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“The Lord of the Rings” — J. R. R. Tolkien“The Hobbit” — J. R. R. Tolkien“The Chronicles of Narnia” — C. S. Lewis“Harry Potter” — J. K. Rowling“Earthsea” — Ursula K. Le Guin“The Witcher” — Andrzej Sapkowski“A Song of Ice and Fire” — George R. R. Martin“The Name of the Wind” — Patrick Rothfuss“Mistborn” — Brandon Sanderson“The Stormlight Archive” — Brandon SandersonCult fantasy series that fans call must-read“Malazan Book of the Fallen” — Steven Erikson“The First Law” — Joe Abercrombie“Realm of the Elderlings” — Robin Hobb“Memory, Sorrow and Thorn” — Tad Williams“The Lies of Locke Lamora” — Scott Lynch
This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Fantasy is one of the most popular genres of modern literature. It combines adventures, magic, mythology, and vast imaginary worlds. Here, the reader can embark on a journey with wizards, knights, dragons, or heroes who save entire kingdoms.
But when a person is just starting to get acquainted with the genre, a logical question arises: where to begin? Over the decades, a certain list of books has formed that have essentially become classics of fantasy. These are works that have influenced the genre or gained immense popularity among readers worldwide.
An important detail for Ukrainian readers is whether there is a translation into Ukrainian. Therefore, below is not only brief information about each book or series but also the status of the Ukrainian edition.
“The Lord of the Rings” — J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings
In Ukrainian: fully translated, several editions exist
One of the most famous books in the fantasy genre and essentially its foundation. The story tells of the hobbit Frodo, who receives a dangerous task — to destroy the powerful One Ring.
Tolkien created an entire world of Middle-earth with its own history, languages, peoples, and legends. This trilogy defined the look of modern epic fantasy.
The cycle is traditionally published in three volumes:
- “The Fellowship of the Ring” (The Fellowship of the Ring)
- “The Two Towers” (The Two Towers)
- “The Return of the King” (The Return of the King)
“The Hobbit” — J. R. R. Tolkien
The Hobbit
In Ukrainian: translated, regularly reissued
An adventurous story about Bilbo Baggins, who unexpectedly sets off on a journey with dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. The book is written more simply and shorter than “The Lord of the Rings,” so it is often recommended as the ideal starting point in Tolkien's world.
“The Chronicles of Narnia” — C. S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia
In Ukrainian: fully translated
A series of seven books about the magical land of Narnia, where children from our world find themselves. There, they meet talking animals, mythical creatures, and become participants in a great struggle between good and evil.
This is one of the most famous fantasy cycles of the 20th century, read by both children and adults.
Complete list of books (chronology of events)
Publishers often suggest reading the series in the internal chronology of the world of Narnia:
- “The Magician's Nephew” (The Magician's Nephew) — about the creation of Narnia.
- “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) — the most famous part about the children's journey through the wardrobe.
- “The Horse and His Boy” (The Horse and His Boy).
- “Prince Caspian” (Prince Caspian).
- “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (The Voyage of the Dawn Treader).
- “The Silver Chair” (The Silver Chair).
- “The Last Battle” (The Last Battle).
Available editions in Ukraine
- “The Chronicles of Narnia. The Complete History of the Magical World” (published by “KSD”): A large single volume containing all 7 stories under one cover.
- Separate volumes and sets (published by “Vivat”): Books can be purchased individually or as a complete set in soft or hardcover.
“Harry Potter” — J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter
In Ukrainian: all 7 books translated
The story of a boy who discovers he is a wizard has become a global cultural phenomenon. The books tell about Harry's education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and his struggle against the dark wizard Voldemort.
The series combines magic, adventure, friendship, and the characters' coming of age.
The “Harry Potter” cycle by J.K. Rowling has become a cultural phenomenon in Ukraine thanks to the publishing house “A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA” and the translation by Viktor Morozov, which is considered one of the best in the world.
Main series (7 books)
All seven novels have long been translated and are constantly reissued in branded “colored” covers:
- “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone”
- “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
- “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
- “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
- “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
- “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
- “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”
Large illustrated editions
These are luxurious large-format books with illustrations. Currently, the situation with them is as follows:
- Books 1–5: Released with illustrations by Jim Kay (the fifth volume — co-authored with Neil Packer).
