15 Best Selling Epic Fantasy Books of All Time

Welcome, my fellow high fantasy book readers, to a magical world where dragons breathe fire, sorcerers create spells, and nations fight for glory. It’s time to take a tour through the pages of the top 15 high fantasy book series that have sold the most copies. High Fantasy is more than simply a genre; it’s an adventure into worlds bursting with epic tales of good against evil, inconceivable scenery, and characters as complex as they are compelling.

What, though, makes these high fantasy books truly unique?

The answer is their overwhelming success. They didn’t just create engaging stories; they captivated millions, capturing the minds and hearts of readers all over the world. As a longtime fantasy enthusiast, I’ve spent countless evenings under the soothing glow of my reading lamp, wandering through wondrous places and following the adventures of characters I’ve grown to love and, at times, heartbreakingly to lose.

This article will honor the high fantasy series that have had the most important impact, not only in the world of literature but also in the sales charts. We’ll look at the magic that led to their popularity and the charming features that have made these programs unique.

So grab your reading glasses and a steaming mug of tea, and let’s dig into these high fantasy wonders!

1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is more than a book series; it is a beacon of high fantasy literature that has directed readers into the worlds of magic and adventure for decades. The first book was published in 1937 and sold over 150 million copies worldwide. With its lively characters, complex concepts, and Tolkien’s incredible world-building prowess, this epic ranks at the top of our list.

In Middle-earth, Tolkien creates an elaborate tapestry of lore, languages, and landscapes. It’s a vibrant planet full of epic tales, simmering conflicts, and a rich history that appears to span millennia. From the homey Shire to the terrifying Mount Doom, each locale is so meticulously rendered that it almost leaps off the page.

Characters who inhabit this planet are unforgettable. Frodo, for his unflinching bravery; Aragorn, for his regal wisdom; and Gandalf, for his wizardly charm. These individuals and their allies represent the series’ throbbing heart, delivering emotional depth among enormous sizes.

And why have so many copies been sold?

This ideal blend of spectacular world-building, unforgettable characters, and a convoluted storyline catches readers’ imaginations, inviting them back to Middle-earth time and time again. The books have a timeless charm that appeals to readers of all ages and has inspired innumerable other works of high fantasy. It is the series that defined the genre and still captivates readers today.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

The His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman is an enthralling journey that transports us across parallel universes, opening doors to thought-provoking concepts and amazing adventures. This series was published between 1995 and 2000 and sold over 17.5 million copies worldwide. This series has grabbed readers all across the world and cemented its place at the heart of high fantasy literature, selling millions of copies along the way.

Pullman creates a unique and profoundly fascinating multiverse. The series’ scope is immense, but each world is beautifully detailed and vibrantly alive, from the delightful yet strangely familiar world of Lyra Belacqua with its sentient daemons to the radically different reality of Will Parry.

Lyra, the protagonist, is a captivating figure who is brave, clever, and genuinely human, making her instantly sympathetic. Pullman’s array of characters, each with their own distinct and complicated personalities, form a dynamic narrative brimming with tension, compassion, and resilience.

So, what’s the deal with His Dark Materials selling so well?

The appeal of the trilogy resides in its seamless blend of high fantasy, philosophical musings, and coming-of-age stories. Its complicated tales and significant topics challenge readers of all ages. This unusual mix has struck a chord with readers, kindling their imaginations and ensuring the series’ long-term success. It invites readers to question, wonder, and imagine with every turn of the page – magic few novels can conjure.

3. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

Christopher Paolini’s The Inheritance Cycle is a captivating journey into the fabled land of Alagaesia, a wonder realm where dragons, elves, and magic reign supreme. This high fantasy series has carved out a special niche for itself in the genre, selling millions of copies worldwide. This series was first published in 2007 and has sold approximately 35 million copies.

The series revolves around Eragon, a peasant farm boy who discovers a magical stone that hatches into a dragon named Saphira. They go on a treacherous trip filled with riddles, conflicts, and revelations that test their fortitude and their bond.

