There are few greater pleasures than getting home from work and getting yourself lost in a good book. The power of words to transport us to far off lands and take us on wild adventures is a beautiful thing. One of the most popular genres on the planet is, of course, fantasy. Lord Of The Rings. The Wheel Of Time. The Earthsea Trilogy. These are just some of the major names that defined the genre.
But we aren’t here to discuss the classics. Instead we are going to be talking about the new fantasy novels or series that we are hooked on. From palace intrigue to devilish faeries. From rampaging dragons to knights in shining armor. We are sure you will find something in this list to sink your teeth into.
Fourth Wing
Released in 2023 by Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing is the first in a new adult fantasy series that has taken TikTok by storm. The novel has all the elements you would expect from a fantasy novel but with lashing of creative world building and beautifully written characters. Yarros has a bright future ahead of her if she can maintain this level of quality in her prose.
We should warn you that this book does contain a fair amount of adult scenes. So make sure to keep it out of reach of any younger readers in your household. But, if that is the sort of thing you like in your fantasy books, then this is a must read!
A Court Of Thorns And Roses
The first novel in this series was released back in 2015 and has 5 novels to sink your teeth into. Published by Sarah J. Maas, the series follows a young girl as she navigates through the realm of fearies. And unlike the fairies of Disney, these magical creatures are far more dangerous and compelling. The books are filled with political intrigue, danger, adventure, and fascinating characters.
The books are generally aimed at adults and young adults. While there are scenes of violence and danger, there are no themes so mature that a teenager couldn’t enjoy these novels too. And there are rumors that Hulu has eyes to turn the books into a TV series in a few years time.
The Golem and the Jinni
Written by Helene Wecker back in 2013, this fantasy novel is a departure from the more traditional elements you might expect. The novel draws from real world folklore and is set in 19th century New York. The story follows a Golem and Jinni who cross paths as they try to navigate living in a world vastly alien to them.
If you are a fan of character driven dramas with high emotional stakes then this is the novel for you. I recommend lighting up one of these book candles from Candlelore to really get yourself immersed in the unique atmosphere of the world Helen has created. She released a sequel novel in 2021 that further expands the rich lore built up in the first novel.
The Lost Bookshop
Most people think fantasy books need to have dragons and fairies and wizards to be considered fantasy. But, in my experience, the best fantasy books are the ones with the simplest magic of all. And The Lost Bookshop is the perfect example of this. Written by Evie Woods and released in 2023, this is one of the best feel good novels of the last few years.
The book follows three young strangers as their lives are intertwined across time by a vanishing bookstore. The novel falls into the realm of magic realism. It is a beautiful character piece that is charming and intriguing. If you are a history lover, or someone who can’t get enough of stories about magical bookstores, then this is definitely the book for you. Evie Woods is an author to keep your eyes on over the next few years.
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
Written by Mark Lawrence, this is one of the best high fantasy books to come out in recent years. It has all the hallmarks of high fantasy. Set in a post apocalyptic fantasy world where the secrets to rebuilding humanity are hidden away in a seemingly endless library.
The book has dramatic wars. Dangerous monsters. Compelling characters. And plenty of mystery to sink your teeth into. And if you’re a lover of books, then you will adore the magical themes within the novel as the primary characters quite literally step into the worlds of the various books in the library.