From going on demigod quests to saving the world from the Antichrist, there’s nothing you can’t do with the fantasy genre. With the range of stories and adaptations out there, no two plots are exactly the same. Especially with the new books that are constantly coming out each year, there must be moments when you’re struck by nostalgia and perhaps want to revisit something older. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best classic fantasy books of all time for your perusal!
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What kinds of classic fantasy books are there?
When it comes to classic books from the fantasy genre, there’s more to the selection than meets the eye. You’ve got books about Greek and Egyptian mythology, wizards and magicians, angels and demons – the list goes on. Take Harry Potter for example, which introduces us to a world of magical spells and potions. On the other hand, darker classics like Dracula have a much darker and gorier plot.
On top of plot details, classic fantasy books can also be categorised into high and low fantasy. While they each offer readers a distinct journey through the realms of imagination, there are a few differences. When delving into classic high fantasy, you’re embarking on a quest that’s set in an imagined world. Novels like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings showcase epic battles between good and evil and a grand sense of destiny. On the other hand, classic low fantasy works like Inkheart have elements that subtly intertwine the fantasy with everyday life.
Best classic fantasy books of all time about Greek mythology
1. The Iliad
The Iliad (available on Experal Singapore) is one of two hugely influential epic poems of ancient Greece, which were presumably written by the poet Homer. It’s one of the best classic books of all time to learn about Greek mythology! Spanning 24 books, The Iliad takes us on a heroic journey that takes place towards the end of the Trojan War. The epic opens with Paris of Troy kidnaps Helen, the wife of Menelaus, a King of Mycenaen Sparta. Chaos soon ensues and within the blink of an eye, the Trojan War has become a decade-long battle. It’s a maelstrom of horror, glory, and fate as men and gods alike wrench for control in this epic.
2. The Odyssey
Unlike The Iliad, you might be more familiar with The Odyssey (available on Experal Singapore), which has more mythological elements in it than the former. This definitely makes it a lighter read than the other Greek classic! This 24-book poem is actually a continuation of The Iliad, following the story of Odysseus, an Ithacain King and the eponym of the story. After the Trojan War, he and his men try to find their way home, eventually travelling out at sea for almost a decade. Eventually, the King encounters several obstacles that thwart his plans, including giant cyclopses and a scheming witch, Circe. As one of the best classic fantasy books of all time, The Odyssey will take you on a fun rollercoaster of stories about Greek mythology!
3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians
A beloved series by Rick Riordan, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (available on KangKang Children’s Book Store) is definitely one of the best classic book series of all time that’s about Greek mythology! If you have not read the series by now, we highly recommend it. As the title suggests, the seven books in this collection are centred around a young demigod, Percy Jackson. On top of being chased by ferocious minotaurs and furies, he was also framed for stealing Zeus’ prized lightning bolt. Oh, did we also mention that he’s the son of one of the Big Three ancient Greek gods? Join Percy Jackson and his friends as they juggle growing pains and the thrills of being young heroes.
Here’s another reason why Percy Jackson and the Olympians is one of the best classic books to read of all time, especially for fans of both Greek and Roman mythology. That’s because Percy Jackson’s story doesn’t stop here! The saga continues in Heroes of Olympus and The Trials of Apollo (both available on KangKang Children’s Book Store), which are both amazing spin-off series to try out! As a fantastic author who delivers, Rick Riordan also began two other series on Norse and Egyptian mythology. The Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard and The Kane Chronicles (both available on Toybookcollection) are going to be yummy reads for those who’ve enjoyed the Percy Jackson franchise!
Best classic fantasy books of all time about angels and demons
4. The Mortal Instruments
The Mortal Instruments (available on Experal Singapore) universe is one that’s packed with all sorts of creatures known to the fantasy genre. While the battle between the children of angels and demons is the central vein of the plot, you’ll be meeting daemons, horned warlocks, vampires, werewolves, fae, and even the obscure Wild Hunt. While you might have gotten tugged in by the movie and television adaptations, we guarantee that you’ll be staying for the shadowhunter lore and romance. If you haven’t gotten enough from The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices (available on Experal Singapore) is a prequel series that will keep you on your toes with a heart-wrenching love triangle. Overall, The Mortal Instruments is one of the best classic fantasy book series of all time, especially for those who love a good read with angels and demons.
5. This Present Darkness, written by Frank E. Peretti
Written in 1986, This Present Darkness is one of the best and oldest classic books of all time. It tells the story of a small town called Ashton, which was plagued by dark supernatural forces and spiritual warfare. As the locals begin sensing that something demonic is afoot, prayer warriors come together to uncover some pretty dark secrets. They even discovered a sinister plan to take over the world! Naturally, they call for the help of angels through faith and prayers, and the story climaxes in a dramatic showdown between these celestial forces. We definitely recommend this classic fantasy book about angels and demons. It’s as they say – an oldie but a goodie!
6. Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (available on Booksmart Singapore) is a timeless masterpiece co-authored by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett and tells the comedic story about the birth of the son of Satan and the end of the world. It unfolds in the quaint village of Lower Tadfield, where everything seems quite ordinary. That is, until the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley discover a mix-up with the Antichrist.
Besides the hilariously apocalyptic events that take place throughout the book, the highlight has got to be the protagonists! Neil Gaiman pairs up an insufferable angel and a manic, excitable demon, coming out the other side with a “married-couple” dynamic that readers will come to enjoy. The book is a witty, thought-provoking, and entertaining read that puts a hilarious spin on the divine and diabolical, making it one of the best classical fantasy books of all time. This book about demons and angels has even been adapted into a British series on Prime Video!
Best classic fantasy books about magicians and wizards of all time
7. Harry Potter
We’re sure that this next recommendation for this list of books about wizards needs no introduction. If you haven’t heard of the Harry Potter series (available on Toybookcollection), you must be living under a rock. Especially with the Harry Potter movie having its 2023 pop culture moment with the chess scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – you must have stumbled upon a TikTok parody or two by now. But hear us out! While the movie adaptations, Wizarding World amusement parks, and video games are all very cool, there’s nothing like going back to the OG paperbacks that founded this universe. Reading this best classic fantasy book series of all time definitely gives you a different perspective, as well as a much more comprehensive deep dive into the wizarding world!
8. Septimus Heap
Septimus Heap is a beloved classic series in the world of young adult fantasy, which seamlessly blends the “seventh son of a seventh son” folklore and the sub-genre of wizards and magicians. In the past, Europeans believed that the seventh son of a seventh son would be born to have healing powers, giving birth to a slew of fantasy novels and films, like The Spook’s Apprentice and Seventh Son. Similarly, in Septimus Heap, we see that Septimus, the seventh son of a seventh son, is mistakenly declared dead by the midwife and later raised by another family.
Turns out, the Heap family is embroiled in a web of secrets, ancient magic, and the pursuit of the truth. Starting with it’s first instalment, Magyk (available on Experal Singapore), you’ll easily get hooked on the plot! Septimus Heap is definitely one of the best collections of classic fantasy books to read about wizards and magic.
9. The Black Magician
The Black Magician is a thrilling series that introduces its readers to a world divided by wealth and magic, that invokes thoughts about privilege and self-discovery. As you flip through the pages of the first book, The Magicians’ Guild (available on Experal Singapore), you’ll be following the story of a young girl who manages to lift herself out of poverty after discovering her magical prowess. The spellbinding lore of The Black Magician series truly makes it one of the best classic fantasy books of all time, especially for those who’re looking for a gripping series about wizards and magic users!
10. Magician: Apprentice
If you enjoyed Disney’s Fantasia and the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, the Magician: Apprentice (available on Experal Singapore) is the next best classic fantasy book of all time to read! Written in 1982, it’s the first instalment of The Riftwar Saga, an epic fantasy trilogy that’s set in the world of Midkemia. In the first few chapters, readers will quickly get acquainted with Pug, a young orphan who becomes an apprentice magician. They’ll also get to meet Tomas, a skilled warrior, who grew up alongside Pug as brothers. Together, they navigate a world teeming with political intrigue and magical quests. This book about magicians is also filled with mythical creatures like blood-thirsty goblins and fearsome serpents. So do look out for that!
Best classic fantasy books about magical creatures of all time
11. Earthsea
Perhaps some of the oldest books on this list, the Earthsea Cycle is a collection of high fantasy storybooks that tell of a vast, faraway archipelago of scattered islands. The stories are set in a world that is in equilibrium and any act of magic would alter that balance. As such, wizards or wizards-in-training like the main protagonist, Ged has to learn to control his magic. Fans of books about magical creatures can also drink up the magic of dragons who speak in ancient tongues, and those who were once said to be of the same race as men.
While the Earthsea Cycle are some of the best classic fantasy books of all time to have been written for children, it’s also worth revisiting for adults! These stories are filled with characters and moral lessons that can be appreciated by older audiences. Now, you can also get the complete collection in a single paperback, The Books of Earthsea – The Complete Illustrated Edition (available on Experal Singapore).
