33 Best Fantasy Books with Magic & Mythology
Fantasy literature has always held a special place in the hearts of readers, transporting them to magical worlds filled with mythical creatures, powerful sorcery, and epic adventures.
Within the realm of fantasy, there is a subgenre that intertwines magic and mythology to create stories that are both enchanting and captivating.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into some fantastic fantasy books that seamlessly blend magic and mythology, offering readers a journey into rich and imaginative worlds where gods and wizards, heroes and monsters, coexist in harmony or clash in epic battles.
Let’s begin.
Best Fantasy Books with Magic and Mythology
“Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling
A modern classic in the fantasy genre, the “Harry Potter” series captures the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The series is renowned for its imaginative storytelling, richly developed characters, and a magical world that parallels our own. Themes of friendship, bravery, and the struggle against evil run deeply throughout the series.
“The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
This epic high-fantasy novel is a cornerstone of the genre, setting the standard for world-building and storytelling. “The Lord of the Rings” follows the quest to destroy the One Ring, which is sought by the Dark Lord Sauron.
The novel explores themes of friendship, the struggle against temptation, and the fight of good versus evil in the richly detailed world of Middle-earth.
“A Song of Ice and Fire” series by George R.R. Martin
Known for its complex characters and intricate political intrigue, this series is a staple of modern fantasy literature.
Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series weaves a tale of power, betrayal, and ambition, with a rich mythology and a backdrop of impending supernatural threat.
“The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan
This expansive series blends elements of Eastern and Western mythologies, creating a unique and intricate fantasy world.
The narrative follows a group of young people as they become entangled in a cosmic struggle between good and evil, featuring a complex magic system and a richly developed world history.
“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis
This series is a classic of children’s literature, blending fantasy with Christian allegory. It narrates the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of the magical land of Narnia, a place where animals talk and magic is common.
The series is known for its narrative depth, symbolism, and exploration of themes like faith, courage, and sacrifice.
“The Kingkiller Chronicle” by Patrick Rothfuss
This series is known for its lyrical prose and rich storytelling. It chronicles the life of Kvothe, an adventurer and musician, as he grows from a young child into a legendary figure.
The narrative is heavily influenced by music and magic, creating a unique and compelling world filled with intrigue and mystery.
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
A prelude to “The Lord of the Rings,” this novel follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is thrust into an epic quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
Along the way, Bilbo finds a magical ring and encounters various creatures, including elves, dwarves, and orcs.
The story is celebrated for its adventure, humor, and depth, setting the stage for Tolkien’s larger Middle-earth mythology.
“American Gods” by Neil Gaiman
In this novel, Gaiman blends modern life with ancient mythology, exploring the themes of faith, identity, and America’s cultural diversity.
The story follows Shadow Moon, a man who becomes entangled in a world where gods from various mythologies exist because of belief.
It delves into the idea of gods and mythological beings struggling to survive in a world where their relevance and power are waning.
“The Earthsea Cycle” by Ursula K. Le Guin
This seminal series in fantasy literature is set in the archipelago of Earthsea, a world of islands surrounded by an uncharted ocean.
The series is renowned for its thoughtful exploration of balance, gender, morality, and death within a fully realized and vividly imagined magical world.
The stories primarily follow the journey of a young wizard, Ged, and his encounters with dragons, magic, and various islands of the Earthsea world.
“Percy Jackson & The Olympians” by Rick Riordan
This series creatively combines Greek mythology with modern-day adventure. It follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon.
The books are set in a world where the Greek gods are alive and interacting with the modern world. The series is praised for its fast-paced narrative, humor, and imaginative retelling of classic myths.
“The Inheritance Cycle” by Christopher Paolini
This saga of dragons, magic, and heroes follows the journey of a young farm boy, Eragon, who discovers a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg.
The series unfolds in the fictional world of Alagaësia and is known for its detailed world-building, exploration of dragon lore, and classic fantasy elements.
