52 Best Fantasy Novels Of All Time

The best fantasy novels of all time are listed here in this article. In this article, we will give you a list of the best fantasy novels of all time. For those of you who are interested in reading the best fantasy novels of all time; we will give you an elaborate list of them.

We will be discussing about the fantasy genre in literature. What are the types of fantasy contexts area found; who are the best fantasy authors then we will give you the list and short descriptions of all the books. First of all, we will discuss the Fantasy Genre.

What Is Fantasy Genre?

Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that involves magical elements and is typically set in a fictional universe. It’s often inspired by mythology or folklore. The term “fantasy” can also be used to describe a work of this genre. Its roots are in oral traditions, which evolved into fantasy literature and drama.

From the twentieth century, it has expanded into various media, including film, television, graphic novels, manga, animations, and video games. Fantasy literature is distinguished from the genres of science fiction and horror by the absence of scientific or macabre themes, although these can occur in fantasy.

In popular culture, the fantasy genre predominantly features settings that emulate Earth, but with a sense of otherness. Most fantasy uses magic or other supernatural elements as a main plot element, theme, or setting. Magic, magic practitioners (sorcerers, witches, etc.), and magical creatures are common in many of these worlds.

An identifying trait of fantasy is the author’s use of narrative elements that do not have to rely on history or nature to be coherent. There are several subgenres of fantasy, including high or epic fantasy, low fantasy, magical realism, sword and sorcery, dark fantasy, fables, fairy tales, and superhero fiction.

Each subgenre has its unique characteristics and settings. For example, high or epic fantasy is set in a magical environment with its own rules and physical laws, while low fantasy is set in the real world but includes unexpected magical elements.

52 Best Fantasy Novels Of All Time

After searching through the statistics of the internet and from personal experience; I’ve listed the 52 best fantasy novels of all time. on the list, I’ve tried to give a short description of all the best fantasy novels of all time cause the reader needs to have a hint of the context of the books. The books here in the list are the best fantasy novels that you need to read.

52 Best Fantasy Novels Of All Time:

1. The Arabian Nights: “The Arabian Nights” is a collection of stories that revolve around a newlywed named Shahrazad who must tell her husband, King Shahrayar, a new story every night to avoid being killed in the morning. While some stories stand alone, several of Shahrazad’s stories contain several shorter tales, which are “told” by characters in Shahrazad’s story.

The tales include fables, fairy tales, romances, comedies, and histories, enlightening readers about the life and customs of the ancient Islamic world. At its core, “The Arabian Nights” is a story about storytelling

2. Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory: “Le Morte d’Arthur” by Sir Thomas Malory is a seminal work that tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights at the Round Table. Arthur, son of King Uther Pendragon but raised by another family, becomes king when he pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone. The book narrates Arthur’s rule, his wars, his marriage to Guinevere, and the adventures of his knights. It also introduces characters like Launcelot, Galahad, and the sorceress Nineve.

3. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is a novel for children written by Lewis Carroll. It narrates the story of a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. The tale plays with logic, giving it lasting popularity with adults as well as children

4. Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll: “Through the Looking-Glass” is the follow-up book to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll. In this novel, Alice steps through a mirror into a fantastical world where she embarks on a journey across a chessboard-like landscape. She encounters various peculiar characters and experiences numerous adventures, all while aiming to become a queen

5. Five Children and It by E. Nesbit: “Five Children and It” is a children’s novel by E. Nesbit. It tells the story of five siblings who discover a grumpy sand fairy, known as the Psammead, that can grant wishes. However, their wishes often lead to unexpected and comical consequences, teaching them valuable lessons.

6. Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum: “Ozma of Oz” is the third book in the Oz series by the author L. Frank Baum’s. The story follows Dorothy Gale, who, while on a voyage to Australia, is swept overboard and lands in the magical Land of Ev. Here, she encounters various fantastical characters, including a talking chicken named Billina, a mechanical man named TikTok, and Princess Ozma of Oz. The group embarks on a mission to rescue the royal family of Ev from the Nome King.

7. Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers: “Mary Poppins” is a children’s novel by P.L. Travers. It introduces Mary Poppins, a sensible English nanny with magical powers, who arrives at the Banks household and brings magic to the lives of the children. The novel explores the relationship between children and adults, using mythological allusion and social critique.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a children’s fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis. It’s the story of four siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie, who are sent to live in the country with Professor Kirke during World War II. Lucy, the youngest, discovers a magical world called Narnia through an enormous wardrobe.

In Narnia, a land of talking animals and mythical creatures, the children embark on a quest to save the realm from the evil White Witch, who has enchanted Narnia into a perpetual winter. The return of Aslan, the Great Lion, heralds a time of great change and sacrifice. The novel is the first published and best-known of seven novels in The Chronicles of Narnia series.

9. The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola: “The Palm-Wine Drinkard” is a novel by Amos Tutuola, published in 1952. The story revolves around an unnamed protagonist who grows up drinking palm wine. When his tapster, who provides him with the palm wine, dies, the protagonist embarks on a quest to find him and bring him home.

10. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis: “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is a children’s fantasy novel written by C.S. Lewis. It tells the story of Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace Scrubb, who is magically drawn into a painting of a ship at sea. They find themselves in Narnia on the ship The Dawn Treader.

11. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien: “The Fellowship of the Ring” is the first of three volumes in “The Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story begins in a sleepy village in the Shire, where young Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring from his elderly cousin Bilbo Baggins. The One Ring is a powerful artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron, who seeks to reclaim it to dominate all life on Middle-earth.

12. My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola: “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts” is a novel by Nigerian writer Amos Tutuola, published in 19541. The story revolves around a young West African boy who becomes lost in the wilderness, known as the bush, after fleeing from slave traders with his elder brother.

13. The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien:

“The Two Towers” is the second volume of the high fantasy novel “The Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Two Towers story begins with the separation of the Fellowship.

Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli decide to rescue Merry and Pippin, who have been captured by orcs. They track the orcs through Rohan, but the orcs move faster than them. They eventually meet Gandalf, who has returned as Gandalf the White. Gandalf leads them to Edoras to meet with Théoden, King of Rohan.

14. The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien:

“The Return of the King” is the third and final volume of “The Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story picks up where “The Two Towers” left off, with Frodo and Sam nearing the end of their quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.

Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli have assisted the people of Rohan in their battle against Saruman’s army at Helm’s Deep and are planning their next moves. Gandalf, who has miraculously returned from his fatal fall into the depths of Khazad-dûm, takes Pippin to Minas Tirith in Gondor.

15. LEGO Monkie Kid: A Hero Is Born by Jin Yong:

“LEGO Monkie Kid: A Hero Is Born” is a special episode of the animated television series “LEGO Monkie Kid” inspired by the Monkey King and Journey to the West. The story begins when an ordinary boy, Monkie Kid, finds the Monkey King’s legendary staff and becomes the chosen one.

Together with his brave and loyal friends, Monkie Kid embarks on a quest to stop the Demon Bull King and his army of Bull Clones from taking over the city. After witnessing Red Son and Princess Iron Fan release the Demon Bull King from his prison under the mountain, MK accidentally takes Monkey King’s magical staff and escapes. This sends him on a journey to return the staff to Monkey King, who can use it to save the day.

16. The Once & Future King by T.H. White:

“The Once & Future King” is a novel that tells the story of King Arthur, written by the author by T.H. White. The novel begins with a young boy named Wart, who is tutored by a magician named Merlyn. Merlyn turns Wart into various animals, each adventure serving as a lesson about violence and authority. Wart eventually becomes King Arthur after pulling a mysterious sword from a stone.

The novel is divided into several books, each focusing on different aspects of Arthur’s life. In “The Queen of Air and Darkness,” Arthur tries to hold onto his power against his enemies, including his half-brother, King Lot. Arthur creates the Knights of the Round Table, an order of knights who fight for good.

17. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl: 

“James and the Giant Peach” is a children’s novel by Roald Dahl. The story begins with a young boy named James Henry Trotter who lives happily with his parents by the sea. However, his life takes a tragic turn when his parents are eaten by an escaped rhinoceros in London. James is then sent to live with his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge.

One day, James meets a little old man in the garden who gives him a bag of magical crocodile tongues. James trips before he can eat the green tongues, and they wriggle into the earth by an old peach tree. Suddenly, a peach appears on a barren tree. The peach grows to the size of a small house, and the aunts charge people to visit their miraculous fruit.

18. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster:

“The Phantom Tollbooth” is a novel by Norton Juster. The story revolves around a bored boy named Milo who receives a make-believe tollbooth. When he drives through it in his toy car, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic world of imagination.

During his journey to Dictionopolis, which is one of the two capitals of the country, Milo encounters a watchdog named Tock, who accompanies him. Upon arriving at Dictionopolis, Milo meets King Azaz, the ruler of the world of letters and words. Azaz then assigns Milo with a task to rescue two princesses, Rhyme and Reason, who are being held captive in the Castle in the Air.

19. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle:

“A Wrinkle in Time” is a novel authored by Madeleine L’Engle. The plot revolves around Meg Murry, a high school student who embarks on a journey through time and space with her younger brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin O’Keefe. The mission is to rescue her father, who is a gifted scientist and is being held captive on another planet by evil forces.

The characters in the story are transported to a place called the Lands Beyond through a tesseract, which is a kind of crease or fold in space and time. In this new place, they discover that the universe is in danger from a malevolent force known as the Dark Thing.

This entity appears as a massive cloud that engulfs and destroys stars and planets, including Camazotz, where Mr. Murry has been taken captive. The three Mrs. W’s transport the children to Camazotz and caution them to stay together at all times while they search for Mr. Murry.

20. The Wandering Unicorn by Manuel Mujica Lainez: 

“The Wandering Unicorn” is a fantasy novel written by Manuel Mujica Lainez, an Argentine author, in 1965. It is based on the legend of Melusine and is set in medieval France and Palestine during the Crusades. The story is narrated from the perspective of Melusine, a shapeshifting character.

Melusine sets out on a journey and falls in love with Aiol, the son of Ozil, a knight who passes down a unicorn’s lance to his son. The two of them travel across Europe, encountering monsters, angels, and Knights Templar, before finally reaching Jerusalem during the Crusades.

The novel generates empathy towards Melusine as she recollects her adventures before the love affair between a mortal and an immortal concludes in a tragic ending.

21. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey: “Dragonflight” is a science fiction novel by Anne McCaffrey, the first in the Dragonriders of Pern series. The story follows Lessa, a young woman chosen to establish a telepathic bond with a queen dragon at its hatching, thus becoming a dragon rider.

The novel is set on Pern, a planet colonized by humans. The colonists are threatened by a deadly menace from space called Thread. The colonists destroy the Thread in the skies over Pern by riding the indigenous, flying, fire-breathing dragons.

22. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle: “The Last Unicorn” is a fantasy novel by Peter S. Beagle, published in 1968. The story follows a unicorn who believes she is the last of her kind in the world and undertakes a quest to discover what has happened to the other unicorns.

During her journey, she is captured by a traveling carnival led by the witch Mommy Fortuna, who uses magical spells to make regular animals appear as mythical creatures. The unicorn meets Schmendrick, a magician traveling with the carnival, who sees the unicorn for what she is and vows to help free her.

23. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin:

“A Wizard of Earthsea” is a fantasy novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, first published in 1968. The story takes place in a made-up group of islands called Earthsea. It revolves around the life of a young wizard named Ged, who was born in a village located on the island of Gont. Showing extraordinary abilities from a young age, he eventually enrolls in a school of magic to further develop his skills.

