The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
This stand-alone epic fantasy book is set in a world where a fear of an ancient dragon divides nations. To save her country, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter, while an assassin seeks to prevent the dragons from rising once more.
Disguised as a lady-in-waiting, Ead Duryan is a mage who uses forbidden magic to protect Sabran. The narrative alternates between multiple perspectives, including Tané, a dragon rider in training, as the East and West face off.
Themes of duty, power, and love are explored in this richly detailed novel against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse.
A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
The first book in the Age of Madness trilogy, set in the same universe as Abercrombie’s First Law series, is a gritty, dark fantasy. Society is transforming due to the Industrial Revolution, bringing both progress and chaos.
The story follows several characters, including the ambitious young warrior Leo dan Brock, the cunning businesswoman Savine dan Glokta, and the prophetic Rikke. Warfare, magic, and political intrigue combine to create a complex picture of a society in turmoil.
Abercrombie’s trademark wit and gritty storytelling make this an engaging read.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
In this urban fantasy, New York City comes to life to battle an ancient evil. Each of the five boroughs is represented by a human avatar who must unite to defend the city from an interdimensional threat.
Manny, representing Manhattan, feels a strong connection to the city despite his amnesia. Bronca, the Bronx, runs an art center and struggles with her past.
Other champions hail from Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. Jemisin crafts a narrative rich with social commentary, exploring themes of survival, community, and identity.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
This urban fantasy, the first in the Crescent City trilogy, follows half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge for her friends’ deaths.
Teaming up with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel enslaved to the Archangels, Bryce navigates a magical, politically charged world. Maas masterfully blends action, romance, and intricate world-building. Bryce’s journey of self-discovery and justice is both compelling and poignant.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
After Zachary Ezra Rawlins stumbles upon a mysterious book, he is drawn into a hidden world beneath the surface, brimming with stories. In this labyrinthine realm, time stands still, stories come to life, and dangers lurk.
Zachary must solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and find his place in a narrative written long before his time. Morgenstern’s lyrical prose and enchanting storytelling create a mesmerizing blend of imagination and reality.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Inspired by Chinese history, this grimdark fantasy follows Rin, a war orphan who gains entry to a prestigious military academy.
As she trains and discovers her shamanic abilities, she becomes embroiled in a brutal war tearing her country apart. The narrative tackles themes of power, addiction, and the horrors of war, with a protagonist whose actions blur the lines between heroism and villainy.
Kuang’s meticulous world-building and unflinching depiction of violence make for a gripping, thought-provoking read.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
This gothic sci-fi/fantasy hybrid follows necromancer Harrowhark Nonagesimus and her sword-wielding servant Gideon Nav.
They are thrust into a deadly competition against other necromancers and their cavaliers on a distant planet, all seeking immortality. The narrative is infused with dark humor, complex puzzles, and a fully realized world where necromancy is commonplace.
Muir’s debut is celebrated for its distinctive voice, rich character development, and blend of satire and horror.
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
In this epic fantasy debut, Tau Tafari, a young soldier in a militaristic society perpetually at war, vows to become the greatest warrior to avenge his loved ones’ deaths.
In this world, caste systems dictate destiny, and a few women possess the power to summon dragons.
Winter’s story is intense and action-packed, with an African-inspired setting that offers a fresh take on traditional fantasy elements.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
This dark fantasy, inspired by African mythology, follows Tracker, a hunter with a supernatural talent for finding people. Tracker joins a diverse group, including a shape-shifting leopard, to search for a missing child.
Their journey is fraught with political intrigue, magic, and ancient rivalries. James’ evocative prose explores themes of truth, identity, and the blurred lines between hero and monster. It’s a challenging but rewarding read.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
This young adult fantasy interweaves the stories of Karina, a princess dealing with personal loss and political strife, and Malik, a refugee with magical abilities.
Karina seeks ancient magic to resurrect her mother, while Malik enters a deadly competition to win Karina’s hand to save his sister. Inspired by West African folklore, the narrative explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and love. Brown’s debut combines action, romance, and well-drawn characters.
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
In a world ruled by bone shard magic, Lin, the emperor’s daughter, seeks to prove herself by mastering this forbidden art. As rebellion brews and strange creatures emerge, Lin’s path crosses with Jovis, a smuggler on a mission.
Stewart’s narrative is filled with mystery, complex characters, and an inventive magic system. Themes of power, identity, and revolution are explored in this engaging and imaginative read.
Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
The second book in the Crescent City series continues the story of Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar as they navigate the political and magical upheavals in their world.
Bryce grapples with her new responsibilities and her feelings for Hunt while uncovering deeper conspiracies threatening their society.
Maas’ signature blend of romance, action, and detailed world-building promises a thrilling and emotional journey, building on the rich lore introduced in the first novel.
