Top 50 Fantasy Authors of All Time

Fantasy is the oldest form of storytelling — the genre of myth, legend, and the eternal human need to imagine worlds beyond our own. From the ancient epics of Homer and the Norse sagas to the sprawling modern fantasy universes that have sold hundreds of millions of copies and spawned global film and television franchises, fantasy literature has always been where humanity goes to dream its biggest dreams.

The genre has never been more popular or more diverse than it is today. Classic high fantasy with its elves, wizards, and epic quests sits alongside grimdark fiction, romantasy, urban fantasy, cozy fantasy, and literary fantasy that challenges the boundaries of what the genre can do. Fantasy has produced some of the bestselling books in history and some of the most beloved characters in all of fiction — from Frodo Baggins and Gandalf to Hermione Granger, Jon Snow, and Kvothe.

What unites the best fantasy authors is an ability to create worlds that feel more real than reality — places readers return to again and again because they feel, on some level, like home. Whether it's the Shire, Hogwarts, Westeros, or the Cosmere, the greatest fantasy authors build not just stories but entire universes that outlive their creators and continue to enchant new generations of readers.

From J.R.R. Tolkien, who essentially invented modern fantasy as we know it, to Rebecca Yarros, whose Fourth Wing became one of the fastest-selling fantasy novels in history, here are the 50 best fantasy authors of all time.

1. J.R.R. Tolkien The father of modern fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings has sold over 150 million copies and is the second bestselling novel ever written. His creation of Middle-earth — with its languages, histories, mythologies, and races — set the template for virtually every fantasy world that followed. The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion together represent the most influential body of work in the genre's history. Without Tolkien, modern fantasy simply does not exist. Browse J.R.R. Tolkien books in order →

2. J.K. Rowling The author of the Harry Potter series — the bestselling book series in history with over 500 million copies sold — J.K. Rowling transformed children's and young adult fantasy and introduced an entire generation to the joy of reading. Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the wizarding world have become as culturally embedded as any fictional universe ever created. The series has been translated into over 80 languages and adapted into a massively successful film franchise. Browse J.K. Rowling books in order →

3. George R.R. Martin Creator of the A Song of Ice and Fire series — the basis for HBO's Game of Thrones, one of the most watched television series ever made — George R.R. Martin redefined epic fantasy with his morally complex characters, brutal subversions of fantasy conventions, and political intrigue that rivaled real-world history. A Game of Thrones has sold over 90 million copies worldwide and permanently changed what readers expect from the genre. Browse George R.R. Martin books in order →

4. Brandon Sanderson The most prolific and beloved fantasy author of the current era, Brandon Sanderson has built the Cosmere — an interconnected universe spanning multiple series — into one of the most ambitious projects in genre fiction history. His Stormlight Archive, Mistborn series, and Elantris are beloved for their intricate magic systems and meticulous world-building. When Robert Jordan died, Sanderson was chosen to complete The Wheel of Time — a testament to his standing in the genre. Browse Brandon Sanderson books in order →

5. Terry Pratchett Creator of the Discworld — a satirical fantasy universe spanning 41 novels that have sold over 70 million copies — Terry Pratchett was the most beloved British fantasy author of the 20th century. His genius lay in using fantasy to dissect the real world with devastating wit and unexpected compassion. Guards! Guards!, Small Gods, and Night Watch are considered among the finest comic novels ever written. Pratchett died in 2015, leaving behind one of literature's most extraordinary legacies. Browse Terry Pratchett books in order →

6. C.S. Lewis Author of The Chronicles of Narnia — one of the bestselling fantasy series ever written with over 100 million copies sold — C.S. Lewis created a world of talking animals, mythical creatures, and moral allegory that has enchanted children and adults for generations. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe remains one of the most beloved children's books ever published, and the Narnia series continues to sell millions of copies every year. Browse C.S. Lewis books in order →

