Best Fantasy Authors of All Time: Must-Read Legends!

Cold rainy weather, a warm cup of coffee, a cozy sofa seat set along the French window that opens up in the garden; there’s no perfect setting to read books by the best fantasy authors of all time. We all have read fantasy books all our lives, and to be honest, the charm and the hook that these books have are still enchanting us.

According to a study In the United States, the fantasy genre is among the most commonly read book genres. And it is all because of the epic stories that authors have written brilliantly to entice readers. So, who are the best-selling in the fantasy genre? Read this blog to explore.

Who Are The Best Selling Fantasy Authors Of All Time

We’ve researched a lot of literary platforms and have talked to literature experts to compile a list for you of the best selling fantasy authors of all time. We’ll feature names like Adam Kyle Gilbert, George R.R. Martin, Seanan McGuire, and Patrick Rothfuss etc. and explore their range of work.

Not to forget to talk about the king of the fantasy genre, i.e., Bandon Sanderson, one of the best fantasy authors of all time. With over 71 books, Sanderson is known as the king of authors in the fantasy genre. His determination and hard work are evident in the fact that he wrote 3000 words per day regularly as his normal day work.

Who is the best fantasy author of all time?

Today, we are here to celebrate the authors who have redefined the fantasy genre. However, we’ll mention J. R. R. Tolkien as he is thebest fantasy author of all time​ among all fantasy genre authors with his books The Lords of The Rings and Middle Earth. He has reshaped the fantasy genre altogether. 

Whether you love reading epic classic fantasy book series or you are more inclined toward reading contemporary fantasy novels, this blog is a perfect guide for you. 

Contemporary Fantasy Novelist List

Many modern-day authors have continued the legacy of classic authors. They have written the books with classic fantasy yet incorporate elements that entice the modern-day readers. Our modern fantasy novelist list is diverse, so without making you wait further, here we go:

Adam Kyle Gilbert

Adam Kyle Gilbert was born in Richlands, Virginia, and is among the best fantasy novelists today. It is because of his literary work and his passionate storytelling full of epic fantasy worlds. He knows how to capture the attention of the readers as well as how to create and develop iconic characters with heroic traits.

Gene Roddenberry and J.R.R. Tolkien really inspire Adam Kyle Gilbert and since childhood, he has dreamed of writing iconic fantasy books like them. In addition to writing, he watches movies, reads poetry, history, and literature and is fond of art. Although he has only written Gods and Men: A Dream Of Fire and Blood yet, we can expect more books from him in the near future.

Gods and Men: A Dream Of Fire and Blood

Gods and Men: A Dream of Fire and Blood, written by Adam Kyle Gilbert, is among the best selling fantasy novels​ with a gripping story. The story revolves around an empire at the edge of a war because of magical beings. The book is full of fantasy elements with a magical touch to entice readers, like:

• Noble families stand against each other just for power

• A unique magic system setting

• Ancient prophecies becoming a reality

• Alliances shifting toward a powerful clan

• Awakening of dark forces in the underworld

  
  

So, do read this book if you love reading fantasy books and want to enjoy a unique story that stands out.

Seanan McGuire

Seanan McGuire, a name that needs no introduction, is a renowned author when it comes to the popular authors of this day and age. She has worked a day in and out to reinvent fantasy storytelling. Her body of work, however, spans other literary genres as well, including fantasy fiction and science fiction.

Seanan McGuire’s book volumes have been a massive hit, Middlegame being prominent of them all. What forms her legacy is the magical worlds that she has created, futuristic writing approaches and brilliant fantasy stories.

Seanan McGuire’s Books

• October Daye series

• The Wayward Children series

• Alchemical Journeys series

• Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear

• Indexing

• Ghost Roads series

• Age of X-Man: The Amazing Nightcrawler (5 issues)

• King in Black: Gwenom vs. Carnage (3 issues)

• Fearless (2019)
  

Patrick Rothfuss

Although Patrick Rothfuss has written very few books to date, yet he is celebrated as a great, talented fantasy author. He is usually known for his books that have stories revolving around iconic heroic characters. Patrick Rothfuss has been writing since 1993 while he was still studying philosophy, anthropology, writing and literature.

Rothfuss pursued his English literature degree, and his first book was published in 2007, i.e., The Name of the Wind. It was the time when Patrick got recognition for his work and won several awards and accolades.

Some of the famous books of Patrick Rothfuss

• Kingkiller Chronicle

• The Name of the Wind

• The Doors of Stone

• The Wise Man’s Fear

• The Lightening Tree

• The Narrow Road Between Desires
  

Top Selling Fantasy Authors: Our Best Pick

We’ve discussed some of the fantasy authors that have written modern-day fantasy epics. Now let’s discuss top selling fantasy authors of all time who have broken all the records in the literary world.

George R.R. Martin

This name needs no introduction as the books authored by him have created quite a stir in the literary world as well as the cinematic universe. Best known for A Song of Ice and Fire book series, Martin has also contributed as an editor and producer for Beauty and the Beast and The Twilight Zone. He has won several awards and accolades and is one of the most celebrated fantasy book authors today.

George R. R. Martin’s books

• A Game of Thrones

• A Clash of Kings

• A Dance with Dragons

• A Feast for Crows

• Fire & Blood

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

• Fevre Dream

• A Song of Ice and Fire

• Wastelands

• Wastelands 2

• The Ice Dragon

• Dangerous Women

• Wild Cards

• Down These Strange Streets

• The Hedge Knight

• The Living Dead

• Songs of Love and Death

• Nightflyers

• Jokers Wild
  

FAQs:

Who are the most popular fantasy authors?

Although there are many popular fantasy authors with successful books to their credit, but following are the most celebrated ones:

• J. R. R. Tolkien, popularly known as the father of modern fantasy literature 

• C.S. Lewis 

• Robert E. Howard 

• HP Lovecraft
  

Who is the king of authors in the fantasy genre?

Brandon Sanderson is often considered the kind of authors in the fantasy genre. Has has written over 71 books, and his hard work and determination are evident in the fact that he used to write 3000 words per day regularly.

What are the Big 3 fantasy series?

The three of the most-read fantasy book series of all time:

• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

• The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
  

Conclusion

So, this was the complete list of best fantasy authors of all time who have redefined the genre. From classic fantasy book series to epic fantasy imaginative novels, these authors have influenced the readers to the core. Let us know in the comments who is your favorite author.