Fantasy books have been around for centuries and continue to be popular with readers of all ages. From the classic works of J.R.R. Tolkien to the modern masterpieces of George R.R. Martin, fantasy books have been captivating readers for generations. If you’re looking for some of the best fantasy books of the year, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled a list of the ten most popular fantasy books of the year, based on reviews, sales, and reader feedback. Whether you’re a fan of high fantasy or something a bit more light-hearted, you’re sure to find something on this list that you’ll love. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into some of the best fantasy books of the year.
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
The City of Brass is an epic fantasy novel set in 18th-century Cairo. It follows Nahri, a streetwise con artist, as she discovers a hidden magical world and must decide if she wants to be part of it. With its vivid characters and immersive world-building, The City of Brass is an engaging and entertaining read.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Poppy War is an intense military fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Chinese history. It follows Rin, an orphan from a rural village, as she joins the military academy and finds herself at the center of a war between two powerful nations. This book has an unflinching look at warfare with its emotionally charged characters.
Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
Queen of the Tearling is the first book in a fantasy trilogy by author Erika Johansen. In this book, we follow the story of nineteen-year-old Kelsea Glynn, the heir to the throne of the Tearling. With the help of her bodyguards, the Mace and the Fetch, Kelsea sets out on a quest to reclaim her kingdom from the power-hungry forces of the Red Queen.
Along the way, she discovers a shocking truth about her kingdom and her own past. This fast-paced story of adventure, magic, and political intrigue will keep readers engaged until the very last page.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows is a fantasy novel by Leigh Bardugo set in the Grishaverse. It follows Kaz Brekker, an infamous thief, who is hired to pull off a seemingly impossible heist. Along with a crew of other criminals, he must break into the ice prison of the feared criminal Van Eck and rescue a scientist who holds the key to a powerful weapon.
As the stakes continue to rise, Kaz and his team must rely on their wits, skills, and luck to survive and succeed with their mission.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree is a fantasy novel by Samantha Shannon. It follows the story of two women, Ead and Tané, in a world where dragons and magic exist. Ead is a young dragonrider from a powerful East Company family, and Tané is a member of the last dragon-worshipping order, the Order of the Priory of the Orange Tree.
Their paths cross when they both become embroiled in a conspiracy to stop a powerful enemy from destroying the world. With the help of their allies, they must find a way to save the world before it is too late.
The Wicked King by Holly Black
The Wicked King is the second installment in Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series. In this dark fantasy novel, Jude, the former mortal thief, must navigate her new life as the High Queen of Faerie in an effort to protect the kingdom from a looming civil war.
Along the way, she must confront her own inner demons and the wicked forces of the Faerie Court while struggling to stay true to herself and the people she loves. With its thrilling plot twists and captivating characters, The Wicked King is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett
Foundryside, by Robert Jackson Bennett, is an action-packed fantasy novel set in the industrial city of Tevanne. The city is controlled by four powerful merchant houses who are in constant competition for wealth and power.
The protagonist, Sancia Grado, is a thief with a unique magical ability, which she uses to break into the city’s heavily guarded Foundries and steal valuable artifacts. Her exploits draw the attention of the powerful merchant houses, who enlist Sancia on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Foundries.
As Sancia delves deeper into the Foundries’ mysterious magical technology, she finds herself in a struggle to free Tevanne from the control of the four merchant houses.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a fantasy novel by Alix E. Harrow. It follows the story of January Scaller, an orphan raised by her guardian in a secluded house in rural Massachusetts.
As she grows, January discovers a mysterious book that contains the secrets of a strange world that lies beyond the doors of her house. With the help of a mysterious stranger, she embarks on a journey to explore this unknown world, and discover who she really is.
Along the way, she encounters magical creatures and powerful forces, discovering the truth of her identity and her place in the world.
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
In The Dragon Republic, R.F. Kuang continues the story of her acclaimed debut The Poppy War. After surviving the Second Poppy War and the destruction of her homeland, Rin has become an infamous war hero. Now, she must navigate a world in turmoil and decide what her role will be in the coming conflicts to come.
With a powerful warlord determined to conquer her country and a devastating new drug ravaging its people, Rin must use her strength and cunning to protect her people and find a way to save them.
No matter what kind of fantasy you’re looking for, there’s sure to be something on this list that will capture your imagination. So grab one of these popular fantasy books and escape into another world!
