Best fantasy worlds to explore in books

The Grishaverse is a world inspired by Tsarist Russia, featuring magical people called Grisha and a vast swathe of shadow. Its success and Netflix series adaptation keep it popular and relevant to explore.

The Wizarding World is a hidden universe within our own, full of creatures, spells, and a clear dichotomy between good and evil. It remains an accessible and popular gateway to the fantasy genre, with a clear world and charismatic characters.

Malaz is a monumental-scale world with a history spanning generations, rich cultures, and complex mythology. It is acclaimed for its 'mind-blowing' world-building and complexity, offering a challenging yet rewarding reading experience.

This world is the foundation of modern epic fantasy, offering a deep immersion into a rich and detailed mythology. Its influence is undeniable and it remains a benchmark for any reader of the genre.

Roshar is a unique and vivid world, constantly shaped by 'Highstorms' and magic linked to spren. It is Brandon Sanderson's most ambitious saga, acclaimed for its immersive worldbuilding.

Scadrial is an ash-blighted world with an innovative magic system, Allomancy. The 'Mistborn' saga has solidified Brandon Sanderson as a key author of the 21st century, offering an addictive reading experience.

Westeros is a continent with varied geography and a plot of political intrigues, wars between noble houses, and morally ambiguous characters. Its cultural impact is undeniable, largely thanks to its successful television adaptation.

This world offers political intrigues and subtle, profound magic, focusing on the psychological development of characters. Robin Hobb's writing is praised for being rich and lyrical, ideal for readers seeking epic stories with careful narration.

Earthsea is an archipelago where magic is tied to the world's balance and the true name of things. It is a timeless classic that remains relevant for its philosophical depth and its influence on the genre.

The Forgotten Realms are a vast Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting with extensive geography and numerous races. It is one of the most influential sagas of modern fantasy, with re-editions that facilitate access for new readers.

This world offers 'grimdark' fantasy with a cynical and realistic tone, where characters are morally grey. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a rawer and bloodier vision of warfare, with complex and empathetic characters.

Bas-Lag is a world of urban fantasy and steampunk with a unique and often grotesque aesthetic. It is described as 'one of a kind' and 'mind-blowing' for its creativity and originality, ideal for readers looking for something different from traditional fantasy.

The Cosmere is a shared fictional universe that connects several of Brandon Sanderson's sagas, offering one of the most ambitious creations in modern fantasy. To explore it is to delve into the mind of one of the most important authors of the genre, discovering how his different stories fit into a larger tapestry.

This fictional continent, divided into three locations, is the setting for one of the most acclaimed and successful 'romantasy' sagas. The announcement of its television adaptation keeps it in the spotlight and makes it essential reading for 2026.

Idhún is a complex world with various races and a rich history of magic and conflict. It is a beloved saga for a generation of readers in Spain, known for its narrative agility and the intense emotions evoked by its protagonists.