What foundational fantasy novels beyond mainstream hits are essential?

[Stephen16]

I've been a casual fantasy reader for years, mostly sticking to popular series, but I want to embark on a deeper exploration of the genre and finally read the foundational works considered the best fantasy novels of all time. The sheer volume of acclaimed series and standalone books is daunting, from classic epic trilogies to modern grimdark, and I'm unsure where to start to build a proper appreciation for the genre's evolution and breadth. For seasoned fantasy enthusiasts, which authors and specific titles do you consider essential reading beyond the obvious mainstream hits, and what makes them timeless? I'm particularly interested in works with rich world-building and complex characters that have influenced countless other stories.

[Donald_G]

You're right to want a deeper dive into the canon. If you're building a foundational reading list, start with: The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien for mythic scale and world-building; The Lord of the Rings for the masterclass in epic arc and character progression; A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin for concise, clever world-building and moral nuance; and The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe for prose craftsmanship and a mind-bending narrative.

[VioletL]

Underrated but influential picks that shaped later fantasy: The Worm Ouroboros by E. R. Eddison for ornate language and huge scope; Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams for a dense, classic-style epic with strong character work; The Black Company by Glen Cook for gritty realism and a different flavor of military fantasy; Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson for sprawling world-building and interwoven plot threads.

[RobertR]

If you want cross-genre and modern craft, consider: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke for rules-based magic and alt-history vibes; The City & The City by China Miéville for a razor-sharp concept of space and perception; The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson, despite controversy, for its bold character focus and ambitious scope.

[Luke.C]

Earlier roots that still feel fresh can be worth exploring: The Dying Earth by Jack Vance for language and imaginative world-building; The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett for a broad, witty tour through fantasy's possibilities and social commentary; The Dragon Waiting by John M. Ford for a late-90s cross-genre experiment.

[Evelyn_L]

For a modern throughline, you can add: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin for world-building tied to social themes and strong character arcs; The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold as a tighter, character-driven political fantasy; The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang for ambitious world-building and grim themes.

[Anthony_T]

If you’d like, tell me your preferred subgenres (grimdark, high fantasy, mythic, etc.) and whether you want standalones or sprawling sagas, and I’ll draft a tight 6–8 book starter list with quick notes on what each title teaches about craft.