Best Series to Gift a Fantasy Reader

Give that fantasy reader in your life the gift of emotional trauma this holiday! Empire of the Vampire takes everything you love about vampire stories—the high-octane action, the guts and gore, and the dark, gothic vibes—and adds in a lovely adventure fantasy twist replete with some of the most heartbreaking moments I’ve read in years.

The sequels, Empire of the Damned and Empire of the Dawn have been my #1 reads of 2024 and 2025, and cannot be more highly recommended!

Kings of the Wyld and Bloody Rose are the perfect gift for anyone who needs a reminder that fantasy can still be FUN. No grimdark tones or broody badasses here; this story is a rollicking adventure with monster hunting, rockstar vibes, and a cast of characters that get more lovable with every page.

I consider this one a modern classic, a series that deserves to be read by everyone who wants fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still ends up being a deeply emotional and insightful read.

Heroics, badass battles, amazing characters, and a world that any fantasy reader will instantly love—that’s what you get from one of the best series of all time. Written by a master of classic fantasy, Legend brings you into a bloody adventure where all may seem lost, but hope remains while those of noble heart and unbreakable courage live. Druss is truly one of the all-time greats of fantasy, and his is a story that must be read.  

In a world where things seem bleak, where every day brings some new challenge or hardship, The Greatcoats is the perfect read. The series follows Falcio, a traveling duelist magistrate who is determined to uphold the laws of his dead king in a society that mocks what he stands for.

I love how he clings desperately to this impossible dream because he firmly believes it’s the path to shaping a better, kinder kingdom. We could all use a little more optimism—especially when it’s coupled with razor-sharp quips, flashing blades, and twists way darker than you might expect.

This series quite literally has it all: animal companions, a coming-of-age story, a beautiful twist on the “Chosen One” trope, angels, demons, giants, monsters, magic, mayhem, and some of the biggest, most epic battle scenes I’ve read in years.

It’s a series that slowly sinks its hooks into you and drags you deeper into its myriad plots and twists and intrigue until you just can’t put it down. It’s also one of the grandest in scope, with a massive, sprawling world that I loved getting lost in.

For the reader who likes a bit more sizzle and spice with their fantasy, I can’t recommend Reign and Ruin loudly enough. It’s got all the romance you’d expect from a romantasy, but it’s paired with amazing worldbuilding, a fascinating magic system, and characters that you can’t help but admire for their strength, resilience, intelligence, and above all, their decency.

It’s my favorite romantasy to date, and one I particularly recommend for men who are hesitant to dip their toes into the genre.