7. Neil Gaiman One of the most versatile and beloved storytellers of his generation, Neil Gaiman's American Gods, Good Omens, Stardust, and The Sandman graphic novel series have all been adapted into major screen productions. His ability to weave mythology, folklore, and fairy tale into contemporary settings with lyrical prose and dark wit has earned him every major award in fantasy and science fiction. Browse Neil Gaiman books in order →

8. Robert Jordan Creator of The Wheel of Time — one of the most ambitious and beloved epic fantasy series ever written, spanning 14 novels and over 4.4 million words — Robert Jordan built a world of staggering complexity and depth. The series has sold over 90 million copies and inspired an Amazon Prime series. Jordan died in 2007 before completing his masterwork, which was finished by Brandon Sanderson using Jordan's extensive notes. Browse Robert Jordan books in order →

9. Patrick Rothfuss Author of The Name of the Wind — one of the most acclaimed fantasy debut novels ever published — Patrick Rothfuss introduced readers to Kvothe, one of the genre's most compelling protagonists. The Kingkiller Chronicle series has sold over 10 million copies and is widely considered among the finest ongoing fantasy series. Rothfuss's prose is the most literary in mainstream fantasy, drawing comparisons to the finest literary fiction. Browse Patrick Rothfuss books in order →

10. Robin Hobb One of the finest character writers in fantasy, Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings — spanning the Farseer Trilogy, Liveship Traders, and Tawny Man series among others — is celebrated for its extraordinary emotional depth and the most psychologically complex protagonist in epic fantasy, FitzChivalry Farseer. Her work is consistently cited by other fantasy authors as among the most influential in the genre. Browse Robin Hobb books in order →

11. Rebecca Yarros The reigning queen of romantasy, Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing became one of the fastest-selling fantasy novels in history when it was published in 2023, selling millions of copies and spawning a massive global fanbase. The Empyrean series — set in a world of dragon riders — has introduced millions of romance readers to epic fantasy and created an entirely new readership for the genre. Browse Rebecca Yarros books in order →

12. Joe Abercrombie The founding father of grimdark fantasy, Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy systematically dismantled every heroic fantasy convention Tolkien established and replaced them with moral ambiguity, brutal violence, and deeply human characters. The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings are considered among the finest fantasy novels of the 21st century. Browse Joe Abercrombie books in order →

13. Terry Brooks The first author to bring epic fantasy to mainstream commercial success in the post-Tolkien era, Terry Brooks' The Sword of Shannara debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list in 1977 — the first fantasy novel to do so. His Shannara series spans over 30 novels and has sold over 21 million copies, paving the way for every commercial fantasy series that followed. Browse Terry Brooks books in order →

14. Ursula K. Le Guin Author of A Wizard of Earthsea — one of the most important fantasy novels ever written — Ursula K. Le Guin brought literary depth, feminist consciousness, and Taoist philosophy to a genre that badly needed all three. The Earthsea series remains a landmark of children's and adult fantasy, and Le Guin's influence on subsequent generations of fantasy writers is incalculable. Browse Ursula K. Le Guin books in order →

15. Sarah J. Maas The bestselling fantasy author of the current decade, Sarah J. Maas has sold over 40 million copies of her A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City series. Her romantasy novels have defined a generation of fantasy readers and made her one of the most commercially dominant authors working today, consistently occupying multiple spots on the New York Times bestseller list simultaneously. Browse Sarah J. Maas books in order →

16. Raymond E. Feist Creator of the Riftwar Saga — one of the most beloved epic fantasy series ever written — Raymond E. Feist has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. His Magician is considered one of the finest fantasy debut novels ever published, and the sprawling Riftwar Cycle spanning decades of storytelling has earned him a fiercely devoted global readership. Browse Raymond E. Feist books in order →

17. David Eddings Author of The Belgariad and The Malloreon — two of the most beloved epic fantasy series of the 1980s and 1990s — David Eddings helped define an entire generation's experience of the genre. His warm, character-driven fantasy adventures have sold tens of millions of copies and introduced countless readers to epic fantasy. Browse David Eddings books in order →

