Books

Best fantasy worlds to explore in books

Discover the most captivating and complex fantasy realms in literature that will transport you to epic adventures. This selection explores immersive worlds, from magical landscapes to mythical cities, perfect for readers looking to escape into richly constructed universes. Find your next favorite read and lose yourself in the imagination of great fantasy authors. It's ideal for fans of epic fantasy and world-building.

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  1. 1

    Grishaverse (Shadow and Bone)

    215 Global Votes
    • Masterclass in expanding a fantasy world

      (+4)

    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.

  2. 2

    Wizarding World (Harry Potter)

    184 Global Votes
    • Features a veiled society where magic is common

      (+4)

    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.

  3. 3

    Malaz (Malazan Book of the Fallen)

    14 Global Votes
    • Unparalleled achievement in world-building

      (+4)

    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.

  4. 4

    Middle-earth

    0 Global Votes
    • Richly detailed fantasy world

      (+4)

    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.

  5. 5

    Roshar Universe (Brandon Sanderson's "The Stormlight Archive" Saga)

    0 Global Votes
    • Showcases the best of science fiction and fantasy

      (+4)

    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.

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  7. 6

    Scadrial Universe (Brandon Sanderson's "Mistborn" Saga)

    0 Global Votes
    • Closest Earth analogue in the cosmere

      (+4)

    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.

  8. 7

    Westeros

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers limitless possibilities for other stories

      (+4)

    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.

  9. 8

    Realm of the Elderlings (The Farseer Trilogy)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features some of the best worldbuilding in fantasy

      (+4)

    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.

  10. 9

    Earthsea

    0 Global Votes
    • Features comfiest and coziest worldbuilding

      (+4)

    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.

  11. 10

    Forgotten Realms (The Dark Elf Trilogy)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features the drow home city of Menzoberranzan

      (+4)

    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.

  12. 11

    The Circle of the World (The First Law)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features a world reminiscent of early modern Europe

      (+3)

    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.

  13. 12

    Bas-Lag (China Miéville)

    0 Global Votes
    • Explores concrete themes

      (+4)

    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.

  14. 13

    The Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features unique and interconnected magic systems

      (+4)

    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.

  15. 14

    Navarre, Poromiel, and The Barrens (Empyrean Saga)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features a brutal and elite world of dragon riders

      (+4)

    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.

  16. 15

    Idhún (Memories of Idhún)

    0 Global Votes
    • Mixes adventure, magic, and love

      (+4)

    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.