J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings remains one of the most remarkable achievements in fantasy literature. Through the sprawling world of Middle-earth, ancient civilizations, intricate mythology, and its unforgettable journey of friendship and sacrifice, Tolkien created a fictional landscape that feels as tangible as New York City. More than seven decades after its publication, the story of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship continues to set the standard for epic fantasy, inspiring generations of authors to dream bigger and build worlds of their own.

Modern fantasy, however, has taken Tolkien's foundations in some fascinating directions. From intricate political sagas to radically reimagined mythologies and elaborate magical systems, today's authors have found several exciting ways to reimagine the genre's possibilities. For this list, we're focusing on fantasy series that began in 2000 or later, with one exception for a saga that largely unfolded throughout the following decade. Each brings a distinct Tolkien element to the table, whether through extraordinary world-building, ambitious storytelling, or a cast of characters large enough to make Gandalf's head spin.

Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy begins with a familiar fantasy setup involving a kingdom on the brink of war, an ancient enemy stirring in the North, and a mysterious wizard assembling an unlikely band of heroes. The group includes Logen Ninefingers, a feared Northman trying to outrun his violent past, Jezal dan Luthar, a vain young nobleman chasing military glory, and Inquisitor Glokta, a former war hero turned torturer whose sharp mind is matched only by his physical suffering.

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