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Bestselling Fantasy Books of All Time

I feel most of us are vaguely aware of the bestselling fantasy books of all time. In any case, to be bestsellers they should be fairly common. However I’ve additionally discovered that probably the most well-known fantasy bestsellers are typically center grade or YA. Which means books like Twilight, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Little Prince, The Hobbit — perhaps even The Wizard of Earthsea — are the primary ones that come to thoughts. However I received’t speak about these books at the moment, as a result of for this record I’ve determined to focus solely on grownup titles!

Earlier than we soar into the record, I wish to level out that the publishing trade remains to be overwhelmingly white. We’ve definitely seen enhancements, and campaigns like #BlackoutBestsellerList have helped extra authors of shade take over bestseller lists, however the #PublishingPaidMe hashtag that took over Twitter in 2020 confirmed simply how biased publishers nonetheless are when selecting which tales to spend money on. All that’s to say that when trying on the bestselling fantasy books of all time, mainly all of them are written by white authors. 

That’s why I’ve determined to cut this record into two. The primary half will check out the bestselling fantasy books of all time specializing in gross sales numbers. That part will probably be grouped by sequence reasonably than particular person books. The second half will probably be devoted to fantasy books written by authors of shade which were featured on bestseller lists — and that I hope someday may even turn out to be bestselling fantasy books of all time.

With out additional ado, let’s check out these 20 superb fantasy books!

Bestselling Fantasy Books of All Time

the cover of The Lord of the Rings One Volume Edition

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

First ebook: The Fellowship of the Ring

Printed in: 1954 

Copies bought: +150 million

You most likely guessed it, however the bestselling fantasy sequence of all time can be the best-known one! Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is a traditional, and loads of folks love its lush world-building and adventurous plot. Should you’re not that aware of the story, it follows a hobbit named Frodo and his companions on their journey throughout Center-earth and their quest to destroy the One Ring earlier than the evil Sauron will get ahold of it.

A Game of Thrones Cover

A Music of Ice and Fireplace by George R.R. Martin

First ebook: A Sport of Thrones

Printed in: 1996

Copies bought: +90 million

It’s most likely no shock that A Music of Ice and Fireplace is the following sequence on this record! George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy sequence is filled with political intrigue — and so many followers are eager on discovering out the way it ends. The primary ebook begins when Lord Eddard Stark is summoned to King’s Touchdown as the brand new Hand of the King. However what he finds there’s that everybody is scheming for energy, and tragedy and betrayal awaits him and his household at each flip.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan book cover

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan 

First ebook: The Eye of the World

Printed in: 1990

Copies bought: +90 million

The Wheel of Time is one other tremendous common and beloved fantasy sequence. It was really concluded posthumously by Brandon Sanderson, who helped write books 12–14 based mostly on Jordan’s notes. This bestselling fantasy sequence begins with The Eye of the World, and it follows Moiraine Damodred as she continues her quest to seek out the chosen one. This takes her to Emond’s Area, the place she persuades Rand al’Thor and his mates to hitch her battle towards The Darkish One.

The Colour of Magic cover

Discworld by Terry Pratchett 

First ebook: The Color of Magic

Printed in: 1983

Copies bought: +80 million

The Discworld sequence is so huge: it’s made up of 41 books that observe completely different characters and storylines. No surprise they’re a number of the bestselling fantasy books of all time! The Color of Magic kicks off wizard Rincewind’s adventures. In it, he’s employed by a naïve vacationer named Twoflower as a information. Twoflower is definitely an insurance coverage agent for the Agatean Empire, and Rincewind must shield him in any respect prices lest his loss of life provoke an invasion.

interview with the vampire cover

The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice

First ebook: Interview with the Vampire

Printed in: 1976

Copies bought: +80 million

Shifting on to a special sort of fantasy, Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles has earned its place as one of many bestselling fantasy books of all time. The story begins with the beloved Interview with the Vampire, which tells the story of a vampire named Louis. He was really turned by Lestat — the sequence’ most well-known character. Someday after his unwilling introduction to the vampiric way of life, Louis finds a toddler named Claudia and is so taken by her he turns her right into a vampire as effectively. Their seek for belonging will take them across the globe, however discovering different vampires could also be extra harmful than they ever imagined.

