10 Great Fantasy Book Series With Happy Endings

This article contains mentions of attempted sexual assault and violence.

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Several fantasy book series achieve happy endings despite what the narrative might throw before the end. Fantasy is one of the few genres where happy endings are not a given. Genres like romance often provide happy endings, from feel-good romance TV shows to spicy romance books. Other genres, such as horror, rarely have happy endings—sure, there are always iconic final girls in horror movies, but everyone else dies.

Fantasy is a wide-ranging genre, which is usually why happy endings are variables. However, certain fantasy subgenres might promise a specific kind of conclusion. Fantasy books for kids usually have happy endings, while dark fantasy books are notorious for sad or disturbing final chapters. Finding good fantasy book series that provide happy endings can be hard, especially as authors explore more complex genres.

10 The Lord Of The Rings By J. R. R. Tolkien (1954-1955)

A Beautiful Story Where Good Beats Evil

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One of the most famous fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings, has a happy ending. Despite Sauron’s dark reign over Middle Earth for thousands of years, his reign of terror ends when he is defeated in the final installment, The Return of the King, once Gollum falls into the Fire, ultimately rendering Sauron powerless. Aragorn finally marries Arwen and becomes king of Arnor and Gondor. Éowyn becomes betrothed to Faramir. Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Frodo return home to find that Saruman has conquered the Shire, but they quickly reclaim their home. Sam finds true love with Rosie Cotton.

Sam eventually reunites with Frodo in the Undying Lands.

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Unfortunately, the only character who does not seem to have a happy ending is Frodo because he spent so long harboring the Ring. Yet, J.R.R. Tolkien provides Frodo with his own happy ending— Frodo travels to the Undying Lands to live in peace with Bilbo, Galadriel, Gandalf, and Elrond. Although it is sad to see Frodo and Sam separate after everything they have endured together, it is the only way for both characters to achieve their own happy endings. The memories of their resilient friendship will live on forever despite going their separate ways.

9 World Of The Five Gods By Lois McMaster Bujold (2001-2021)

Four Books & A Series Of Novellas

World of the Five Gods by Lois McMaster Bujold is an epic high fantasy series that consists of four novels and a series of novellas. World of the Five Gods is inspired by ancient religions and the historical conflict in the Middle Ages between Christianity and Islam. Lois McMaster Bujold wrote a unique series because the books and novellas can be read as standalone pieces, except the first two novels.

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According to Edward James’ biography of Lois McMaster Bujold, published by the University of Illinois Press, the books in World of the Five Gods simply take place in the same universe because of their “shared world and theology.” Despite the intricate themes of belief and religion, World of the Five Gods includes a happy ending. It is a surprising and unusual choice for an epic fantasy series, especially one that explores these themes, but the books in World of the Five Gods have happy endings.

8 Percy Jackson & The Olympians By Rick Riordan (2005-2024)

Percy Jackson & The Olympians Is The First Series In Riordanverse

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan is one of the most well-known children’s fantasy series. It is a worldwide phenomenon, which has since sparked several spinoff series within the same universe (now nicknamed Riordanverse), an unsuccessful incomplete movie adaptation, and a successful TV show on Disney+. Children’s books, in general, are not exempt from sad endings—Charlotte’s Web and Bridge to Terabithia are two notorious examples. However, Percy Jackson & the Olympians provides a happy ending.

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The original book series has five installments, the last being The Last Olympian, published in 2009. However, Rick Riordan has since revived Percy Jackson & the Olympians with The Chalice of the Gods and Wrath of the Triple Goddess. Although the new books take place after Rick Riordan’s other book series, there may be new material because the new Percy Jackson books could set up a future series for Percy and his friends. Regardless, Rick Riordan is reliable for providing Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood happy endings, so it will likely continue even if they have new adventures.

7 Shades Of Magic By V.E. Schwab (2015-2017)

A Standalone Trilogy With A Spinoff Book Series & Graphic Novel Prequel Series

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Shades of Magic is a fascinating trilogy by V.E. Schwab that involves multiple universes with different levels of magic. The protagonists are Kell and Lila, who originate from different Londons. Kell is from Red London, a universe with a healthy dose of magic, while Lila is from Gray London, a universe without magic.