18. Andrzej Sapkowski Creator of The Witcher — one of the most successful multimedia fantasy franchises in history — Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski introduced the world to Geralt of Rivia, a morally complex monster hunter whose adventures have spawned multiple bestselling video games and a major Netflix series. The Witcher series has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and made Sapkowski the most internationally recognized Polish author alive. Browse Andrzej Sapkowski books in order →

19. Steven Erikson Author of the Malazan Book of the Fallen — widely considered the most ambitious epic fantasy series ever attempted — Steven Erikson spent decades building one of the most complex, populous, and philosophically rich fictional worlds in literature. Gardens of the Moon and the nine novels that follow it represent a staggering achievement that rewards patient readers with an experience unlike anything else in the genre. Browse Steven Erikson books in order →

20. V.E. Schwab One of the most versatile fantasy authors working today, V.E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy, the Villains duology, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue have all been major international bestsellers. Her ability to write across multiple fantasy subgenres — from multi-world adventure to dark superhero fiction — with consistent quality has made her one of the genre's most bankable names. Browse V.E. Schwab books in order →

21. Leigh Bardugo Creator of the Grishaverse — one of the most popular young adult fantasy universes ever built — Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone have sold millions of copies and inspired a Netflix series. Her heist fantasy Six of Crows is considered one of the finest YA fantasy novels ever written, beloved for its diverse cast and intricate plotting. Browse Leigh Bardugo books in order →

22. Scott Lynch A master of epic dark fantasy, Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora introduced one of fantasy's most charming and cunning protagonists — a con artist thief operating in a Renaissance-inspired city state. The Gentleman Bastard series is celebrated for its wit, heist plotting, and the most memorable fantasy friendship in contemporary genre fiction. Browse Scott Lynch books in order →

23. Brian Jacques Creator of the Redwall series — one of the most beloved children's fantasy series ever written — Brian Jacques spent decades chronicling the adventures of mice, badgers, otters, and hares in and around Redwall Abbey. The series has sold over 20 million copies and introduced generations of young readers to the joy of fantasy fiction. Browse Brian Jacques books in order →

24. Anne McCaffrey Creator of the Dragonriders of Pern — a series that brilliantly blended science fiction and fantasy — Anne McCaffrey was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction. Her dragons are among the most beloved in all of fantasy literature, and the Pern series has sold tens of millions of copies across decades. Browse Anne McCaffrey books in order →

25. Roger Zelazny Author of The Chronicles of Amber — one of the most inventive and influential fantasy series of the 20th century — Roger Zelazny brought literary sophistication, mythological depth, and genuine wit to a genre that was still finding its footing. Nine Princes in Amber remains a landmark of fantasy world-building. Browse Roger Zelazny books in order →

26. Michael Moorcock Creator of the Eternal Champion — an archetypal hero who appears across dozens of interconnected novels including the iconic Elric of Melniboné series — Michael Moorcock essentially invented grimdark fantasy decades before the term existed. His influence on fantasy, science fiction, and heavy metal music is enormous, and his anti-heroic protagonists changed the genre forever. Browse Michael Moorcock books in order →

27. Tad Williams Author of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn — the epic fantasy series that directly inspired George R.R. Martin to write A Song of Ice and Fire — Tad Williams is one of the most important authors in modern fantasy history. Martin has repeatedly credited Williams' series as the template for his own approach to epic fantasy. Browse Tad Williams books in order →

28. Juliet Marillier A multiple World Fantasy Award winner, Juliet Marillier is known for her lyrical, mythology-infused historical fantasy. Her Sevenwaters series — rooted in Celtic mythology — is one of the most beloved in the genre, celebrated for its emotional depth, beautiful prose, and faithful engagement with Irish and Scottish legend. Browse Juliet Marillier books in order →