In the novel, “A Wizard of Earthsea,” Ged accidentally releases a shadow creature during a magical duel. This creature attacks him and he embarks on a journey to get rid of it. The book is often categorized as a coming-of-age story, as it chronicles Ged’s development in dealing with his power and mortality.

24. The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart: “The Crystal Cave” is a fantasy novel written by Mary Stewart in 1970. The main character of the story is a boy named Myrddin Emrys, who is also known as Merlin. The book is narrated from a first-person perspective and follows Merlin’s journey as he travels through Wales, Brittany, England, and Ireland in search of a place to call home.

25. The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin: “The Tombs of Atuan” is a fantasy novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, the second book in the Earthsea series. The story follows Tenar, a young girl born in the Kargish empire, who is taken while still a child to be the high priestess to the “Nameless Ones” at the Tombs of Atuan. Her existence at the Tombs is a lonely one, deepened by the isolation of being the highest-ranking priestess.

26. Watership Down by Richard Adams: “Watership Down” is a classic adventure novel by Richard Adams about a group of rabbits who escape their doomed warren and search for a new home. The story begins with a young rabbit named Fiver who has a gift:

He can tell when things are going to happen and he can sense whether they will be good or bad. Fiver foresees great danger to the rabbits’ home warren. His brother Hazel, who is slightly larger and helps take care of Fiver, takes Fiver’s warning seriously and decides that they must leave the warren.

27. The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper: “The Dark Is Rising” is a children’s fantasy novel written by Susan Cooper in 1973. The story revolves around Will Stanton, who is the youngest of nine siblings and lives in rural England. On the day before his 11th birthday, Will meets an old tramp dressed in ragged clothes.

The tramp hands Will an iron ornament, which is a circle quartered by a cross, and instructs him to wear it all the time.

28. The Princess Bride by William Goldman: William Goldman wrote “The Princess Bride”, a 1973 novel that blends comedy, adventure, fantasy, drama, romance, and fairy tale.  It’s about a young woman named Buttercup who lives on a farm in the country of Florin. After confessing her love for Westley, a farm boy, he leaves to seek his fortune so they can marry.

However, when she believes Westley to be dead, she sinks into despair. Years later, she is betrothed to Prince Humperdinck, heir to the throne of Florin, and is kidnapped by a trio of outlaws. The novel is known for its unique framing narrative and was adapted into a popular film in 1987.

29. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt: “Tuck Everlasting” is a children’s novel about immortality written by Natalie Babbitt and published in 1975. The story revolves around a ten-year-old girl named Winnie Foster who stumbles upon the Tuck family and their secret of eternal life, gained from drinking from a magic spring.

The Tucks, who are trying to live inconspicuously, take Winnie in and explain the implications of living forever. The plot thickens when a stranger follows Winnie, intending to exploit the magic spring for profit. The novel explores themes of life, death, and the nature of time, and it has been adapted into films and a stage musical.

30. A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L’Engle: “A Swiftly Tilting Planet” is the third book in the Time Quintet, a science fiction novel by Madeleine L’Engle. The story opens on Thanksgiving evening, 10 years after the events of “A Wind in the Door”. The protagonist, Charles Wallace, is tasked with preventing nuclear war caused by the dictator “Mad Dog Branzillo”.

Charles Wallace, along with a winged unicorn named Gaudior, undertakes a perilous journey through time and telepathically merges with people who lived near their family haunt at points in the past. They are threatened by the Echthroi, antagonists introduced in “A Wind in the Door”, who seek to alter history in their favor.

Charles’ manipulation of Branzillo’s various ancestors results in the transformation of the present Branzillo into an advocate of peace, preventing the war.

31. The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter: “The Bloody Chamber” is a collection of short fiction by Angela Carter, first published in 1979. The stories are based on fairy tales and folk tales, but Carter has given them a unique twist. The main story in the book, titled “The Bloody Chamber”, is a retelling of the classic tale “Bluebeard”.

It tells the tale of a young pianist who marries a rich Marquis, who had three earlier wives. After moving to his castle, she discovers his collection of sadistic pornography.

