The Hobbit is one of the most popular fantasy novels of the twentieth century. Immersing readers in a magical world of adventure, full of mythical creatures and mysterious intrigue, it is a timeless tale with universal appeal.
If you're looking for other complex tales with compelling characters set in sprawling lands, this collection of fantasy book recommendations is a good place to start.
1. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Eragon watches in disbelief as a dragon hatches from a blue stone that he finds in the forest. He soon discovers that it has the power to destroy the Empire unless he steps in to save it.
Learn More: Amazon
2. The Time of the Dark by Barbara Hambly
The first novel in this epic fantasy series features a well-developed female protagonist who discovers that her nightmares of an ominous evil threat in a parallel universe are more real than she ever imagined.
Learn More: Amazon
3. The Ill-Made Mute by Cecilia Dart-Thornton
This first novel in this award-winning series of books is set behind seemingly inescapable castle walls that can only be reached by flying ships and winged horses.
Learn More: Amazon
4. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
This young adult fantasy features Han and Princess Raisa, star-crossed lovers who must cooperate to protect an amulet that threatens to destroy their kingdom.
Learn More: Amazon
5. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Katsa lives in the Seven Kingdoms and is born with unique combat skills that she uses to protect the magic kingdom. That all ends however when she meets Prince Po and has her life turned upside down.
Learn More: Amazon
6. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Peter and his siblings never expect to encounter the kingdom of Narnia when they step through a magical wardrobe. Will Aslan the lion's sacrifice be enough to save them from Edmund's betrayal?
Learn More: Amazon
7. Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake
This complex fantasy features the infamous Gormenghast Castle, which hides many secrets within its sprawling corridors. As the royal family grows more out of touch with the intrigues of their land, their servant Steerpike maneuvers behind the scenes to bring them down.
Learn More: Amazon
8. The Subtle Knife by Phillip Pullman
This beloved fantasy book series features Lyra who is looking to understand Dark Matter and Will who is searching for his missing father but instead discovers an ancient magic secret.
Learn More: Amazon
9. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
Princess Irene and her best friend have to save their 17th-century medieval land from an evil Goblin, black magic, and a blood-thirsty king.
Learn More: Amazon
10. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
A magical unicorn living in an enchanted forest goes on a quest where he meets a magician and learns all about love, sorrow, and the power of destiny.
Learn More: Amazon
11. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
This beloved trilogy classic tells the spellbinding and serpentine story of Frodo, who must make the treacherous journey across Middle Earth to destroy a powerful but divisive ring.
Learn More: Amazon
12. A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
This wildly popular series is a spellbinding and complex saga of betrayal, assassination, and murder that has severe implications for several noble families.
Learn More: Amazon
13. The Eye of the World: Book One of The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Full of rich characters and a twisted plot, this best-selling series follows a female protagonist on her quest to find the prophesied savior who will defeat the Dark One.
Learn More: Amazon
14. The Sword of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks
After a series of ancient wars ruin the world, an elf named Shea must find the mythical Sword of Shannara to bring peace to her bloodline and all other races.
Learn More: Amazon
15. Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly
John Aversin is the only man in the kingdom who has killed a dragon. But can he complete the daring task again with the help of a dark sorceress?
Learn More: Amazon
16. Betrayal's Shadow by Dave DeBurgh
Belonging to the race of Guardians, who have survived quarantine and isolation, Turen has to risk it all to save his people from extinction.
Learn More: Amazon
17. Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho
Full of magic and suspense, this is the masterful tale of the Royal Society which has lost its prestigious reputation by allowing magical amulets to be misused. Can Zacharias redeem the future of British sorcery before it's too late?
Learn More: Amazon
18. Malloreon by David Eddings
This sprawling series takes readers on a mythical quest across magical lands full of sorcerers, gods, and kids.
Learn More: Amazon
19. The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
An orphaned servant boy named Pug becomes an apprentice to a magician, embarking on an adventure full of conflict, power struggles, and redemption.
Learn More: Amazon
20. Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
This award-winning series tells the story of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, home to ghouls and warriors, which gets pulled into supernatural rebellion against the evil Falcon Prince.
Learn More: Amazon
50 Inspiring Books About Kindness for Kids