Best Epic Fantasy
Epic fantasy is arguably the father of all fantasy subgenres. It's also the most popular fantasy genre with hordes of new epic fantasy books being released each month. Unfortunately, the epic fantasy genre has become cluttered with cliches. It's hard to sort through all the "fat fantasy crap" to find the best in the genre.
I've done my best here to give my recommendations for the best epic fantasy series. These books aren't your usual hackneyed fat fantasy series -- they do something new, or tell a fantastic story, have realistic characters, or exhibit qualities that put them above the rest. Indeed, these are those epic fantasy books that actually deserve to be on the bookshelves.
Please keep in mind I've added EPIC FANTASY to this list -- so fantasy series that don't fit that mold, no matter how good they might be, are not included. Please don't email asking me to add The Dresden Files, Twilight, or any of that to the list -- it's not epic fantasy!
Also note that these are what I consider "The Best Epic Fantasy", I'm not including epic fantasy like The Sword of Truth, Shannara, or David Eddings stuff. Sorry, I don't consider that stuff good enough to make this list.
You'll recognize some of the books from some of the other lists, but there are some new picks as well. If you want some recommendations that are broader (i.e. just not epic fantasy), check out the Best Fantasy Series list.
#1: A Game of Thrones (George R.R. Martin)
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This book has appeared number one on many of our lists. I make no apology for this, as the series is really the best fantasy out there. People will argue that Martin's quality has gone down in the fourth book or that he's taking too long to finish the series. Some will argue the series is to bloody, too brutal, etc.
It doesn't matter.
A Song of Ice and Fire is THE fantasy series of our age. It's influenced countless other books and has started an entire genre of subfantasy ("the gritty fantasy"), or if not started, than at least popularized.
If you want a fantasy series that follows all the standard cliches -- heroes who never die, villains who are two dimensional, wise cracking sidekicks, deus ex machina -- then read something else. If you want a fantasy series that' brutal, unforgiving, and totally unpredictable, A Song of Ice and Fire can't be beaten.
#2: Lord of the Rings (J.R.R Tolkien)
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How can I not put this book on a best epic fantasy series list? This series needs no explaining. The series helped shape the concept of epic fantasy. The conceits used (dark lords, callow youths, elves, dwarves, goblins, magic swords, evil creatures lurking in the dark) are standard in the fantasy genre. Because of the influence this series has had on fantasy as a whole, it's without a doubt one of the best epic fantasy series ever written. So if you are the one person who hasn't read this series, do yourself and just get it out of the way.
#3: The Malazan Book of the Fallen (Steven Erikson)
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This epic 10 part series is finally completed as of 2011. It's one hell of a ride from start to finish. For some people, Mazalan is too "epic" to understood or enjoyed. But we are talking about "epic" fantasy here and you can't get more epic than the Mazalan books -- there's a huge cast of powerful characters that grow and mature over the series, there's super villains and super heroes, vast landscapes explored, and the series is on such a scale that the series jumps between past and present. Basically, if you are looking for a big EPIC with a lot of stress on the EPIC part, Mazalan Book of the Fallen is as epic as you'll find. It's also an adventure that you won't forget. This book has helped change the face of fantasy. As such, it's a must read.
#4: The Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan)
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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. So why am I casting Robert Jordan's WOT so high on this list? Well for one, when you mention epic fantasy, it's simply impossible NOT to mention Robert Jordan in the same breath. This guy helped to pioneer the concept of the big fat fantasy series. With a story that spans over 13 books and even the death of the author (it's still being finished with the last book to come out this year by Brandon Sanderson), the Wheel of Time is truly an epic.
Yes, there are problems with the novels. As so many of you kindly love to point out, Jordan completely loses control of the plots around book 6 and the series spirals out of control for another 5-6 books. Yes, there are too many characters to keep track of. Yes, women are portrayed as two dimensional characters. Yes, Jordan spends too much time detailing every single little detail.