32. The BFG by Roald Dahl: “The BFG” is a children’s novel written by British author Roald Dahl in 1982. The story is primarily set in Giant Country and follows a young girl named Sophie who is kidnapped by The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) during the witching hour.

While in Giant Country, Sophie learns about the other giants, The BFG, and his passion for giving good dreams to human children. Later, Sophie discovers that the other giants plan to travel to England to eat schoolchildren. She then collaborates with The BFG to create a plan to persuade the Queen of England to intervene for the sake of the schoolchildren.

The book is an extension of a short story from Dahl’s 1975 novel “Danny, the Champion of the World” and has been adapted into films and a stage musical.

33. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce: “Alanna: The First Adventure” is a young adult fantasy novel by Tamora Pierce, published in 1983. The story follows Alanna of Trebond, a girl who aspires to be a knight in the fantasy kingdom of Tortall. To achieve her dream, she disguises herself as a boy to become a royal page.

The novel details Alanna’s journey as she learns many hard lessons along her path to high adventure. She must keep her gender a secret while mastering the skills necessary for battle. The book is the first in a series of four, “The Song of the Lioness”

34. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones: “Howl’s Moving Castle” by British author Diana Wynne Jones, is a fantasy novel that was first published in 1986. The story follows Sophie, a girl cursed by a witch, who finds herself under a spell that transforms her into an old lady.

She ends up in the moving castle of the wizard Howl. To break the curse, Sophie must strike a bargain with Howl’s fire demon, Calcifer. The novel explores Sophie’s journey as she unravels the secrets of the mysterious wizard and his castle. The book is the first in a series of books called the Howl Series.

35. Redwall by Brian Jacques: “Redwall” is a series of children’s fantasy novels by British writer Brian Jacques, published from 1986 to 2011. The first book in the series, also titled “Redwall”, is set in Redwall Abbey, a peaceful haven for various woodland creatures.

The story revolves around a young apprentice monk mouse named Matthias. When the peace-loving mice of Redwall Abbey and their woodland friends are threatened by Cluny the Scourge, a savage rat warlord, Matthias embarks on a quest to recover the legendary lost weapon of Martin the Warrior.

The series is known for its vivid descriptions, which were intended to paint pictures with words for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool, where Jacques delivered milk as a truck driver.

36. Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner: “Swordspoint” is a 1987 fantasy novel by Ellen Kushner, known as a defining work in the fantasy of manners sub-genre. The story is set in an alternate world, the Renaissance-era city of Riverside. The protagonist, Richard St. Vier, is a skilled swordsman-for-hire.

The book portrays a society where nobles settle their disputes through duels. The protagonist, Richard, finds himself entangled in political power struggles, passionate romantic relationships, and longstanding animosities. The line between the hero and the villain is often blurred, and the novel is filled with unexpected plot twists and witty humor.

37. The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne Jones: “The Lives of Christopher Chant” is a children’s fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones, published in 1988. The protagonist, Christopher Chant, comes from a family of enchanters and sorceresses, but he seems ordinary except for his dreams.

Night after night, he visits marvelous lands he calls the Almost Anywhere. Christopher discovers that he can return real, solid things from his dreams. Recognizing his powers, he is ordered to go to Chrestomanci Castle to train to be the controller of all the world’s magic. The novel is set in a world quite different from ours, during the adolescence of Christopher Chant who is Chrestomanci in five of the books.

38. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan: Robert Jordan’s “The Eye of the World” is the first book of the epic fantasy series, “The Wheel of Time.”. The story follows Moiraine Damodred as she arrives in Emond’s Field on a quest to find the one prophesized to stand against The Dark One.

The arrival of Moiraine to the remote village of Emond’s Field in the Two Rivers precedes an attack on the town by a force of humanoid monsters called Trollocs. The Dark One’s servants are searching for three young men from the village: Rand al’Thor, Perrin Aybara, and Matrim Cauthon.

