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Welcome, ye lords and ladies, to my list of fantasy novel series with complex world-building. If you enjoy epic, immersive fantasy stories that transport you to richly-detailed worlds, these books are worth a look.
The 15 book series listed below feature sprawling kingdoms, intricate magic systems, and fully-realized cultures and histories. Their world-building will satisfy even the most dedicated fantasy reader.
What Is ‘World-Building’ in Fiction?
World-building in fantasy fiction refers to the creation of a fictional world. It often includes details such as geography, culture, history, and politics. World-building can be done on a small scale, such as creating a single city or kingdom, or on a larger scale, like an entire world with multiple cultures and landscapes.
In fantasy novels and stories, world-building becomes an important part of the storytelling process. It helps to create a sense of immersion and believability for the reader. It can also establish the rules and logic of a fantasy world, helping the reader “suspend disbelief” and fully engage with the story.
15 Fantasy Books With Complex, Intricate Worlds
The Chronicles of Narnia. A Song of Ice and Fire. The Earthsea Cycle. These and other fantasy book series deliver complex world-building, intricate plots, and memorable characters. So let’s explore them. Who knows … you might find your new favorite book somewhere on this list!
Note: I’ve ordered this list alphabetically, as opposed to popularity or preference.
1. The Broken Earth, by N.K. Jemisin
This fantasy series unfolds in a world where humanity flirts with extinction due to environmental disasters and political turmoil. The trilogy follows a group of characters who wield a mysterious and powerful energy known as the “orogenes.” The characters must navigate their way through a hostile world, while dodging the dangerous forces that seek to destroy them. This “science fantasy” series has won numerous awards for its innovative storytelling and social commentary — not to mention some superb world-building.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
These books swept me away when I was a kid. The idea of walking through a dark wardrobe and into another world fascinated me — and millions of other readers. In this fantasy series, children from our world get transported to the magical land of Narnia. There, they get pulled into a war between good and evil. As they fight to defeat the evil White Witch, the children discover they’re destined to be kings and queens of Narnia. This fantasy series offers great world-building combined with an epic battle between good and evil.
3. The Dresden Files, Jim Butcher
This urban fantasy series takes place in modern-day Chicago. In it, wizard and private investigator Harry Dresden uses his magical powers to solve supernatural mysteries. Harry must grapple with his own troubled past and the consequences of his actions, while also battling a variety of magical creatures and enemies.
4. The Earthsea Cycle, by Ursula K. Le Guin
Have you read Ursula K. Le Guin’s magnum opus? If not, now is the time! This fantasy series delivers excellent world-building and a well-developed magic system. These books follow the protagonist Ged, a powerful wizard struggling to come to terms with his own magical powers and the responsibilities they bring. As Ged travels through the world of Earthsea, he gets pulled into a conflict that threatens the balance of the world.
5. The First Law, by Joe Abercrombie
This beloved fantasy series follows a group of characters on opposite sides of a brutal war. The books offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of war, told through the eyes of multi-layered characters. As the characters fight for their own survival and the fate of their kingdoms, they must also confront the darkness within themselves. In addition to its in-depth world-building, this fantasy series delivers a unique blend of dark humor, political intrigue, and action.
6. A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R.R. Martin
So there’s this book called A Game of Thrones … I don’t know if you’ve heard of it. 🙂 Set in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, this epic fantasy series follows the endless power struggles between the noble houses of the kingdom. Epic in scope yet intimate in character, it’s a popular fantasy series like no other. Complex world-building? Check. A large cast of memorable characters? Check. Intricate political intrigue with shocking plot twists? Double check!
7. The Gentlemen Bastards, by Scott Lynch
This fantasy series follows the adventures of a group of thieves and con artists collectively known as the “Gentlemen Bastards.” As they pull off a series of elaborate heists and schemes, they must also navigate the dangerous politics of the city of Camorr — and the threats lurking within its shadows.
8. The Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini
Eragon, a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes a Dragon Rider, bonds with his dragon and fights to protect the world from evil. Over time, as Eragon’s power and talents grow, he learns about his true identity — and why he must confront the dark forces aligned against him.
9. The Kingkiller Chronicle, by Patrick Rothfuss
These novels chronicle the life and adventures of Kvothe, an orphan forced to make his way in a magical and dangerous world. Over time, Kvothe becomes a highly skilled wizard. But he must grapple with secrets from the past and the mysterious organization that’s hunting him. This fantasy book series offers readers some immersive world-building; a richly detailed magic system; and complex, multi-layered characters.
10. The Lightbringer Series, by Brent Weeks
This popular series follows Gavin Guile, the High Prism of the Seven Satrapies. Basically, he’s the most powerful man in the world. Betrayed and forced to flee, Gavin must use all of his wits and magical powers to survive and take back his position of power. There are five novels in this popular series.
11. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
So there’s this story called The Lord of the Rings … I don’t know if you’ve heard of it. 🙂 This epic fantasy series follows hobbit Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring, a dark relic with the power to enslave the inhabitants of Middle-earth. Along the way, Frodo enlists the support of loyal companions who help him evade relentless enemy forces while pursuing his objective.
12. The Malazan Book of the Fallen, by Steven Erikson
There are many books in this epic fantasy series. So if you’re looking for a long-term literary commitment, this is it. It follows the intertwined stories of several characters fighting for survival and power in a world filled with magical conflict. The series is known for its complex world-building and large cast of characters, among other things.
13. The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson
In Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, several individuals “bonded” to powerful magical artifacts work together to save the world from impending doom and darkness. The series is known for its intricate magic system and complex world-building.
14. The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan
This epic fantasy series follows a group of young people who are destined to save the world from the Dark One, a being of great evil. As they learn about their powers and the true nature of their destiny, they must also navigate a veritable labyrinth of political intrigue and betrayal.
15. The Witcher, by Andrzej Sapkowski
This fantasy series follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who is also known as a Witcher. While traveling the world to hunt down dangerous beasts, Geralt becomes entangled in complex political conflicts that threaten everything he knows and loves.
Have Something to Contribute?
I’d like to grow this list over time, for the benefit of all fantasy readers. So, if you know of a fantasy book series with complex world-building that’s not mentioned above … drop a comment below! I’ll check out the series and (if it fits the theme of this article) add it to the list.