It’s not easy to findfantasybook series that are perfect from start to finish, so it’s impressive when an author manages to pen one of them — and it’s especially noteworthy when they manage to write two. Crafting a full series that doesn’t suffer from a slow beginning, sophomore slump, or disappointing ending is no easy feat.
This is doubly true for fantasy series and individual novels, both of which tend to be on the lengthy side. It takes true talent to ensure that readers remain engaged throughout such a story, especially if the narrative has many running threads and character arcs.10/10 fantasy book series might be rare, butthere are a few writers who are attached to more than one.
These authors should be on every fantasy lover’s TBR, asthey consistently deliver satisfying stories that will fully immerse readers from beginning to end. Those finding too much to complain about in their recent reads should give their series a try.
7Brandon Sanderson
Mistborn & The Stormlight Archive
Brandon Sanderson is among the most prolific modern fantasy authors, so it will come as no surprise thathe’s penned two 10/10 fantasy series— and a few standalones that come pretty close to perfect as well.Sanderson’sMistbornbooksare beloved for a reason, and the author’s original trilogy consists of three spotless installments.
AlthoughSanderson never quite topsThe Final Empire— at least, not in my opinion —The Well of AscensionandThe Hero of Agescome pretty close. Neither has many flaws to dwell on, as Sanderson masterfully crafts his story, magic system, and characters. The magic system is particularly impressive, but the characters' growth throughout the series is also a highlight.
The Stormlight Archiveis even more beloved among Sanderson fans, and the first arc of the series is also pretty much flawless.Wind and Truth’s endingbrings it to a satisfying close, reminding readers thatSanderson isn’t one to disappoint. It won’t be a surprise if he churns out a few more 10/10 series in the future.
6Joe Abercrombie
The First Law & The Age Of Madness
Joe Abercombie is another well-known name in the fantasy space. Indeed,The First Lawtrilogy is basically required reading, especially for fans of grimdark fantasy. And Abercrombie’s first series just gets better and better as it continues.The Last Argument of Kingscements it as a 10/10 series, ensuring that these complicated characters get a satisfying conclusion that will stick with readers forever.
Abercombie’s follow-up toThe First Law,The Age of Madnesstrilogy is also a standout — and it leaves just as little to complain about. The author’s storytelling and prose continue to improve in this sequel series, which proves that next-generation narratives aren’t always subpar.The Age of Madnessis different fromThe First Law,but it many ways, it’s just as compelling.
And ifThe Devilsby Abercrombieis anything to judge by, it’s very possible he’ll have another 10/10 fantasy series on his hands soon enough. That’s no small accomplishment, and it’s even more incentive to pick up his work.
5N.K. Jemisin
The Broken Earth & The Inheritance Trilogy
N.K. Jemisin is an iconic fantasy author, as many readers are familiar withThe Broken Earthtrilogy. And this series has a reputation for a good reason: it’s unlike almost any other fantasy story, weaving stunning prose, poignant themes, and complex characters together seamlessly.The Broken Earthgives Jemisin one 10/10 series to brag about, but the author also has another.
The Inheritance Trilogyisn’t as well-known asThe Broken Earth,but it’s every bit as impressive — perhaps more so, since it was the author’s first published series. LikeThe Broken Earth,it tackles relevant topics in a powerful and hard-hitting way, and it features standout world-building from start to finish.
There’s no denying that Jemisin has a backlist full of must-reads.
Both of Jemisin’s fantasy series leave nothing on the table, and althoughGreat Citiesdoesn’t quite reach their heights, it comes close. There’s no denying that Jemisin has a backlist full of must-reads.
4Leigh Bardugo
Shadow And Bone & Six Of Crows
Leigh Bardugo’sGrisha Trilogyis a staple of the young adult fantasy craze of the 2010s, and it holds up surprisingly well, all things considered. Although readers have complaints about some of the romance dynamics inShadow and Bone,they’re iconic in their own right. The Darkling’s toxic interest in Alina makes him all the more interesting, and Mal grows enough to forgive his earlier flaws.
Alina’s journey throughout the trilogy remains a powerful one, and Bardugo brings theGrisha Trilogy’s running parts together well. AlthoughRuin and Rising’s ending is somewhat controversial, it proves an emotional and memorable finale — and its final line will stick with you.
Bardugo surpassesShadow and Boneand its sequels with herSix of Crowsduology, which is even harder to find fault with. The narratives of each book are masterfully pieced together, and Bardugo juggles six complex perspectives without issue. The found-family dynamic is one that’s difficult to find elsewhere, andit ensures Bardugo has two 10/10 stories under her belt.
3Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson And The Olympians & The Heroes Of Olympus
Percy Jackson & the Olympiansmay be aimed at a younger audience, butRick Riordan’s fantasy series is the kind that even adults can enjoy. Its entertaining approach to Greek mythology, character dynamics, humor, and heart ensure it holds up, even more than a decade later. It’s easily a 10/10 middle grade fantasy series — one that gets better with each book.
And Riordan’s upwards trajectory doesn’t stop there. His sequel series,The Heroes of Olympus, proves even more impressive. There’s a reason every addition is so highly rated; it expands Riordan’s world in new and interesting ways, introduces even more great characters, and builds on the original story without feeling forced. Riordan repeatedly proves his talent with both series.
2John Gwynne
The Faithful And The Fallen & The Bloodsworn Saga
John Gwynne’sFaithful and the Fallenseries is a must-read for fantasy lovers, as it’s gripping from the beginning and remains engaging all the way through. It takes readers on an emotional journey, with Gwynne giving readers characters they’ll want to root for — which only makes certain turns even more devastating.
Gwynne establishes an immersive and believable world, injecting it with plenty of action and high stakes. All these things serve to makeThe Faithful and the Fallena 10/10 fantasy series, and it’s not the only one the author has written.
The Bloodsworn Sagacame to a close in 2024 withThe Fury of the Gods— one oflast year’s best fantasy books— and the finale cemented another perfect series from the author. Its use of Norse mythology, compelling characters, and gripping narrative all contribute to its success. At this point, it’s pretty clear Gwynne has a knack for delivering fantasy stories that are more or less flawless.
1Rebecca Roanhorse
The Sixth World & Between Earth And Sky
Rebecca Roanhose is best known for theBetween Earth and Skytrilogy, and the three books weave a story that leaves few things to criticize.Black Sunproves a stellar introduction to Roanhorse’s world, which is masterfully built. It also tackles poignant themes and establishes high stakes, which its sequels don’t fail to deliver on.Mirrored Heavensproves a satisfying conclusion, confirming the trilogy is 10/10.
Less recognizable isThe Sixth Worldseries by Roanhorse, but that doesn’t make it less memorable. Set in a post-apocalyptic world,Trail of LightningandStorm of Locustsunpack difficult and relevant environmental issues while also blending gods and monsters into the mix. It’s an intriguingfantasyseries that will keep readers hooked for the entirety of both books, and it’s yet another basically perfect story.
