Best Fantasy Series to Start (2026): 5 Compared

Starting a fantasy series is a commitment, so pick a series that rewards it. The best fantasy series to start give you a complete arc, memorable characters and a world you want to live in. We compared 5 series by page count, series position, publication date and format, so you can find your next obsession.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	A Game of Thrones Boxed Set	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Reign of the Ancients Part 2	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Shadow and Bone by Bardugo	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Demons & Dragons by Bladegrave	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Court of Thorns and Roses by Maas	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

A Game of Thrones Boxed Set

George R. R. Martin·9.8/10 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 5 novels of A Song of Ice and Fire in a boxed set, 5216 pages.

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Pros

• 5 novels in 1 boxed set
• 5216 pages of epic fantasy
• Published 2013, media tie-in edition

Cons

• Series is unfinished
• 5216 pages is a big commitment
• Mature content

2

Reign of the Ancients Part 2

R.E. Davies·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 ›

Book 2 of 6 in the Onis Chronicles fantasy adventure series.

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Pros

• Book 2 of a 6-book series
• Dragon and elf fantasy adventure
• Published 2021

Cons

• Book 2, not the series start
• Part of an unfinished series
• Fewer details are stated

3

Shadow and Bone by Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo·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 ›

A young soldier discovers dormant magical powers and enters a lavish court while a growing threat tests her kingdom.

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Pros

• Includes all three books in the complete original Grishaverse trilogy
• The listing states a clear reading age of 12 to 18 years
• Grade level 7 to 9 matches the listed reading age
• Paperback boxed format keeps all three volumes together

Cons

• Print length is not stated on the listing
• Part of the larger Grishaverse, so readers may want companion series next
• The description mentions kingdom conflicts and dangerous magic that may not suit younger readers
• Original trilogy was published in 2017, making it an older release

4

Demons & Dragons by Bladegrave

Kit Bladegrave·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 ›

A five-book box set about a dragon shifter heroine, for readers who like romance.

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Pros

• Five books of the Dragon Reign saga in one set
• Dragon shifters, demons and witches throughout
• Collected box set published August 11, 2018

Cons

• Description warns of cliffhangers and violence
• Teen romance framing suits older readers
• No print length or reading age stated

5

Court of Thorns and Roses by Maas

Sarah J. Maas·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 ›

After killing a magical wolf to feed her family, a huntress is brought into the dangerous world of the Fae.

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Pros

• Includes all five paperback volumes published through A Court of Silver Flames
• The listing states a total print length of 2896 pages
• Box set publication date of November 1, 2022 from Bloomsbury Publishing
• Covers both Feyre's original storyline and Nesta's perspective

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• The description cites mature themes including violence and passionate content
• The series remains ongoing beyond this five-book collection
• Long print length of 2896 pages may be heavy for casual readers

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 21 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs series completeness, contents and edition, and value. All 5 listings are boxed sets or series entries. 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 series to start

Check how many books are included and whether the series is finished. The Game of Thrones set includes the first 5 novels at 5216 pages. The Onis Chronicles entry is book 2 of 6, so start with book 1. Boxed sets give the best value per book. For more lists, see every fiction books guide.

Before you buy

Fantasy series reward reading in order; do not start with book 2. If you loved the show, the books go deeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which series is the longest?

The Game of Thrones 5-book set at 5216 pages.

Should I start with book 2 of a series?

No. The Onis Chronicles entry here is book 2 of 6; find book 1 first.

Are these complete series?

The boxed sets collect multiple books; check the listing for which volumes are included.

Still deciding? Our top pickA Game of Thrones Boxed Set

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Related lists

Also see our best fantasy series with dragons. Also see our best fantasy series with magic.

More lists: browse fantasy books, best fantasy series unfinished and every book list.