- Book 6 (“Half-Blood Prince”): Expected in the world and in Ukraine in October 2026. The new illustrator for the series is Levi Pinfold.
- “Harry Potter: A Magical Year”: A gift album with illustrations by Jim Kay for each day of the year, published in Ukrainian at the end of 2025.
Special and additional editions
- “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”: A play that is the eighth part of the story.
- Hogwarts textbooks: “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Quidditch Through the Ages,” “The Tales of Beedle the Bard.”
- Anniversary editions (House Editions): Books in the colors of the houses (Gryffindor, Slytherin, etc.). In 2025, the release of the second part (“Chamber of Secrets”) in this design was announced.
“Earthsea” — Ursula K. Le Guin
Earthsea
In Ukrainian: 4 first books translated, but a bit of explanation is needed, so read on
A fantasy cycle about the archipelago of Earthsea and the wizard Ged. Unlike many adventure stories, Le Guin's books have a more philosophical nature and explore themes of balance, power, and responsibility.
The complete list of the six books in the cycle “Earthsea” in chronological order of their release:
- “A Wizard of Earthsea” (A Wizard of Earthsea, 1968)
- “The Tombs of Atuan” (The Tombs of Atuan, 1971)
- “The Farthest Shore” (The Farthest Shore, 1972)
- “Tehanu” (Tehanu, 1990)
- “Tales from Earthsea” (Tales from Earthsea, 2001) — a collection of novellas and stories.
- “The Other Wind” (The Other Wind, 2001)
What each book is about:
- Books 1–3 (Original Trilogy): This is a classic coming-of-age story and the exploits of the wizard Ged. They have a logical conclusion, and for a long time, the cycle was considered complete with the third book.
- Book 4 (“Tehanu”): It was released 18 years after the third. This is an “adult” rethinking of the entire world. It puts a period in the personal fate of the main characters (Ged and Tenar). That is why the set of 4 books gives a sense of a complete, finished story.
What are the last two books?
- 5th book (“Tales from Earthsea”): This is not a novel, but a collection of stories about the past of the world, its magic, and rules. It serves as “additional materials” that explain the universe in more depth.
- 6th book (“The Other Wind”): This is the final chord that unites the heroes of all previous parts to resolve the global fate of the world.
Conclusion: If you read only 4 books, you will get a complete and finished story of the characters. The 5th and 6th books are for those who have become true fans and want to know everything about this world. If you want to collect the series, the best option is to look for a set of 4 books from “NK-Bohdan” — this is the most advantageous and fastest way to get the main story.
“The Witcher” — Andrzej Sapkowski
The Witcher
In Ukrainian: fully translated
The cycle about the monster hunter Geralt of Rivia has become one of the most famous European fantasies. The world of the books is inspired by Slavic mythology, and the stories often reinterpret well-known fairy tales and legends. The series combines adventure, humor, and complex moral choices.
For a complete understanding of the plot, it is recommended to read the books in the following order:
- “The Last Wish” (a collection of stories).
- “Sword of Destiny” (a collection of stories).
- “Blood of Elves” (the beginning of the five-volume saga).
- “Time of Contempt”.
- “Baptism of Fire”.
- “The Tower of the Swallow”.
- “The Lady of the Lake”.
- “Season of Storms” (a separate novel whose events take place in the time frame of the first book, but it is advised to read it last).
New and additional editions
- “The Witcher: The Tower of Swallows” (Wiedźmin. Rozdroże kruków) — a new novel by Sapkowski, published in Ukrainian in 2025.
- Anthologies: There are also collections “Fangs and Claws” and “Witcher Legends,” which include works by other authors set in Sapkowski's universe.
- Comics: The publishing house Vovkulaka releases official graphic novels based on the games and books.
“A Song of Ice and Fire” — George R. R. Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire
In Ukrainian: all published books translated
An epic saga about the struggle of powerful houses for power in the kingdom of Westeros. The series is known for its large number of characters, political intrigues, and a more realistic approach to fantasy.
It was based on these books that the popular series Game of Thrones was created.
As of March 2025, the main cycle of novels “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin, as well as key prequels and appendices, have been almost completely translated and published in Ukrainian by the publishing house KM-Books (some titles are also available from KSD).