Paolini’s Alagaesia is a densely knit world with distinct civilizations, languages, and landscapes. It’s a gigantic playground where enchantment pulses through the blood of the world and its people. The lore and history are extensive, with enough complexity to keep readers engrossed.

But why has The Inheritance Cycle sold the most copies?

The explanation lies in its engaging storytelling, intricate world-building, and enduring fascination with dragons and magic. Furthermore, Eragon’s story resonates with readers – his metamorphosis from a simple farm child to a Dragon Rider mirrors the classic hero’s journey, and his adventures have kept readers of all ages enthralled from the beginning to the final page.

The series captures the imagination, transporting readers to an immense fantasy world where anything is imaginable.

4. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is more than just a high fantasy book to every reader; it’s a narrative of power, betrayal, and survival set in a country where winters endure a lifetime, and dragons soar high. This wonderful yet spine-chilling series has risen to the top of the sales rankings, earning the hearts and minds of millions of readers worldwide. The first book was published in 1996, and the series has sold over 90 million copies worldwide.

Westeros is a hauntingly beautiful world with vicious politics, and the story is set in this area. It’s a world of harsh winters and perilous thrones, with giants roaming the cold north and fire-breathing dragons ruling the skies.

A Song of Ice and Fire features a broad and complicated array of people, each with their own set of ambitions, fears, and weaknesses. From the honest Starks to the cunning Lannisters, these people are real and imperfect in their humanity, which draws readers in.

Why has this book sold millions of copies?

Its brilliance stems from its rich plot, diverse characters, and unpredictability that pervades each chapter. The battles are epic, the political maneuverings are deft, and a thread always hangs the fates of the individuals. This suspense keeps readers turning the pages, book after book. A Song of Ice and Fire is a magnificent tapestry of high fantasy, political intrigue, and human tenacity that has cemented its place as a beloved and best-selling series.

5. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan is an unquestionable high fantasy behemoth. This epic series weaves a story that transcends worlds and ages, delving into the intricate lives of various characters whose fates are intimately intertwined by the turning of the Wheel. Its enormous popularity is mirrored in its astronomical sales figures, establishing it as one of the most profitable fantasy series. Jordan started publishing this series in 1990, and the entire book series has sold over 100 million copies.

Jordan creates a universe with astonishing scope and detail. Every locale in the series feels alive, pulsing with history and culture, from busy metropolis to bleak wastelands. The magic system is nothing short of ingenious, with malicious saidin, nurturing saidar, and the intricate weaves of the One Power.

The characters in The Wheel of Time are what keep you hooked. Heroes and villains are both well-developed, with their motivations and conflicts propelling the convoluted plot along. Rand al’Thor, the series’ protagonist, is a farm child who transforms into a prophesied savior, and his transition serves as the series’ backbone.

Why has this series sold millions of copies?

Its captivating blend of high fantasy and philosophical investigation, as well as intricate plotlines and well-developed characters, provide an immersive reading experience. The Wheel of Time draws readers in with its enormous world-building and keeps them coming back for the captivating characters and their connected destinies.

6. Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy is a high fantasy tour for every fantasy reader. This series’ inventive magic system, intricate plot, and complex characters thrive in a dystopian future ruled by a supposedly immortal despot. Its undeniable fascination is mirrored in its remarkable sales figures, which place it among the genre’s most popular series. The first book was published in 2006, and the series has sold over 10 million copies.

The unique magic system – Allomancy – is at the center of the Mistborn series. It’s a world where people consume metals to get superhuman abilities. Sanderson’s thorough depiction of this system is brilliant, adding to rather than detracting from the plot.

The characters are complex, with distinct objectives, strengths, and anxieties. Vin, a street urchin turned powerful Allomancer, is a standout, her transformation from a distrustful thief to a heroic person constituting the game’s emotional center.

But what caused the Mistborn Trilogy to be such a success?

Its innovative approach to high fantasy really helps. The magic system, the well-crafted robbery storyline, and the study of issues such as power, trust, and sacrifice provide readers with something unique. The series has a way of enthralling readers with its sophisticated story twists and meaningful character development.