A graphic of the cover of the gunslinger

The Darkish Tower by Stephen King

First ebook: The Gunslinger

Printed in: 1982 

Copies bought: +30 million 

Stephen King could also be common for his horror tales, however his fantasy books are bestsellers as effectively! The Darkish Tower sequence follows Roland of Gilead, a.ok.a. The Gunslinger. In a western-inspired parallel world, Roland is on a quest to catch the enigmatic Man in Black. Relentless in his pursuit, he travels throughout the desert and one of many many individuals he meets is the “Child from Earth” referred to as Jake — who will probably be his companion on this journey.

A graphic of the cover of Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

First ebook: Outlander

Printed in: 1991

Copies bought: +26 million

Diana Gabaldon’s historic romance sequence depends upon its fantasy components and it has grown fairly common over time. The story begins in 1945, when Claire Randall visits the Scottish Highlands together with her husband on a second honeymoon. However when she walks by way of a standing stone, Claire is hurled again in time to 1743. And it received’t be lengthy earlier than the gallant Jamie Fraser wins over her coronary heart.

Wizard's First Rule	by Terry Goodkind book cover

Sword of Fact by Terry Goodkind 

First ebook: Wizard’s First Rule

Printed in: 1994

Copies bought: +25 million

Terry Goodkind’s bestselling epic fantasy sequence is made up of 15 books, the primary one being Wizard’s First Rule. It follows the story of Richard Cypher, who’s making an attempt to resolve his father’s homicide. This leads him to satisfy a mysterious lady named Kahlan — and the 2 of them crew as much as discover these magical bins that may assist cease the evil lord Darken Rahl from changing into omnipotent.

Mistborn_The_Final_Empire_by_Brandon_Sanderson_Cover

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

First ebook: Mistborn

Printed in: 2006

Copies bought: +10 million

The Mistborn sequence is likely one of the more moderen bestsellers on this record, however Sanderson has rapidly made a reputation for himself together with his distinctive fantasy books — and these are his hottest ones. The story begins with a person named Kelsier. He has the powers of a Mistborn, and may use metals in an effort to get magical talents. He’s additionally a crafty thief planning what looks as if an unattainable heist. Enter his new apprentice Vin. It seems she’s a Mistborn too, and he or she is likely to be the important thing to his success.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss Book Cover

The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss 

First ebook: The Title of the Wind

Printed in: 2007

Copies bought: +10m

Is that this trilogy (in)well-known as a result of there hasn’t been a touch of ebook #3 in years? Sure. However it’s additionally fairly the bestseller regardless of its lack of conclusion. The story begins with an older Kvothe. He’s hiding as an innkeeper, regardless of his previous as a talented magician and musician. We don’t actually know the way he went from being probably the most infamous wizard the world had ever seen to operating this small, secluded inn. However when a storyteller discovers who he’s, Kvothe decides to inform him his life story full of affection, music, magic, and betrayal.

10 Extra Bestselling Fantasy Books

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin book cover

The Fifth Season by N.Okay. Jemisin

Indiebound bestseller

Sequence: The Damaged Earth

The Fifth Season is such an incredible fantasy ebook and I can not look forward to it to turn out to be an all-time bestseller! The story begins when a strong orogene breaks the world in half, threatening to trigger the worst Fifth Season within the historical past of the Stillness. In different phrases, the world is ending. On this context we get to see the lives of three completely different girls. Essun, whose husband simply murdered their son for exhibiting orogene powers. Damaya simply discovered she can be an orogene, and her household has despatched her to the Fulcrum to be skilled. Final however not least there’s Syenite, a Fulcrum trainee.

Babel, or the Necessity of Violence by R. F. Kuang Book Cover

Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence by R. F. Kuang

NYT bestseller

R.F. Kuang’s bestselling historic fantasy is a formidable exploration of colonialism, language and academia. Set in an alternate 1800s, the story follows an orphan named Robin who was taken from his residence in Canton to turn out to be a translator for the British Empire. Professor Lovell skilled him from a younger age so Robin may be part of the ranks of Oxford’s Institute of Translation, a.ok.a. Babel. And as soon as he will get there, Robin begins to comprehend that this seeming utopia is something however — and that typically it takes violence to enact change.

cover of Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel, showing the silhouette of a woman in profile. The black silhouette is adorned with jewels and gold

