What makes the best fantasy book series stand out? Is it the dragons, the magic, or the human characters fighting for survival in otherworldly realms? Maybe it’s all of that—and more.
Whether you’re escaping into epic battles or unraveling age-old prophecies, there’s something timeless about fantasy storytelling. The genre invites us to dream big, wrestle with complex themes, and see parts of ourselves in stories set in fantasy lands. But with so many titles competing for your attention, where do you even start?
At Indie Spark, we live for those stories that spark the imagination—especially when they come from bold, original voices. So we’ve rounded up five of the best fantasy book series currently selling on Amazon, from indie standouts to genre-defining giants. If you’re ready to dive headfirst into new worlds, start here.
1. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Why it’s one of the best fantasy book series:
Big, bold, and beautifully crafted, The Stormlight Archive is high fantasy at its finest. Sanderson’s meticulous world-building, innovative “Surgebinding” magic system, and rotating cast of layered characters make this a towering achievement—often mentioned in the same breath as Tolkien and Jordan, yet completely its own beast.
- 📚 First Book: The Way of Kings
- 🌍 Notable Features: Multi-layered cultures, complex POVs, magic that feels like science
- ⭐ Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
Indie Spark Note: Fun fact—Sanderson shelved the original manuscript for The Way of Kings until he felt experienced enough to do the story justice. Talk about dedication to the craft.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Best Fantasy Book Series for New Adult & Romance Fans
Few series have stirred up the fantasy scene like ACOTAR. With its dark twist on fairy tales, rich emotional arcs, and a dash of steam, this series bridges traditional fantasy with the pulse of New Adult romance.
- 📚 First Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses
- 💡 Inspired By: Beauty and the Beast—but darker and way more grown-up
- 🌟 Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
For those who love enemies-to-lovers, political intrigue, and found family dynamics, this one checks every box. Plus, Sarah J. Maas is largely credited with reigniting the genre for a new generation of readers.
3. The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington
A Must-Read for Fans of Time Travel and Moral Complexity
If you’re searching for one of the best fantasy book series with mind-bending twists and philosophical depth, The Licanius Trilogy delivers. Think Mistborn meets The Wheel of Time, with layers of magic, mystery, and metaphysical drama.
- 📚 First Book: The Shadow of What Was Lost
- 🧠 Themes: Memory, destiny, redemption
- 🧙♂️ Magic System: Time-bending powers and deeply rooted magical hierarchies
Written while Islington worked full-time in tech, this debut series is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance—something we at Indie Spark admire in every indie creator.
4. The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang
Best Fantasy Book Series Rooted in Real-World History
Inspired by 20th-century Chinese history, The Poppy War is raw, gripping, and unapologetically brutal. Through the eyes of Rin, a war orphan turned soldier, we explore themes of colonialism, trauma, and power.
- 📚 First Book: The Poppy War
- 🎓 Author Credentials: Degrees from Oxford and Yale
- 📊 Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Kuang’s trilogy pulls no punches, making it as intellectually rewarding as it is emotionally challenging. It’s the kind of storytelling that sticks with you—long after the last page.
5. The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee
Best Urban Fantasy Meets Family Crime Drama
Imagine The Godfather set in a gritty, magic-laced city where jade gives warriors supernatural abilities—and exacts a toll. That’s The Green Bone Saga in a nutshell. It’s thrilling, cinematic, and filled with characters whose loyalties are always being tested.
- 📚 First Book: Jade City
- 🏆 Notable Win: World Fantasy Award
- 💬 Fan Feedback: “Fast-paced, emotionally rich, and totally addictive”
Fonda Lee’s series explores legacy, loyalty, and the price of ambition—proving that fantasy can be just as grounded and reflective as it is imaginative.
Fantasy isn’t just a genre—it’s a lens. A way to explore the world through magic and myth, sure, but also through deeply human experiences. The best fantasy book series don’t just entertain—they challenge, uplift, and open up new ways of thinking.
At Indie Spark, we believe in stories that inspire, no matter where they come from. Whether it’s a rising indie author or an established master of the craft, every one of these series brings something special to the table. So go ahead—get lost in a new world. The real one will still be here when you get back.
