Ever found yourself trapped in the sprawling realms of a fantasy world, where every turn of the page leads to yet another quest, prophecy, or magical beast? If you love losing yourself in gigantic series that seem to go on forever (in a good way), these are the kind of books you gravitate toward, am I right? Today, let’s delve into the longest fantasy series ever written and see how their creators have kept readers enchanted for years.
- The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (and later Brandon Sanderson)
First on the list, and perhaps one of the most iconic, is The Wheel of Time. Comprising 14 hefty volumes and a prequel, the series promises a roller coaster of emotions, legendary battles, and intricate politicking. Originally penned by Robert Jordan, the series was tragically left unfinished upon his death. But, with the help of notes he left behind, Brandon Sanderson took on the mantle to bring closure to this grand tale. Check it out on Bookbub. - Discworld by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is a close second, with a whopping 41 books! These novels don’t follow a single linear story but instead delve into various tales in the absurd, satirical universe of Discworld – a flat, disc-shaped world supported by four massive elephants which, in turn, stand on the back of a giant turtle (yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds). You can hop in almost anywhere in the series, and each novel is a joyous ride of wit and humor. Explore Discworld on Bookbub. - The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Rounding up our trio is Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen. This series spans ten volumes and is known for its complex plots, vast array of characters, and intricate magic system. The world-building in this series is legendary, and Erikson has a knack for weaving together multiple storylines in a way that feels both expansive and intimate. Dive into Malazan on Bookbub.
The Art and Challenge of Writing a Lengthy Series
Let’s take a moment to marvel at the sheer dedication it takes to write a series of such epic proportions. My Mermaid Curse Series consists of three main books, a series started novella and Merman Rising, a self-standing fifth book. I can honestly say that keeping the plot elements, places and character events straight required a lot of brain power, a comprehensive spreadsheet and plenty of green tea! Every author faces the challenge of keeping readers invested over thousands of pages, while ensuring plot consistency and character growth. A long series requires an intricate dance of plot twists, character arcs, and world-building. The longer the series, the harder it becomes to maintain momentum without repeating oneself.
Some authors, like Pratchett, handle this by creating a shared universe where each book (or subset of books) focuses on different characters and stories. This way, even if you’ve read 20 Discworld novels, the 21st can still feel fresh and new.
Others, like Jordan, craft a single, epic storyline, but face the challenge of pacing. Too fast, and readers are overwhelmed; too slow, and they might lose interest. The trick? Regular injections of new characters, side quests, and subplots to keep the story lively.
Savoring a Sprawling Fantasy Series
For readers, these epic series offer the perfect escape, especially for those lazy summer days when all you want is to lounge with a book (or fourteen). They allow us to immerse ourselves in a world for weeks or even months, growing attached to characters and living through their triumphs and tribulations.
So, if you’re looking for your next reading marathon, give one of these series a shot. Dive deep, savor the journey, and remember: sometimes the longest tales are the most rewarding.
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