The Best Completed Fantasy Trilogies
Looking for a fantastic fantasy trilogy to immerse yourself in? Here are 28 that we recommend very highly. If you have any great suggestions, please leave a comment.
Also in this series:
- The Best Fantasy Book Series
- The Best Completed Fantasy Trilogies for Children
- The Best Ongoing Fantasy Trilogies
Age of Misrule by Mark Chadbourn
A sparkling read, weaving multiple Celtic myths together to reopen a Britain that has much of its folklore in mistier times. Providing a new future for the island nation and bringing together some peculiarly British characters it is a magisterial tour de force from this author that any fantasy fan will enjoy.
Book of the Ancestor by Mark Lawrence
Read it. Find yourself immersed within vivid worldbuilding. Have your emotions ravaged by the most gorgeous prose. Love these characters with your whole being. I cannot recommend a series higher!
The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft
There is a pulsating veraciousness about Bancroft’s writing. Almost as if magic explodes from his brain onto the page. Magic that feels real and genuine and magnetic. Layer after layer is stripped away, revealing such gorgeous bones underneath.
The Broken Earth by N. K. Jemisin
This is the way the world ends… The Broken Earth books are unique and intelligent, featuring complex characters and skilled world building, all based upon a fascinating concept. Jemisin’s Hugo Award winning books are gravitational and you can’t help reading further, wanting to know more.
The Broken Empire by Mark Lawrence
Mark Lawrence’s The Broken Empire is an unpredictable, ruthless and poetic masterpiece. A brilliantly written and carefully crafted trilogy that dares to take a chance and shine a light on controversial subject matters; it is an important milestone in the modern fantasy landscape.
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson
The Thomas Covenant Chronicles are deep, sophisticated novels written in a very complex yet beautiful way. It was a trilogy that was very important for the fantasy genre, being the most complex work since J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and a series that kick-started a new era and a new wave of fantasy authors. A must-read for a fantasy fan; but be warned! These three books will not be the easiest you have read, but the reward is substantial.
The Divine Cities Trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett
The Divine Cities trilogy treats its audience with the same respect and consideration as it shares with its cast. It is a rich, lovingly-crafted world that is both thematically complex and wonderfully entertaining. If you’re looking to discover something new, something original, and something memorable, then this is the series you’re looking for.
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Characters so complex and so real you can feel their emotions. The story of Fitz, the Royal bastard is often moving but yet sometimes brutal and with it Robin Hobb delivers a masterpiece in captivating storytelling.
The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
A gamechanger and a breath of fresh air badly needed within the fantasy genre mainly because Abercrombie’s characters are so brilliant and so different to the usual typecast heroes and villains found. But the trilogy’s tour-de-force is that it is very, very funny and has a superb plot plus sparkling dialogue. Many readers have found it unlike anything they had previously read in fantasy.
The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch
Filled with thievery goodness, hilarious turns of phrase and description, and some truly harebrained schemes, The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence belongs on any fantasy fans bookshelf. You’ll laugh, you might cry, but you’ll have a lot of fun as well.
The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake
Deliciously dark. The quality of the hauntingly beautiful prose is amongst the best you will read in fantasy. In Gormenghast Mervyn Peake created a gothic masterpiece, a work of art.
The Inheritance Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin
N. K. Jemisin has won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, Nebula Award for Best Novel, Audie Award for Science Fiction and the Crawford Award. Enough said. You want more? Okay, every now and again books comes out that deserves all the hype they get. The Inheritance Trilogy is at times smart, at times funny, and at times downright heartbreaking, all wrapped up in the the most original stories. A must for your bookshelf, a flat out 10 out of 10.
Kushiel’s Legacy by Jacqueline Carey
Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy is a stunning, spellbinding fantasy trilogy featuring an enormous, yet vibrantly characterised cast. The books, led by a wonderfully realised heroine, are full to the brim with magic, history, politics, and intrigue.
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings is both beautiful and perfect, charting Frodo’s journey from Hobbiton to the slopes of Mount Doom and finally, the Grey Havens. Written with tremendous skill and love by Tolkien and the books are timeless classics. Born from an overwhelming fondness for dead languages, myth and story it is an all-embracing tale for the ages.
The Liveship Traders by Robin Hobb
Described by Orson Scott Card as a ‘masterclass in writing’ The Liveship Traders trilogy is spell-binding story full of wonderful characters and intrigue. A nautical tale set in the same world as Hobb’s previous trilogy another complement comes from none other that George R. R. Martin: “Even better than the Farseer books. I didn’t think that was possible”.
The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman
Think Harry Potter meets Narnia but with apathy, depression, sex, drugs and the pursuit of happiness. The Magicians books are a rousing, perceptive and multifaceted coming of age story featuring characters that are very flawed, and very real.
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams
In Memory, Sorrow and Thorn Tad Williams captures the essence of what a good fantasy story should be – the tale of a hero rising from lowly beginnings replete with mystical swords, magic, dragons and fairy creatures. Certainly an engaging and enveloping story set in a world struggling to survive.