But the fact remains that the man has created a massive world with a huge plot and an unforgettable story. There are better writers writing fantasy these days, there are more clever epic fantasy series with realistically portrayed characters, there are series that do new things with the fantasy genre. But give Jordan's Wheel of Time series the credit it's due: it's changed the face of epic fantasy for good or for ill. So on that premise, the series should be read.
#5: The Stormlight Archive (Brandon Sanderson)
Man, what's NOT to like about this series. It's got some great heroes, carefully constructed over the 1000+ pages of the novel. It's got some serious kick ass action (it takes a while to build up to the action, but when it happens...it happens!). It's got an end-of-the-world plot. It's got different lands, different races, and different cultures. It's got a unique and pretty fascinating magic system. And it's written by Brandon Sanderson, the man who's written another great epic fantasy series (Mistborn) and the one finishing off the Wheel of Time.
I know ONLY the first book of what's going to be a ten book series has been released. But based off the strength of the first book and the premise of the series, The Stormlight Archive is looking to be one of the best epic fantasy series out there. Time will tell as more books are released, but for now, I'm putting this at #4.
#6: The Kingkiller Chronicles (Patrick Rothfuss)
Yet another book that seems to be near the top of many a best fantasy list. The Kingkiller Chronicles is not yet complete, but the first two books deliver a great story. The Name of the Wind is not epic in the way that The Wheel of Time is -- there are only a handful of characters. It's not epic in the way of Mazalan where space and time itself is scaled. But rather, it's an epic tale about the hero of the story, Kvothe. Quite simply, it's one of the best tales I've yet read. The strength of this book is not so much the actual settings and plot, but in the telling of the story itself.
#7: Chronicles of Amber (Roger Zelazny)
Not exactly epic high fantasy in the traditional sense, but there's enough fantasy elements to land it on the list. Amber is, for many new fantasy readers, almost an unknown series. But it's a fantasy series that should be read. There's complex political scheming, a cast of warring noble siblings, and parallel worlds.
More than a few accolades name this as the greatest fantasy series ever written. And it's true that this is one of the most original and complex fantasy worlds you'll find outside of Tolkien.
The plot is pretty complex, but this is one series where you should just pick it up and start reading without looking at the plot summary. One of the greatest joys I've ever had reading a book came from discovering how this book unfolds as I read it.
#8: The Farseer (Robin Hobb)
Another epic fantasy series that should be read. There's magic, adventure, romance, and some of the best characterization in the fantasy genre. This IS epic fantasy done right and if you're missing out big if you've never read the series.
#9: Black Company (Glen Cook)
This epic fantasy series is quite a bit different than your standard fantasy fare. If you want an epic military fantasy series where good and bad are not so clearly delineated, The Black Company delivers this. There are some of the classic epic fantasy conventions such as a band-of-heroes against a world-ending-evil, except things are twisted around a bit. Instead of good against evil, the struggle is more less evil versus more evil, with the heroes themselves of questionable morality. If you like the gritty military fantasy style of A Song of Ice and Fire and Mazalan Book of the Fallen, you'll love Black Company.
#10: Earthsea (Ursula K. Le Guin)
Another fantasy series that crops up near the top of many best fantasy lists. Earthsea is a classic fantasy tale well done. While it doesn't rack up a sizable page count like some of the newer fantasy series (cough Wheel of Time), what it lacks in size it makes up with quality. Good doesn't always mean big folks.
So for a very well written classic fantasy tale about a boy's journey to become the greatest wizard alive, Earthsea is one of the best. And the writing is just so damn beautiful to read.
#11: Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (Stephen R. Donaldson)
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A fantasy tale that people love to love or love to hate -- there is very rarely any middle ground when ti comes to Thomas Covenant. My recommendation is that you should read the first series, if only to see what all the damn arguing going on in the comment section is.
The series takes a unique view of the classic epic fantasy. Instead of a hero, there's an anti-hero -- one who's pretty damn selfish. The series, if it was left to that, would be too depressing for most people to finish. But the series is also one about transformation and redemption. Through the Chronicles, you slowly start to see Thomas Covenant move from anti-hero to hero, from selfish bastard to altruistic hero.