“Mistborn” series by Brandon Sanderson
The “Mistborn” series is celebrated for its unique magic system, based on the ingestion of metals, and its intricate world-building.
Set in a dark, dystopian world ruled by a seemingly immortal tyrant, the series blends heist elements, political intrigue, and a well-developed magic system.
The characters, particularly the protagonist Vin, are deeply drawn and contribute to a rich, multilayered narrative.
“The Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson
This epic fantasy series is known for its detailed world-building and unique magic system.
Set in the world of Roshar, a land of harsh weather and massive storms, the series weaves a tale involving ancient spirits, magical artifacts, and complex characters.
The narrative explores themes of honor, power, and humanity’s resilience.
“His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman
This trilogy is a profound blend of fantasy, philosophy, and theology. The series, which begins with “The Golden Compass,” follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry as they explore parallel universes.
The books are known for their critique of organized religion and exploration of themes like innocence, knowledge, and the nature of existence.
“The First Law” trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
A dark and gritty fantasy series, “The First Law” is known for its moral ambiguity, complex characters, and realistic portrayal of violence and power.
Set in a war-torn world filled with antiheroes and flawed characters, the trilogy challenges traditional notions of good and evil in fantasy storytelling.
“The Dark Tower” series by Stephen King
This series is a unique blend of fantasy, horror, science fiction, and Western motifs. The narrative follows Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, a mythical structure which is said to be the nexus of all universes.
The series is known for its rich characterization, complex plot, and the interconnectivity of its story with many other works by King.
“Discworld” series by Terry Pratchett
The “Discworld” series is a masterful blend of satire, humor, and fantasy.
Set on a flat, disc-shaped world balanced on the backs of four elephants, which in turn stand on the back of a giant turtle, the series parodies and plays with traditional fantasy tropes.
The books cover various themes through different character sets, including the bumbling wizard Rincewind, the pragmatic city watch commander Sam Vimes, and the anthropomorphic personification of Death. Pratchett’s witty narrative and sharp social commentary make the series a standout in the genre.
“The Malazan Book of the Fallen” series by Steven Erikson
This epic fantasy series is known for its complex plotlines, intricate world-building, and a vast ensemble of characters.
Spanning ten main books, the series delves into various themes, including the nature of power, war, and history.
The narrative is notable for its non-linear storytelling and deep lore, which draws from a multitude of cultures and civilizations.
“The Witcher” series by Andrzej Sapkowski
“The Witcher” series revolves around the eponymous witcher, Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire in a grim and morally ambiguous fantasy world.
The books blend Slavic mythology with traditional fantasy elements, exploring themes of destiny, the nature of good and evil, and the struggles of existing as an outsider in society.
The series has gained a significant following, bolstered by successful video game adaptations and a television series.
“The Dresden Files” by Jim Butcher
This urban fantasy series features Harry Dresden, Chicago’s first (and only) Wizard P.I. The books combine elements of detective fiction and magical fantasy, with Dresden dealing with all manner of supernatural problems, from vampires and werewolves to malevolent faeries and otherworldly threats.
The series is known for its witty dialogue, fast-paced action, and well-developed magical world set within a modern urban environment.
“The Once and Future King” by T.H. White
A modern retelling of the Arthurian legends, this novel explores the rise and fall of King Arthur.
White’s rendition delves into the complexities of human nature, the corruption of power, and the ideals of chivalry and justice.
The book is praised for its rich characterizations of Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, and Lancelot, and its exploration of the themes of war and human morality.
“The Mists of Avalon” by Marion Zimmer Bradley
This novel offers a feminist retelling of the Arthurian legends, told from the perspective of the women behind the throne, including Morgaine (Morgan le Fay), Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere), and Viviane, the Lady of the Lake.
The book reimagines the traditional tales, focusing on the role and influence of women in Arthur’s court and the clash between pagan and Christian religions.
“The Belgariad” series by David Eddings
A classic fantasy series that follows a traditional hero’s journey. The story centers on a young farm boy, Garion, who discovers his destiny to overthrow the dark god Torak and restore balance to the world.
