10 Amazing Fantasy Books That Will Transport You to Another World. Sounds interesting, right?
Firstly, What is Fantasy? And What exactly is the Hype for the Genre?
The fantasy genre is a captivating branch of literature that transports readers to magical worlds filled with mythical creatures, heroic quests, and powerful forces beyond reality. Unlike realistic fiction, fantasy often features supernatural beings and elements such as wizards, dragons, enchanted objects, and alternate realms where the laws of nature are different from our own.
This genre allows writers and readers to explore deep human themes such as good VS evil, courage, identity, and destiny within extraordinary settings. Popularized by classics, fantasy continues to inspire imagination, offering both escape and insight through its richly crafted worlds and unforgettable characters. It draws the attention of not only young readers but also lures and captivates the minds of adult readers, where they are either able to relate their lives to those of the characters present in the books or portray themselves as the characters that they wish to be.
It remains one of the most beloved and influential genres in literature even today. Throwing light on the discussion that the fantasy genre books have an edge over other genres are through facts that – one -they stimulate imagination as they are centered in magical or mythical worlds encouraging readers to think creatively and imagine possibilities beyond the real world, two – Fantasy offers an escape from everyday life as the individual immerses oneself in an entirely different world, reducing stress and providing a mental break from reality.
It encourages critical thinking as many fantasy stories involve complex plots, moral dilemmas, and unpredictable outcomes. Readers learn to analyze situations, make predictions, and consider different perspectives. They are able to explore deep themes in unique ways through magic, myths, and fictional worlds, exploring real-life issues like power, identity, courage, and justice in symbolic and thought-provoking ways.
Books of such genre opens way for emotional maturity and imaginative comprehension, fostering empathy and understanding. Following the journey of diverse characters—often outsiders or underdogs— enables readers to analyze characteristics and behavior or attitude of others. Needless to say, it inspires creativity, as readers who have fantasy as their favorite genre often feel inspired to write their own stories, draw characters, or create games and art based on the worlds they read about. It is obvious that books help boost vocabulary and language skills.
Now, Let’s look upon the recommended 10 Amazing Fantasy Books that would take you to another world!
Fantasy books, too, often use rich, descriptive language, diction and unique terminology, which help readers expand their vocabulary and improve their language skills and fluency.
- The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S.Lewis
C.S. Lewis began writing The Chronicles of Narnia series in 1949. The first book written was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, which was published in 1950. Although it is the second book in chronological order, it was the first one Lewis wrote and released. He wrote the rest of the books of the series between 1949 and 1954, completing all seven books over about five years. Narnia is centered in a magical world with talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic battles.
It conveys strong moral and spiritual themes (especially Christian allegory). The books hold memorable characters, especially Aslan the lion, a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and goodness. It is a blend of adventure, fantasy, and life lessons that resonate across generations.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the most famous book, where four siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) enter Narnia through a wardrobe and help defeat the White Witch with the lion Aslan’s help. In Prince Caspian, the Pevensie children return to Narnia to help Prince Caspian reclaim his rightful throne from his evil uncle. Edmund and Lucy, along with their cousin Eustace, journey across the sea with King Caspian to find seven lost lords in the book The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
In The Silver Chair book, Eustace and his friend Jill are sent on a quest to find Prince Rilian, Caspian’s son, who has disappeared. The Horse and His Boy is set during the events of the second book, revolving around a boy named Shasta and a talking horse on a journey to Narnia. The Magician’s Nephew tells the origin story of Narnia—how it was created and how evil first entered it. The Last Battle brings the Narnia series to a dramatic and spiritual conclusion as Narnia faces its final days.
- Harry Potter – J.K.Rowling
The Harry Potter series is a globally bestselling fantasy book series written by J.K. Rowling. It follows the life and adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as they battle the antagonist, the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The Series is a richly developed magical world, upholding deep emotional and moral themes like love, friendship, sacrifice, identity. The Three Protagonist characters are Harry, Hermione and Ron. Other characters who play important roles are Snape and Dumbledore. Strong messages about courage, resilience, and fighting injustice are conveyed.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Titled “Sorcerer’s Stone” in the U.S.) is the first book of the series where Harry discovers he’s a wizard and enters the magical world for the first time. Following this is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where a mysterious force is attacking students at Hogwarts. Harry must uncover the truth and defeat evil. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, a dangerous fugitive, Sirius Black, escapes Azkaban prison—seemingly after Harry. He later discovers the fugitive to be the dear friend of his father, James Potter, and supposedly Harry’s Godfather.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire conducts the TriWizard Tournament where different schools of magic contest to declare the winner. The cup waiting at the end, lays the foundation for Voldemort to rise. Harry is unexpectedly entered into the dangerous TriWizard Tournament and the book ventures through various tasks the selected contestants go through. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix portrays Harry facing increasing opposition and disbelief as Voldemort returns. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is where the deep and dark secrets of Voldemort’s past and Hogwarts are revealed. Dumbledore trains Harry for what’s to come.
