Collider has published a list of ten high fantasy novels praised for exceptional craftsmanship, arguing that while the genre has boomed since the 1980s and self-publishing has made it easy to release mediocre work, a select few authors have achieved near-perfect execution in pacing, characterisation and prose. The list highlights books that stand out from the wider high fantasy field for how skilfully they are written rather than simply for their popularity or scope.

Among the entries detailed are Scott Lynch's "The Lies of Locke Lamora" (2006), praised for its Venice-inspired setting and heist-driven plot involving a gang of thieves called the Gentleman Bastards; Michael Ende's "The NeverEnding Story" (1979), a frame narrative about a boy drawn into the threatened realm of Fantastica; and Joe Abercrombie's "The Blade Itself" (2006), the grimdark opening novel of The First Law trilogy, noted for its morally compromised cast of characters.

– Collider ranks ten high fantasy novels it considers exceptionally well written
– Featured picks include "The Lies of Locke Lamora," "The NeverEnding Story" and "The Blade Itself"
– Article credits strong worldbuilding, pacing and characterisation as key criteria