Cover of The Lord of the Rings by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

5 book recommendations

Books Like “The Lord of the Rings” by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

If you were captivated by the sweeping world-building, deep lore, and enduring fellowship of "The Lord of the Rings", your journey does not end in Middle-earth. Countless epic fantasy realms offer equally thrilling quests and classic battles against ancient darkness. Step forward and discover your next great literary adventure.

  1. Cover of The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

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    The Dragonbone Chair

    by Tad Williams

    “One of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin “Groundbreaking.” —Patrick Rothfuss “One of the great fantasy epics of all time.” —Christopher Paolini New York Times-bestselling Tad Williams’ landmark epic fantasy saga of Osten Ard begins an exciting new cycle with THE WITCHWOOD CROWN, on sale now! With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard. His beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn inspired a generation of modern fantasy writers, including George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, and Christopher Paolini, and defined Tad Williams as one of the most important fantasy writers of our time. This edition features a brand-new introduction from Tad Williams' editor as well as the original introduction from Williams himself! BOOK ONE: THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR A war fueled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard—for Prester John, the High King, lies dying. And with his death, the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king’s younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the true danger threatening Osten Ard. Simon, a kitchen boy from the royal castle unknowingly apprenticed to a member of this League, will be sent on a quest that offers the only hope of salvation, a deadly riddle concerning long-lost swords of power. Compelled by fate and perilous magics, he must leave the only home he’s ever known and face enemies more terrifying than Osten Ard has ever seen, even as the land itself begins to die. After the landmark Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, the epic saga of Osten Ard continues with the brand-new novel, The Heart of What Was Lost. Then don’t miss the upcoming trilogy, The Last King of Osten Ard, beginning with The Witchwood Crown! Praise for Osten Ard: “Inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy.... It’s one of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Game of Thrones “Groundbreaking...changed how people thought of the genre, and paved the way for so much modern fantasy. Including mine.” —Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times-bestselling author of The Name of the Wind "Tad Williams is a master storyteller, and the Osten Ard books are his masterpiece." —Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is one of the great fantasy epics of all time.” —Christopher Paolini, New York Times-bestselling author of Eragon

    Why it's similar

    Both works center on a sweeping conflict against an awakening ancient evil, underpinned by rich lore, melancholic world-building, and an unlikely young hero swept into history.

    What's different

    Williams incorporates more gritty psychological realism, slower deliberate pacing, and complex court politics than Tolkien's elevated, mythic tone.

  2. Cover of The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay

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    The Summer Tree

    by Guy Gavriel Kay

    Taken to a realm of magic and war, five men and women from our world embark on an epic journey in the first novel in Guy Gavriel Kay’s classic, critically acclaimed fantasy trilogy, The Fionavar Tapestry. It begins with a chance meeting that introduces the five to a man who will change their lives: a mage who brings them to the first of all worlds, Fionavar. In this land of gods and myth, each of them is forced to discover what they are and what they are willing to do, as Fionavar stands on the brink of a terrifying war against a dark, vengeful god...

    Why it's similar

    Both novels draw deeply on Northern European mythologies to explore high-stakes themes of grief, self-sacrifice, and the resistance against an unsealed primeval evil.

    What's different

    Kay uses a portal-fantasy premise where modern university students are transported into the fantasy realm, introducing contemporary sensibilities and emotional conflicts.

  3. Cover of The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

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    The Eye of the World

    by Robert Jordan

    The Wheel of Time is now an original series on Prime Video, starring Rosamund Pike as Moiraine! The Eye of the World, the first novel in Robert Jordan's #1 New York Times bestselling epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time®, follows Moiraine Damodred as she arrives in Emond's Field on a quest to find the one prophesized to stand against The Dark One. The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master’s enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al’Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light. Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time® has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters. The last six books in series were all instant #1 New York Times bestsellers, and The Eye of the World was named one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read. The Wheel of Time® New Spring: The Novel #1 The Eye of the World #2 The Great Hunt #3 The Dragon Reborn #4 The Shadow Rising #5 The Fires of Heaven #6 Lord of Chaos #7 A Crown of Swords #8 The Path of Daggers #9 Winter's Heart #10 Crossroads of Twilight #11 Knife of Dreams By Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson #12 The Gathering Storm #13 Towers of Midnight #14 A Memory of Light By Robert Jordan and Teresa Patterson The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time By Robert Jordan, Harriet McDougal, Alan Romanczuk, and Maria Simons The Wheel of Time Companion By Robert Jordan and Amy Romanczuk Patterns of the Wheel: Coloring Art Based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

    Why it's similar

    Both are epic high fantasy quests where ordinary youths discover a world‑shaping destiny and travel through a richly detailed secondary world threatened by a primordial evil.

    What's different

    Jordan’s world is more sprawling and serialized, with a large cast followed over many volumes and a heavier focus on political intrigue and magic systems.

  4. Cover of The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks

    Cover not available

    The Sword of Shannara

    by Terry Brooks

    As the last heir of Shannara, Shea must save the humans, gnomes, trolls, dwarfs, and elves of the world from the Warlock Lord by reclaiming the wondrous sword.

    Why it's similar

    Both are classic high fantasy featuring a young rural hero on a quest with a diverse band of companions to defeat a malevolent dark lord using a legendary artifact in a pseudo‑medieval setting.

    What's different

    Brooks’ narrative is more straightforward pastiche with faster pacing and less linguistic depth, offering a simpler heroic adventure experience.

  5. Cover of Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings

    Cover not available

    Pawn of Prophecy

    by David Eddings

    BOOK 1 OF THE BELGARIAD, the worldwide bestselling fantasy series by one of the godfathers of the tradition. Discover the epic stories that inspired generations of fantasy writers - from Raymond Feist's The Riftwar Cycle to George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones. A battle is coming... ...And in that battle shall be decided the fate of the world Myths tell of the ancient wars of Gods and men, and a powerful object - the Orb - that ended the bloodshed. As long as it was held by the line of Riva, it would assure the peace. But a dark force has stolen the Orb, and the prophecies tell of war. Young farm boy Garion knows nothing of myth or fate. But then the mysterious Old Storyteller visits his aunt, and they embark on a sudden journey. Pursued by evil forces, with only a small band of companions they can trust, Garion begins to doubt all he thought he knew...

    Why it's similar

    Both are secondary‑world high fantasy epics following a young, seemingly ordinary boy drawn into a prophesied quest alongside a varied group of companions, involving magical artifacts and looming war.

    What's different

    Eddings emphasizes lighthearted dialogue and recurring humor, with a more accessible, formulaic plot and a coming‑of‑age arc stretched over a long, character‑driven series.

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