29. Guy Gavriel Kay One of the finest literary stylists in fantasy fiction, Guy Gavriel Kay writes historical fantasy rooted in real civilizations — Byzantine Constantinople, medieval Provence, Tang Dynasty China — with a depth of research and emotional power that transcends genre. The Lions of Al-Rassan and Tigana are considered masterworks of the form. Kay worked with Christopher Tolkien to help edit The Silmarillion. Browse Guy Gavriel Kay books in order →

30. Trudi Canavan Author of the Black Magician trilogy — one of the most successful Australian fantasy series ever published — Trudi Canavan has sold over two million copies worldwide. Her accessible, character-driven fantasy has earned her a devoted international readership and made her one of Australia's most celebrated genre authors. Browse Trudi Canavan books in order →

31. N.K. Jemisin Already listed in our science fiction section, N.K. Jemisin's work sits equally in fantasy — her Inheritance Trilogy, featuring a complex pantheon of gods and a world built on oppression, is considered among the finest fantasy of the current era. Her three consecutive Hugo wins for the Broken Earth trilogy make her the most decorated fantasy writer of her generation. Browse N.K. Jemisin books in order →

32. Jim Butcher Creator of The Dresden Files — the most popular urban fantasy series ever written — Jim Butcher's wizard detective Harry Dresden has appeared in over 17 novels and a television series. Storm Front launched one of genre fiction's most beloved ongoing series, and Butcher's Codex Alera secondary world series demonstrated his range beyond Chicago's supernatural underworld. Browse Jim Butcher books in order →

33. Patricia A. McKillip A multiple World Fantasy Award winner, Patricia A. McKillip's The Riddle-Master of Hed trilogy and Ombria in Shadow are considered among the most beautifully written fantasy novels ever published. Her lyrical, mythologically rich prose influenced a generation of fantasy writers who followed. Browse Patricia A. McKillip books in order →

34. Robert E. Howard Creator of Conan the Barbarian — one of the most iconic characters in fantasy and popular culture — Robert E. Howard essentially invented sword and sorcery fiction with his Conan stories published in Weird Tales magazine in the 1930s. His influence on fantasy, film, gaming, and popular culture stretches across nearly a century. Browse Robert E. Howard books in order →

35. Laini Taylor Known for her Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy and Strange the Dreamer duology, Laini Taylor is celebrated for the most lyrical prose in young adult fantasy. Her richly imagined worlds blending mythology, forbidden love, and the aftermath of war have earned her millions of devoted readers and a reputation as one of the genre's finest stylists. Browse Laini Taylor books in order →

36. Naomi Novik A multiple award-winning fantasy author, Naomi Novik is known for her Temeraire series — Napoleonic Wars with dragons — and Uprooted, which won the Nebula Award and sold millions of copies. Her fairy tale retelling Spinning Silver is equally beloved. Novik's ability to blend historical settings with magical premises has made her one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary fantasy. Browse Naomi Novik books in order →

37. Cassandra Clare Creator of the Shadowhunter Chronicles — one of the bestselling young adult fantasy universes ever built — Cassandra Clare has sold over 36 million copies of her series spanning The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, The Dark Artifices, and multiple companion series. Her richly populated urban fantasy world set among demon hunters and downworlders has inspired a film and television adaptation. Browse Cassandra Clare books in order →

38. Terry Goodkind Author of the Sword of Truth series — one of the bestselling epic fantasy series of the 1990s and 2000s with over 25 million copies sold — Terry Goodkind's protagonist Richard Cypher became one of fantasy's most beloved heroes. The series was adapted into the television series Legend of the Seeker. Browse Terry Goodkind books in order →

39. Garth Nix Author of the Old Kingdom series — beginning with Sabriel, one of the finest young adult fantasy novels ever written — Garth Nix created one of fantasy's most original magic systems and one of its most compelling heroines. The Abhorsen series is considered essential reading for any fantasy fan, and his Keys to the Kingdom series has delighted younger readers for decades. Browse Garth Nix books in order →