#12: The Warded Man (Peter V. Brett)
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This doesn't do anything smart, new, or fancy. But what it does, it does pretty damn well: the story one man's struggle against a world dominated by demons who terrorize humankind at night.
This is a dark epic fantasy with a lot of zing to it. If you are looking for some GREAT heroic epic fantasy with a lot of action and character building (with a pretty cool magic system), The Warded Man delivers this in full force. It's also one of the more exciting fantasy reads out there -- I promise.
#13: Memory, Sorrow, Thorn (Tad Williams)
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There are writers who like to write pulp and there are some writers who like to write fiction. Williams is the latter. Memory, Sorrow, T
This series has mad pretty much all the other fantasy lists. It's a good series that many people don't have the patience to read. And that's a right shame. If you stick with the story, a rich fantastical tale will unfold. It just takes TIME.
Tad Williams has recently completed another epic fantasy, Shadowmarch. My feeling is that while Shadowmarch has a lot more action and fantastical elements to it (fairies, gods, half gods, strange magic), Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is a deeper fantasy tale with a lot more under the hood than Shadowmarch. That's not to say that Shadowmarch is not a great epic fantasy series -- it is -- but I like Memory Sorrow, Thorn better. Still, if you find Memory, Sorrow, Thorn too slow, then look at Shadowmarch -- you'll like it better.
#14: The Fionavar Tapestry (Guy Gavriel Kay)
An epic fantasy by a really talented writer. This is not your standard epic fantasy. Or rather, it's epic fantasy with a lot of emphasis on characterization. Yes, there is the good guys versus dark lord plot in the series, but the series is not so much about slaying bad guys as it is the story of how normal people react in bad situations -- both the good and the bad. Don't take this to mean this series is boring -- it's not. But rather, this series is a far more intelligent epic fantasy than many of you may be used to. Oh whatever, just read it.
#15: The First Law (Joe Abercrombie)
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This is an epic fantasy series that plays by its own rules. The series incorporates some of the most standard epic fantasy conventions out there only to turn them on their head. It's a wildly entertaining fantasy series with some vicious action, completely grey characters who are somewhat of a paradox (a barbarian killer who hates killing, a torturer who's actually a kind man, etc). The writing is sharp as a knife, packed full of wit. Joe Abercrombie has only been getting better with each new book released -- his newest stand alone, set in the same world as First Law, is probably his best written.
So if you are looking for an epic fantasy that does something different and breaks the standard conventions to pieces, one that's pretty damn funny to boot, First Law should be read.
#16: Acacia (David Anthony Durham)
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This is an epic fantasy in the tradition of George Martin -- the characters are gray, good and evil are not so clearly defined, and there are four royal children who are forced to flee their kingdom because of treachery.
I'm a big fan of this series. Despite the comparisons with A Song of Ice and Fire, this series is NOT George Martin. I like the political intrigue present in the novel and the gray characters. Book two carries on the plotline, though it's harder to connect with the characters that survive from the first book. This may turn off some readers who want to connect with the protagonists in the way that you might connect with +vothe. from A Name of the Wind or Fritz from The Farseer. However, the plotting is pretty twisted, the world is interesting, and the author has turned everything on it's head by the end of Book 2. I'm eagerly awaiting to see what happens in the final book
Similar recommendations:
Acacia is written in the epic Fantasy tradition that Tolkien pioneered. Epic Fantasy is probably the
most popular type of Fantasy and the real "poster boy" for the Fantasy genre (something that I personally believe should not
be the case). If you like Acacia, then it's a sure bet that you will love these other series.
You should definitely read George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire
#17: The Red Wolf Conspiracy (Robert V.S. Redick)
This is a newer fantasy series -- a sort of navel epic fantasy. And it's a very well done series, two books into it with the third coming out shortly.
There's a lot going on in this series -- a cast of well realized characters that include mad god kings, miniature warriors, sentient animals, assassins, sorcerers, princesses, and ship boys, all locked in a life and death struggle for an evil artifact aboard a giant ship. It's a complex fantasy series that's different than a lot of the standard high epic fantasy. An exciting read and one of the better fantasy debuts I've read in a long time.