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final battle begins. Harry and his friends must destroy the Horcruxes to defeat Voldemort once and for all.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson & the Olympians is a bestselling fantasy book series written by Rick Riordan, inspired by Greek mythology. It follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a modern-day boy who discovers he is a demigod — the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
The Lightning Thief is where Percy discovers he’s a demigod and goes on a quest to retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. Following the former, in The Sea of Monsters, Percy and friends journey to the Sea of Monsters to find the Golden Fleece and save their magical camp. Percy must rescue a kidnapped goddess and face a growing threat from the titan Kronos in The Titan’s Curse. The Battle of the Labyrinth is the narrative of Percy and his friends entering Daedalus’ ancient Labyrinth to stop an invasion of Camp Half-Blood. The Last Olympian has the final battle for Mount Olympus that begins as Kronos’s army attacks New York City.
Blending ancient mythology with modern humor and action, the series features relatable teen characters with flaws, growth, and heart, balancing entertainment with educational elements about Greek myths.
- The Vampire Diaries – L.J.Smith
The Vampire Diaries is a popular supernatural fiction book series written by L.J. Smith, centered on a high school girl, Elena Gilbert, who becomes entangled in a dangerous love triangle between two vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. The series blends romance, horror, mystery, and the supernatural, and later inspired the hit TV show.
The Awakening is the first book of the series. Elena meets the mysterious Stefan Salvatore and discovers he’s a vampire. The Struggle showcases Elena caught between Stefan and his dark, dangerous brother Damon. In The Fury, Elena undergoes a shocking transformation and must face new threats. Elena’s friends must battle evil forces that threaten their town—and their lives in the last book, Dark Reunion.
The Return Trilogy Nightfall, Shadow Souls and Midnight are the books that continue Elena’s story after her return from the spirit world and introduce darker magical elements.
- The Lord of the Rings – John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy trilogy written by J.R.R. Tolkien, first published in the 1950s. Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the story follows a small hobbit named Frodo Baggins on a monumental quest to destroy a powerful, evil artifact: The One Ring.
In the first book of the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo and eight companions (the Fellowship) begin their journey to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. In The Two Towers, The Fellowship is broken, and the quest continues as battles rage across Middle-earth. Frodo and Sam move closer to Mordor, guided by the treacherous Gollum.
The Return of the King talks of the war that comes to Middle-earth. Aragorn claims his destiny, and Frodo must finish the journey to Mount Doom as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. It is a richly developed fantasy world filled with various races (Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Men, and Hobbits), languages, histories, and cultures. Tolkien, a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, created elaborate mythologies and even full languages for the world.
- A Song of Ice and Fire – George R.R.Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire is an epic fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin that inspired the hit TV show Game of Thrones. It’s known for its complex characters, intricate political plots, and gritty realism in a medieval-inspired world.
The story is a sprawling tale of noble families vying for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, while ancient threats rise in the far North beyond the Wall. The narrative weaves through many POV characters, including knights, kings, nobles, commoners, and mystical beings.
In the A Game of Thrones, the noble families of Westeros vie for control of the Iron Throne after the death of King Robert Baratheon. The Stark family from the North becomes entangled in dangerous politics, while mysterious threats grow beyond the Wall in the frozen North. Across the sea, Daenerys Targaryen, last of her dynasty, begins her quest to reclaim the throne. Following it, A Clash of Kings is where The Seven Kingdoms are fractured, with multiple claimants to the throne, leading to civil war known as the War of the Five Kings. In the East, Daenerys struggles to build an army and control her newly hatched dragons.
The Wall faces increasing dangers from the wildlings and supernatural forces. In A Storm of Swords, Betrayals and shifting alliances dominate this installment. The infamous “Red Wedding” massacre drastically alters the power balance. Jon Snow, now with the Night’s Watch, ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys liberates slave cities, gaining followers and dragons. A Feast for Crow, narrates the incidents after the former. Following the chaos of war, the focus shifts to political maneuvering and survival. The Iron Throne is fragile, and many characters seek power through intrigue.