It’s a tribute to Sanderson’s storytelling talent and a series that has unmistakably left its imprint on the annals of high fantasy fiction.

7. An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Here I come with another series, An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. This series is a beacon of high fantasy, illuminating a world torn apart by persecution and driven by hope. The series has managed to resonate with a wide range of readers thanks to its rich narrative, diverse characters, and intriguing plotlines, resulting in remarkable sales figures. The first book of this series was published in 2015 and has sold over a million copies worldwide.

This wonderful and magical high fantasy series is set in a setting reminiscent of the Roman Empire and introduces us to Laia, a slave battling for her family, and Elias, a soldier caught up in the machinery of oppression. Tahir’s world-building is engrossing, offering a realistic image of a civilization steeped in brutality but tinged with rebellion.

The characters represent the series’ pulsating heart. Their conflicts are highly personal, and their decisions reverberate throughout the story, influencing not just their own lives but also the fate of the globe. The interaction between Laia and Elias is particularly compelling, their journeys intertwined by fate and laden with tension.

And why has it been sold so many times?

The combination of likable individuals, a brilliantly portrayed world, and the universal theme of resistance against injustice made the series super hit. Laia’s persistence, Elias’ moral struggle, and the promise that an ember of hope can still burn even in the darkest of times. As a result, An Ember in the Ashes is an engrossing book, a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and a worthy addition to the pantheon of high fantasy literature.

8. The Dark Tower by Stephen King

The Dark Tower series is a genre-blending epic, a wonderful blend of epic high fantasy, science fiction, horror, and Western themes that has attracted a vast audience, selling millions of copies worldwide. The first book came to light in 1982, and the series has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

This epic series follows Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, on a never-ending search for the enigmatic Dark Tower. Mid-World serves as a terrifying mirror of our own world, but fractured by the passage of time and tormented by a feeling of eerie desolation in King’s world-building.

The mastery of King rests in his characters. Roland is a tragic guy, driven by a single goal, and his personality and background slowly reveal as the series unfolds. The bonds he develops with his ‘ka-tet,’ the circle of comrades he gathers around him, are sad and deep, adding emotional depth to the story.

The Dark Tower has sold the most copies, but why?

King’s unique approach to high fantasy is what distinguishes The Dark Tower and has contributed to its remarkable sales. He intertwines dimensions, incorporates characters from his past works, and breaches the fourth wall to provide readers with an experience that is both complex and intriguing.

It’s a series that defies expectations at every step, with each book serving as a portal to another dimension of the ever-expanding multiverse. In The Dark Tower, King combines high fantasy with his distinct storytelling style, resulting in a series that has captivated readers for generations.

9. The Shannara Chronicles by Terry Brooks

The Shannara Chronicles is another high fantasy classic series that has sold the most copies. Since its initial release in the late 1970s, the series has sold millions of copies worldwide, introducing readers to a whole new world filled with magic, adventure, and complex people. The first book was published in 1977, and the series has sold almost 50 million copies.

The series is set in the Four Lands, a post-apocalyptic world rich in magic and home to a diverse range of races, such as elves, dwarves, trolls, and humans. Brooks’ world-building is engrossing, expertly mixing aspects of traditional high fantasy with a dash of post-apocalyptic science fiction.

Its characters define the Shannara Chronicles. Brooks’ characters are multi-dimensional, from the valiant Ohmsford family to the wise druids and evil warlocks, each going on personal journeys fraught with danger, discovery, and growth.

What has made The Shannara Chronicles become a huge hit?

Its appeal stems from its typical high fantasy atmosphere with a distinctive twist. Brooks’ expansive tale transports readers to a universe that is both wildly foreign and frighteningly similar to our own.

The series expertly weaves epic expeditions, coming-of-age stories, and political intrigue into a tapestry of narratives that captivates readers. Its continued appeal attests to its merits as a high fantasy series that provides readers with a thrilling escape into a world full of magic and adventure.

