J.R.R. Tolkien's literary giant, The Lord of the Rings, is the foundation on which the modern fantasy genre was built. Wizards, dragons, magic, swords, and all the other ingredients of Middle-Earth have made their way into multiple genres and works of fiction, and the author's influence can still be felt in various fantasy realms today.
While Tolkien might have pulled from various mythologies to create his world, many worlds have relied on Tolkien to become classics in their own right. For readers who are looking for a similar experience to this iconic series, there are tons of books out there guaranteed to answer that call to adventure.
The Chronicles of Narnia By C.S. Lewis
Where better to begin the journey of Tolkien-esque works than with the writer's best friend and fellow fantasy giant, C.S. Lewis. The Chronicles of Narnia is a great chaser to accompany Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, or at the very least a predecessor for younger readers to get into the genre.
As Tolkien drew from western and Scandinavian mythology to create his realm, Lewis drew from the classics, incorporating fauns, mermaids, and minotaurs along with his elves and wizards. The series is just as magical, and more than a little thought-provoking as well.
The Discworld Series By Terry Pratchett
While it might be an honorable mention, Terry Pratchett's comical and popular fantasy series both honored and lampooned several tropes Tolkien helped establish. Plus, there are some prominent similarities between his dwarves, elves, and wizards than that of his inspiration.
There are 41 books in this incredible series, spawning a multitude of subgenres, perfect for even the most traditional fantasy fan. From epic quests to screwball comedies, Pratchett's realm of guilds, guards, and anthropomorphic representations is a great alternative to the everyday elements of the genre.
Redwall by Brian Jaques
Trade out the elves, dwarves, and orcs and exchange them for mice, and other woodland creatures and the result is the iconic Redwall series. While the series is remarkable and popular amongst fantasy fans, it's the first novel that truly sets the standard.
There are elements of Middle-Earth present and plain as day, but there's also an element of shock and spectacle that George R.R. Martin would make famous with his Game of Thrones series. This is one stunning adventure.
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. LeGuin
While not as iconic as her counterpart, LeGuin's Earthsea series definitely has a little more oomph in its use of magic and coming-of-age structure. Drawing just as much from C.S. Lewis as it does Tolkien, the Earthsea books are impeccably mystical.
Ged's adventures in learning how to be a wizard were an incredible journey long before Harry Potter ever hit the pages of a rough draft. It might be a bit dry for some readers, the world of Earthsea can be just as engaging and perilous as the lands of Middle-Earth.
Wheel Of Time Series By Robert Jordan
There's no easy way to say this, but readers wishing to take on the Wheel of Time series better be prepared to ride it for the long haul. It's not just a fantasy series, it's an investment. In terms of epic scale, this series definitely has Middle-Earth more than a little matched.
There are dozens of characters, battles, page-turning events, and more that make up this immense realm of magic and majesty. With wizards, warriors, and heavy themes evoked from the War of the Ring, this is something no Tolkien lover should skip.
The Dragonlance Chronicles By Wise and Hickman
The Dragonlance books are an interesting collection of tales inspired by the famous Forgotten Realms of Dungeons and Dragons. Authors Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman have taken a familiar world but fleshed it out with memorable, though slightly over-the-top, characters and plots.
The series blends brilliant writing with beloved tropes and cliches to create something epic. It's a bit standard as far as epic fantasy goes, but the stories are definitely phenomenal. For those wanting more halflings, elves, dragons, and great wars, this isn't a bad choice by any means.
The Dark Tower By Stephen King
Stephen King might not be a name many associates with fantasy, but his Dark Tower series has been compared to Lord of the Rings on more than a few occasions. The entry novel alone, The Gunslinger, is a western with an obvious Tolkien-inspired flavor that just can't be ignored.
Think about it, there's a titular tower, an evil wizard, and a rag-tag group of heroes trying to stop him and his dark magic. Starting to sound familiar to anyone?
The Stand By Stephen King
So nice he made it twice, Stephen King's The Stand has also been cited as King's Lord of the Rings. Once again, readers are treated to an epic saga featuring a group of heroes banding together to combat an unspeakable evil. The setting might be more contemporary than a typical entry in the genre, but the elements are still there.
Like LotR, it's a long and epic journey that carries the timeless themes of good versus evil just as proudly as its inspiration. Certainly a mandatory must-read for any fan of Stephen King.
The Chronicles Of Prydain By Lloyd Alexander
While most are familiar with Disney's adaptation of The Black Cauldron, not many recognize the book series that inspired it. Pulling from similar inspirations as Tolkien, Lloyd Alexander created the land of Prydain and the epic quest of Taran the Wanderer.
Inspired by British and Welsh mythology, this series definitely carries a familiar sense of adventure felt in Tolkien's works. Although with a noticeably different flavor. How many oracular pigs are there in Middle-Earth?
The Shannara Series By Terry Brooks
Seeing as how the first entry, The Sword of Shannara, has often been compared to Lord of the Rings in more ways than one, how could it not make the number one spot. Readers and critics have noted the similarities in the plots, but yet it remains an iconic series thanks to Terry Brooks's additional entries.
Unlike its obvious inspiration, the world of Shannara has expanded into several other adventures, spinoffs, and sequels that give the series an identity of its own.