They leave with Moiraine and her companion, the Warder Lan Mandragoran. The travelers take refuge in the abandoned city of Shadar Logoth, where Mat steals a cursed dagger. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan was a critical and commercial success.

39. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: “Good Omens” is a 1990 novel written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The book is about the birth of Satan’s son and the End Times in a comedic manner. The story revolves around the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley, who attempt to sabotage the coming of the end times as they have grown accustomed to their comfortable surroundings in England.

A mix-up at the hospital on the day of birth results in the Antichrist, Adam, growing up with the wrong family, in the wrong country village. The novel also features the summoning of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

40. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie: “Haroun and the Sea of Stories” is a 1990 children’s novel by Salman Rushdie. The story begins in a city so sad that it has forgotten its name. Haroun, the protagonist, lives with his parents, Soraya and Rashid Khalifa. Rashid is a talented storyteller, and Soraya loves to sing.

However, their world is turned upside down when Soraya suddenly loses her singing voice. Haroun, their son, embarks on a journey to restore the source of the sea of stories, which has been poisoned. Along the way, he faces various enemies, all determined to drain the sea of all its storytelling powers.

The book is full of allusions and puns in multiple languages. The story deals with the issue of censorship, which is a topic close to Rushdie’s heart due to the fatwa issued against him by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989.

41. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: “Outlander” is a historical fantasy novel by American author Diana Gabaldon, first published in 1991. The story focuses on Claire Randall, a nurse from the 20th century who time travels to 18th-century Scotland and finds adventure and romance with the dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser.

The book is the first in the Outlander series, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide as of 2021.

42. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay: “Tigana” is a 1990 fantasy novel by Canadian writer Guy Gavriel Kay. The novel takes place in the Peninsula of the Palm, a region that resembles Renaissance Italy. The story is centered on the Peninsula of the Palm which shares a common culture and language, but, like medieval Italy, is not a unified nation.

The internal conflict facilitates the conquest of the region by two powerful sorcerers: Brandin, the King of Ygrath, and Alberico, an independent warlord from the empire of Barbadior. The province of Tigana most ably resisted Brandin and in a crucial battle, Brandin’s son was killed. After being provoked, Brandin launched an aggressive attack on Tigana, causing more destruction than any other area of the Palm.

As a result of his victory, he utilized his magical powers to erase Tigana’s name and history from the memory of the inhabitants. The book follows a group of rebels attempting to overthrow both tyrants and win back their homeland.

43. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman: “The Golden Compass” is a fantasy novel by Philip Pullman, the first book of The Wheel of Time series. The protagonist, Lyra, lives within Jordan, a fictitious Oxford college. The story revolves around Lyra, who is thrust into a mysterious quest for a substance called “dust”.

Lyra’s friend Roger is kidnapped by the Gobblers, who are the General Oblation Board, the organization that Mrs. Coulter runs. Lyra runs away and is rescued by the Gyptians. The Egyptian king, John Faa, announces a plan to rescue the kidnapped children. The Master gives Lyra a device called an altimeter and tells her to keep it secret

44. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman: “Neverwhere” is a novel by Neil Gaiman, published in 1997. The story follows Richard Mayhew, a young London businessman, whose life changes forever when he helps a girl named Door, who is bleeding on the sidewalk. Richard finds himself lost in a shadowy parallel world called London Below.

This world is inhabited by monsters, saints, murderers, angels, knights in armor, and pale girls in black velvet. Richard, along with Door, embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of who murdered Door’s family. The novel is known for its darkly hypnotic narrative and has become a touchstone of urban fantasy.

45. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: “Ella Enchanted” is a book written by Gail Carson Levine, which was published in 1997 and awarded the Newbery Honor. It is a retelling of the classic fairytale of Cinderella, with the inclusion of mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, ogres, gnomes, and giants.

The main character, Ella, is accidentally cursed by a young fairy named Lucinda, who mistakenly grants her the “gift” of obedience. This “gift” forces Ella to obey any commands given to her by others. After her mother dies, she is left in the care of her absent and selfish father, and subsequently a cruel stepmother and two deceitful stepsisters.

