The fantasy genre has been captivating and enchanting readers for centuries. In 1858, Scottish author George MacDonald penned "Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women," often regarded as the first "modern" fantasy novel. This seminal work influenced many of the genre's most beloved authors. Lord Dunsany followed with "The King of Elfland's Daughter," a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien, further shaping the landscape of fantasy literature.
In 2025, readers remain as enchanted and eager as ever to escape into fantastical worlds filled with surreal characters and breathtaking landscapes. It's the perfect time to reflect on the most influential fantasy authors and delve into the reasons behind their lasting impact through their vibrant and imaginative storytelling.
J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien stands as one of the most influential writers in the history of literature, not just within the fantasy genre. His groundbreaking "Lord of the Rings" series revolutionized fantasy with its intricate world-building and creation of new languages, captivating fans for nearly a century.
Tolkien's influence extends from George Lucas, who directly quoted "The Hobbit" in the original "Star Wars" script, to other iconic authors like Ursula Le Guin and George R.R. Martin. He is nearly synonymous with fantasy, having been one of its earliest breakthrough authors. Many beloved aspects of the genre, from its religious undertones and stunning landscapes to its unique fictional languages, were popularized by Tolkien's expansive Middle Earth. Even the adaptations of his work, such as Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films, have inspired a wave of fantasy imitators for over a decade.
The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition
4See it at Amazon!
The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set
4See it at Amazon!
The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition
5See it at Amazon!
The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition
5See it at Amazon!
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis's enchanting tales of the mystical world of Narnia have held a magical grip on children's literature and fantasy since "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" was first published in 1950. Over the next six years, he completed his "Chronicles of Narnia" series with six more books: "Prince Caspian," "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," "The Silver Chair," "The Horse and His Boy," "The Magician's Nephew," and "The Last Battle."
The series has never gone out of print, with over 100 million copies in circulation across nearly 50 languages. Lewis credited "Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women" as a significant influence, and his Narnia books have inspired children worldwide, including authors like Katherine Paterson of "Bridge to Terabithia." The series has been adapted numerous times, from the classic BBC TV specials to Disney movies, and a new version by Greta Gerwig is soon to be released on Netflix.
Includes 7 Books The Chronicles of Narnia Book Set
12See it at Amazon!
Includes 7 Books The Chronicles of Narnia Hardcover Set
4See it at Amazon!
Kindle Edition The Chronicles of Narnia
3See it at Amazon!
Audiobook Edition The Chronicles of Narnia Complete Audio Collection
1See it at Amazon!
Ursula Le Guin
Ursula Le Guin is renowned for her acclaimed fantasy novels, particularly the "Earthsea" series, which follows a young mage's journey to find his place and freedom in the fictional world of Earthsea. Her work earned her the distinction of being the first woman to win both the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novel, expanding her already popular books to an even wider audience. Her philosophical and whimsical style inspired creators like Hayao Miyazaki and his son, the latter of whom adapted "Earthsea" to film.
Le Guin was not only a leader in the fantasy genre but also a radical thinker, advocating for a better world through her stories and her influence on readers. Even after her passing in 2018, her optimistic views on the end of capitalism and hope for humanity continue to resonate, spreading through viral videos and quotes. Her work remains as powerful and relevant in 2025 as it was during her lifetime.
Book 1 of the Series
A Wizard of Earthsea
0See it at Amazon!
The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition
0See it at Amazon!
Boxed Set
Ursula K. Le Guin: The Hainish Novels and Stories
0See it at Amazon!
Blu-ray + DVD
Tales From Earthsea
0See it at Amazon!
George R.R. Martin
George R.R. Martin's epic "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, better known as "Game of Thrones," has not only been a massive bestseller but has also transformed television with its high budgets, intense gore, and notable nudity. His influence, however, truly lies in his exceptional world-building, considered among the best in fantasy. From the detailed renditions of Westeros to his expansive fictional histories and texts, Martin immerses readers in his richly crafted worlds.
Beyond "Game of Thrones," Martin has shaped TV and film through his work on shows like the 2000s reboot of "The Twilight Zone," the cult classic "Max Headroom," and the underrated 1989 "Beauty and the Beast" series starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton. More recently, his chilling supernatural noir "Dark Winds" was adapted by AMC and renewed for a fourth season.
A Song of Ice and Fire Book Set
4See it at Amazon!
A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition
7See it at Amazon!
A Clash of Kings: The Illustrated Edition
3See it at Amazon!
A Storm of Swords: The Illustrated Edition
3See it at Amazon!
Octavia Butler
Although Octavia Butler is widely recognized for her pioneering work in science fiction, she is also a vital part of the fantasy canon. Her imagination spanned from vampires to time travel, with her most well-known book, "Kindred," described by Butler herself as "a kind of grim fantasy." Her unique storytelling blends real-world experiences with genre fiction, addressing issues like racism and sexism through narratives involving time travel, vampires, and dystopias.
Butler's ability to weave relatable issues into her imaginative worlds makes her one of the most influential and powerful genre authors of all time. It's heartening to see her finally receiving the recognition she deserves as a trailblazer.
Kindred
1See it at Amazon!
Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
1See it at Amazon!
Parable of the Sower
1See it at Amazon!
Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation
1See it at Amazon!
Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett's "Discworld" series blends the cozy charm of Tolkien's hobbits with absurdist comedy and vibrant fantasy. His work, infused with satirical commentary, has been at the forefront of the cozy fantasy movement and earned him numerous awards.
Like many authors on this list, Pratchett aimed to change the real world through his writing. He believed that "Fantasy isn't just about wizards and silly wands. It's about seeing the world from new directions," using fantasy as a tool for comfort, entertainment, and broadening perspectives. An advocate for human rights, Pratchett also championed the right for people with terminal illnesses to die with dignity after his own Alzheimer's diagnosis.
5-Book Collection
Terry Pratchett Discworld Novels
1See it at Amazon!
The Color of Magic
1See it at Amazon!
Night Watch
0See it at Amazon!
Equal Rites
0See it at Amazon!
Diana Wynne Jones
Diana Wynne Jones, a significant influence on Terry Pratchett, is the author behind "Howl's Moving Castle" and the "Chronicles of Chrestomanci." Her children's books have inspired generations of avid readers, inviting them into dreamworlds they can imagine themselves in.
Even those unfamiliar with her name have likely encountered her work through Studio Ghibli's beloved adaptation of "Howl's Moving Castle." Her impact extends beyond readers to other authors, with many believing that the iconic "Harry Potter" series might not have existed without Jones's distinctly British take on magic, growing up, and discovering personal power.
Howl's Moving Castle
2See it at Amazon!
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci
0See it at Amazon!
Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories
0See it at Amazon!
A Tale of Time City
0See it at Amazon!
