Best Fantasy Series (2026): 5 Picks Compared

The best fantasy series span pirate seas, broken-heart curses and iron thrones, and this list covers five worth the commitment. This list is for fantasy readers choosing their next series, and we compared five by fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and stated reading age.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	A Game of Thrones Boxed Set	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Mirror of Infinite Endings	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Tempest	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Mistborn Boxed Set by Sanderson	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Legend of Tal by Rosell	9.2/10	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

Mirror of Infinite Endings

Stephanie Garber·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 ›

Stephanie Garber's Once Upon a Broken Heart finale, Book 4 of 4, 256 pages with 20+ illustrations.

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Pros

• Book 4 of 4, the series finale.
• Reading age 13 - 18 years.
• More than twenty full-page illustrations.

Cons

• Read the series in order first.
• 256 pages is short for a finale.
• No further detail stated.

3

Tempest

Victoria Aveyard·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 ›

Victoria Aveyard's pirate epic, Book 1 of 2 in The Lyrian Sea, 464 pages in deluxe edition.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 2 series starter.
• Deluxe: sprayed edges, foil, endpapers.
• 464 pages of pirate epic fantasy.

Cons

• Series incomplete; book 2 pending.
• Deluxe edition costs more.
• No reading age stated.

4

Mistborn Boxed Set by Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson·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 ›

In a dark world where ash falls and the Lord Ruler reigns, a crew of rebels attempts an impossible heist.

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Pros

• Collects the complete original three-book trilogy from Tor Fantasy
• Covers the full story arc of Kelsier and Vin against the Lord Ruler
• Published in a unified boxed set edition on March 31, 2020
• High fantasy heist premise offers a distinct magic system

Cons

• Print length is not stated on the listing
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• The description mentions dark themes of slavery, misery and lethal mists
• Collects only Boxed Set I, leaving later Cosmere installments for separate purchase

5

Legend of Tal by Rosell

J.D.L. Rosell·9.2/10 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 former fighter and a village boy are pulled into an epic journey, which suits readers who like long quests; the listing states no page count or reading age.

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Pros

• An epic journey with a village boy as companion, for readers who like long quests
• An audiobook version is listed, for readers who prefer listening
• Publication date of June 1, 2020 from the listed publisher, JDL

Cons

• No page count or reading age is stated, so the level is hard to check
• The listing says Book 1 of 5 but also says it has one book, so the series length is unclear
• The description mentions fighting warlocks and killing mythical beasts, which some families will want to check

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 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. One of the five picks lists a reading age. 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

Start at book one

The Tempest listing is Book 1 of 2, the right entry point, while the Mirror of Infinite Endings is Book 4 of 4, so read the Once Upon a Broken Heart series first. The boxed sets collect their series in order. For YA fantasy specifically, see the best YA fantasy and sci-fi books.

Check the edition

The Tempest deluxe limited edition adds sprayed edges, full-color endpapers and a foil-stamped case while supplies last. The boxed sets give shelf-ready collections. Standard editions suit readers who just want the story.

Match the age

Only the Garber book states a reading age: 13 to 18 years. The others state no reading age, so check content guidance for younger readers. For clean YA fantasy, see the best YA fantasy books clean.

Before you buy

• Check the series position: Tempest is Book 1 of 2, Mirror is Book 4 of 4.
• For deluxe editions, confirm availability: the Tempest deluxe is limited.
• Match reading age: only the Garber book states 13 to 18 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fantasy series should I start?

Victoria Aveyard’s Tempest, Book 1 of 2 at 464 pages, or the Mistborn boxed set for a complete arc.

Do I need to read the Garber series in order?

Yes. The Mirror of Infinite Endings is Book 4 of 4 in Once Upon a Broken Heart; start at book one.

Which are complete series?

The 5-book Game of Thrones set and the Mistborn boxed set collect complete arcs. Tempest awaits book 2.

Still deciding? Our top pickA Game of Thrones Boxed Set

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Related lists

See every Fantasy and Romantasy list and all Fiction lists.

More lists: fantasy and romantasy, YA fantasy and sci-fi and clean YA fantasy.