Main cycle (5 books)
- “A Game of Thrones” (A Game of Thrones).
- “A Clash of Kings” (A Clash of Kings).
- “A Storm of Swords” (A Storm of Swords).
- “A Feast for Crows” (A Feast for Crows).
- “A Dance with Dragons” (A Dance with Dragons).
Additional editions and prequels
- “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) — a collection of novellas about Dunk and Egg.
- “Fire & Blood” (Fire & Blood) — a chronicle of the reign of the Targaryen dynasty (the basis for the series “House of the Dragon”).
- “The World of Ice & Fire” (The World of Ice & Fire) — an illustrated encyclopedia of the history of Westeros (not published in Ukrainian, available only in English).
“The Name of the Wind” — Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind
In Ukrainian: translated (the first two books of the series published)
The first novel of the “Kingkiller Chronicle” cycle. It is the story of the legendary hero Kvothe, who recounts his life — from a poor childhood to the fame of a magician and musician.
The book is known for its atmospheric language, detailed world, and unusual narrative structure.
Many fans are disappointed that the cycle “The Kingkiller Chronicle” by Patrick Rothfuss remains unfinished: only two of the three planned books have been published in the world.
In Ukraine, the translation and publication of this series is handled by the publishing house KSD.
What has been published in Ukrainian:
Currently, the first two volumes are available in Ukrainian translation:
- “The Name of the Wind” (The Name of the Wind) — the first part of the story about Kvothe.
- “The Wise Man's Fear” (The Wise Man's Fear) — the second part. Due to its large volume in the original, it has sometimes been published in Ukrainian in two separate volumes (Book 2, part 1 and Book 2, part 2), or one massive volume.
Now at KSD you can buy a set of three books: The Name of the Wind (book 1), The Wise Man's Fear (book 2), and The Narrow Road Between Desires (book 0.6)
Additional works:
- “The Slow Regard of Silent Things” (The Slow Regard of Silent Things) — a separate novella about the character Auri. It has also been translated and published by “KSD”.
Status of the third book:
The third part, working title “The Doors of Stone” has not yet been written by the author. Patrick Rothfuss has been working on it for over 10 years, so there is currently no release date for the Ukrainian edition.
“Mistborn” — Brandon Sanderson
Mistborn
In Ukrainian: partially translated (only the first 2 books of the cycle published)
One of the most popular modern fantasy cycles. The events take place in a world where an immortal tyrant has ruled for a thousand years. A group of rebels tries to overthrow him using a special magic of metals.
The series is known for its well-thought-out magic system and dynamic plot.
The “Mistborn” cycle by Brandon Sanderson is actively published in Ukrainian by the publishing house “Nebo BookLab Publishing”. It is one of the most popular fantasy series in the world, divided into several eras.
Era 1 (Original Trilogy)
- “The Final Empire” (The Final Empire) — the first book about the adventures of Vin and Kelsier.
- “The Well of Ascension” (The Well of Ascension) — the second book.
- “The Hero of Ages” (The Hero of Ages) — the final part of the first era (set to be released in 2026).
The books feature stylish design with colored page edges.
Era 2 (The Adventures of Wax and Wayne) (not yet translated)
The action takes place 300 years after the first trilogy in a steampunk-western style:
- “The Alloy of Law” (The Alloy of Law) — published in Ukrainian.
- “Shadows of Self” (Shadows of Self) — published in Ukrainian.
- “The Bands of Mourning” (The Bands of Mourning) — published in Ukrainian.
- “The Lost Metal” (The Lost Metal) — the final book of the second era (announced/preparing for release in Ukrainian translation).
Regarding the novella “Mistborn: Secret History”. The publishing house Nebo BookLab Publishing, which manages the cycle, is currently focused on the main trilogy (completing “The Hero of Ages”). They have not yet made separate announcements regarding “Secret History.”
In the original, this novella rarely comes out as a separate book. It is most often part of the collection “Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection”.
- This is a collection of short prose by Sanderson set in the Cosmere universe.
- The publishing house Nebo has mentioned in its future plans working on the “Cosmere” as a whole, so it is likely that “Secret History” will be released as part of this large collection, rather than as a separate thin publication.
When should it be read? (Important warning!)
There are significant debates among fans about this novella:
- Option A (by chronology): Immediately after the 3rd book (“The Hero of Ages”), as the events occur parallel to the first trilogy.