The narrative introduces new characters and explores the aftermath of the wars across Westeros. In A Dance with Dragons, the Events parallel those of the previous book but focus on Jon Snow at the Wall, Daenerys ruling Meereen, and Tyrion Lannister on the run. Political and supernatural threats intensify as winter approaches. The Winds of Winter and The Dreams of Spring are forthcoming books of this series.
- Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Caroll
Written in 1862 and published in 1865,Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, commonly known as Alice in Wonderland, is a beloved fantasy novel written by Lewis Carroll (the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson). It is one of the most famous and influential works in English literature, known for its whimsical characters, surreal world, and playful use of language. The story follows a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world called Wonderland, where nothing is quite as it seems.
In this strange land, she meets a host of curious and eccentric characters like The White Rabbit, who is always in a hurry, The Cheshire Cat, who grins mysteriously and can disappear, The Mad Hatter and March Hare, who host a never-ending tea party and The Queen of Hearts, who is quick to shout “Off with their heads!”
Alice’s journey is filled with bizarre events and strange logic, as she tries to make sense of this unpredictable world and eventually finds her way back home. It’s Still Popular because of its endlessly creative nature and continues to be open to interpretation. Loved by both children and adults for different reasons, it Inspired countless adaptations in film, art, theater, and pop culture. This book is considered a cornerstone of literary nonsense and fantasy fiction.
- Gulliver’s Travel – Jonathan Swift
Gulliver’s Travels is a classic satirical novel written by Jonathan Swift, first published in 1726. Though often mistaken as a simple adventure tale for children, the book is actually a sharp satire of politics, human nature, science, and society.
The story follows Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s surgeon who goes on a series of extraordinary voyages, each to a strange and symbolic land. First he washes off on the shores of Lilliput – A land of tiny people (about 6 inches tall). Their petty politics and wars mirror the absurdities of real-world governments and conflicts. He then Travels and ends up in Brobdingnag – A land of giants, where Gulliver is the tiny one. The king sees human politics as corrupt and mocks European values. Next, Gulliver reaches the land of Laputa and Lagado – A flying island of scientists and intellectuals disconnected from reality.
It criticizes blind pursuit of knowledge and impractical science. Finally, Houyhnhnms and Yahoos – A land where rational horses (Houyhnhnms) rule over savage, human-like creatures (Yahoos). This part questions human nature and morality. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and satire. Adapted into films, TV shows, and children’s versions, it still continues to be relevant today for its critique of politics, science, and society. It is read by both adults (for its depth) and children (for its imaginative elements)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a famous children’s novel written by Roald Dahl, known for its imagination, humor, and timeless appeal. It is one of his best-known and most beloved works.
The story follows Charlie Bucket, a kind but poor boy who lives with his family in a tiny, run-down house. His life changes when he finds one of five Golden Tickets hidden inside a chocolate bar made by the mysterious and reclusive candy maker Willy Wonka. Charlie and four other children win a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Wonka’s magical chocolate factory, filled with incredible inventions like a chocolate river, everlasting Gobstopper and a Chewing gum that’s a full meal.
Oompa-Loompas are the small workers who sing moral lessons about the misbehaving kid. One by one, the other children suffer humorous (and fitting) consequences for their greed, pride, or bad behavior, leaving Charlie as the last child standing — and ultimately rewarded in an unexpected and magical way.
- It – Stephen King
It is a bestselling horror novel by Stephen King, first published in 1986. Widely considered one of his most terrifying and complex works, the book blends supernatural horror with psychological themes and coming-of-age storytelling. It follows a group of children known as “The Losers’ Club”, who come together in the 1950s to fight a terrifying, shape-shifting entity that emerges from the sewers every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. The creature most often appears as a demonic clown named Pennywise, but it can take the form of its victims’ worst fears.
Decades later, the group reunites as adults when the evil resurfaces—and they must face the trauma of the past and stop the creature once and for all. It explores how childhood fears can haunt us into adulthood. The strength of the Losers’ Club prevails throughout, supplied from their bond and loyalty. The novel focuses on the idea that forgetting pain doesn’t make it disappear. The contrast between the purity of children and the corrupting power of evil is central.
Read More Articles: https://thereviewuniverse.com/blog/
