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Longest fantasy book series
Hey, there fantasy lovers! Are you on the hunt for a new book series to get lost in? Well, look no further because today we’re talking about the longest fantasy book series of all time. But first, let’s define what we mean by a “fantasy book”.
What is a fantasy book?
A fantasy book series is a collection of books that follow a common storyline and characters, often set in a fictional world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural powers. These series can span multiple volumes, and allow readers to immerse themselves in a fully alternate reality.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the longest fantasy book series in existence. These series are truly epic, taking readers on a journey filled with magic, adventure, and complex world-building. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or just getting started, these series are sure to captivate and transport you to another realm.
What is the longest fantasy book series in the world?
13 | Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Word Count: 1,084,170 words
Coming up at the bottom of the longest fantasy book series is Harry Potter.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling features 7 books and is a fantasy story about a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. They attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and encounter magical creatures, spells, and dark forces.
Harry discovers he is famous in the wizarding world for surviving an attack by the evil Lord Voldemort as a baby, which killed his parents.
The series follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they face challenges and uncover secrets in their quest to defeat Voldemort and restore peace to the wizarding world. With themes of friendship, bravery, and the fight between good and evil, the series has become a classic and is beloved by millions around the world.
12 | The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Word Count: 1,269,212
This 8-book and ongoing series is an epic fantasy story set in a world of magic and knights. The story revolves around a group of warriors known as Knights Radiant, who wield incredible power to fight against the forces of darkness.
The main character, Kaladin, is a former slave who becomes a Knight Radiant and must navigate political intrigue, war, and ancient prophecies in order to save the world. Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, including a prince, a scholar, and a spren (a magical being), and together they face challenges and uncover the truth about the Knights Radiant and their powers.
With a richly detailed world and complex characters, The Stormlight Archive series is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
11 | The Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Word Count: 2.57 million
The Percy Jackson & the Olympians 7 book series by Rick Riordan is a thrilling adventure story that blends Greek mythology with modern-day life. The series follows Percy Jackson, a demigod (half-god, half-human) who discovers that the ancient Greek gods are still active in the world and that he is the son of Poseidon.
Along with his friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy embarks on a series of dangerous quests to save the world of demigods and prevent a war between the gods.
The series is filled with mythical creatures, gods, and epic battles, making it a must-read for fans of action-packed adventures and Greek mythology. With humor, heart, and a cast of memorable characters, the Percy Jackson series is a fun and exciting read for all ages.
10 | Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Word Count: 3,227,831
With 13 books it is easy to see why the Outlander series made it on the longest fantasy book series list!
It is a historical fiction and romance story set in Scotland. The series follows Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, who finds herself transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. There, she meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a handsome Scottish warrior.
The series follows their adventures and struggles as they navigate the dangers of life in the past and their own relationship. With rich historical detail and a mix of action, romance, and history, the Outlander series is a captivating read for fans of historical fiction and romantic adventure.
The series has become a beloved classic, with its memorable characters, beautiful setting, and timeless themes of love, family, and the power of the past.
9 | Saga of the Recluse by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Word Count: 3,899,213
The Saga of Recluce is a series of 20 books written by L.E. Modesitt Jr. The stories are about two cultures that used to be advanced, but now are more primitive. The books talk about topics like gender, ethics, economics, and politics.
They are not in order, but the author suggests reading them in the order they were published. The stories span 8 time periods and 11 stories. Magic in the series is used to control “order” and “chaos” and characters can be black mages, white wizards, or grays. The newest book, Fairhaven Rising, was released in 2021, and the author has plans for more books.
8 | Realm of the Underling Series by Robin Hobb
Word Count: 4,061,121
The Realm of the Elderlings is an amazing fantasy book series with five trilogies and a tetralogy. It follows a young assassin in the Farseer line and features complex characters, a richly imagined world, and an intricate magic system.
Fans of slower-paced fantasy will love the powerful world-building, morally grey characters, and chosen one trope. It’s great for readers who like high-fantasy, adventure, and morally complex stories. The storyline is captivating, so you will feel like you’re reading about friends and embarking on an unforgettable journey.
7 | Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind
Word Count: 4,138,677
This is an immensely popular high fantasy saga that follows the adventures of a group of heroes as they attempt to thwart the plans of the oppressive Imperial Order, who are determined to use an ancient, powerful evil to wreak havoc throughout the world.
The world of the Sword of Truth is divided into two parts: the New World, which is split into three sections, and the Old World.
The New World is made up of Westland, which is the most similar to our own world and is ruled by a special group of people, D’Hara, which is ruled by a magician, and the Midlands, which is controlled by a group of magical women called Confessors.