12. A Song of Ice and Fire
Did you know that the bestselling series A Song of Ice and Fire (available on Toybookcollection) – which the cult-favourite HBO series Game of Thrones was based on – actually took inspiration from real historical events? With the mediaeval setting and political upheaval that unfolds, you can easily trace it back to some archaic civil war. Just as in the War of the Roses, the rivalry between the Starks and Lannisters eventually escalates into a full-blown war over a claim to the Iron Throne. Throw in some undead ice zombies and giant dragons, and you’ve got yourselves one of the best classic fantasy book series of all time! While you may have read A Song of Ice and Fire before, we’re sure that the suspense and twists in the plot will give you the same satisfaction as your first read.
13. Twilight
Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga is definitely one of the best classic fantasy books of all time! It mixes the age-old “Vampires vs Werewolves” trope, along with the Mary Sue archetype we see in the female protagonist. When it comes to books about magical creatures, there’s no other series that has birthed more pop culture moments than this. Starting with the first book, Twilight (available on Booksmart Singapore), that popularised the supernatural romance and young-adult genres after its release.
Till today, it continues to remain relevant either because of the “Team Edward-Team Jacob” debate, or the supposedly cringy scenes in the Twilight movies. But as with most book-to-film adaptations, a lot of the complexity and depth found in the plot and characters gets lost in translation. After all, there’s only so much you can squeeze into a 120-minute motion picture, so why not get lost in the pages of Twilight instead!
14. The Chronicles of Narnia
It’s an absolute must to read or revisit The Chronicles of Narnia (available on SmartScientist), especially if you’ve only watched its film adaptations. There’s a high chance you’ve watched The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which thrusts the responsibility of saving a mythical world on the shoulders of four young siblings. Of course, we also can’t forget the majestic lion, Aslan. While most of the Narnian movies introduced you to the Penvensie siblings, did you know that they aren’t the only children in the Chronicles? This best classic fantasy series of all time actually begins with the story of the old Professor Digory. It tells of how he was there to witness the creation of Narnia, as well as everything in it! See? There’s so much more to The Chronicles of Narnia than meets the eye.
15. The Lord of the Rings
One Ring to Rule Them All – ardent fans of The Lord Of The Rings (available on Booksmart Singapore) would know this line by heart. Penned by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord Of The Rings books are quintessential classics in the realm of fantasy literature. It opens with the story of a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins, who is persuaded by a wizard by the name of Gandalf, to take a dangerous magic ring away from the Shire. When the wizard fails to return, Frodo and his friends decide to set out on a journey to destroy the ring. Joined by a fellowship, Frodo’s story delves into themes of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.
While not as popular as LOTR, The Hobbit (available on Booksmart Singapore) is the prequel to this beloved series. This time, while also set against the mystical backdrop of Middle-earth, the book takes us into Bilbo Baggins’ world. Did we also mention that he’s Frodo’s uncle and the previous keeper of the One Ring? Watch as the humble hobbit helps a band of homeless dwarves reclaim their home from a fire-breathing dragon. Speaking of grand adventures where every magical creature you can think of is out to get you – do you think you also have what it takes? For those who’re looking for the best classic fantasy books of all time, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are definitely must-reads!
16. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
One’s childhood simply isn’t complete without Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (available on Ann & Ann), and we’re sure that this classic needs no introduction. If you have a sweet tooth and a love for song and dance, it’s the best classic fantasy book of all time for you! The whimsical world of Willy Wonka, the adorable Oompa Loompas that live within, and the iconic Golden Tickets are just some of the most memorable parts of it.
Our personal favourite is the part where bratty Veruca gets hauled away by an army of squirrels! Of course, we can’t forget the part where – (spoiler alert: the protagonist, Charlie Bucket gets to live his rags-to-riches happy ending) – Roald Dahl simply has a way of creating children’s books that are both exciting for the mind and nourishing for the soul!
17. The NeverEnding Story
The NeverEnding Story (available on Booksmart Singapore) is a timeless classic fantasy novel that challenges how far one’s imagination can go. But for all the wondrous elements in the world of Fantasia, there is also something melancholic about the themes of self-discovery and loss towards the end of the story. The main protagonist, Bastian must learn to navigate his emotions and the many obstacles he faces on his quest.
Some readers have drawn a comparison between the books, The NeverEnding Story and The Chronicles of Narnia – they’re both about lonely children who get transported to fantasy worlds filled with talking animals and other magical creatures. Coincidentally, the other worlds somehow always find themselves in need of some saving, and they need these children to do it. However, in this story, Bastian discovers that his own imagination has the power to shape the destiny of Fantasia. There’s just you left with the power to discover what’s going to happen in this best classic fantasy book of all time!
18. The Spiderwick Chronicles
Enough about dragons – we’ve got a different classic fantasy book to recommend you! From the brilliant minds of Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi comes The Spiderwick Chronicles. It’s a little different from your average fantasy novel because it has a slightly more sinister twinge to it. Unlike your conventional hero-villain faceoff, The Spiderwick Chronicles focuses more on solving mysteries and fending off menacing fae – creatures like goblins and fairies that aren’t all that kind to humans. It’s no wonder these are some of the best classic fantasy books of all time, because the Chronicles even got their own feature film and television adaptations!