- Option B (advice from Sanderson himself): Only after the 6th book (“The Bands of Mourning”). The novella contains a huge spoiler that can ruin the surprise in the second era.
“The Stormlight Archive” — Brandon Sanderson
The Stormlight Archive
In Ukrainian: all 5 main books translated
One of the largest modern fantasy cycles. The events take place in the world of Roshar, where ancient evil begins to threaten humanity again.
The series is known for its vast world, complex magic system, and a large number of characters.
Main cycle (5 books — PUBLISHED)
All novels of the first major arc are already available in translation from KSD:
- “The Way of Kings” (The Way of Kings)
- “Words of Radiance” (Words of Radiance)
- “Oathbringer” (Oathbringer)
- “Rhythm of War” (Rhythm of War)
- “Wind and Truth” (Wind and Truth)
Interim novellas (NOT translated)
These short stories (“novellas”) exist in the original, but KSD has not published them (and has not announced them yet):
- “Edgedancer” — events between the 2nd and 3rd books.
- “Dawnshard” — events between the 3rd and 4th books.
Cult fantasy series that fans call must-read
In addition to the well-known classics, there are several series that are often referred to as the true “golden fund” of the genre. They may be more complex or larger in scale, but among fantasy fans, they are considered essential reading.
“Malazan Book of the Fallen” — Steven Erikson
Malazan Book of the Fallen
In Ukrainian: no full translation yet
One of the largest and most complex fantasy cycles in modern literature. The series consists of ten main novels and tells about a vast world where the stories of empires, gods, mages, and warriors intertwine.
The books are known for their large number of characters, complex politics, and deep mythology. Many readers consider this cycle one of the most ambitious in the genre.
Currently, only the first two books have been translated into Ukrainian by the publishing house Nebo BookLab Publishing:
- “Gardens of the Moon” (Gardens of the Moon, 1999) — Published in Ukrainian
- “Deadhouse Gates” (Deadhouse Gates, 2000) — Published in Ukrainian
- Memories of Ice (Пам’ять льоду, 2001) — In progress (announced by Nebo for 2026)
- House of Chains (Дім ланцюгів, 2002) — Only in the original language.
- Midnight Tides (Опівнічні припливи, 2004) — Only in the original language.
- The Bonehunters (Мисливці за кістками, 2006) — Only in the original language.
- Reaper's Gale (Буря жнив, 2007) — Only in the original language.
- Toll the Hounds (Дар душі / Мито для гончих, 2008) — Only in the original language.
- Dust of Dreams (Пил снів, 2009) — Only in the original language.
- The Crippled God (Скалічений бог, 2011) — Only in the original language.
“The First Law” — Joe Abercrombie
The First Law
In Ukrainian: all books translated
A cycle often referred to as one of the best examples of so-called “dark fantasy.” The world here is brutal and realistic, and the heroes are far from always being classic heroes.
Among the most famous characters are the cynical inquisitor Glokta and the barbarian Logen Ninefingers.
Here is what the complete picture of Joe Abercrombie's publications from KSD looks like as of March 2026:
1. The trilogy “The First Law” (The First Law) — FULLY PUBLISHED
This is the main story about Logen, Glokta, and Jezal:
- “The Blade Itself” (The Blade Itself) — published.
- “Before They Are Hanged” (Before They Are Hanged) — published.
- “Last Argument of Kings” (Last Argument of Kings) — published.
2. Standalone novels — FULLY PUBLISHED
These are independent stories in the same world that fill the gaps between the first and second trilogies:
- “Best Served Cold” (Best Served Cold) — published.
- “The Heroes” (The Heroes) — published.
- “Red Country” (Red Country) — published.
3. The trilogy “The Age of Madness” (The Age of Madness) — FULLY PUBLISHED
A continuation 30 years after the events of “The First Law”:
- “A Little Hatred” (A Little Hatred) — published.
- “The Trouble with Peace” (The Trouble with Peace) — published.
- “The Wisdom of Crowds” (The Wisdom of Crowds) — published.
4. A collection of short stories
- “Sharp Ends” (Sharp Ends) — remains the only book in the world of the Circle of the Earth that does not yet have a Ukrainian version.