The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn books feature intriguing magical systems and are as compelling and as flawlessly executed as could be wished for. The imagination on show here is breath-taking and deals with themes like religion and death, power and helplessness, corruption and goodness. Weaved together like a master basket maker, these books let you grow attached too, love, and also lose, characters that you never thought would be lost.
The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff
Jay Kristoff is a skilled and meticulous writer and an expert on the fantasy genre. The Nevernight Chronicle is imaginative, original and contains a rich world, conflicted characters, assassins, dark magic and a protagonist that is strong, clever and necessarily brutal.
New Crobuzon by China Mieville
The New Crobuzon trilogy is a work of art. At times horrific, beautiful, tragic, comic and even uplifting, with a plot which takes unexpected turns and twists and revelations, one of the most unique settings imaginable and above all a style of dark poetry that is truly exceptional.
The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks
Brent Weeks’ Night Angel trilogy is a tale of magic, violence and revenge. Featuring wonderful characters within a complex narrative set in an immersive world. Kylar is one of the very best fantasy characters and the reader will be captivated as he navigates an assassins’ world of dangerous politics and strange magics.
Of Blood and Bone by John Gwynne
Gwynne is a master of his craft and one of the best fantasy writers around right now. With likeable characters, Of Blood and Bone hits so much harder should bad things happen to them but unfortunately, they do. This is a majestic tale of Good vs Evil. Epic, unpredictable and exhilarating with action galore and characters worth rooting for.
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
This is a story of self-worth and determination, of finding value in life when your strengths are stripped away. It shines a light on some of the worst aspects of humanity which are sadly still reflective of our current society. It is a story of tragedy and loss, of anger and hypocrisy, of perseverance and triumph. Kuang excels at wreaking emotional havoc while delivering a powerful meditation on war and survival.
The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan
Love, betrayal, swords, magic and muskets lie at the heart of Brian McClellan’s trilogy. The characterisation in this series is impeccable, giving the reader some of the most interesting characters they will ever meet. However, be warned, you may find yourself crying as you near the end.
Prince of Nothing by R. Scott Bakker
The Prince of Nothing trilogy is made of up of much commonly found in the fantasy genre: a sorcerer, a warrior, a powerful demon-god threatening the world, but what lifts Bakker’s books above the majority of similar titles is that the writing is of the highest quality and the profundity of the content. A work of great complexity.
Raven’s Shadow by Anthony Ryan
The characters that inhabit Anthony Ryan’s Raven’s Shadow trilogy are second to none, each and every one captivating, and not one untouched by war or loss. A beautifully written, powerful and wonderfully cast fantasy epic.
The Seven Kingdoms by Kristin Cashore
There is something truly refreshing about reading Cashore’s work and how this talented author creates fully rounded, understandable and, above all, likeable characters. Featuring political intrigues, and mesmerising scenes of violence.
Spiritwalker by Kate Elliott
The Spiritwalker books have something for everybody, from alternate history and romance to steampunk and intrigue, all wrapped up in a swashbuckling adventure. Add captivating world-building, sparkling characters, and an enthralling, rewarding story and you are left with a very fine fantasy trilogy indeed.
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
If big action set pieces of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things is exactly what you want from your fantasy then Brandon Sanderson is the master of the “Hollywood” style of epic. The Stormlight Archive is a refreshing new take on fantasy and magic and is chalk full of intelligence.
The War Eternal by Rob J. Hayes
The characters and world-building are fantastic even for Hayes’ standard of work, the prose is especially tight, and highlighted quotes are abound. The War Eternal is simply essential reading.
The Winnowing Flame by Jen Williams
Easily one of the best fantasy trilogies in recent times. I might be sounding like a broken record by now, but Jen Williams’ writing has won me over, time and time again. She writes with a distinctive, fresh voice, giving us exciting new tales teeming with love, hope, diversity, friendship, family – things that are always worth fighting for in the face of adversity. Every time I think I cannot love it more, she surprises me. What more can I say? I’m all about fantasy. I adore it.
Thanks for your comment Reece, appreciate it. You’re absolutely correct, when The Thorn of Emberlain is published in August this year, the Gentlemen Bastards becomes a series. I’ll remove it from here and add it to the ongoing series page. Thanks again, Lee.
Great list. My only query is The Gentleman Bastard Sequence isn’t a complete trilogy. It should be listed under the ongoing series list as the story isn’t complete and we are eagerly awaiting its fourth entry.
NK Jemisin is only activism if you consider Lord of the Rings activism for white dudes.
Guy Gavriel Kay could find a nice home on this list as well.
I cannot emphasize enough, what a waste of time anything and everything N. K. Jemisin has written is to read. If you want activism, sure go there, if you want quality content, everything else on this list is better (though I haven’t past Senlin Ascends, it is interesting so far.)
I’d like to recommend the Dark Ages Reloaded Trilogy from Igor H. Stone. It’s the world of Mystery, Secrets, Intrigue, Courage and Love. Kingdom or Death!
