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Discover the best fantasy books with free audiobook picks.

Best Fantasy Books: Classics & Free Audiobook Picks

Feb 7, 2024 — by 

Priyanjana Wason

What Are Fantasy Books About?

Fantasy books transport readers to magical worlds filled with mythical creatures, enchanted lands, and heroic quests. These stories often blend folklore, mythology, and imaginative storytelling to create unforgettable adventures.

Whether you prefer epic sagas or charming fairy tales, fantasy literature has something for everyone. The best part? Many classic fantasy books are available as free audiobooks, allowing you to enjoy these timeless stories anytime.

Fantasy literature includes some of the best books ever written. These stories have influenced generations and shaped the genre we know today.

From epic fantasy like J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings to modern works by Brandon Sanderson, the genre is large and varied. Fantasy books build rich worlds that take readers away from reality. They offer immersive experiences filled with magic and adventure.

Must-Read Fantasy Classics

1. The Reluctant Dragon

Cover of the book The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

The Reluctant Dragon

Kenneth Grahame

A delightful story about a young boy who befriends a gentle dragon. Unlike traditional fire-breathing monsters, this dragon prefers poetry over battle. This charming story is a must-read for fantasy fans. You can find it as a free classic audiobook on Fabuly.

2. The Elves and the Shoemaker

Cover of the book The Elves and the Shoemaker by Grimm Brothers designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Grimm Brothers

A heartwarming fairy tale about a struggling shoemaker who receives magical help from kind-hearted elves. This short but enchanting story is a perfect introduction to the fantasy genre.

3. The Emperor's New Clothes

Cover of the book The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

The Emperor's New Clothes

Hans Christian Andersen

A clever and classic fairy tale about vanity and trickery. The story follows an emperor who falls for a trick and wears "invisible" clothes. This story, filled with magic and moral lessons, is available in many free classic audiobook collections.

4. Peter Pan

Cover of the book Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

Peter Pan

J. M. Barrie

The enchanting tale of Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, and his adventures in Neverland with Wendy, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys. This timeless story embodies the essence of fantasy and imagination, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts.

5. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Cover of the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

L. Frank Baum

A beloved classic that follows Dorothy and her companions on an adventure through the magical land of Oz. Filled with fantastical creatures, enchanted landscapes, and timeless lessons, this novel is a cornerstone of epic fantasy and is available as a free audiobook on Fabuly..

6. The Selfish Giant

Cover of the book The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

The Selfish Giant

Oscar Wilde

A beautifully written fairy tale about a giant who learns the power of kindness and love. This story carries a powerful message and is perfect for those looking for a short yet impactful fantasy read.

7. The Velveteen Rabbit

Cover of the book The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

The Velveteen Rabbit

Margery Williams Bianco

A heartwarming story about a toy rabbit that dreams of becoming real through the love of a child. This timeless classic explores themes of magic, love, and transformation, making it a favorite among fantasy lovers.

8. Tarzan of the Apes

Cover of the book Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

Tarzan of the Apes

Edgar Rice Burroughs

A thrilling tale of adventure and self-discovery, this novel follows Tarzan, a boy raised by apes in the jungle. With elements of epic fantasy and mythology, it remains a beloved classic and is available as a free audiobook.

9. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Cover of the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland  by Lewis Carroll designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll

A whimsical and imaginative tale following Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world. This classic book has talking animals, strange characters, and dreamlike landscapes. It is one of the most loved fantasy books ever.

10. The Little Match Girl

Cover of the book The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen designed by Fabuly - a free classic audiobooks app.

The Little Match Girl

Hans Christian Andersen

A deeply moving fairy tale about a poor girl’s dreams and struggles. This short but powerful story shows the heart of classic fantasy literature. You can find it as a free classic audiobook on Fabuly.

Modern Fantasy and Influences

If you like fantasy, you might enjoy Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series. You may also like Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time or C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. These books showcase the world-building that makes fantasy so captivating. Additionally, modern fantasy blends elements of sci-fi and realism, as seen in books like The Poppy War.

Other important modern fantasy series are George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. Game of Thrones is famous for its complex plots and rich characters. Mistborn changed how magic works in fantasy stories. These books are among the books of the year for many fantasy fans, continuously inspiring new generations of readers.

The Importance of Fantasy in Literature

Fantasy books offer a special way to look at the real world. They do this through magic, adventure, and wonder.

Fantasy novels have been important in literature. They explore social struggles, philosophical questions, and offer pure escapism. Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Robert Jordan have established entire subgenres, influencing writers across the spectrum.

Fantasy is becoming more popular in media. Shows like Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, and Game of Thrones have contributed to this trend.

Now is a great time to explore both classic and modern fantasy titles. Fantasy captivates audiences with its world-building, character development, and epic storytelling. This makes it one of the most lasting genres in literature.

Final Thoughts

Fantasy literature has captivated readers for centuries, offering worlds full of magic, wonder, and adventure. Whether you’re rediscovering childhood favorites or exploring new tales, these classic books are must-reads. And with the availability of free classic audiobooks, you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere.

For further reading, check out top fantasy blogs and reviews on sites like Fantasy Book Review, The Book Leo and more Additionally, keep an eye on resources like Fantasy Fangirls Podcast and Goodreads for new releases and recommendations.

Happy reading and listening!