Top 5 High Fantasy Series

#1. Codex Alera by Jim Butcher

This series focuses on a boy named Tavi who is very unique in this world. He has no control over any types of furies (elementals of earth, fire, water, air, and metal). Instead, he has to overcome the problems that happen around him without any power, and as he branches out into the world, he discovers where destiny leads him and what his true potential can be.

I love this series so much because of how unique it is. I, personally, haven’t read many other novels that incorporate nature manipulation as the main form of magic in the world, and I also like the fact that Tavi is unique because he doesn’t have magic like everyone else. There are many novels that use the protagonist as someone unique and special because of the rare or awesome power that he or she holds, but Tavi is the opposite.  He is the underdog with a disadvantage compared to those around him. There is also a lot of unique types of beings and cultures in this series. I feel like the ideas, the people, the world, and the overarching plot isn’t the same as other stories I’ve read while being executed amazingly by an amazing and talented writer. I think this is a great choice for anyone who likes high fantasy to try. It won’t disappoint you!

#2. Dragonlance by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

This series has multiple sets of characters and plot lines that fall under the same large series. But the first three novels are about a group of friends that get unknowingly sent onto an adventure that could decide the fate of the world. The only question is will they succeed when they don’t even know they are the ones standing in evil’s way.

I love this series because it is a classic high fantasy in my mind. It has many different types of beings like elves, dwarves, humans, kender, and gnomes. There are magic users, dragons, gods, and mysterious artifacts. There are many characters and each of them are interesting and bring something different to the story. I also love how detailed the world building is in these books and how epic the storyline of each overarching plot within the series is. These books are so detailed that every reread constantly reminds me of all the details I’ve forgotten.

#3. Rain Benares by Lisa Shearin

This series is about an elf named Raine Benares who, to her misfortune, gets magically connected to a soul sucking rock. It is very powerful and enhances her magic, but it can pull the soul from anyone it wants and absorb it. Her mission is to find a way to detach the rock from her without hurting anyone in the process or allowing the rock to fall into the wrong hands.

I love this series for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is the characters. Raine is amazing. She is a strong-willed independent woman with sass and sarcasm for days. I also love the two main men in the series, Tam and Mychael. They are both great people who always help Raine. I feel that this story is also unique to a lot of other stories I’ve read. It has a lot of humor and the writing is so simple and smooth. Plus, it has some romance in it too which is always something I like in my stories. Overall, it’s such an excellent series in all ways.

#4. The Deathgate Cycle by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

This series is about a universe of four worlds that was once one world but were separated by powerful magic users. Now, they are connected by the Death Gate with a land within the Gate called the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth is a place of ultimate fear, danger, and death. Only a very few survive and even fewer can escape. Except a man has escaped the Labyrinth and is now visiting the other worlds.

I love his series because of its complexity. There is so much detail and world building in these books that it’s almost unbelievable at times. Each book lets you see a different world with all new details, characters, conflict, and culture. I am amazed Weis and Hickman’s writing. They create mystery around the series’ overarching plot with the few regular characters as well as keeping you invested in each book’s individual plot lines.  All of these different worlds are all connected and events happening in each place are connected. Everything is complex and exciting with lots of magic, adventure, and exploring in each novel.

#5. Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind

This series is about a man named Richard Cypher who originally thinks that he is an ordinary man living on the side of the boundary that doesn’t have magic. That all changes when Kahlan Amnell comes through the boundary while being chanced by men who want to kill her. She sparks the start of events that leads Richard to discover exactly who he is, and what the future holds for him.

This series is absolutely excellent, but it is not for the faint of heart. These books are long and dense. Goodkind is an excellent writer, but his style is definitely very detailed and, at times, seem to drag. However, his world building is immense and spectacular. His epic stories of Richard and Kahlan suck you in and completely immerse you in it. These books are the true example of an epic fantasy with magic, prophecy, adventure, travel, royalty, and good vs evil. The characters are all wonderful and detailed and are constantly growing through each novel. There are plenty of surprises and twists that continue to make the story interesting, and the details are always spot on. These books are excellent if you are willing to spend the time and effort needed to read them and delve deeply into the richness of the text.

---

What are your favorite high fantasy series? I’d love to know! Please comment below!