10 Greatest Fantasy Books Released Since Lord of the Rings, Ranked for Their Lasting Impact
Tolkien’s Enduring Influence
J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings forms only part of the larger body of lore and history known as Middle-earth. The books appeared in the 1950s, followed by a film trilogy in the 2000s.
The series is widely regarded as foundational to high fantasy and influential across the genre. Later writers have produced works often compared with Tolkien’s quality and impact.
A Story Still Unfinished
The Name of the Wind opens Patrick Rothfuss’s unfinished Kingkiller Chronicle. Its central character, Kvothe, lives under the name Kote and tells his life story to a Chronicler over three days.
His account covers his youth, studies in magic, musical skill and remarkable deeds. Mysteries include a sealed door at the university and the Chandrian, a group of villains; the unresolved questions have fueled speculation about the story’s conclusion.
Fantasy With A Different Shape
Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl begins in the near future, after aliens invade Earth and abduct Carl. He is forced into an 18-level dungeon crawl inspired by classic role-playing games.
The series is described as silly, quirky and absurd, with eight books published over seven years. Though closer to science-fantasy than traditional fantasy, it is presented as distinctive and influential.
Assassins And A Ruined Europe
Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice begins The Farseer Trilogy, part of the Realm of the Elderlings shared universe. Its young protagonist is compelled to become an assassin and learns he is the king’s illegitimate son.
Mark Lawrence’s Prince of Thorns opens the Broken Empire trilogy, set in a Europe devastated by nuclear war and returned to a Dark Ages state. Fourteen-year-old Prince Jorg Ancrath leads mercenaries while seeking a kingdom, in a grim story focused on his violent character.
Key points
- Tolkien’s Middle-earth books were published in the 1950s and helped shape high fantasy.
- The Name of the Wind is the first book in Patrick Rothfuss’s unfinished Kingkiller Chronicle.
- Dungeon Crawler Carl follows Carl through an alien-imposed, 18-level dungeon crawl.
- Assassin’s Apprentice and Prince of Thorns begin separate fantasy series.