The fantasy genre has captivated and enchanted readers for centuries. In 1858, Scottish author George MacDonald penned Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women, widely regarded as the first "modern" fantasy novel. This seminal work influenced countless authors who are now celebrated as luminaries in the field. Lord Dunsany followed suit, redefining fantasy with his novel The King of Elfland's Daughter, which was a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien.
In 2025, readers remain as enchanted and eager as ever to escape into fantastical realms filled with surreal characters and extraordinary creatures. It's the perfect moment to reflect on the most influential fantasy authors and explore their lasting impact through the vibrant and imaginative stories they've shared.
J.R.R. Tolkien
There's no doubt that J.R.R. Tolkien stands as one of the most influential writers of all time, across genres. His groundbreaking Lord of the Rings series revolutionized fantasy, with his meticulous world-building and creation of new languages captivating fans for nearly a century.
Tolkien's influence extends from George Lucas, who directly quoted The Hobbit in the original Star Wars script, to esteemed authors like Ursula Le Guin and George R.R. Martin. He is almost synonymous with fantasy, having been one of its earliest and most impactful voices. Many beloved aspects of fantasy, such as religious undertones, breathtaking landscapes, and unique fictional languages, were popularized by Tolkien and his expansive tales of Middle Earth. Moreover, adaptations of his work, such as Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, have inspired a wave of fantasy imitators over the past decade.
#### The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition
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#### The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set
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#### The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition
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#### The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition
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C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis' enchanting tales of the mystical world of Narnia have captivated readers since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published in 1950. Over the next six years, he released six more books—Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, and The Last Battle—completing his Chronicles of Narnia series.
Since their initial release, the books have never gone out of print, with over 100 million copies in circulation across nearly 50 languages. Lewis himself cited Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women as a significant influence, and the Narnia books have inspired children worldwide, including authors like Katherine Paterson of Bridge to Terabithia. The series has been adapted multiple times, from the classic BBC TV specials to the Disney films, and soon we'll see another rendition by Greta Gerwig for Netflix.
#### Includes 7 Books The Chronicles of Narnia Book Set
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#### Includes 7 Books The Chronicles of Narnia Hardcover Set
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#### Kindle Edition The Chronicles of Narnia
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#### Audiobook Edition The Chronicles of Narnia Complete Audio Collection
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Ursula Le Guin
This groundbreaking writer crafted some of the most acclaimed fantasy novels ever. Her Earthsea series follows a young mage's quest for identity and freedom in the fictional world of Earthsea. The series earned Le Guin the distinction of being the first woman to win both the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novel, thus introducing her already popular books to an even broader audience. Her philosophical and whimsical style inspired creators like Hayao Miyazaki and his son, who adapted Earthsea into a film.
Le Guin was not only a leader in fantasy but also a famously radical thinker, envisioning a better world through her stories and the lives of her readers. Even after her passing in 2018, she continues to gain viral fame as people share her optimistic thoughts on the end of Capitalism and her hopes for humanity. In 2025, Le Guin's work remains as powerful and relevant as ever.
Book 1 of the Series#### A Wizard of Earthsea
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#### The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition
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Boxed Set#### Ursula K. Le Guin: The Hainish Novels and Stories
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Blu-ray + DVD#### Tales From Earthsea
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George R.R. Martin
His epic A Song of Ice and Fire series, known popularly as Game of Thrones, is not only a colossal bestseller but also transformed television with its high-budget production, graphic violence, and nudity. Martin's true influence lies in his intricate world-building, considered among the best in fantasy. From his detailed depictions of Westeros to his expansive fictional histories, texts, and ephemera, Martin fully immerses readers in his worlds.
Beyond the cultural phenomenon of Game of Thrones, Martin has influenced TV and film, contributing to shows like the 2000s reboot of The Twilight Zone, the cult hit Max Headroom, and the underrated 1989 Beauty and the Beast series starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton. More recently, his supernatural noir series Dark Winds was adapted by AMC and renewed for a fourth season.
#### A Song of Ice and Fire Book Set
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#### A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition
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#### A Clash of Kings: The Illustrated Edition
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#### A Storm of Swords: The Illustrated Edition
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Octavia Butler
Though recently recognized for her pioneering science fiction, Octavia Butler is also a vital part of the fantasy canon. Her imagination spanned from vampires to time travel, with her most famous book, Kindred, which she described as "a kind of grim fantasy." This work exemplifies what makes her a unique and trailblazing author.
Butler fearlessly integrated real-world issues into her genre fiction, weaving tales of time travel, vampires, and dystopias with explorations of racism and sexism. Her ability to address relatable issues while imagining futuristic worlds makes her one of the most influential and powerful genre authors. It's thrilling to see her finally recognized as the trailblazer she truly is.
#### Kindred
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#### Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
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#### Parable of the Sower
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#### Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
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Terry Pratchett
His Discworld series blends the cozy charm of Tolkien's hobbits with absurdist comedy and vibrant fantasy. Never shying away from satirical commentary, Terry Pratchett has been a pioneer of the thriving cozy fantasy movement and one of the most awarded writers in fantasy.
Like many on this list, Pratchett aimed to change not just fictional worlds but the real one as well. As he famously stated, "Fantasy isn't just about wizards and silly wands. It's about seeing the world from new directions." Pratchett viewed fantasy as a tool for comfort, entertainment, and opening readers' minds to diverse experiences and viewpoints. He was also an outspoken advocate for human rights and, after his Alzheimer's diagnosis, the right for people with terminal illnesses to die with dignity.
5-Book Collection#### Terry Pratchett Discworld Novels
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#### The Color of Magic
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#### Night Watch
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#### Equal Rites
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Diana Wynne Jones
One of Terry Pratchett's biggest inspirations, the author behind Howl's Moving Castle and the Chronicles of Chrestomanci, is one of the most underrated authors on this list. Her children's books have nourished generations of avid readers eager to explore dreamworlds they can imagine themselves inhabiting.
Even those unfamiliar with her name may have encountered her works through Studio Ghibli's globally beloved adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle. Jones has shaped not only readers' minds but also those of authors, as many believe that the boy who lived might never have existed without her uniquely British take on magic, growing up, and discovering personal power.
#### Howl's Moving Castle
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#### The Chronicles of Chrestomanci
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#### Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories
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#### A Tale of Time City
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