The best fantasy books have endings that leave you breathless. They are the endings that stay with you long after you finish the book, making you think about them and their implications for days, weeks, or even months.
In this blog post, I will discuss five unforgettable fantasy book endings that will leave you breathless. These endings are from completed series, so you can read them knowing there will be no cliffhangers.
The Best Fantasy Book Series Endings
The Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson
We all know I am a huge fan of Brandon Sanderson’s books. His Mistborn series is the first Cosmere book I have ever read, and the ending of this series has stuck with me for years.
Mistborn is a completed fantasy trilogy by Brandon Sanderson set in a world where metals fuel magic. The story follows Vin, a young thief who joins a group of rebels who are trying to overthrow the Lord Ruler, a tyrannical immortal.
The Mistborn trilogy is a well-crafted and exciting series full of action, suspense, and magic. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the plot has twists and turns. The series ending is one of the most satisfying endings I have ever read. It is a perfect blend of action, suspense, and emotion.
Here are some of the things that make Mistborn a great series:
- The world-building is top-notch. Sanderson has created a rich and detailed world full of magic and wonder.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable. You will find yourself rooting for Vin and the other rebels as they fight to overthrow the Lord Ruler.
- The plot is full of twists and turns. You will never know what is going to happen next.
- The ending is satisfying and thought-provoking. It will leave you wanting more.
If you are looking for a fantasy series that will keep you entertained from beginning to end, I highly recommend Mistborn. It is a series that you will not soon forget.
The Drowning Empire Series by Andrea Stewart
Another one of my favorite series is The Drowning Empire. This series is unique, and the magic system is fascinating. If you are looking for a binge-able series, this one needs to be high on the list.
In the Drowning Empire Series, we follow multiple characters. Lin, the emperor’s daughter, longs for power but has no memories of her life longer than five years before.
Jovis is a smuggler and an unlikely hero who just wants to discover what happened to his missing wife.
Phelue is the daughter of a governor. She is in love with a former street orphan, and their ideals are always at odds.
This series has not one but two intriguing magic systems that come together through the series. There are also animal companions, romance, friendship, and the emergence of old magic that was thought to have left the world.
The ending of this series is beautiful, satisfying, and bitter-sweet. I love a bittersweet ending, and this one has sat with me since the book ended.
The Broken Earth Series by NK Jemisin
Another of my favorite fantasy series with one of the best endings in fantasy is The Broken Earth series. The first book had me crying from the first page. If you pick this one up, prepare for an emotional rollercoaster.
The Broken Earth is a science fantasy trilogy by N.K. Jemisin is set in a world where the ground constantly shifts and changes. The story follows Essun, a mother trying to save her daughter from a deadly threat.
The first book in the series, The Fifth Season, introduces readers to Essun and the world of the Broken Earth. Essun is a powerful orogene, a person who can control the earth. She must use her powers to save her daughter, Nassun, from her murderous father.
The Broken Earth is a well-written and exciting series full of suspense and magic.
Here are some of the things that make The Broken Earth stand out:
- The book’s unique magic system, which is based on the use of orogeny.
- The book’s strong female protagonist, Essun.
- The book’s exploration of themes of motherhood, grief, and redemption.
- The book’s use of a second-person point of view in some chapters gives readers a unique perspective on the story.
The Broken Earth is a truly unique and unforgettable series. If you are a fan of science fantasy, then you need to read this series.
The ending of The Broken Earth is one of the most mind-blowing endings I have ever read. It is a perfect blend of emotions. The characters are all flawed yet compelling, and the plot is full of twists and turns. The ending will leave you wanting more, but it is also satisfying in its own way.
The Poppy War Series by RF Kuang
I have never read a better dark historical fantasy. Based on the opium wars in an alternative fantasy version of China, The Poppy War is a gut punch from start to finish.
The first book in the series, The Poppy War, introduces readers to Rin and the world of the Poppy War. Rin is a brilliant but impoverished girl who is accepted into Sinegard, a military academy that trains students to become shamans for the Nikara Empire. Rin quickly proves to be a gifted student, but she also discovers that the Nikara Empire is not what she thought it was. The empire is engaged in a bloody war with neighboring nations, and Rin is forced to make difficult choices in order to survive.
The Poppy War is a well-written and exciting series that is full of action, suspense, and magic. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns. The series is a must-read for fans of fantasy, action, and adventure.
Here are some of the things that make The Poppy War stand out:
- The book’s unique magic system, which is based on the use of shamanism.
- The book’s strong female protagonist, Rin.
- The book’s exploration of themes of war, imperialism, and the nature of power.
- The book’s shocking and thought-provoking ending.
The ending of The Poppy War is particularly noteworthy because it subverts the traditional fantasy trope of the “hero’s journey.” In most fantasy stories, the hero triumphs over evil and saves the day. However, in The Poppy War, Rin does not achieve a traditional victory. Instead, she is forced to make a difficult choice that results in the deaths of many people. This ending is both shocking and thought-provoking, and it leaves readers with a lot to think about.
The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
The only YA fantasy series on this list, the ending of The Infernal Devices still sits with me!
The Infernal Devices is a fantasy series by Cassandra Clare set in Victorian London and follows the story of Tessa Gray. This series is set in the Shadowhunter world and should be read alongside the last three books of The Mortal Instruments.
The Infernal Devices is a well-written and exciting series that is full of action, suspense, and romance. The characters are fun and the plot is full of twists and turns.
Here are some of the things that make The Infernal Devices stand out:
- The book’s unique magic system, which is based on the use of runes.
- The book’s exploration of themes of love, loss, and identity.
- The book’s subversion of the typical YA fantasy love triangle.
The epilogue of the last book elevates the ending to a whole new level. This epilogue is a perfect way to end the series, leaving readers with a sense of hope and optimism.
The Best Fantasy Book Endings
The best fantasy book endings are the ones that stay with you long after you finish reading the book. They are the endings that make you think, that make you feel, and that make you want to come back to the book again and again.
The five books I have discussed in this post all have endings that I consider “best.” They are all satisfying, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant. They are all endings that I will never forget.
If you are looking for a fantasy book with a great ending, I highly recommend any of the books I have discussed in this post. They are all sure to leave you satisfied and wanting more.
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
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