10. The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is one of the best selling high fantasy books with millions of readers. With its sophisticated world-building and broad array of characters, this series has attracted readers all across the world, resulting in an astounding number of copies sold. The writer started publishing the book in 1999, and this series has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

The cast of The Malazan Book of the Fallen is diverse, ranging from gods and magicians to warriors and assassins, each with their own rich backstories and objectives. They are as flawed as they are heroic, and Erikson’s skill to create people is evident throughout the series.

Steven Erikson crafts a massive cosmos consisting of diverse ethnicities, sophisticated politics, and a magical system as complex as the planet it inhabits. His world-building is as intricate as it is grandiose, bringing readers to the heart of an ancient civilization filled with turmoil and intrigue.

But why did The Malazan Book of the Fallen become so popular?

Erikson’s particular blend of high fantasy and military fiction, along with a gripping writing style, creates an immersive reading experience that demands participation. Among the highest grossing fantasy novels, this series’ richness of the characters and the complexity of the environment entice readers, while the plot’s unpredictability keeps them on their toes.

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a series that weaves a fascinating tapestry of high fantasy that has enthralled readers all over the world.

11. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Earthsea Cycle is a sparkling diamond in the field of high fantasy. The series has caught the imaginations of innumerable readers, as seen by its outstanding sales numbers, with its thought-provoking issues, captivating world-building, and unique characters. The first part came out in 1964, and so far the series has sold over a million copies worldwide.

The series takes us on a voyage through the Earthsea archipelago, a realm of islands and magic where balance is essential, and words have power. Le Guin’s world-building is impressive, with the environment of Earthsea acting as a live, breathing character in the story.

Ged, a young boy with intrinsic magical skills, is at the heart of The Earthsea Cycle. The tale revolves around his transformation from a wild adolescent to a wise Archmage. The trials and transformations of Le Guin’s characters resonate with readers.

What makes The Earthsea Cycle such a commercial success?

It’s a one-of-a-kind blend of high fantasy and thought-provoking themes like balance, identity, and the power of words. The series avoids the standard high fantasy cliché of good versus evil, instead focusing on the gray spaces in between. The Earthsea Cycle serves as a mirror to readers’ lives, taking place in a world where dragons roam, and magic exists.

This combination of the unusual and the familiar has contributed to the lasting popularity of this famous high fantasy series.

12. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

The Fifth Season, part of N. K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy, is a seminal work in the high fantasy genre. The series has had a major impact on readers, resulting in impressive sales because of its detailed world-building, fascinating characters, and boundary-pushing issues.

The story takes place on a planet besieged by catastrophic climate change disasters known as ‘Seasons.’ Jemisin’s world-building is vivid and original, creating a civilization influenced by necessity, fear, and power, and greatly affected by the Seasons. The first part was published in 2015, and the series has sold over 2 million copies.

The people in The Fifth Season are at the center of the story. Jemisin’s characters are beautifully drawn, each with its own challenges and strength. Essun, a mother with earth-controlling abilities on the hunt for her kidnapped daughter, is especially captivating.

So, what accounts for the series’ high sales?

Without a doubt, Jemisin’s distinct approach to high fantasy has proven pivotal. The series masterfully blends themes of climate change, systematic oppression, and societal resilience, resulting in a story that is both imaginative and timely.

Readers have responded favorably to The Fifth Season’s engaging characters, thought-provoking issues, and inventive storytelling. It’s a series that defies expectations and pushes boundaries, providing a novel perspective in the domain of high fantasy and earning its place among the genre’s most influential works.

13. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Blood and Bone, the first novel in Tomi Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orsha trilogy, has surely made its impact in the high fantasy genre. The series has grabbed a wide audience with its rich world-building, fascinating characters, and captivating tale steeped in West African mythology, resulting in excellent sales. The first part came out in 2018, and the series has sold over half a million so far.

Readers are introduced to the realm of Orsha, where magic previously flourished before being mercilessly suppressed. Adeyemi’s world-building is superb, bringing readers to a world populated with magical clans, supernatural beings, and a society dealing with the legacy of a disastrous ruler.

