There’s a clear crossover between our editorial team at Camille Styles and our community of readers: we all love a good book—and we’re always on the hunt for the next one. It’s no surprise, then, that our book lists are consistently among the most-read pieces on the site. (Just take a look at our Top Books of 2025 So Far and Fall Reading List for proof.) After all, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being completely transported by a story.

But what makes a novel epic? Traditionally, epics were sweeping, multi-generational stories or heroic journeys told in verse. But for the purposes of this list, we’re defining epic novels as books that carry us away—whether through their length, their world-building, their historical scope, or simply the emotional journey they invite us into. Some are true literary doorstoppers, others are deceptively slim, but all share one thing: they stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Best Epic Novels to Read in Your Lifetime

Our editorial team has gathered both the classics that define the genre and the novels we return to again and again. This is a well-rounded list of epic novels that truly stand the test of time—books that will change the way you see the world, and in our opinion, deserve a place on every reader’s shelf.

Classic Literary Epics

These are the giants—long, sweeping, historically important works.

Historical Epics

World-changing events told through unforgettable characters.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Epics

Immersive worlds and sweeping series that define the genre.

Modern Emotional Epics

Big books that feel all-consuming—whether in scope or emotional journey.

Timeless Epics of the Heart

Not always long, but they expand our understanding of love, family, and humanity.

Stories That Stay With Us

An epic novel isn’t just about length—it’s about impact. The books on this list span centuries, continents, and genres, but they all share the power to fully immerse you, to make you think, and to remind you of what it means to be human.

For our team, these are the stories that have shaped us: the comfort reads we revisit every year, the sagas that left us breathless, and the sweeping tales that sparked our curiosity about the wider world. We hope you’ll discover a new favorite here—or be inspired to pick up an old one again.