cliche as that. A real gem.

I am a little disappointed that The Black Company isn't on the list.
This is AMAZING! Every single book is worth reading at least a few times. It's funny, addictive and after reading it you see the world a at a whole new angle!
love all, but this has the right sence of humor and fun to it, pity the dark elf stuff by ra sal'y didn't make the list though
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      List Info

      This list was created 5 years, 109 days ago and has been voted on over 2,000 times. This top ten list has been remixed 4 times.

      Updated Sunday, May 19, 2013

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