Athos Dane became the ruler of White London (a universe that has become sick from too much magic) by poisoning its previous ruler. Kell and Lila are intent on stopping Athos and his dark magic, but the final battle between Athos and Kell leads to Athos’ death. White London is freed, Holland Vosijk becomes king, and the city slowly restores its health. Kell and Lila also end up together, a factor that was an unknown variable for a considerable portion of the trilogy because they had to separate frequently.

6 An Ember In The Ashes By Sabaa Tahir (2015-2020)

A Four-Book Series With A Spinoff Duology

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An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir is a young adult fantasy series that eventually acquires a happy ending, but not without enduring severe consequences. Laia, Elias, and Helene walk through hell and back before finally gaining their happy endings in the final installment, A Sky Beyond the Storm. After circumstances keep tearing Laia and Elias apart, they finally get to be together since Elias is free of his Soul Catcher responsibilities. Helene realizes the Martial Empire’s crimes and seeks to change the system from within while forging political alliances.

An Ember in the Ashes
has a spinoff duology featuring Helene’s nephew as one of the protagonists. The first installment,
Heir
, was published on October 1, 2024.

Helene falls in love with Avitas Harper, but she watches him die on the battlefield. However, his death provides Helene with renewed strength, and when the war is over, she is elected to be the new emperor, fulfilling Cain’s prophecy. Helene finds her own peace by ruling, powered by her love for Avitas Harper, her nephew and family, and her people. It is not the ideal happy ending that Laia and Elias received, but it is a fitting and peaceful one that still acts as a happy ending of sorts.

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5 Six Of Crows Duology By Leigh Bardugo (2015-2016)

The First Duology & Second Series In The Grishaverse

The Six of Crows duology might seem controversial because of Matthias Helvar’s death. However, all six crows from Kaz Brekker’s crew achieve a happy ending, even if it does not happen until the next Grishaverse duology. Nina is heartbroken over Matthias, but she reunites with her Grisha family. Kaz finds Inej’s parents, and they reunite at last. Jan Van Eck loses his empire to Wylan, his disowned son. Kaz gets revenge on Pekka Rollins. Jesper makes amends with his father and decides to work on his gambling addiction. Wylan and Jesper get together, as do Kaz and Inej.

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See more : What Happened to Blue Sky Studios? When and Why Did Blue Sky Studios Shut Down? The Grishaverse
Series	Books	Publication Date	Timeline
Shadow & Bone Trilogy	Shadow & Bone, Siege & Storm, Ruin & Rising	June 5, 2012 – June 17, 2014	The Narrative Starts
Six of Crows Duology	Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom	September 29, 2015 – September 27, 2016	Two years after Ruin & Rising
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales & Dangerous Magic	Collection Of Short Stories Featuring Grisha Folklore	September 26, 2017	N/A
King of Scars Duology	King of Scars, Rule of Wolves	January 29, 2019 – March 30, 2021	One or two years after Crooked Kingdom
The Lives of Saints	Companion World-Building Book	October 6, 2020	Thousands of years before Shadow & Bone (except for Alina & the Darkling’s stories)
Demon in the Wood	Prequel Graphic Novel	September 27, 2022	See more : Sniper Elite 5 Crack Status Approximately 500 years before Shadow & Bone

While Matthias and Nina do not have a happy ending in the Six of Crows duology, Matthias sets up Nina’s happy ending in K ing of Scars. Nina meets Hanne Brum—Jarl Brum’s only child, who grew up with Matthias. They meet during a blizzard because Matthias’ wolf, Trassel, leads Nina to Hanne. The Druskelle have an unyielding, beyond-the-grave bond with their wolves, suggesting that Matthias set up Nina and Hanne’s meeting, knowing they could find happiness together. Nina eventually achieves Matthias’ dreams of changing Fjerda and ends up with Hanne, providing a happy ending for Nina and, by extension, Matthias.