The series is known for its well-defined characters, straightforward narrative, and the imaginative world of magic and prophecy.
“The Farseer Trilogy” by Robin Hobb
This series is set in the fictional world of the Six Duchies and follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard and trained assassin.
The books are rich in detail and character development, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature.
Hobb’s writing delves deep into the emotional landscape of her characters, set against a backdrop of royal intrigue and ancient magic.
“The Riyria Revelations” by Michael J. Sullivan
This series artfully combines elements of traditional fantasy with a modern, accessible narrative style. It follows the exploits of two unlikely partners, the skilled swordsman Hadrian Blackwater and the cunning thief Royce Melborn, who are known collectively as Riyria.
Their adventures, filled with intrigue, treachery, and magic, unfold in a world richly steeped in history and lore.
Sullivan’s storytelling is characterized by dynamic character development and a blend of humor and seriousness.
“The Black Company” series by Glen Cook
This dark fantasy series is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of life within a mercenary group.
Told from the perspective of the company’s physician and annalist, Croaker, the series upends traditional heroic fantasy tropes, presenting morally ambiguous characters and a cynical view of war and politics.
The narrative is praised for its terse, no-nonsense prose and the portrayal of camaraderie amidst grim and morally complex situations.
“The Elric Saga” by Michael Moorcock
Centering on the albino emperor Elric of Melniboné, this series is notable for its titular antihero, who wields a soul-drinking sword, Stormbringer.
The saga delves into themes of fate, power, and existential angst, challenging the conventional morality often found in fantasy literature.
Moorcock’s multiverse and the concept of the Eternal Champion are influential elements in the genre.
“The Shannara” series by Terry Brooks
Set in a world that blends magical elements with a post-apocalyptic Earth, “The Shannara” series spans several generations of the Shannara family.
The series starts with “The Sword of Shannara” and explores a world recovering from a great cataclysm, where science and magic strive for dominance.
The narrative is known for its traditional fantasy elements, engaging characters, and epic quests.
“The Magicians” series by Lev Grossman
Often described as a more adult take on the themes explored in “Harry Potter” and “Narnia,” this series follows Quentin Coldwater, a high school student who discovers and attends a college of magic in New York.
The series is known for its exploration of the disillusionment of adulthood, the complexity of desire and ambition, and the dark side of fantasy worlds.
“The Bartimaeus Trilogy” by Jonathan Stroud
This trilogy is set in an alternate London filled with magic, where magicians summon powerful spirits to do their bidding.
The series is notable for its witty and sarcastic djinni protagonist, Bartimaeus, who provides a humorous and critical perspective on the human world.
The series mixes adventure, magic, politics, and satire to explore themes of power, freedom, and imperialism.
“The Lightbringer Series” by Brent Weeks
Known for its unique magic system based on the spectrum of light, “The Lightbringer Series” blends epic fantasy with political intrigue.
The story is set in a world where ‘drafters’ can convert light into material substances, and it revolves around the machinations of the Seven Satrapies and their rulers.
The series is praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and moral ambiguity.
“The Broken Empire” trilogy by Mark Lawrence
This dark and gritty series is set in a post-apocalyptic Europe and follows a ruthless and cunning protagonist, Prince Jorg Ancrath.
Blending elements of fantasy with a dystopian setting, the trilogy is known for its dark humor, intense violence, and the antihero’s journey towards power and revenge, challenging traditional fantasy narratives.
“The Powder Mage” trilogy by Brian McClellan
Set in a world reminiscent of early 19th-century Europe but infused with magic, the “Powder Mage” trilogy is known for its unique blend of epic fantasy and flintlock-era technology.
The series revolves around Powder Mages, individuals who can manipulate gunpowder to devastating effect.
The trilogy is praised for its fast-paced action, complex characters, and an intricate plot that combines political intrigue with magical warfare.