#18: Codex Alera (Jim Butcher)
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Classic fantasy done right. Good story, good plot, terrific action, and fantasy set in a Roman milieu (something unusual in fantasy). As a big bonus, the entire series has been completed -- and unlike some other fantasy epics, this one maintains the quality.
You'll really like the novel fantasy setting -- it's not too often that you read a fantasy tale that's not set in some parallel word to Tolkien's own. The author's magic system is quite unique too and interesting.
Codex Alera also has quite a bit of a military aspect to it as well -- so if you are the type of like the outnumbered armies duking it out with superior forces (ala Mazalan Book of the Fallen, The Black Company, The Instrumentalities of Night, etc), this series has plenty of that sort of thing.
#19: The Swan's War (Sean Russell)
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Similar recommendations:
J.R.R. Tolkien's A Lord of the Rings. The Swan's War trilogy seems both similar yet different
than Lord of the Rings. The mysterious and rare nature of magic is a trait shared by both books, as is the beautiful prose
that seems half poetry, half fiction (though Russell's work is more "modern"and novelistic). Also give Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea a
try: the book has that sense of mystery and wonder that percolates The Swan's War.
#20: Cold Fire Trilogy (C.S. Friedman)
Comments (18)| Community Book Review
If dark fantasy married epic fantasy and had a child, The Coldfire Trilogy would be that child. This series is pretty damn dark with more than a few aspects from the horror genre tossed into the mix as well. Characters are well drawn and complex -- there are no paper deep characters here, no generic fantasy landscape borrowed from Tolkien. Cold Fire sets itself apart from any other fantasy series out there, both with the novel's unique setting and the cast of characters. The protagonist is also an anti-hero character, which makes the story and plot even more interesting.
#21: The Long Price Quartet (Daniel Abraham)
Another epic fantasy that doesn't necessary fit the classical definition of an epic fantasy. Anyone who's tired of the generic Tolkien-derrived fantasy and paper-thin characters won't have anything to complain with this series. This is a more "literary" fantasy series and the author is quite the wordsmith. Those of you who want a slower paced, more complexly plotted book with non-standard fantasy characters leading the story, The Long Price Quartet is a series you'll want to sink your teeth into. I suspect lovers of fiction written by China Mieville, Guy Gaverial Kay, Sean Williams, and Tad Williams will enjoy this series immensely. If you are the sort of fantasy reader weaned on action fantasy like The Wheel of Time, David Gemmell, or Raymond E. Feist, this series won't be for you.
#22: A Sword of Shadows (J.V. Jones)
Comments (13)| Community Book Review
A delightfully atmospheric fantasy tale that's got a lot going for it, including a cast of well-realized characters, a dark and bitter landscape, and an interesting hero. Unlike some of the modern fantasy tales out there, characters are more black and white than gray, but some of the villains, as much as you love to hate them, are complex characters too. A good amount of action present in the story with a gripping plot. This is one of my own favorite epic fantasy tales.
#23: Magician: Apprentice and Magician (Raymond E. Feist)
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Another classic epic fantasy series. I'm not a huge fan of Feist's later works, but his first two books, Magician and Magician Apprentice are a great intro into the world of epic fantasy. There's really everything you love about epic fantasy found in these two books: the rise of a nothing boy to a powerful magician, magical worlds, different cultures, romance, and of course, a lot of magical action.
Feist is lambasted in some circles for his "simplistic" fantasy. And I agree, most of his fantasy is pretty simplistic. But if you want some of that non-thinking classic fantasy where it's possible for boys to become wizard heros who save damsel's in distress, then this series is for you.
#24: Crown of Stars saga (Kate Elliot)
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Mystery, magical realms opening into the world, complex political plotting, evil villains, the world descending into a dark and chaotic place, strange creatures haunting the world. This series has it all. It's also officially passes the "fat fantasy test" with seven books in the series (which is complete). On the whole, Crown of Stars is an enjoyable series with a cast of strong characters. Elliot is a talented writer. The way Elliot is able to bring some of her characters to life reminds me of Robin Hobb's style of writing -- which is a pretty big complement for any writer.
