15 Fantasy Books You Need To Read, According to Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is best known for fantasy novels featuring intricate magic systems, expansive fictional worlds, complicated political conflicts, and characters whose stories often unfold across multiple books. However, his own reading recommendations demonstrate that his appreciation for fantasy extends well beyond the particular style he writes. From Terry Pratchett's sharp satirical adventures to Robin Hobb's emotionally complex character studies, his selections offer plenty of variety for readers looking to discover something new.
Sanderson has shared recommendations through his official website, interviews, and public discussions, with some of his strongest endorsements going to books that helped shape his appreciation for fantasy. His September 2012 recommendation list includes authors such as Guy Gavriel Kay, Barbara Hambly, and Patrick Rothfuss, alongside more general suggestions for readers interested in keeping up with the genre. Other selections come from his subsequent discussions of favorite novels and authors, offering a fascinating look at the fantasy stories that have earned his admiration.
15
The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
The Black Prism is available to purchase now through this link
Published in 2010, The Black Prism begins Brent Weeks' five-book Lightbringer series and introduces a magic system based on color. Drafters manipulate different colors of light, while the rare Prism, Gavin Guile, is capable of working across the spectrum. The story also follows Kip, a young man whose connection to Gavin changes everything he believes about his identity.
Sanderson's official site has featured a particularly enthusiastic recommendation from him for The Black Prism, in particular, calling it one of the most entertaining books he had read. That recommendation is revealing because Weeks combines detailed magical rules, political maneuvering, and escalating revelations in a way likely to appeal to readers who enjoy Sanderson's own style.
14
The Truth by Terry Pratchett
The Truth is available to purchase now through this link
Published in 2000, The Truth is the 25th novel in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series and follows William de Worde, a young man who unintentionally becomes the editor of Ankh-Morpork's first newspaper. Alongside reporter Sacharissa Cripslock, William attempts to establish an independent source of information while navigating political corruption, a suspicious group of wealthy businessmen, and an increasingly complicated world of investigative journalism.
Sanderson has been particularly enthusiastic about this novel, explicitly naming The Truth his favorite Pratchett book. In his explanation, he praised the way Pratchett combines philosophical questions about truth with humor through a story about publishing a newspaper in a fantasy setting. Sanderson has also recommended The Truth as one of three possible starting points for readers interested in discovering Discworld, alongside Going Postal and Guards! Guards!. For anyone who enjoys fantasy that balances clever social commentary with laugh-out-loud moments, this is an especially strong recommendation.
13
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Assassin's Apprentice is available to purchase now through this link
Published in 1995, Assassin's Apprentice begins Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy and introduces FitzChivalry Farseer, the illegitimate son of a prince who is brought to the royal court of Buckkeep Castle. Growing up under the watchful eyes of the Farseer family, Fitz is trained as an assassin while becoming increasingly entangled in the kingdom's political struggles. His unusual magical abilities and complicated relationships also shape his journey as he discovers what it means to serve a royal family that doesn't always treat him as one of its own.
Robin Hobb is one of the authors Sanderson specifically recommends in his September 2012 reading list, writing, "Anything by Robin Hobb, but particularly the Fitz books." That endorsement encompasses more than just Assassin's Apprentice, extending to the numerous novels that follow Fitz throughout Realm of the Elderlings. Hobb's approach to character development, emotional storytelling, and long-term consequences makes her work particularly appealing to readers who want fantasy protagonists to grow and change over the course of an extensive series.
12
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
The Dresden Files Book 1 (Storm Front) is available to purchase now through this link
Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files is an urban fantasy series following Harry Dresden, a professional wizard working as a private investigator in modern-day Chicago. Beginning with Storm Front in 2000, the series introduces a world where vampires, faeries, demons, and other supernatural creatures exist alongside ordinary people. Harry's investigations frequently drag him into conflicts involving powerful magical organizations, dangerous enemies, and supernatural forces that threaten far more than just his latest client.
Sanderson's official recommendation list specifically includes Jim Butcher among three authors whose work fantasy readers should explore to keep up with what is happening in the genre. Although he doesn't single out The Dresden Files by name, the series is a natural starting point for readers interested in discovering Butcher's work. Its combination of fast-paced mysteries, inventive supernatural elements, and an increasingly expansive magical world also provides a welcome alternative to traditional medieval fantasy.
