23 Timeless Fantasy Books Throughout The Ages
Fantasy is a hard genre to define as it often overlaps with other genres. Let's dive into some classic examples of timeless fantasy books that have stood the test of time throughout the ages.
1800s
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Published in 1825, the outrageousness and witty word choice in this children's novel are extremely impactful without generations. This book’s unique use of psychedelic imagery and complex metaphors has provoked countless interpretations.
1900 - 1950
Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie
Peter Pan symbolizes innocence and childhood in pop culture. This classic story provides a level of relatability to the child in all of its readers regardless of age.
The Sword and the Stone by T.H.White
This 1938 classic presents the reimagined childhood of King Arthur. Many more modern adaptations of King Arthur and that time period have based their narrative on this novel.
1950s and 1960s
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by C. S.Lewis
This book is a classic example of how the portal of fantasy can also be read as a Christian allegory. The story explores the constantly relevant struggle between good versus evil. It’s what makes it so timeless.
The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien
Tolkien created mythology, drew maps, and developed whole new intricate imaginary languages for his worlds. Readers become enveloped and sucked into his world filled with new species and adventures.
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle
An innovative fantasy series containing forward-thinking ideas in science, philosophy, and theology, especially for the time.
Dragon Light by Anne Mccaffrey
Maccaffrey was the first woman to win a Hugo award and a Nebula for her novellas of science and fantasy. This innovative story was mold-breaking for the time.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
This Sci-fi book contains entire worlds with distinct cultures, governments, religions, and gender roles.
1970s - 1980s
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
A 1973 sincere story that cleverly combines elements from across genres, comedy, romance, and fantasy.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
One of the first major SFF works by a Black woman author, this story’s perspective stands out especially for its time.
Hotels Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones
A 1986 novel that is more often than not underrated for its originality.
1900s - 2000s
A Game Of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
This series has had a significant impact on the fantasy genre and pop culture.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
This paranormal YA fiction received criticism for encouraging dangerous, controlling relationships yet created a wide following that introduced readers to a whole new world beyond the surface.
2010s - 2020s
Who Fears Death by Nnedi
A 2011 novel addressing the post-apocalyptic world with a focus on African culture.
A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A 2015 novel that introduces a new take on fairy tales with a strong female protagonist.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
This novel presents a broken world where people can control the elements and won't hesitate to kill you if you get in their way.
An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
A military fantasy with a strong female lead that has been praised for its worldbuilding.
Circe by Madeline Miller
This retelling of the Odyssey, following the story of Circe, a witch at the center of Greek mythology, was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize.
Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
The first book in a planned fantasy trilogy, it follows the story of a girl who must save her people from genocide.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
This 2020 novel is an apocalyptic fantasy inspired by pre-Columbian Indigenous cultures.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
This Afrofuturist novel follows the story of the descendants of pregnant African women who were thrown overboard during the transatlantic slave trade.
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
A 2020 retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai, amid rising tensions between the Chinese Mafia and Werewolves.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
This is the first book in a planned young adult epic fantasy series about three teens who are chosen to save their world from destruction.