My only complaint with this series is that it's too long. It should be a 4 or 5 book series and not 7 books. The series kind of loses focus in the last couple of books, but as a whole, it's a creative epic fantasy that's well worth reading.
Similar recommendations:
Tad William's Memory, Sorrow, Thorn saga. William has beautifully reinterpreted Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (and no it is not in the least bit a clone, and no, there is no One Ring), creating a vast world of mystery and magic. Characterization is top notch.
#25: Deathgate Cycle (Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman)
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Similar recommendations:
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time. Farland? Runelords. Raymond E Fiest's Magician books.
Some Other Epic Fantasy Recommendations
If you're still looking for some more good epic fantasy series to read, here are some that almost made the Top 25 list. They are well worth reading and you'll find many of these on some of the other lists found on this site.
Abhorsen Trilogy (Garth Nix)
Comments (13) | Community Book Review
I'm a very big fan of this epic fantasy / dark fantasy series. The series follows the story of Sabriel (and her children) as they venture from the New Kingdom (the modern world) into the mysterious Old Kingdom, a magical world behind a wall boardering the two realism where strange things happen -- the dead haunt that land, magic exists, and evil lurks around every corner. The series is exciting and chilling at the same time. If you want to feel scared while reading epic fantasy, this series will do it!
The Prince of Nothing (R. Scott Bakker)
Comments (22)| Community Book Review
Epic fantasy for the thinking man, that's what R Scott Bakker's fantasy series is. Full of characters who are not what they seem and featuring some wicked action and a grim story, The Prince of Nothing is different type of fantasy series. It's not a series that everyone is comfortable with, but it's a series that doesn't follow the standard fantasy mold. I find the Prince of nothing series a refreshing breeze in an otherwise stagnant fantasy genre.
The Dark Tower (Stephen King)
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I wouldn't really classify this as epic fantasy so much as dark fantasy; however, the scope of this novel is certainly epic with the characters crossing space and time as they progress through the series. A thoroughly dark series (understandably since it's born from the mind of Steven King), but one that's incredibly addicting. If you have not yet read this book, read it even if you are not a fan of Stephen King or the horror genre.
Shadows of the Apt (Adrian Tchaikovsky)
This is an interesting epic fantasy that does something new (you may notice this is one of the criteria I look for in a good fantasy novel). The initial premise may sound like the series sets itself up for literary failure, but surprisingly it works out. Tchaikovsky creates a fantasy world unlike anything else out there. It's an eclectic mix of traditional fantasy tropes, steampunk, and even some real history (greek stuff). While this may be a fantasy novel, there are some real human issues that are tackled such as racism. So kudos to the author for such a well down series with some unique ideas. It's also a pretty big series with 10 books to it, with 7 having been released.
A Kingdom of Thorn and Bone (Greg Keyes)
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This is some epic fantasy done right. While it doesn't do anything new for the
genre, Keyes uses the gold old fantasy conventions to tell a really damn good tale.
The quality of the writing, the great characterization, the great plot, and
rolling end-of-the-world adventure makes this a magnificent tale. I haven't
ranked this series as high as other, mainly because the series doesn't do
anything new for the genre, but don? let that stop you from reading it.
Kingdom of Thorn and Bone is one of the best classic epic fantasy tales to
be released the past few years. It's all finished something that's much
appreciated by eager readers everywhere (yes, this is a jab at George Martin).
Similar recommendations:
If you like Greg Keyes' The Briar King, try R Scott Baker's The Darkness that Comes Before,
which features superlative prose, an unique, but fascinating storyline, and the gritty realism that
Martin exhibits. Also try Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice saga and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time saga.
Riddle of Stars (Patricia A. McKillip)
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Another classic fantasy tale that's just pure joy to read. Follow along with Morgan as he seeks to solve the mystery of his birth. Maybe along the way he's save the world and find true love. Classic epic fantasy that's beautifully written. Fans of Earthsea and Swan's War and Middle Earth will like this one for sure.
The Steel Remains (Richard Morgan)
Epic fantasy with a different face. All the standard conventions are there, but they are reshaped, twisted and painted with shadows. This is dark fantasy folks, strong on sex, violence, and gritty atmosphere. If you are expecting hero soldier, finds magic sword and kills all the bad guys, you are NOT going to get that sort of novel here. Morgan has a knack for taking something that's been done already many times, and spraypainting a fresh coat on it -- you can see the shape but the color's different. And in this case, he starts with the hero. The hero, you see, is gay. The villains are good...and bad. This is complex, epic fantasy from a master storyteller. If you can get over who the author plays around with gender (gay hero), this atmospheric fantasy series is a great read.
The Runelords (Dave Farland)
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This series for those of you who like heroic epic fantasy with action.
Another epic fantasy series heavy on the magic. The Runelords actually has a great magic system, one that next to Jordan's, is perhaps the most comprehensive and unique of all the fantasy books I have read. Of course, having a cool magic system is not enough to guarantee a great book.
While the story isn't anything new (small company of heros versus evil being), the plot is pretty exciting and the characters passable. But where this series stands out is the ACTION and the action IS fantastic.
So if you like action and magic heavy series like The Wheel of Time , Raymond Fiest's Magician, and Peter V. Brett's The Warded Man, you're going to gorge yourself to bliss on Farland's Runelords.
Shadowmarch (Tad Williams)
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This is another series I highly recommend. I didn't add it it to the Top 25 Epic Fantasy List because William's other series, Memory, Sorrow, Thorn was present.
I really enjoyed how Williams incorporates faeries into the story. The series are full of ancient mythology, lost realms, strange magic, and just a whole lot of adventure. And of course, as a Tad Williams novel, there's great characterization and beautiful writing present too. Well worth reading!
Similar Recommendations:
George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones and Robert Jordan's A Wheel of Time. Like Shadowmarch, these series have massive worlds with highly realized cultures, the clash of kingdoms, and a struggle of humans against other creatures.
Godless World trilogy (Brian Ruckley)
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Cold gritty fantasy in the same style as Martin's A Game of Thrones. There's strange lands, monsters, ancient magic, and non-human races. I thoroughly enjoyed the dark gritty feel present in the entire trilogy. While there were some flaws with the books, on a whole it's a series well worth reading, especially if you are a fan of dark, gritty fantasy.
Boreal Moon trilogy (Julia May)
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A High fantasy series that's never gotten the love it deserves. I read this series a few years ago and was thoroughly addicted. Lots of politics, fighting, strange magic, and some pretty compelling characters. Recommended.
Oath of Empires saga (Thomas Harlan)
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This is epic fantasy with a face you've never seen before. The series centers on an alternative Rome where magic works. And like the real Rome, this Rome is a bloody world. Take all those juicy battles and toss in the addition of magic, demons, monsters, and mages. If you like your fantasy rift with magic, fighting, and action with super powerful heros and terrible villains, Oath of Empires is a great read. It's never reached critical mass, which is a shame -- it's better than a lot of the other fantasy series out there.
Related Book Lists
If you are looking for more book recommendations, check these related lists out.
- Best Fantasy Series Ever
- Top 25 Best Fantasy Books
- Great Fantasy Books
- Good Fantasy Books
- Top 25 Best Stand Alone Fantasy Books
Do you have your own fantasy book recommendations? Do you disagree with this list? Do you agree? Share your comments below!
Whoever compiled the lists shows a relatively wide knowledge of the subjects. That I see.
The list of fantasy according to how well written they are and how valuable to the general literature they are/would be is an entirely different matter. Not to say, a different list.
So, my trash-can first: Martin, Jordan, Feist, and their clones
A few diamonds in the desert: LeGuin/EarthSea (the beauty of storytelling, the world you never encountered before), Tolkien/LOTR (what to say), Zelazny/Amber (for powerful narration and a protagonist of whom Hemingway would not be ashamed of), Rothfuss/Wind stuff (a fresh breath in world full of zombies)
just wanted to ask, as it is not included here and is one of my all time favorite gothic fantasy style books, if you`ve read the black jewels trilogy by anne bishop? - the most original magic system i`ve ever known and seems to almost combine anne rice with epic fantasy and in a kind of paralelle world heaven/hell duality!!!!!