“Realm of the Elderlings” — Robin Hobb
Realm of the Elderlings
In Ukrainian: part of the books translated
A large cycle consisting of several sub-series. It begins with the novel “Assassin's Apprentice”, which tells the story of the bastard boy Fitz, who is taught the art of espionage.
Robin Hobb's books are especially valued for their deep character psychology and emotional storytelling.
The Farseer Trilogy (The Farseer Trilogy) — FULLY PUBLISHED
This is the first arc about Fitz Chivalry. All books are available for sale:
- “Assassin's Apprentice” (Assassin's Apprentice)
- “Royal Assassin” (Royal Assassin)
- “Assassin's Quest” (Assassin's Quest)
The Liveship Traders Trilogy (Liveship Traders) — FULLY PUBLISHED
The action takes place 15 years after the first trilogy in another region. All books are available for sale:
- “Ship of Magic” (Ship of Magic)
- “The Mad Ship” (The Mad Ship)
- “Ship of Destiny” (Ship of Destiny) — the final volume has just appeared on the shelves.
The Tawny Man Trilogy (The Tawny Man) — BEGINNING OF PUBLICATION
A return to the story of Fitz and the Fool. The current status is as follows:
- “Fool's Errand” (Fool's Errand) — COMING SOON TO SALE (March 2026). The book is already on the KSD website, and shipping from the printer is expected.
- “The Golden Fool” (The Golden Fool) — not published (planned for 2026).
- “Fool's Fate” (Fool's Fate) — not published (planned for 2027).
The rest of the universe — NOT TRANSLATED
The next 10 books (one tetralogy and two trilogies) do not yet exist in Ukrainian:
- The Rain Wild Chronicles (Хроніки Дощових нетрів) — 4 books about dragons.
- Fitz and the Fool Trilogy (Фітц і Блазень) — the final trilogy of the cycle.
- Novellas: Individual stories (for example, The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince) are also not translated.
“Memory, Sorrow and Thorn” — Tad Williams
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn
In Ukrainian: the main trilogy and several additional books translated
A classic epic trilogy from the 1980s that has influenced many contemporary authors. For example, George R. R. Martin has repeatedly mentioned that this series inspired him to create his own epic cycle.
The story begins with the adventures of a young boy named Simon, who finds himself at the center of the struggle for the fate of the kingdom.
The main trilogy (PUBLISHED IN FULL in 4 volumes)
- Book 1: “The Dragonbone Chair” (The Dragonbone Chair) — PUBLISHED.
- Book 2: “Stone of Farewell” (Stone of Farewell) — PUBLISHED.
- Book 3: “To Green Angel Tower. Volume 1. Siege” — PUBLISHED.
- Book 3: “To Green Angel Tower. Volume 2. Storm” — PUBLISHED.
Additional works by the author (PUBLISHED)
- “Brothers of the Wind” (Brothers of the Wind) — a prequel that takes place a thousand years before the main trilogy.
- “Tailchaser's Song” (Tailchaser's Song) — a standalone fantasy about cats (the author's debut novel).
Continuations and new cycles (NOT PUBLISHED)
Tad Williams returned to this world 30 years later, writing new books:
- “The Heart of What Was Lost” (The Heart of What Was Lost) — an interim novella between the old and new trilogies.
-
The Last King of Osten Ard Cycle (The Last King of Osten Ard):
- The Witchwood Crown (Корона з відьминого дерева) — not available.
- Empire of Grass (Імперія трави) — not available.
- Into the Narrowdark (У вузьку темряву) — not available.
- The Navigators' Children (Діти навігаторів) — not available
“The Lies of Locke Lamora” — Scott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora
The first book of the Gentleman Bastard cycle. It is the story of the genius con artist Locke Lamora and his gang, who carry out elaborate scams in a wealthy port city.
The series combines fantasy, crime plot, and a lot of humor.
Main cycle:
- “The Lies of Locke Lamora” (Book 1) — PUBLISHED.
- “Red Seas Under Red Skies” (Book 2) — PUBLISHED.
- Book 3: “The Republic of Thieves” (The Republic of Thieves) — In progress. The publisher announced the translation for 2026. This book is about political intrigues and Locke's first love — Sabetha.
- Book 4: “The Thorn of Emberlain” — the author has not yet published it in the original.
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