11
Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Malazan Book of the Fallen Book 1 (Gardens of the Moon) is available to purchase now through this link
Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen is a ten-volume epic fantasy series beginning with Gardens of the Moon, originally published in 1999. Its enormous fictional world encompasses ancient civilizations, powerful gods, competing empires, supernatural creatures, and military conflicts that frequently involve thousands of characters. Rather than following one central protagonist, Erikson moves between different perspectives and storylines, gradually revealing how seemingly disconnected events fit into a much larger historical conflict.
Steven Erikson is another author Sanderson specifically identifies in his September 2012 recommendations, encouraging readers to pick up at least one of his books to remain familiar with the wider fantasy genre. While Sanderson doesn't identify Malazan Book of the Fallen specifically, it is Erikson's best-known fantasy series and an obvious place to explore his work. Readers who appreciate ambitious worldbuilding, complicated histories, morally ambiguous characters, and storytelling that rewards close attention will find plenty to enjoy across its ten installments.
10
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
A Game of Thrones is available to purchase now through this link
Published in 1996, A Game of Thrones is the first novel in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, introducing readers to the divided kingdoms of Westeros. The story follows several noble families as political rivalries, personal ambitions, and shifting alliances threaten to destabilize the realm. Meanwhile, an ancient supernatural danger is gathering beyond the Wall, suggesting that the struggles for the Iron Throne may eventually become insignificant compared to what is approaching.
Martin is the third author Sanderson specifically recommends exploring in his September 2012 FAQ list, alongside Steven Erikson and Jim Butcher. His advice is to read at least one book from each author to keep track of developments in the fantasy genre, rather than naming a particular novel as a personal favorite. A Game of Thrones is a fitting starting point for Martin's work, particularly for readers interested in expansive political fantasy, complicated family relationships, and characters whose decisions rarely have straightforward consequences.
9
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
Tigana is available to purchase now through this link
First published in 1990, Tigana takes place on the Peninsula of the Palm, a divided region influenced by the history and culture of Renaissance Italy. Two powerful sorcerers, Brandin of Ygrath and Alberico of Barbadior, have conquered much of the peninsula, while survivors of Tigana struggle to reclaim their homeland.
The main idea is especially haunting, because Brandin uses magic to erase Tigana's name and history from the memories of people who were not born there. Sanderson has repeatedly singled out Tigana as one of his top fantasy recommendations, making it an especially useful choice for readers who want political fantasy where the emotional stakes are tied to memory, identity, and cultural survival.
8
Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly
Dragonsbane is available to purchase now through this link
Barbara Hambly's Dragonsbane, published in 1985, follows witch Jenny Waynest and lord John Aversin after Prince Gareth asks them to confront the dragon threatening the kingdom. Rather than presenting the characters as youthful chosen ones, Hambly centers the story on adults with complicated responsibilities, making the book feel noticeably different from many traditional coming-of-age fantasies.
Sanderson has explained that Dragonsbane helped get him into fantasy and particularly remembered being introduced to it as a young reader despite its middle-aged heroine. That distinction mattered to him: instead of another story about characters his own age, he encountered a fantasy centered on someone whose life experience was fundamentally different.
7
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is available to purchase now through this link
N.K. Jemisin's 2010 debut novel, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, opens the Inheritance Trilogy and follows Yeine Darr after she is summoned to the floating city of Sky following her mother's mysterious death. There, she discovers that she has been named one of the potential heirs to a powerful throne and becomes trapped in a dangerous struggle for power.
Sanderson included the novel on his public recommendation list, alongside several authors he considers essential fantasy reading. Jemisin's approach stands out for the way divine beings, political power, and family conflict intersect, creating a story that feels considerably stranger than a conventional royal succession fantasy while still delivering the large-scale stakes readers expect from epic fantasy.
6
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
Going Postal is available to purchase now through this link
Published in 2004, Going Postal is the 33rd Discworld novel and introduces one of Terry Pratchett's most memorable protagonists, Moist von Lipwig. A professional con artist facing execution is instead given a government job by Lord Vetinari: rebuilding Ankh-Morpork's collapsing postal service while competing with the powerful clacks communication system.
Sanderson has said that Going Postal was his favorite Pratchett novel at the time of his recommendation, while also advising readers not to begin Discworld with Pratchett's earliest books. His praise highlights how much the later Discworld novels had developed in humor, sophistication and social commentary, making this a strong entry point for readers who want fantasy with plenty of wit.