The fantasy genre is known for its lengthy series, but there are standalone books that have become unquestionable classics in fewer pages — and many are worthy of 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. Crafting an fantasy tale with a detailed world, dynamic characters, and compelling plot is no easy feat. Often, it takes multiple books to master every element of a story in this way.
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And that makes it more impressive when standalones pull it off in just one go. Some of the best fantasy standalones deliver tightly woven narratives that don’t skimp on the complexity of their settings, characters, or magic systems. They leave deep impressions as well, frequently giving readers good reasons to return to them. From J.R.R. Tolkien’s initial classic to an independently published book about violence and war, these standalones are all five-star reads and classics in their own right.
5) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
One of the greatest fantasy classics is The Hobbit. And although it’s connected to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings universe, the book delivers a contained story that holds up well on its own. It’s clear that Tolkien’s word is masterfully crafted, even if we’re only shown the corners of it that Bilbo visits on his adventure. And while there are dark undertones and higher stakes,The Hobbit strikes a great balance between that and being cozy and lighthearted. Nearly a century after its publication, it’s still a fun journey to embark on; it’s a far smoother read than the Lord of the Rings. It’s just as memorable, though, mostly because it’s so full of whimsy and heart.
4) The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Another lauded fantasy story is The Princess Bride, though the version most people are familiar with is the classic fantasy movie from the 1980s. However, William Goldman’s 1973 novel is just as good. In some ways, it even improves on the adaptation. While it features the same love story at its core, the book takes on a more biting tone than the film — and if you’re not holding them too closely to one another, its easy to appreciate. The novel also captures the adventurous spirit of other popular fantasy classics, and it has a compelling cast of characters. Arguably, they have more depth than their screen counterparts. The book’s clever use of meta commentary and framing also proves memorable, cementing it as a five-star read.
3) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus by Erin Morgensten is a fantasy classic that deserves all the love that it gets, and it proves that standalones can leave a powerful impression — even when they’re just a few hundred pages. Morgenstern’s 2011 book has a lush, atmospheric setting and lyrical writing, making it a delight to immerse yourself in. It also makes it a great choice for a re-read. The conflict between Celia and Marco, which sees the rival magicians competing while falling for one another, also proves compelling. The plot and characters may take a backseat to the setting, but everything still comes together in a compelling way. Once readers are sucked into Le Cirque des Rêves, they don’t want to leave. With such a strong backdrop, it’s shocking this fantasy book doesn’t have a movie yet.
2) The Spear Cuts Through Water
Simon Jiminez’s The Spear Cuts Through Water is one of the most unique fantasy stories to hit shelves, especially in the last decade. The 2022 novel follows a god’s journey to overthrow a tyrannical regime — and while that isn’t what sets it apart, it makes for a compelling ride. The way the story is told is what’s truly exceptional, elevating The Spear Cuts Through Water to classic status almost instantly. The story has different narration styles, some of which frame it through things like theatrical performances and oral storytelling. This makes reading The Spear Cuts Through Water an experience like no other. On top of that, the writing itself is masterful, and the love story at its center is captivating. It’s hard to find fault with this book, making it an easy five-star read.
1) The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
Both The Sword of Kaigen and Blood Over Bright Haven are stunning standalones, but the former is more of a modern classic, if only because it released back in 2018, giving it more time to amass acclaim. The Sword of Kaigen takes place in an empire where water- and ice-wielding warriors spend their lives training. Through the eyes of a mother and son, the book peels back the realities of their home, all while an invasion looms. It’s a powerful novel that doesn’t shy away from conversations about trauma and violence, and it has a healthy dose of female rage. It also benefits from layered and complex characters and a thoroughly built world. It’s impressive how much it squeezes into just one book, and it still manages to be one of the best fantasy standalones of the last 10 years.
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