40. Kate Elliott A multiple award-winning epic fantasy author, Kate Elliott's Crown of Stars series and Court of Fives series are celebrated for their scope, political complexity, and the most fully realized female protagonists in epic fantasy. Her meticulous research and commitment to diversity in her fictional worlds have made her one of the genre's most respected voices. Browse Kate Elliott books in order →

41. R.A. Salvatore Creator of Drizzt Do'Urden — one of the most beloved characters in fantasy gaming and fiction — R.A. Salvatore's Legend of Drizzt series set in the Forgotten Realms has sold over 30 million copies. His action-packed combat sequences are considered the finest in fantasy fiction, and his dark elf protagonist changed how the genre thinks about heroism and race. Browse R.A. Salvatore books in order →

42. Tamora Pierce A pioneer of feminist fantasy for young adults, Tamora Pierce's Tortall universe — spanning the Song of the Lioness, Immortals, Protector of the Small, and Trickster series — has empowered generations of young women readers. Her female knights, mages, and warriors blazed a trail for the diverse heroines who populate contemporary fantasy. Browse Tamora Pierce books in order →

43. Diana Wynne Jones One of the greatest children's and young adult fantasy writers who ever lived, Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle — adapted into one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved films — and the Chrestomanci series are classics of the genre. Neil Gaiman, among many others, has credited Jones as a primary influence. Browse Diana Wynne Jones books in order →

44. Tomi Adeyemi Author of Children of Blood and Bone — one of the most anticipated young adult fantasy debuts in recent memory — Tomi Adeyemi drew on West African mythology to create a world of maji, divîners, and magic that resonated powerfully with readers worldwide. The Legacy of Orïsha series has sold millions of copies and opened up new imaginative territory for the genre. Browse Tomi Adeyemi books in order →

45. Erin Morgenstern Author of The Night Circus — one of the most enchanting fantasy novels of the 21st century — Erin Morgenstern creates worlds of extraordinary sensory richness and dark romantic magic. The Night Circus became a word-of-mouth phenomenon selling millions of copies, and her follow-up The Starless Sea confirmed her as one of the genre's most unique voices. Browse Erin Morgenstern books in order →

46. Susanna Clarke Author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell — one of the most acclaimed fantasy novels ever written and winner of the Hugo Award and the British Book Award — Susanna Clarke spent ten years writing her debut novel and produced something unlike anything the genre had ever seen. Her follow-up Piranesi won the Women's Prize for Fiction. Clarke writes fantasy at the level of literary fiction. Browse Susanna Clarke books in order →

47. Brent Weeks Author of the Night Angel trilogy and the Lightbringer series, Brent Weeks is known for his propulsive, morally complex epic fantasy. His debut The Way of Shadows introduced one of fantasy's most compelling antiheroes, and the Lightbringer series features one of the most original magic systems — chromaturgy — in the genre. Browse Brent Weeks books in order →

48. Mark Lawrence One of the leading voices in grimdark fantasy, Mark Lawrence's Prince of Thorns introduced Jorg Ancrath — one of the most controversial and compelling antiheroes in fantasy fiction. His Broken Empire, Red Queen's War, and Book of the Ancestor series have all been acclaimed for their dark imagination and literary ambition. Browse Mark Lawrence books in order →

49. Samantha Shannon Author of The Priory of the Orange Tree — one of the most celebrated standalone epic fantasy novels of recent years — and The Bone Season series, Samantha Shannon is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary fantasy. The Priory of the Orange Tree features an all-female cast of heroes in a world without a chosen one, consciously rejecting the Tolkien template. Browse Samantha Shannon books in order →

50. Holly Black A New York Times bestselling author and one of the architects of modern YA fantasy, Holly Black's The Cruel Prince and the Folk of the Air series introduced millions of readers to dark fae fiction. Her Spiderwick Chronicles, co-written with Tony DiTerlizzi, introduced a generation of children to fantasy. Black's influence on the current fae fantasy boom is enormous. Browse Holly Black books in order →

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