Throughout the series, Goodkind explores various topics such as reason, technology, magic, and morality, creating a complex and captivating world that has resonated with readers around the world.
6 | Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Word Count: 4,410,036
Rand al’Thor is a young man on a quest to become the Dragon Reborn – a hero foretold to save the world from the Dark One. He is accompanied by an eclectic group of friends and allies, each of whom brings their own unique skills and perspectives to his journey.
Along the way, Rand must navigate a world fraught with political and social complexities, as he fights against the Dark One and strives to restore peace to the magical realm. This series is packed with thrilling characters, unexpected plot twists, and a brilliantly detailed world – making it a must-read for any fan of high fantasy.
With 14 books plus a prequel, you can see why it’s so close to being the longest fantasy book series ever written.
5 | Xanth by Piers Anthony
Word Count: 4,719,200
This is set in a world of magic and fantasy that’s in the same space of Flordia but still separate from it. It’s filled with all kinds of creatures, from centaurs to dragons, each with a special power. The stories follow the characters who explore Xanth’s wilds, facing all kinds of wildlife including killer plants.
They go to different islands, make hard choices, and sometimes even experience love. To make it, they’ll need courage and smarts. It’s their only way to get to their end goal.
4 | Riftwar Cycle by Raymond E. Feist
Word Count: 4,755,902
Feist’s Riftwar Universe is a creative and detailed fantasy world with two different planets: Midkemia and Kelewan. In this series, the characters have the power to make rifts in space, connecting different solar systems. The stories in the Riftwar Universe follow the journeys of characters as they explore these magical places.
Midkemia was created from the popular game Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). This universe has a special mix of magic, action, and intriguing characters, making it a favorite of readers and fans alike. Whether you are an experienced fantasy reader or just getting started, Feist’s books are sure to give you an exciting and unforgettable experience.
3 | Valdemar Universe by Mercedes Lackey
Word Count: 5,082,433
The Valdemar is too expansive to summarize in a paragraph. The series spans over 3,000 years and includes over 100 titles, all set within the same historical style fictional universe.
Valdemar is an expansive kingdom in the world of Velgarth, with an area approximately the same size as a large Canadian province.
These tales, which span Valdemar’s history, all focus on the Heralds and their Companions, who have been integral to the progression of the kingdom. At each crucial moment in the kingdom’s history, the Heralds and their Companions have stepped up to the challenge, demonstrating the courage and ingenuity that have kept Valdemar strong.
2 | Discworld by Terry Pratchett
Word Count: 5,625,321
The Discworld is the home for all of Terry Pratchett’s imaginative tales, which include 41 novels, making it the second longest fantasy book series. It’s a flat disc that’s held up by four elephants who are chillin’ on the back of a giant turtle. This turtle is swimming through space. Yes, really.
There are magic and mythical creatures like witches, wizards, dragons, trolls, and dwarves. Over time, the Discworld has created its own culture and laws of physics that are distinct from Earth. The stories are all about the wild adventures of the folks who inhabit this special world.
1 | Malazan Universe by Steven Erikson & Ian Cameron Esslemont
World Count: 5,630,199
Coming in the number one spot of the longest fantasy book series ever is Malazan Universe by Steven Erikson & Ian Cameron Esslemont!
The Malazan Universe is a pretty cool fantasy series created by Steven Erikson and Ian Cameron Esslemont. It’s all about the Malazan Empire and the wars they fight. It’s a pretty big series with lots of characters and takes place over thousands of years in different parts of the world.
Erikson’s books have 3 main story arcs in Genabackis, Seven Cities, and Lether. Esslemont’s novels focus on the political side and some of the minor characters from Erikson’s books. All in all, it’s a really complex story about power and war.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the longest fantasy book series is a true masterpiece and a must-read for any fan of the genre. It offers a rich, imaginative world filled with memorable characters and unforgettable adventures. It’s easy to see why this series has captured the hearts of millions of readers and remains one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all time.
For readers interested in diving into the world of fantasy, this series is an excellent place to start. But if you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of other great fantasy series out there to explore as well. From high fantasy to urban fantasy, there’s something for everyone.
As for the future of the fantasy book genre, it’s looking brighter than ever. With the success of book-to-screen adaptations like Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time, the popularity of fantasy shows no signs of slowing down. And with new and exciting books being released all the time, the genre continues to evolve and captivate audiences.
So grab your favorite mug, get comfortable, and get ready to lose yourself in the magical world of fantasy. The journey awaits!