Firstly, I would just like to thank you for this list. I live in a kind of remote area of the world (haha) and finding good fantasy is not the easiest thing for me.
Secondly, have you read the 'Keeper of the swords' series? (Also known as 'Chronicles of The Rift' or 'Series of Mage') It is in my opinion one of the most epic dark fantasy series there is and really something out of the ordinary.
Couldn't recommend it enough, there is a reason for the author (Nick Perumov) being named the greatest fantasy writer in Europe (2004)
Also, I think the 'Dranei' series by David Gammell is worth mentioning. Maybe not as epic as 'Wheel of Time' or as well written as 'Name of the Wind' but still great fantasy.
Lastly, I've heard great things about the 'Dragonriders of Pern', do you have any experience with these books and are they books you would recommend?
I have been reading through these comments. Everyone seems to have their opinions and tastes in reading, and allot to say, whether against or with.
I think what this site left out was that these are, "MY" Best epic fantasy stories written out in a list. Or "MY" Worst fantasy books ever.
Their is some of us against and with his decisions in the sorting out of this list but we and he who did this site, (Or she), has to remember that not everyone agrees on the same books and opinions.
But it is also good to share so others have a good idea on what they maybe in for if wanting a new story too read.
So, What I mean is some of you's might not agree with his/her list but you also shouldn't take it into heart. some. For these are just the opinion of one. (or two) 
,
I know I might sound a hypocrite, and a now-it-all, but I just wanted to say. And yes this is another Opinion to add to the many list of others.
I have been reading through these comments. Everyone seems to have their opinions and tastes in reading, and allot to say, whether against or with.
I think what this site left out was that these are, "MY" Best epic fantasy stories written out in a list. Or "MY" Worst fantasy books ever.
Their is some of us against and with his decisions in the sorting out of this list but we and he who did this site, (Or she), has to remember that not everyone agrees on the same books and opinions.
But it is also good to share so others have a good idea on what they maybe in for if wanting a new story too read.
So, What I mean is some of you's might not agree with his/her list but you also shouldn't take it into heart. some. For these are just the opinion of one. (or two) ,
I know I might sound a hypocrite, and a now-it-all, but I just wanted to say. And yes this is another Opinion to add to the many list of others.
SO TRUE. 
Needs more inheritance cycle
I have to say that, Yes, Jordan does add too much detail on some things and Yes, he has a tendency of carrying parts on when not needed but I also have to say, once you get past those bits and onto most of the last books, I'll say its worth it. I have read 14 of the books in his series, some books between 7-9, maybe even 10, are too slow and a teeny weeny bit boring ;D, but once you hit 11 it gets back on track.
But that's all just my opinion, the opinion of a 15 year old.
You must be George R.R. Martins agent or something. Game of Thrones is the best epic fantasy ever? Really? Frankly I find that a little bit ridiculous. I do admit that it is a very good series but not the best. Another odd thing about this list is that David Gemmell is nowhere on it. Gemmell may well be the author who made epic fantasy what it is today. The Drenai Series is not epic enough........gtfo
I find the inclusion of Chronicle of Thomas Covenant and The Riddle of the Stars in this list, utterly perplexing.
Thomas Covenant I feel, leans more toward Literary Fantasy than Epic Fantasy, because the Fantasy Segment of the books is just a tad too simple for the genre. Stephen Donaldson imo, has great characterization but his world-building skills leaves a lot to be desired.
For those who haven't read it yet, Donaldson's Covenant books along with Daniel Abraham's and KJ Parker's are a chore to read. Not helping it is the character of Thomas Covenant. There are Anti-Heroes and there are Anti-Heroes. I'm not going to mince words but Thomas Covenant is truly a Dick! So first-time readers you are forewarned.
