Books like The Lord Of The Rings
30 fantasy books to read after The Lord Of The Rings, by Tolkien, J.r.r., the closest match first.
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1. Empire Trilogy
by Wurts, Raymond E. Feist And Janny
- On the same lists
This collaboration proves that you don't have to wade neck-deep in magic to make a great fantasy. This series showcases the other side of Feist's Riftwar Saga, which is a...
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2. Codex Alera
by Butcher, Jim
- On the same lists
A refreshing break from fantasy led by a hero who is the strongest and the best at everything, Codex Alera trails 15 year old Tavi, the only Aleran who isn't...
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3. The Witcher
by Sapowski, Andrzej
- On the same lists
This best-selling series imported from Poland is the foundation for the popular monster-hunting video games of the same name, and a card game is soon to follow suit (beta came...
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4. Elric Of Melniboné
by Moorcock, Michael
- On the same lists
Moody and bookish, Elric the albino is no burly barbarian. Nor is he a product of heroic destiny fated to save the world, but rather kicks against prophecy and wants...
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5. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
The quintessential Fantasy trilogy draws from medieval history as well as its European folklore.
Yep, had to include it. Most people have probably read this series and even more authors have written hackneyed copies of it, but this series is the original father epic...
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6. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Possibly the most, well-recognized world of fiction in history. The Lord of the Rings is the third best-selling novel ever written, with over 150 million copies sold. This high fantasy...
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The Lord Of The Rings book 1 Start here
7. The Hobbit
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Smaug is the classic dragon figure lying under the mountain—a scary creature who keeps the dwarves from their home and who must be defeated.
The Hobbit is one of the most well-loved fantasy novels of all time. Written by J.R.R Tolkien as a bedtime story for his children, The Hobbit is a light-hearted tale,...
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8. The Ice Dragon
by Martin, George R. R.
- On the same lists
Most of the world has heard of Game of Thrones by now, but R. R. Martin's book series is still overlooked in favor of the more accessible TV show. For...
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9. Harry Potter
by Rowling, J. K.
- On the same lists
Most of you will have read it already, some of you will be sick of it, but you can't do a coming of age list without mentioning it. Harry Potter...
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10. Chronicles Of The Unhewn Throne
by Staveley, Brian
- On the same lists
Staveley's Unhewn Throne series presents an intelligent mash-up of three simultaneous coming of age stories. Separated for eight years, three royal children must face the fallout of the Emperor's assassination...
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11. The Hobbit
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
An unforgettable story and a tale that never gets old. It's not as broad in scope as Lord of the Rings which is not really a standalone, nor does it...
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12. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
In this classic fantasy example, Frodo and his buddies embark on a grand quest with the fate of Middle Earth at stake. During the course of the very long and physical journey, Frodo also embarks on an internal journey.
I read this when I was 9 - four times that is. Maybe I was just a kid, but I had never seen or imagined anything like this series. You...
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The Lord Of The Rings book 3
13. The Two Towers
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Presents a boxed set including the complete "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, as well as its prequel, "The Hobbit."
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The Lord Of The Rings book 4
14. The King Returns
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Presents a boxed set including the complete "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, as well as its prequel, "The Hobbit."
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15. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Do I even need to discuss it? The father of modern fantasy, the recreation of the English myth, an apex of English literature; Lord of the Rings is more than...
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American Gods book 1 Start here
16. American Gods
by Gaiman, Neil
- On the same lists
In his novel, American Gods, Neil Gaiman ventures into the heart of contemporary America, juxtaposing the decline of America's 'Old Gods' with the rise of new 'deities' (e.g. technology, mass...
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17. Legend
by Gemmell, David
- On the same lists
Drawing heavily on the culture of the ancient Norsemen, Gemmell takes familiar archetypes and crafts them into a well-told tale of sacrifice and dying well. Druss and his once-possessed axe...
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18. Farseer Trilogy
by Hobb, Robin
- On the same lists
Robin Hobb has received significant praise for her Realm of the Elderlings world, which spans four series and several other short works. However, among that epic list, The Farseer Trilogy...
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The Dark Tower book 1 Start here
19. The Gunslinger
by King, Stephen
- On the same lists
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba An impressive work of mythic magnitude that may turn out to be Stephen Kings greatest literary achievement...
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First Law World book 5
20. The Heroes
by Abercrombie, Joe
- On the same lists
The title is a bit tongue-in-cheek, as Abercrombie himself describes it this way: "Three men. One battle. No heroes." It was designed to be a standalone novel, but is set...
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The Last Unicorn book 1 Start here
21. The Last Unicorn
by Beagle, Peter S.
- On the same lists
The short sequel to The Last Unicorn and is the quest of a young girl who seeks to make her village safe from a mean griffon.
Told from the perspective of the unicorn herself, this novel is as much satire as it is fairytale. The journey begins when she overhears a conversation insinuating that the unicorns...
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22. The Once And Future King
by White, T. H.
- On the same lists
An Arthurian retelling and is also very much a coming of age story.
This classic is the Arthurian tale standard by which modern iterations are measured. Or blatantly ripped off ('cough' Disney 'cough'). While the first section is a bright and comical depiction...
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23. The Deed Of Paksenarrion
by Moon, Elizabeth
- On the same lists
Paks is one of the earlier examples of a strong, realistic female heroine who appeals to men and women. She becomes a badass paladin in her world of dwarves, elves,...
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Mistborn book 1 Start here
24. Mistborn
by Sanderson, Brandon
- On the same lists
Though Sanderson's main criticism is a lack of character depth, it's hard to deny the satisfying coming of age stories in Mistborn. The novel describes a classic rags-to-riches story, Vin...
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25. The Stormlight Archive
by Sanderson, Brandon
- On the same lists
Understandably, some readers prefer series more epic in their nature, and Sanderson also has that covered. Though it’s magic systemsaren’t quite as compelling as in Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive is...
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26. Malazan Book Of The Fallen
by Erikson, Steven
- On the same lists
A grand and epic series with a huge cast of characters with epic battles, sieges, mages, and carnage.
Steven Eriksen has been both lauded and criticized for his extreme detail, and that extends to his magic system. In Malazan, magic comes from warrens, a realm from which mages...
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27. Chronicles Of Amber
by Zelazny, Roger
- On the same lists
A 10 book chronicle--these stories combine other worlds, magical elements, mystery, shadow, and science.
The Amber Chronicles is a complex blend of genres and plot. It starts like a murder mystery, drawing the reader in, then it moves on to a mixture of sci-fi...
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28. The Chronicles Of Prydain
by Alexander, Lloyd
- On the same lists
Alexander's Wales-inspired epic fantasy offers little in the way of originality when compared to the novels of today. It's a simple tale of Taran, a pig farmer who has always...
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The Wheel Of Time book 1 Start here
29. The Eye of the World
by Jordan, Robert
- On the same lists
One of the most definitive versions of classic epic fantasy -- especially the Fat Fantasy version of it.
The Wheel of Time is known for its extraordinary characterization and epic plot, but it also features some of the best elemental magic. It integrates classic and unique components, crafting...
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30. The Kingkiller Chronicles
by Rothfuss, Patrick
- On the same lists
A world that is vast, fantastical, and strongly rooted in logical world-building—it is a trilogy and biography of a famous musician and adventurer.
If you haven't heard of The Kingkiller Chronicles by now, you'll want to pick it up as soon as possible. Rothfuss' award-winning series took the genre by storm in 2007...
Matches come from series and authors, from the lists the books share, and from the books readers open together. They are rebuilt every night. Back to The Lord Of The Rings.
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