Must Read Epic Fantasy Novels

The 'Chronicles of Narnia' series is another excellent option for those new to epic fantasy. C.S. Lewis takes readers to the magical world of Narnia, where animals can talk and there are epic battles between good and evil. It has a strong moral and religious undertone but is still a great adventure story.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is a classic must-read. It's got a richly detailed world and unforgettable characters.

Some great epic English novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Although it may seem more like a social - comedy - centered novel at first glance, it's epic in its detailed portrayal of the English gentry's life in the 19th century. 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens is also an epic in terms of its exploration of a young boy's journey from poverty to the upper - class dreams and disillusionment. And 'Ulysses' by James Joyce, which is an epic in its modernist re - imagining of Homer's Odyssey in the context of a single day in Dublin.

Well, 'Bone' by Jeff Smith is an epic graphic novel. It has a richly developed fantasy world filled with interesting characters like the Bone cousins. Then there's 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. This one is semi - autobiographical and gives a deep look into life in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. Also, 'Akira' is a classic in the genre, with its cyberpunk - inspired setting and intense story set in a post - apocalyptic Tokyo.

One must - read classic epic novel is 'The Iliad' by Homer. It tells the story of the Trojan War and is filled with heroic deeds and complex characters. Another is 'The Odyssey', also by Homer, which follows Odysseus' long journey home. 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is also a great one. It humorously explores the themes of chivalry and idealism through the adventures of the deluded knight Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza.

Definitely 'The Lord of the Rings'. It's not only a best seller but also a cornerstone of the fantasy genre. The world - building is so immersive that you feel like you're actually in Middle - earth. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' offers a more gritty and complex fantasy world, with its constantly shifting power dynamics and morally ambiguous characters. And 'Harry Potter' has its own brand of magic. It may seem more accessible than the others, but it still has an epic scope as it follows Harry's journey to defeat Voldemort over the course of seven books.

One of the top epic fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes readers on an incredible journey through Middle - earth, filled with hobbits, elves, dwarves, and the great battle against Sauron. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It has a complex web of characters and political intrigue in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan is also highly regarded. With its detailed world - building and a large cast of characters, it weaves an epic tale of magic and prophecy.

Another notable 1700s fantasy work is 'The Arabian Nights' (although it has a long history and was translated and popularized during this time). It contains a collection of Middle - Eastern folk tales filled with magic, genies, and extraordinary adventures. These stories have inspired countless other works in the fantasy genre, with their rich tapestry of characters and plots that range from romantic to action - packed.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic with its detailed world - building and epic story of the battle against the Dark Lord. Another might be 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, which has enchanted readers of all ages with its magical school and the fight against Voldemort. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin is also a great one, known for its complex characters and political intrigue in a medieval - like fantasy world.

One of the notable must-reads was 'The City of Mirrors' by Justin Cronin. It concludes a thrilling trilogy with rich world-building and intense drama.