All of Trudi Canavan’s trilogies, especially “The Black Magician” and “Age of the Five”, are amazing. She’s my favorite fantasy writer by far!
I would recommend 2 to add:
The Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence
The Gentlemen Bastards trilogy (eventually series?) by Scott Lynch
Great trilogies, but missing one of the very best — The Lyonesse trilogy by Jack Vance. Second only to Tolkien in my view.
Mercedes Lackey wrote a ton of books about an amazing fantasy world. I’m not sure if they would meet your criteria of ‘trilogy’, but thought I’d mention her as many of the series are actually written in trilogies focused on a primary character or group, in a specific time period.
Tad Williams’ trilogy Memory, Sorrow and Thorn has been around for 30 years and is a brilliant stand-alone trilogy. I’m surprised its not on this list actually. He has recently started a new series in the same world and with some of the characters but set around 20 years later.
Hi Robin, it is now included on this list. Many thanks for your comment – Lee @ Fantasy Book Review
2018 and neither Rothfuss or Martin have released another book in their series. Watching their activities, it’s pretty doubtful a conclusion is forthcoming in either.
As much of a twat as Kingkiller Chronicle’s main character was, the magic systems were refreshing. With a little work it could actually feel at home in sci-fi as well. I like that.
Charlie Fletcher’s Oversight Trilogy!
I really enjoyed Mark Lawrence’s trilogies “The Broken Empire” and “The Red Queen’s War”.
LoTR is not a trilogy. It was seven books that were crammed into four (not counting The Silmarrillon and various other posthoumous writings published by his son).
Ok people:
1) Kingkiller is not a completed trilogy, therefore it can’t be on this list… yet. Relax yourselves.
2) Mistborn IS a trilogy. It is referred to a the “original trilogy”, with The Alloy of Law being the first book of the second trilogy, which is now going to be a 4 book series. There is also going to be a third trilogy as well, moving further into the future, and if my guess is correct, bringing allomancy to the equivalent of the current day.
If you’re going to nitpick, at least get your facts straight. Great list, keep it up.
Mistborn is not a trilogy anymore.
The Aspect Emperor trilogy by Bakker is currently incomplete, but the third book is supposed to be titled The Great Ordeal. It is chronologically based 20 years after the first Bakker trilogy, The Prince of Nothing, which include: The Darkness That Comes Before; The Warrior-Prophet; and The Thousandfold Thought. I suppose it’s technically fine to consider them two different trilogies instead of one six book series, I do think that then you should include The Prince of Nothing trilogy and correct the book titles.
Thanks for the heads-up Karna, I will update the Bakker listings – Lee @ Fantasy Book Review
I’ve read a lot of these amazingly good books and can heartily agree to most of the list. However, why are the Night Angel books not up there. The Lightbringer books are great but Weeks captivating story of Kylar is hands down my favourite trilogy I’ve read.
Hi Henry, I agree, The Night Angel trilogy deserves to be on this list. And I will add it – Lee @ Fantasy Book Review
Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkller Chronicle should definitely be on here (despite the fact that the third book hasn’t been published yet). So good!
1-The third book in R Scott Bakker’s Aspect Emperor trilogy is called The Great Ordeal. The Thousandfold Thought is part of his Prince of Nothing trilogy which also belongs on the list.
2-The Great Leveler is composed of Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country by Abercrombie. This wasn’t marketed as a trilogy but certainly rates as one. Great reads.
3-Jude Fisher has a very entertaining trilogy out called Fool’s Gold including Sorcery Rising, Wild Magic and Rose of the World.
Thanks for the comment Rory and for the suggestions. I will look into the R Scott Bakker listings and make the necessary corrections – Lee @ Fantasy Book Review
Seconding the fact Kingkiller Chronicles should be on this list! The third book, Doors of Stone, should be out (hopefully) at some point in 2016. At least, that seems to be what is being hinted at. But there IS a third book coming! (I’m pretty excited for it, if you can’t tell, haha)
Totally disagree with putting the Raven’s Shadow series by Anthony Ryan on the list. The first book, Blood Song was brilliant. If the other two books in the series were half as good, I would have no issues having the series on the list. The second book was so poor, it was hard to believe that it came from the pen of the same author that wrote the first. If that was not bad enough, the third book was worse than the second.
I would love to see The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margret Weiss and Tracy Hickman on the list, brings back great memories from my youth 🙂
I’m so glad that the Bartimaeus Trilogy is included on this list. Those books are so wonderful but underrated!
Another trilogy I recommend you check out (if you’re still looking for good reads) is Trudi Canavan’s Black Magician Trilogy. She has another standalone and another set of trilogy relating to that world, all wonderful books too 🙂
Dragonlance Chronicles or Legends??
I’m sorry, but where is The Kingkiller Chronicle?! Hands down one of the best trilogies ever written, surely it deserves a place.
Thank you for your comment Moe, we a creating a page which will list the Best Ongoing Fantasy Trilogies, and The Knigkiller Chronicle will appear on there, as we eagerly await The Doors of Stone.) – Lee @ Fantasy Book Review