The Riddle of the Stars will always be a riddle to me (pun intended). Why? You always find it in a list of Great Fantasy Books and yet I find the series simply a bore. To me, this series is the very definition of overrated.
To those who haven't read the books yet, the closest thing to it is probably The Sword of Shannara. Take away all the action scenes in Sword of Shannara, add better prose, and then stretch it into 3 books. That's Riddle of the Stars in a nutshell. This is the kind of book, that after you've flipped the last page, you scratch your head and then ask yourself "That's it?", while balefully looking at the book. So if your idea of "Epic Fantasy" is alot of running and hiding with few or no fight scenes, then this is the very series for you.
Just to give you an idea, if someone asks me which would I prefer to do given a chance: Re-read Riddle of the Stars again or finish the Sword of Truth series (I gave up after Naked Empire). I'd answer the latter without any hesitation anytime.
no R.A. Salvitore? Drizzt?
I agree 100%.That is by far my favorite fantasy series.The cast is very unique and extremely exciting.
I know not all of his work was spectacular, actually the elder gods etc I couldn't even finish reading but that's because I was spoiled by the Belgariad. It's forever my number one, I read it about once a year, and Belgarath and Polgara. I love the sequel series as well- the Malloreon. Then there's his two Sparhawk trilogies. His rich style, plots and characters bring the world to life! Garion is my pick for hero of heros, king of kings and epic fantasy's cherry on top! The landscapes, the history, the politics, the romance and the magic- I vote Belgariad for number #1
Okay, I didn't see it here, but for those who are ANY dedicated epic fantasy readers should know about THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA! It is quite literally the one of the best of the best.
Just so you guys know
Agreed! That book is a classic. Absolutely love it. The sequel is fantastic too. Can't wait for more. Brilliant book.
Agreed! That book is a classic. Absolutely love it. The sequel is fantastic too (Red Seas Under Red Skies). Can't wait for more. Brilliant book.
M.WOODING STOVER
"Acts of caine" - heroes die...
Then
mark charan newton
Stephen hunt
brent weeks
alan campbell
Lugarth berry
P. Kearney monarchies of god
What about David Gemmell's works, any book from the Drenai series?
Where is m. Wooding stover
ACTS OF CAINE
- even better then erikson and martin
I think some new series should be up there
1)stepehen hunt
2)alan campbell
3)Charan newton (best of three)
I've read most of these and this list is very similar to what I would have compiled. I like that Jordan/Rothfuss/Sanderson/and Martin are on there for the newer generation. I'm VERY happy to see the older works on here like Chronicles of Amber (Zelazny) Earthsea (leGuin) Memory Sorrow and Thorn (Williams) and Magician (Feist) and DeathGate Cycle(Weis) If people haven't read those yet-I recommend them-even though they aren't as gritty and the newer novels seem to be and plots are more straightforward. I was pleasantly surprised to see Riddle of the Stars (McKillip) -my oldest sister read that to me before I could read on my own. The only series I was surprised not to see was David Eddings Belgariad/Mallorean series and Brooks Shannara (original) series. I know you stated you didn't' consider them good enough but I would disagree (maybe based on nostalgia for Shannara) but Eddings' Belgariad would have been up there for me. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Ive read 4 of the series mentioned in the top 10 epic fantasy series. Martin, Jordan, Tolkien, Hobb etc. ive read them. But wtf is Goodkind. His Sword of Truth series kicks ass. Its got everything. Drama, romance, magic... where is it? It isnt even mentioned in the "recommendation" section....
Really, nothing from David Gemmell? So the Drenai series wasn't epic enough?
While Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy is indeed very good, and certainly among the very best fantasy series, I really wouldn't call it epic fantasy. The scope and scale are too small, and I don't think anything written in first person can truly be considered epic. That isn't a criticism of the series - like I said, it's one of the best - but to put it in an epic fantasy list seems like a miscategorisation to me.
Why isnt Frank Herbert's Dune series not listed. If an epic fantasy that spawned two movies and miniseries doesn't qualify its popularity I dont know what will.
because it's science fiction?