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
In this debut, Csorwe, an orc priestess destined for sacrifice, escapes with a powerful mage. She becomes entangled in his schemes of revenge and conquest while training in magic and combat.
The story spans multiple worlds, exploring themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and fate. Larkwood’s tale is both intimate and expansive, featuring richly drawn characters and inventive settings, with a strong, complex protagonist and a fresh take on fantasy tropes.
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Set in an alternate 1893, this historical fantasy follows three sisters who join the women’s suffrage movement and discover their magical heritage.
They face threats from both the supernatural and societal oppression as they reclaim their power. Harrow’s lyrical prose and well-developed characters explore themes of resistance, power, and sisterhood.
In this feminist retelling, magic becomes a tool to fight injustice and rediscover one’s identity.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
To live forever, Addie LaRue makes a Faustian bargain, but in return, she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Over centuries, she experiences art, adventure, and heartbreak until she encounters a young man who remembers her.
Schwab’s narrative deftly weaves together past and present, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the desire for a legacy.
Addie’s journey is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating, offering a deeply moving exploration of what it means to be truly seen.
The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
In this dark academia fantasy, Alex Stern, a survivor of a gruesome murder, is given a chance to attend Yale on a full scholarship. Her task is to monitor the university’s secret societies that practice dark magic.
As Alex delves deeper into their secrets, she uncovers a sinister conspiracy and must navigate a world of occultism, privilege, and power. Bardugo’s atmospheric storytelling and complex characters create a gripping tale of mystery and magic.
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
This Norse-inspired epic fantasy follows three main characters: Orka, a fierce warrior searching for her son; Varg, a thrall seeking vengeance; and Elvar, a young woman striving for glory.
Their paths converge in a world where gods once ruled and now powerful relics remain.
Gwynne’s narrative is filled with brutal battles, intricate world-building, and deep lore. The story explores themes of revenge, honor, and survival, making it a compelling and immersive read.
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
A retelling of Norse mythology, this novel centers on Angrboda, a powerful witch and mother of monsters. After being cast out by Odin, she finds solace with Loki, with whom she has three children destined for doom.
The story delves into Angrboda’s struggle for agency and her efforts to defy fate. Gornichec’s lyrical prose and empathetic characterization breathe new life into familiar myths, creating a poignant exploration of motherhood, resilience, and defiance.
Master of Sorrows by Justin Travis Call
In this debut novel, the first of The Silent Gods series, Annev de Breth, a student with a secret, trains to become an Avatar—a magical thief hunter. However, Annev hides his own magical abilities, forbidden by the society he serves.
As he uncovers dark secrets about his past and the truth about magic, he must decide between following a predestined path or forging his own. Call’s narrative is rich with moral dilemmas, intricate world-building, and well-developed characters.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Set in a realm inspired by Indian mythology and history, this novel follows Malini, a captive princess, and Priya, a maidservant with forbidden magic.
Their fates intertwine as Malini plots her escape and Priya seeks to save her people, forming an unlikely alliance. Suri’s lush, evocative prose tackles themes of power, resistance, and forbidden love.
The intricate political intrigue and rich cultural backdrop make this an outstanding entry in epic fantasy.
The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty
The final book in The Daevabad Trilogy concludes the story of Nahri, Ali, and Dara as they confront the aftermath of Daevabad’s fall. Nahri aims to reclaim her heritage and rebuild her shattered city, while Ali grapples with his newfound powers.
Dara faces a choice between past and present loyalties. Chakraborty’s intricate world-building, beloved characters, and nuanced exploration of politics and magic culminate in a satisfying and emotional finale.
A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine
In this sequel to “A Memory Called Empire,” Mahit Dzmare navigates the political complexities of the Teixcalaanli Empire while facing an enigmatic alien threat.
As war looms, Mahit must confront her past and work with allies to prevent interstellar conflict. Martine’s story blends philosophical musings on identity, memory, and cultural assimilation with meticulous world-building, creating a deeply nuanced and thought-provoking narrative.
The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker
In a world where ships are made from dragon bones, Joron Twiner reluctantly becomes captain of the Tide Child, a ship of the condemned. Tasked with hunting a legendary sea dragon, Joron must navigate treacherous waters and a mutinous crew.
Barker’s narrative features a unique setting, compelling characters, and plenty of nautical adventure. Themes of loyalty, redemption, and the clash between tradition and progress are explored in this gripping tale.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This heartwarming novel follows Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Sent to evaluate an orphanage for magical children, Linus meets the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus and the extraordinary children under his care.
As Linus uncovers secrets and forms bonds with the residents, he must decide what truly matters in life. Klune’s story is filled with warmth and humor, delivering a message of love and acceptance.
This charming tale addresses themes of found family and the courage to embrace one’s true self.
