The world of The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski is a complex, dark fantasy realm where humans, elves, dwarves, and other creatures coexist amid strife and prejudice. Known as “The Continent,” this setting is marked by political tensions, wars, and ancient magic. Monsters lurk in the wilderness, giving rise to witchers—mutant monster-hunters trained to protect humanity. Rich in Slavic folklore, the world explores themes of morality, destiny, and survival, as characters navigate a brutal landscape filled with moral ambiguity and supernatural forces.
The world of Narnia, created by C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia, is a magical land inhabited by talking animals, mythical creatures, and powerful beings. Accessible from Earth through portals, Narnia is filled with enchanted forests, ancient castles, and vast landscapes. Ruled by the noble lion Aslan, Narnia is a place of epic battles between good and evil, with rich allegorical elements. Each book in the series explores different parts of this world, where moral lessons blend with imaginative adventures.
Discworld, from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, is a flat, disc-shaped world balanced on the backs of four giant elephants, which stand atop the Great A’Tuin, a massive cosmic turtle drifting through space. This whimsical yet complex world parodies real-life politics, culture, and human nature, blending satire with fantasy. Populated by wizards, witches, anthropomorphic characters, and diverse city-states like Ankh-Morpork, Discworld is humorous yet insightful, offering sharp social commentary through absurd adventures and vividly imaginative settings across its magical landscapes.
The world of Gormenghast in Mervyn Peake’s trilogy is a gothic, atmospheric realm centered around an ancient, sprawling castle complex filled with winding corridors, shadowed halls, and towering spires. The castle is almost a character itself, with its imposing presence and stifling traditions dictating the lives of its inhabitants. Surrounding the structure are wild, desolate lands, further isolating Gormenghast from the outside world. This eerie and intricately detailed environment underscores the characters’ struggles with duty, identity, and freedom in a world governed by unbreakable rituals.
The Land of Oz, from L. Frank Baum’s Oz series, is a magical realm filled with vibrant, distinct regions and extraordinary characters. Governed by Princess Ozma, Oz is divided into colorful territories like the Emerald City, Munchkinland, and the Winkie Country, each with unique landscapes and inhabitants. The realm is populated by talking animals, enchanted beings, and friendly—and sometimes sinister—witches. Oz offers whimsical adventures and serves as a backdrop for timeless themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, captivating readers with its endless charm and imagination.
The world of Osten Ard in Tad Williams’ Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series is a vast, richly detailed land with deep histories, ancient magic, and clashing cultures. Populated by humans, Sithi (an elf-like race), and other mystical beings, Osten Ard is a kingdom on the brink of upheaval as an ancient evil resurfaces. The series explores the complex relationships between its inhabitants, from the mountainous northern strongholds to sprawling forests and cities. Intricately woven, Osten Ard’s world-building offers a profound exploration of loyalty, destiny, and conflict.
The Realm of the Elderlings in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy is a richly detailed, sprawling world where magic, politics, and ancient history intertwine. At the heart of the series is the Six Duchies, a kingdom threatened by external invaders and internal intrigue. Central to the plot is the protagonist, FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard with mystical powers, including the Wit and the Skill. The world is inhabited by a variety of fascinating creatures, including dragons, and explores themes of loyalty, power, and personal sacrifice.
Westeros, the primary setting of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, is a sprawling, continent-sized realm marked by intense political intrigue, shifting alliances, and brutal power struggles. Comprising diverse regions like the icy North, the royal capital King’s Landing, and the lush South, it’s a land where noble families battle for the Iron Throne. The harsh winters and unpredictable seasons shape the lives of its inhabitants, while ancient supernatural threats loom beyond the Wall, creating a tense atmosphere of mystery and conflict.
The Cosmere, a shared universe in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series and other works, is a complex, interconnected multiverse with distinct worlds, each influenced by different magical systems. In Mistborn, the world of Scadrial features Allomancy, a unique metal-based magic, and explores themes of power, oppression, and rebellion. Across the Cosmere, each world has its own Shards—fragments of divine power—that shape reality and culture. The intricate magic systems, epic conflicts, and hidden connections make the Cosmere a richly woven tapestry of wonder and discovery.
Middle-earth, created by J.R.R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, is a richly detailed world of ancient lands, diverse cultures, and legendary creatures. From the idyllic Shire and majestic Rivendell to the dark lands of Mordor, Middle-earth teems with history, magic, and conflict. Populated by hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men, its landscapes and languages were meticulously crafted by Tolkien. Central themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil underscore the epic journeys through this vast and immersive realm.
Honorable Mention
The Malazan Empire in Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen is a vast, intricate world filled with complex histories, diverse cultures, and a deep, dark magic. The series is set in an ancient, conflict-ridden world, where empires rise and fall, gods meddle in mortal affairs, and armies clash in epic battles. Rich in political intrigue and philosophical questions, the world is shaped by its many factions, including the Malazan Empire, rebellious forces, and powerful, often malevolent gods and ascendants. Themes of fate, sacrifice, and the cost of power run throughout.