Best Fantasy Book Series Ranked — What to Read Next If You Love HP, ACOTAR, Fourth Wing (2026)
Which fantasy series should you invest your time in? With BookTok making every fantasy series look like the next unmissable read, this is a fair question. This guide ranks the modern fantasy series most-read in Pakistan and worldwide — by tier, based on scope, quality, and reader consensus.
Tier S — The Genre-Defining Classics
1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Still the gold standard 70 years later. Dense, patient, and unmatched in scope. If you're going to read one epic fantasy in your life, read this. Start with The Hobbit then move to the trilogy.
2. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
The Game of Thrones books. Complex, brutal, morally grey. Five books published so far, with two remaining (release date... unclear). Even unfinished, one of the greatest fantasy series ever written.
3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Timeless children's fantasy that adults still return to. Seven short books that can be read at any age.
Tier A — Modern Must-Reads
4. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
The series that made a generation of readers. Seven books. Full guide: Harry Potter Reading Order.
5. Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
The natural next step after Harry Potter. Greek mythology, humor, adventure. Full guide: Percy Jackson Reading Order.
6. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The romantasy phenomenon. Faeries, court intrigue, spicy romance. Book 1 is where most readers start their SJM journey. Full guide: ACOTAR Series Order.
7. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Also by SJM — more traditional epic fantasy than ACOTAR. Longer commitment (8 books) but many SJM fans call this her best work.
8. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (Grishaverse)
Fantasy heist story, brilliantly plotted with unforgettable characters. Two books. Part of the wider Grishaverse.
Tier B — Popular Modern Series
9. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean)
The current BookTok obsession. Dragons, war college, enemies-to-lovers romance. Books 1-3 out; the series is ongoing. Fast-paced, addictive.
10. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Dystopian YA fantasy with romance. 11 books total. Full guide: Shatter Me Series Order.
11. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Dark romantasy. Long books, high emotional stakes, dedicated fanbase.
12. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Dark faerie court fantasy. Three books.
13. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
YA dystopian fantasy. Four books — complete.
Tier C — Cult Favorites
14. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The most epic of epic fantasy — 14 massive books totaling 4+ million words. Committed fans swear by it; casual readers find it overwhelming.
15. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Original trilogy (2006-2008) plus later era. Sanderson is famous for his "magic systems" — Mistborn's is arguably the best in fantasy.
16. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson's ongoing epic. 5 planned books — currently on Book 5. Beloved by fantasy readers who want depth.
17. Discworld by Terry Pratchett
40+ books of comedic fantasy. Not read in order; pick a starting point (usually Guards! Guards! or Small Gods).
Which Fantasy Series Should You Read First?
New to fantasy?
Start with Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. Accessible, well-loved, easy commitment.
Loved Harry Potter, want more?
Percy Jackson → ACOTAR → Six of Crows → Throne of Glass
Want the epic classic experience?
The Lord of the Rings → A Song of Ice and Fire → The Wheel of Time
Love romance and want fantasy that leans into it?
ACOTAR → Fourth Wing → From Blood and Ash
Want the best world-building?
Mistborn → The Stormlight Archive → The Wheel of Time
Want short, brilliant fantasy?
Six of Crows duology or The Chronicles of Narnia
Fantasy Series You Can Skip
Every reader is different, but some once-hot series haven't aged well or have serious pacing/writing issues:
- Divergent trilogy — rushed ending, weak worldbuilding
- The Selection series — style-over-substance dystopian
- Twilight — read for cultural literacy if you must, but the writing is poor
Your mileage may vary — these are polarizing.
Where to Buy Original Fantasy Books in Pakistan
Every fantasy series listed here is available at OnlineBooksOutlet in 100% original paperback editions. Photocopy versions of popular fantasy are widespread — for series you'll re-read, insist on originals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fantasy series is best for beginners?
Harry Potter — short books, accessible, universally loved.
What's the biggest fantasy series?
The Wheel of Time at 14 books and 4+ million words. Followed by A Song of Ice and Fire (unfinished, 5 books so far) and Sanderson's Cosmere universe (30+ books across sub-series).
Is Fourth Wing worth the hype?
Mostly yes — if you like fast-paced romantasy with strong female leads. Skip if you want slower, deeper fantasy.
Are Sarah J. Maas books appropriate for teens?
Her YA (Throne of Glass Book 1) is teen-friendly. ACOTAR gets explicit from Book 1 onwards — 18+ recommended.
How much do fantasy series cost in Pakistan?
Individual paperbacks Rs 745-995; box sets Rs 2,500-5,000 depending on series length.
Related Reading Guides
- All Fantasy Books
- Young Adult Literature
- ACOTAR Series Order
- Shatter Me Series Order
- Percy Jackson Reading Order
- Harry Potter Reading Order
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