How to Write an Epic Fantasy Novel

Epic fantasy has never been more popular. Between 2023 and 2024, the value of science-fiction and fantasy book sales jumped more than 40% and the number of print units sold in the adult fantasy segment surged by over 85%. Powerful stories like *Fourth Wing* and *A Court of Thorns and Roses* have sold more than a million copies each. For writers, this boom offers opportunity and fierce competition. This guide demystifies the craft behind epic fantasy and lays out a clear, modern approach to building worlds, weaving plots and creating characters that keep readers turning pages. **Summary****An epic fantasy novel combines a vast, invented world with high stakes, a large cast and themes of destiny and sacrifice. To write one, develop a unique idea, outline the story structure, build a believable world and magic system, craft complex characters with clear goals, and weave the plot through action and emotion. Ground your story in personal stakes, avoid info-dumps and stick to consistent rules for your magic and cultures. - Epic fantasy features vast secondary worlds, multiple viewpoints and high stakes; most published novels run 100,000–150,000 words. - Adult fantasy sales jumped 85% in the first half of 2024 and the genre’s value grew 41% between 2023 and 2024; [romantasy](/post/10-myth-about-romantasy-books-that-mislead-new-readers) alone helped drive £552.7 million in fiction revenue. - Key steps: spark an idea; know your world; create complex characters; build a consistent magic system; choose a story structure; start with action; and weave in themes. - Common pitfalls include info-dumping, overpowered characters, weak stakes and unclear magic rules. - Done well, epic fantasy offers readers immersive escapism and writers a chance to explore themes of power, identity and sacrifice. ## Definition and Core Concept Epic fantasy is a subgenre of high fantasy set entirely in a secondary world. Unlike low fantasy, which introduces magic into a familiar setting, epic fantasy immerses readers in an invented landscape with its own history, cultures and languages. It often features a huge cast, interwoven storylines and themes of good versus evil, destiny and sacrifice. A hallmark of epic fantasy is the quest or journey, often following the [Hero’s Journey](/post/turn-fury-into-justice-build-a-gripping-vigilante-thriller-plot) or a three-act structure. Because of its scale, most epic fantasies run between 100,000 and 150,000 words, though some series are much longer. A thriving epic fantasy hinges on three pillars: - **World-building** – Geography, climate, cultures, economics and politics. Decide how magic works, who can use it and what it costs. - **Character and conflict** – Complex characters with goals, fears and backstories. Protagonists often grow from ordinary individuals into leaders. Multiple points of view provide scope. - **Plot and structure** – A narrative arc that ties personal stakes to world-spanning consequences. Begin with action, not exposition. ## Why It Matters Epic fantasy offers escapism and commentary on real-world issues through metaphor. The sales surge proves its relevance: adult fantasy sales grew 85.2% in the first half of 2024. In the UK, fiction sales hit £552.7 million in 2024, with romantasy driving growth. On a creative level, epic fantasy lets authors explore themes of power, identity, faith and sacrifice. Building a rich world encourages empathy for unfamiliar cultures and sharpens plotting, character and world-building skills that apply to any genre. ## Step-by-Step Framework - **Start with a spark** – Begin with a “what if” and expand it into high stakes. - **Know your world** – Outline geography, climate, conflicts and cultures. Sketch maps if useful. - **Create complex characters** – Motivations, fears, flaws and arcs. Distinct POVs if needed. - **Build a consistent magic system** – Define powers, access, costs and limitations. - **Choose a structure** – Hero’s Journey, three-act arc, or other frameworks. Plot major beats. - **Begin with action** – Start with a moment that matters. Show the world through character perspective. - **Weave themes and emotion** – Ground epic events in personal stakes. - **Revise and refine** – Edit for pacing and clarity. Seek feedback from beta readers. ### Watch-outs - **Info-dumping** – Introduce lore gradually through dialogue and action. - **Overpowered characters** – Give them limits and weaknesses. - **Weak stakes** – Tie global conflicts to personal goals. - **Unclear magic rules** – Be consistent and clear. - **Tone inconsistency** – Keep tone steady. ### Done Looks Like - A lived-in world with consistent rules and cultures. - Characters with complete arcs. - A structured plot with rising stakes and payoff. - Exposition woven into scenes. - Themes and emotional stakes that resonate to the end. ## Tools, Examples and Mini-Case Notes Use spreadsheets, wikis, or note-apps to track details. Study published novels to see how they balance POVs, pacing and lore. Keep a naming file to avoid clichés and confusion. ## Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - Cultures that never interact – show trade, conflict and exchange. - Invented languages without context – hint with syntax or a few words. - Perfect races – give flaws and conflicts. - Frozen timelines – reflect technological and social change. - Magic without rules – establish costs and limits. - Excessive description – use sparingly for mood. - Losing the main plot – ensure subplots tie back. - Ignoring audience expectations – tailor to your readership. ## Advanced Tips and Edge Cases - **Layer themes and symbolism** – weave motifs like relics or religions into the narrative. - **Playing with perspective** – limit simultaneous POVs; ensure unique voices. - **Subverting tropes** – twist chosen ones, dragons, prophecies. - **Languages and dialects** – suggest variety through style, not full translations. - **Balancing scope and pacing** – alternate action and quieter beats. - **Series vs. stand-alone** – Book 1 should be complete but leave threads. ## Implementation Checklist - Unique spark or premise with ripple-effect stakes - Outline of geography, cultures, history and magic rules - Character profiles with motivations and arcs - Defined magic system with rules, costs and limits - Chosen story structure and major beats mapped - Opening scene with action or conflict - Themes and symbolism layered in - Consistent tone and pacing - Editing plan with beta reader feedback ## FAQs **How long should an epic fantasy novel be?****Most are 100,000–150,000 words. The first book should stand alone but allow for expansion. **Do I need to plan my entire world before writing?****No. Plan only what impacts plot and characters. Flesh out details as you go. **Can epic fantasy work without magic?****Yes, but amplify scope with politics, culture and scale. **Is it okay to use multiple points of view?****Yes, if each POV has a distinct arc and avoids head-hopping. **How do I keep track of lore and characters?****Use spreadsheets, wikis or color-coding. Stay organized. **What tropes can I twist?****Prophecies, chosen ones, secret heirs. Add surprising consequences. **What should I avoid when naming?****Avoid confusing or cliché names. Keep cultural consistency. **How can I balance world-building with pacing?****Use sensory detail sparingly. Alternate exposition with action and dialogue. ‍ Create a full epic fantasy novel tailored to your taste, ready to read in minutes with Kibbi. ‍ Epic fantasy isn’t just about dragons and prophecies; it’s about immersing readers in a world that feels real, relevant and emotionally resonant. With a unique spark, thoughtful world-building and a commitment to craft, you can offer readers the escapist adventure they crave. Start writing and let your imagination take flight.