Children of Blood and Bone is centered on Zélie Adebola, a powerful heroine determined to restore magic to her people. Adeyemi’s characters are complex and realistic, with their difficulties and victories propelling the plot forward.

Why has the series been such a commercial success?

Adeyemi’s unique combination of high fantasy and West African culture adds a new twist to the genre. The series explores injustice, institutional bias, and the fight for justice, providing readers with an immersive experience that is both amusing and thought-provoking.

Adeyemi presents a lively high fantasy trilogy with Children of Blood and Bone, which continues to amaze and inspire readers worldwide.

14. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare‘s Mortal Instruments series is a high fantasy fan favorite. With its unique world-building, colorful characters, and captivating plots, it has piqued readers’ curiosity and resulted in significant sales. The first book was published in 2014, and the series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

The story reveals a hidden realm within our own in which Shadowhunters (human-angel hybrids) defend humanity from demons. Clare’s world-building is innovative, fusing recognizable urban scenes with supernatural aspects, giving the genre a new spin.

Clary Fray, a young girl pushed into this mysterious world after realizing she is a Shadowhunter, is at the forefront. Clare’s characters are complex, with each facing inner demons while navigating the dangers of their environment.

Why has The Mortal Instruments series sold so well?

The writer’s enthralling blend of high fantasy, epic urban fantasy, and romance captivates readers. The series tells the readers about the issues of identity, love, and sacrifice, providing them with a multilayered narrative that resonates on multiple levels. The series’ appeal is also due to its comprehensive representation of varied people and relationships.

The Mortal Instruments series introduces readers to a world of demons, angels, and love, mesmerizing them with magical twists and turns. Its ongoing sales success reflects its ability to connect with readers and its major influence in the world of high fantasy.

15. Discworld by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is a work of art in the high fantasy or epic fantasy genre. Its irreverent and funny take on standard fantasy clichés, combined with Pratchett’s distinct writing style, have made it a cherished favorite, with excellent sales figures. The first part was published in 1983, and The Shepherd’s Crown, the final Discworld novel, was published in August 2015. It came to light after five months of the author’s death. The series has sold nearly 100 million copies worldwide.

Discworld is a flat, disc-shaped world balanced on the backs of four elephants, who are, in turn, supported by a big turtle. Pratchett’s world-building is as innovative as it is amusing, complete with wizards, witches, and a variety of exotic animals, all of which contribute flavor to the series’ entertaining adventures.

The characters in Discworld are as different as they are lovable, ranging from the foolish wizard Rincewind to the terrifying Death, who has a thing for cats. Pratchett’s character development is remarkable, merging humor and seriousness, and each character stands out.

So, what’s the key to Discworld’s brisk sales?

It’s Pratchett’s trademark blend of high fantasy and sarcasm. The series makes fun of typical fantasy conventions while also delving into social criticism, making readers laugh and ponder. This blend of wit, comedy, and astute observations on the human condition has made Discworld an enduring high fantasy series, beloved by many and enthralling readers worldwide.

Final thoughts

So, what is the highest grossing fantasy book series? You can’t really say that there is only one. Several book series written by famous writers have made their way to the list of best selling high fantasy books, and we are only describing a few here.

These 15 series have engraved their names in the annals of literary history in the field of high fantasy. Each has pushed the genre’s bounds in its own way, conjuring worlds of magic, epic journeys, and unforgettable characters.

From the sweeping landscapes of Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings to the diverse magical clans of Orïsha in Children of Blood and Bone, these series offer an escapade into the extraordinary, a chance to lose ourselves in lands where anything is possible.

The popularity of these series, as seen by their high sales, is related to more than just fantasy features. These stories are compelling because they are grounded in human experience, covering topics such as identity, power, love, and resilience. They provide an escape as well as a mirror, reflecting our problems and victories within their wonderful narratives.

In the large and ever-expanding high fantasy realm, I can’t wait to see where it takes us next. Happy Reading!