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

NYT bestseller

Subsequent comes an unforgettable reimagining of the vilified queen from the Ramayana! This ebook tells the story of Kaikeyi, the one daughter of the dominion of Kekaya. She grows up as an missed princess, and regardless of not being significantly near her dad and mom, it comes as a shock to Kaikeyi when her father banishes her mom. Kaikeyi seeks consolation within the texts she used to learn together with her mom, and that’s the place she learns she carries nice energy inside her — an influence that can flip her into an amazing warrior, diplomat, and queen.

cover of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

Nationwide bestseller

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a magical household saga that’s completely unputdownable. The story follows the Montoya household, who’ve grown up used to their matriarch Orquídea’s eccentricities and her home’s penchant for magic. However someday, Orquídea surprises everybody by inviting them to her funeral, wherein she turns right into a tree. The Montoyas are left with much more questions — and 7 years will move earlier than hazard lurks nearer and the solutions are lastly at hand.

cover of Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

Writer’s Weekly bestseller and Sunday Instances bestseller

Sequence: Celestial Kingdom

We’re shifting on to an adventurous fantasy romance impressed by the legend of the Chinese language moon goddess. This ebook follows the story of Xingyin, who has grown up within the moon hidden by her mom Chang’e. The Celestial Kingdom doesn’t know of her existence, till her magic flares and Xingyin is compelled to flee her residence. She really winds up in the midst of the Celestial Kingdom itself, and even befriends Prince Liwei. The 2 of them develop and be taught and prepare collectively — however Xingyin hasn’t forgotten her mom and he or she’ll do something to avoid wasting her from her confinement.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf cover

Black Leopard, Crimson Wolf by Marlon James

NYT bestseller

Sequence: The Darkish Star

Black Leopard, Crimson Wolf is a darkish and deeply imaginative fantasy novel that pulls inspiration from African historical past and mythology. The story follows a mercenary named Tracker who’s employed to discover a boy who disappeared three years in the past. Tracker normally works alone, however this time he breaks his rule and joins a ragtag crew of surprising characters — which features a shapeshifter named Leopard. Collectively, they are going to search for the lacking youngster, a job simpler stated than achieved.

Book cover of The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Buried Large by Kazuo Ishiguro

Nationwide bestseller

The following ebook is a fantastic fantasy story written by Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro. The Buried Large is the story of an aged Briton couple named Axl and Beatrice. They endure from a selective amnesia they name “mist.” This amnesia really impacts everybody within the post-Arthurian England the story is ready in. However, they’re positive they used to have a son. With that certainty, Axl and Beatrice set out on a quest to the following village in hopes of discovering him. 

The Atlas Six by Olivia Blake Book Cover

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

NYT bestseller

Sequence: Atlas

Subsequent comes The Atlas Six, a darkish academia fantasy novel that went viral on TikTok. The story follows this 12 months’s candidates to hitch The Alexandrian Society. They’re magicians and keepers of the world’s misplaced data, and every year they let 5 new folks be part of their ranks. This 12 months’s candidates are Libby Rhodes, Nicolás Ferrer, Reina Mori, Parisa Kamali, Tristan Caine, and Callum Nova. The six of them must show themselves to hitch the Society — or die making an attempt. 

Cover of She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker Chan

She Who Turned the Solar by Shelley Parker-Chan

Worldwide Bestseller

Sequence: The Radiant Emperor

She Who Turned the Solar is a superb literary fantasy that reimagines the rise of China’s Ming Dynasty. The story follows a woman who’s destined for nothingness whereas her youthful brother is destined for greatness. However her entire life modifications when her father is murdered and her brother dies of grief. With them gone, she is determined to outlive. So she takes her brother’s identify and his destiny — and thus turns into the monk Zhu Chongba. On the monastery and later with a insurgent group, Zhu learns that she is able to something to get what she desires.

cover of The Book Eaters

The E book Eaters by Sunyi Dean

Worldwide bestseller

Final however definitely not least comes a darker fantasy novel that’s completely worthy of its bestseller standing. The E book Eaters follows Devon. She is a part of The Household, a clan of ebook eaters that feast on tales. Devon grows up with a gradual weight-reduction plan of fairytales and cautionary tales — whereas her brothers feast on journey and braveness. The clan dictates Devon’s path, however her entire life is turned the other way up when her son is born — as a result of he feeds on minds as an alternative of phrases.


Now that we’ve gone by way of a number of the bestselling fantasy books, take a look at our picks for the greatest fantasy novels of the final 10 years. Need extra? Take a dive into our Sci-Fi/Fantasy Archives for all types of quizzes, lists, essays, and basic bookish content material!

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