Ella’s life becomes difficult as she is forced to obey orders constantly. However, her intelligence and bravery help her to embark on a journey in search of freedom and self-discovery, to find a way to undo the curse by finding Lucinda. The novel raises themes of obedience, independence, and self-acceptance.

46. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman: “The Subtle Knife” is the second book in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy written by Philip Pullman. The novel continues the adventures of Lyra Belacqua, now known as Lyra Silvertongue, as she investigates the mysterious phenomenon of Dust. A new character, Will Parry, is introduced as a companion to Lyra. Together, they explore new worlds in search of Will’s father. The title of the book refers to a knife called Æsahættr, which can cut windows between worlds.

47. Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson: “Brown Girl in the Ring” is a 1998 novel by Jamaican-Canadian writer Nalo Hopkinson. The story is set in post-apocalyptic Toronto and follows the spiritual and personal journey of Ti-Jeanne, an Afro-Caribbean woman who comes from a matrilineal line of seers and healers.

The novel incorporates Afro-Caribbean culture with themes of folklore and magical realism. After winning the Warner Aspect First Novel Contest, Ti-Jeanne’s life is turned upside down when Tony, the father of her child, asks for her help to flee. The city is ruled by a criminal mastermind, Rudy Sheldon, who acquired his power by manipulating spiritual traditions he learned from Mami, his former wife.

48. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” by J.K. Rowling is the third book in the “Harry Potter” series. The story follows Harry Potter in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Along with his friends, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry investigates Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison, believed to be one of Lord Voldemort’s old allies. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was published in the United Kingdom on 8 July 1999.

49. Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley: “Spindle’s End” is a novel by Robin McKinley that offers a detailed retelling of the fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty”. The story revolves around Rosie, a princess who was spirited away from the evil fairy Pernicia on her name day due to a curse.

According to the curse, Rosie was fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a poisoned sleep. The novel is known for its multi-dimensional characters and the incorporation of individual experiences and personalities. It was first published on May 22, 2000.

 50. A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin: “A Storm of Swords” is an epic fantasy novel by George R.R. Martin. This is the third book of  “A Song of Ice and Fire” series by George R.R. Martin. The book carries forward the narrative from “A Clash of Kings” and depicts the brutal War of Five Kings in Westeros,

Daenerys’s strengthening forces in the East, and the looming threat of the Others. The story is narrated from the perspective of 12 different characters. The novel is renowned for its intricate and highly detailed plot, as well as its graphic and violent scenes. A Storm of Swords was first published on August 8, 2000.

51. American Gods by Neil Gaiman: “American Gods” is a fantasy novel by British author Neil Gaiman. The novel is a blend of Americana, fantasy, and various strands of ancient and modern mythology, all centering on the mysterious and taciturn character named Shadow. The story follows Shadow, a former prisoner who becomes a bodyguard for a con man named Mr. Wednesday. Together, they travel across the United States.

The book explores the conflict between the Old Gods of ancient mythology, whose powers have waned, and the New American Gods – manifestations of modern life and technology. It was published in 2001 and won the 2002 Hugo and Nebula awards.

52. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett: “The Wee Free Men” is a comic fantasy novel by British author Terry Pratchett, set in his Discworld universe. The story follows a young witch named Tiffany Aching, who teams up with a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men called the Nac Mac Feegle (the Wee Free Men) to defend her home and family.

The adventure begins when Tiffany’s little brother Wentworth is kidnapped by the evil Faerie queen. The book, published in 2003, is the first in a series of Discworld novels intended for children or young adults. It won several awards, including the American Library Association’s Best Book For Young Adults 2004.

So, these were all the 52 best fantasy novels of all time that you just need to know. These best fantasy novels of all time are based on different concepts and from different writers and different parts of the world. Hope this list of best fantasy novels of all time will be a compact list for your reading habit.