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4 The Winternight Trilogy By Katherine Arden

A Standalone Trilogy

The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden is a historical fantasy fiction series inspired by Russian mythology. Vasya, the protagonist, can see mythological creatures, which propels her community to label her as a witch. Eventually, Vasya meets the winter demon Morozko, who trains her to defeat his evil brother, Medved, and the priest Konstantin, whom Medved has chosen as his human vassal. Although the protagonist, Vasya, endures many horrific events—including attempted sexual assault, witnessing her father’s and best friend’s deaths, losing her beloved horse, and accidentally killing her sister’s unborn child—but she always perseveres regardless of what occurs.

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There are several instances throughout The Winternight Trilogy where it seems like Vasya will lose, but she comes out on top in the end. Vasya gets to be with her love, Morozko; Vasya saves Russia; she revolutionizes her country by changing how society views and treats women and witches for the better. The Winternight Trilogy provides a happy ending despite uncertainty at times.

3 The Folk Of The Air By Holly Black (2018-2019)

A Standalone Trilogy That Has A Prequel Series & A Spinoff Series

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The Folk of the Air by Holly Black is one of those rare fantasy series that works without a complex storyline because the plot is the ever-changing relationship between the two main characters, Jude Duarte and Cardan Greenbriar. Jude and Cardan eventually achieve their happy ending despite Elfhame’s vulnerable politics. However, their story concludes in a way that neither of them had expected. At the beginning of The Folk of the Air, Jude just wants freedom and power, while Cardan has his own demons to overcome.

Cardan is not interested in ruling Elfhame, and Jude is just trying to survive. However, both Jude and Cardan experience incredible character development, so their priorities, desires, and goals eventually change to suit their happy ending—which turns out to be marriage and becoming King and Queen of Elfhame, ruling the land together.

2 The Last Hours By Cassandra Clare (2020-2023)

The Fifth Series In Cassandra Clare’s The Shadowhunter Chronicles

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Cassandra Clare’s The Shadowhunter Chronicles generally receive happy endings, but not without turmoil. Each Shadowhunter book series usually has one devastating event before the characters defeat the big evil and live happily ever after. In The Dark Artifices, Annabeth murders Julian’s sister, Livia. In The Mortal Instruments, Sebastian brutally kills Max Lightwood. The Infernal Devices does not have a particularly devastating scene. However, Clockwork Princess‘ notorious epilogue has scarred many readers because of Will’s eventual death, including lines such as “[Tessa] had realized that she had forgotten the precise blue of [Will’s] eyes or the depth of his laugh.”

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In The Last Hours, Christopher Lightwood unexpectedly dies from a demon wound. Although his family and friends are devastated, they still achieve happy endings. Cordelia and James prepare to leave for their honeymoon. Matthew frees himself from his inner demons and plans to travel the world. Lucie is dating Jesse while writing her first novel. Anna and Ari plan to adopt a child and travel to India to meet Ari’s birth family. Thomas and Alastair are proudly together. They endured an incredible loss when Christopher died and a hard battle against Belial. However, they survived and earned their happy endings.

1 A Song Below Water Duology By Bethany C. Morrow (2020-2021)

A Standalone Duology

A Song Below Water is a duology by Bethany C. Morrow containing two standalone books. The first installment revolves around Tavia, a siren, who must keep her fantastical identity a secret because society frowns upon sirens. A Chorus Rises follows the events of A Song Below Water, but it can be read on its own. Although Tavia is part of the story, the narrative is about Naema, an Eloko who reveals Tavia’s siren identity to the world, sealing Naema’s fate as an outcast.

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Both books explore how society subjects Black women to racism, violence, and misogyny while using fantastical elements.

A Chorus Rises revolves around Naema regaining her social status by uncovering a new mystery while revitalizing her powers. Both books explore how society subjects Black women to racism, violence, and misogyny while using fantastical elements. Despite what the protagonists endure, A Song Below Water and A Chorus Rises revolutionize Black women in fantasy by centering their stories and also provide happy endings for them.

Source: University of Illinois Press

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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