I’ve been hooked on fantasy worlds since before I really knew how to write my own name in cursive. Back in elementary school, while other kids were playing tag at recess, I was imagining epic sword fights in my head and rolling the dice for imaginary quests during lunch breaks. When I went home, I booted up my old computer to play fantasy RPGs with pixelated graphics and no voice acting, yet I loved every second of it.

Over the years, my love for fantasy only grew stronger. I dived into dusty library shelves looking for any book that promised a new realm filled with strange creatures and old magic. I craved the sense of wonder that came with discovering secret lands and forging alliances with characters who felt like real friends, even if they rode dragons or wielded staffs. It’s the reason why I have been writing books that mix this setting with Japanese’s Issekai genre.

As I got older, I realized something else: fantasy stories gave me a place to escape to but also taught me about courage, loyalty, and resilience. They made my heart race, my mind wander, and my imagination spin. When people ask me for recommendations because they love something as grand and epic as The Lord of the Rings, it’s like inviting them into my world—one that started when I was just a kid dreaming of dragons and castles.

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Inheritance Cycle (Eragon)

First, I have to mention the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, because these books are my absolute favorite. The writing style pulled me in, painting a world of dragons, riders, and hidden histories that felt alive with secrets. I still feel the sting of disappointment from the movie adaptation, which never captured the depth or the layered storytelling that made the books so special. If you want a rich world that beckons you to explore every forest and every cave, this is it.

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Diablo

Next is the Diablo novel series, born from the legendary video game universe that defined my late-night gaming sessions. These books translate the game’s sinister atmosphere into lore-rich stories where darkness lurks and heroes rise. You’ll find yourself caught up in conflicts as ancient as the world itself, and even if you’re not a huge gamer, the sheer intensity and mystery of the Diablo universe will hook you.

The Witcher

Then there’s The Witcher series, which I first fell in love with through the incredible video games, but the books hold their own kind of magic. The author isn’t exactly a wordsmith known for poetic flourishes, but he builds a gritty, layered world that feels tangible. Each kingdom, monster, and political intrigue has weight, and while the writing might feel blunt at times, it still pulls you into a narrative that’s rich, dark, and undeniably memorable.

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The Riftwar Saga

If you’re looking for more, consider The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist. These books immerse you in a grand clash of worlds, where magicians and warriors find themselves on the edge of a cosmic struggle. It’s a series that thrives on the interplay of cultures, the growth of characters, and a sense that the fate of entire realms rests in the balance.

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The Dragonlance Chronicles

You might also enjoy The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. I’ve always loved how it manages to be both classic and fresh, weaving dwarves, elves, and dragons into a tale that respects traditional fantasy tropes while giving them heart. There’s camaraderie, tension, and a sense of genuine heroism that I found deeply comforting and inspiring.

Buy the Complete Dragonlance Chronicles Book Series at Amazon

The Chronicles of Prydain

Lastly, check out The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. This might feel lighter compared to some of the darker series I’ve mentioned, but it has its own timeless charm. It’s a world of oracular pigs, reluctant heroes, and a quiet sort of wisdom that grows as you read. There’s something about these books that reminds me of why I fell in love with fantasy in the first place.