5 Epic Fantasy Series to Read If You Love The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions for over seventy years. There is little doubt that Tolkien’s epic has set the standard for the modern fantasy genre. However, there are several other series that boast intricate worlds, rich histories, and compelling characters that are worth exploring. Here are five epic fantasy series to read if you love The Lord of the Rings.

1. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire is a sprawling epic fantasy series with intricate subplots, a vast world filled with hundreds of characters, and an overarching political struggle for power. Often referred to as the “Game of Thrones” series, author George R.R. Martin has created an immersive world inspired by events in European history.

The series, which began with the publication of A Game of Thrones in 1996, contains five novels published thus far, with two more planned. If you enjoyed the complex storylines and rich characters of The Lord of the Rings, this series is definitely worth checking out.

Read or Listen to A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

2. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

The Wheel of Time is an epic 14-novel series that is beloved by fans for its detailed world-building and extensive character development. This series begins with The Eye of the World, first published in 1990.

The lands, cultures, and dozens of characters in Robert Jordan’s creation are interwoven into an intricate web of history, prophecy, and politics. Fans of The Lord of the Rings will appreciate the world-building, scope, and intrigue of The Wheel of Time series.

Read or Listen to The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

3. The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen is a highly regarded epic fantasy series consisting of ten novels, starting with Gardens of the Moon published in 1999. Immense in scope, the series weaves multiple storylines throughout a vast world filled with a diverse range of human and non-human species.

Readers of The Lord of the Rings will appreciate the complex plots and unique magical systems featured in The Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Read or Listen to The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

4. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson, well-known for completing The Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan’s passing, has also created his own breathtaking epic fantasy series—The Stormlight Archive.

The series is planned to be ten books long, with the first novel, The Way of Kings, published in 2010. Set in a unique world filled with mysterious, magical storms and ancient artifacts, the series follows several characters on their individual journeys through political intrigue, war, and personal growth.

Fans of The Lord of the Rings who appreciate Tolkien’s attention to detail, world-building, and character development will be captivated by Sanderson’s deep and intricate world.

Read or Listen to The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

5. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

Fans of complex and morally ambiguous characters will be drawn to The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, starting with The Blade Itself in 2006.

The trilogy features deep, morally complex characters whose stories interweave throughout the novels. Set against the backdrop of a world steeped in intrigue, war, and court politics, the series’ gritty realism and shades of gray provide a refreshing contrast to the more traditional “good versus evil” tale in many epic fantasies.

Read or Listen to The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie