Best Fantasy Books From the 90s (2026): 4 Compared

The best fantasy books from the 90s still pull readers in with dragons, enchanted forests and faerie tales. We compared the books by listed reading age, grade level, print length, series position and publication date, so you can match the book to the reader.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Where the Wild Things Are by Sendak	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Dealing with Dragons by Wrede	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Faerie Tale by Feist	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Dragonlance Chronicles by Weis	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Where the Wild Things Are by Sendak

Maurice Sendak·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

After being sent to bed, a boy sails to an island of Wild Things, a classic pick for a child who likes make-believe.

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Pros

• The listing states it won the Caldecott Medal
• New reproductions of the artwork, as the description states
• A single 48-page volume that is short enough to read aloud in one sitting

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers, not stated by the publisher
• A picture book, so a child who wants a long fantasy novel will need another title
• The description has Max causing havoc before the journey, a scene younger listeners may want to talk through

2

Dealing with Dragons by Wrede

Patricia C. Wrede·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The first book of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, suited to a middle grade reader starting a fantasy series.

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Pros

• Book One of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles
• 240 pages, a comfortable series starter
• Grade level 5 to 7 stated on the listing

Cons

• Reading age 8 to 13 years is marked from customers only
• Listing shows a 2015 publication date
• First in a series, so the story continues

3

Faerie Tale by Feist

Raymond E. Feist·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 448-page standalone fantasy novel by Raymond E. Feist, suited to a reader ready for a long book.

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Pros

• 448 pages, the longest book here
• Standalone fantasy novel
• Spectra edition

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• Listing shows a 1989 publication date
• Long length suits committed readers

4

Dragonlance Chronicles by Weis

Margaret Weis·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Three classic novels in one volume, following a group quest through a world at war.

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Pros

• The listing states it collects three novels in one volume
• Publication date of February 4, 2025 is listed
• A knight, barbarian, dwarf, kender and mage travel together

Cons

• The description mentions war and destruction
• At 1056 pages it is a long read for a casual reader
• No reading age or grade level is stated

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More picks to compare

• Classics For Pleasure by DirdaLiterary essays on ninety books from fantasy to history.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best fantasy books from the 90s

Start with the reader

Dealing with Dragons lists grade level 5 to 7, with a reading age of 8 to 13 years marked as from customers, so it suits a middle grade reader. Faerie Tale lists no reading age, and its 448 pages suit a reader ready for a long book. Browse the full best fantasy books from the 90s shelf for more picks.

Series or standalone

Dealing with Dragons is Book One of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, so a reader who likes it can keep going. Dragonlance Chronicles is a series title too, while Faerie Tale is a standalone novel. For a reading group, see our book club books lists.

Check the listing’s publication date

Listings do not always show the original year. The Dealing with Dragons listing shows September 15, 2015, and the Faerie Tale listing shows January 1, 1989. Read the publication date on the listing before you buy.

Before you buy

• Check the publication date on the listing; the Dealing with Dragons listing shows September 15, 2015.
• Check which book of the series comes first; Dealing with Dragons is Book One of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
• Match the reading level to the reader; Dealing with Dragons lists grade level 5 to 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these suits a middle grade reader?

Dealing with Dragons lists grade level 5 to 7 and a reading age of 8 to 13 years marked as from customers.

Are any of these part of a series?

Dealing with Dragons is Book One of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, and Dragonlance Chronicles is a series title.

Do the listings show original publication dates?

Not always. The Dealing with Dragons listing shows September 15, 2015, and the Faerie Tale listing shows January 1, 1989.

Still deciding? Our top pickWhere the Wild Things Are by Sendak

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More lists: middle grade books, picture books, book club books and history and biography books.