While initially starting off with five books, the authors of the Chronicles soon expanded the Spiderwick universe to include three more companion paperbacks. Much like J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (available on Experal Singapore), these books allow readers to learn more about the magical creatures in the Unseen Realm! You’ll get the chance to delve into Arthur Spiderwick’s discoveries about the invisible fae world and its mystical inhabitants. We guarantee that once you start on this series, you won’t be able to put it down. So we recommend you get The Complete Spiderwick Chronicles Boxed Set (available on 三民書局 Sanminbook Official) so you can take it in all at once!
19. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (available on Experal Singapore) is undoubtedly one of the best classic fantasy books of all time. In fact, it’s the book to read if you’re looking to fall into a world where everything and nothing makes sense. Retold a hundred times over for children across the globe, Alice’s adventures are whimsical and nothing short of eccentric! What starts as a curiosity-driven dive down a rabbit hole quickly evolves into a journey into another dimension, where poker card knights and a floating cat reside.
Together with its sequel, Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There (available on Experal Singapore), Lewis Carrol challenges the boundaries of one’s imagination. He even goes so far as to make readers question the reality of their own world. Just like the Mad Hatter says in the 2016 movie, Alice Through The Looking Glass: “A dream is not reality, but who’s to say which is which?”
20. Inkheart
You might have heard of the book, Inkheart (available on Experal Singapore) after watching the 2008 movie of the same name. It is a spellbinding book that has the ability to bring its stories to life – literally. The story begins with Meggie, a twelve-year-old girl who discovers that her father, Mo has the unique gift of bringing characters from the Inkheart book to life. He has the ability to transfer characters from their realities to the real world by reading their stories aloud. How cool is that?
But with great power comes great responsibility – something that Mo clearly failed at. That’s because he once released the cunning Capricorn into the real world and trapped his wife in Inkheart instead. Now, he must find a way for him and Meggie to escape the clutches of Capricorn and his evil henchman. Along the way, could he possibly find a way to rescue his wife? Hop onto this plot to find out about the other magical creatures that lay beyond the pages of Inkheart and discover why this is the best classic fantasy book of all time!
Best classic horror fantasy books of all time
21. Dracula
If you’re a devotee of classic horror literature, you’re going to be familiar with Bram Stoker’s Dracula (available on Booksmart Singapore) – a classic masterpiece about the bloodsucking legend from Transylvania. You’ll find yourselves immersed in a world of gothic suspense and immortal intrigue in just a matter of a few opening chapters. Today, it’s evident that Dracula has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, influencing countless authors and filmmakers.
In recent years, we’ve got Dracula Untold (2014) and a favourite among the kiddos – Hotel Transylvania (2012)! These adaptations have such an influence on its viewers that Dracula has become a popular kids’ Halloween costume idea. Overall, the original Dracula is still one of the best classic horror fantasy books of all time. Its eerie atmosphere and evocative prose make it an essential read for enthusiasts of the macabre and gore.
22. Frankenstein
After Dracula, we have to talk about Frankenstein (available on Booksmart Singapore). It easily comes to mind when we think about the best classic horror fantasy books of all time! When it comes to timeless literature with a blend of horror and sci-fi, Frankenstein is a pioneer in its own right. In fact, it’s where the science fiction-horror genre truly began to take shape. Before you dig in, note that the novel will make you question scientific ambition and the nature of humanity. You’ll be going on a thought-provoking journey through the dark and moral complexities of Frankenstein.
23. Coraline
Coraline (available on Experal Singapore) is a captivating dark fantasy novel that comes from the genius of Neil Gaiman, who is known for blending fantasy, horror, and science fiction elements in his writing. In this story, the titular character, Coraline, is a young girl who discovers a mysterious doorway in her new home that leads to an alternate version of her life. There, she meets the “other” housemates that parallel her real-life parents, the Other Mother and Other Father who try to keep her there.
After reading the book and even watching its animated adaptation, you’ll find the Others especially unsettling and eerie with their sewn-in button eyes. Coraline is truly one of the best horror fantasy books of all time. In fact, it only continues to enchant and spook audiences of all ages!
Kick back and relax with the best classic fantasy books of all time
Time really flies when you’re having fun with the best classic fantasy books of all time. From fighting greedy goblins to learning how to cast spells, there’s no limit to what’s possible in the literary world! If you’ve managed to read your way through this list and can’t find anything else to entertain yourself with, here are the best PS5 games and best Barbie movies to catch.
