Fantasy Books That Will Keep You Hooked
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Fantasy novels offer readers the chance to escape into worlds filled with magic, mystery, and boundless imagination. For many, it’s the perfect genre for a literary escape, where impossible landscapes, rich characters, and intriguing conflicts provide endless hours of adventure.
Below are some of fantasy readers absolute favorite reads—books so captivating that people simply couldn’t put them down. Whether you’re looking for a sweeping epic or a character-driven masterpiece, each book on this list is sure to enchant you.
Books in series: The Bear and the Nightingale, The Girl in the Tower, The Winter of the Witch
Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy will make you yearn for winter. This atmospheric series, set in a mythic version of medieval Russia, blends history with folklore in a way that pulls readers deep into its wintry world. The protagonist, Vasya, is a young girl who can communicate with spirits and creatures from old Russian folklore. As Christianity begins to push out pagan beliefs, Vasya must navigate her way through dangerous political and supernatural forces.
What you will love most about this series is how it beautifully balances a deep sense of place and culture with a gripping narrative. Arden’s prose is lyrical and rich, capturing the harshness of Russian winters and the warmth of the hearth with equal skill. Vasya’s journey of self-discovery is both magical and heart-wrenching, making this a five-star read for anyone looking for a slow-burn, atmospheric fantasy that leaves you spellbound.
Urban fantasy fans will find a delightful treat in Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series. This series mixes a police procedural with magical realism, following Peter Grant, a young constable in London who discovers he has an aptitude for magic. He’s soon recruited into a secret division of the Metropolitan Police that deals with magical crimes.
What makes this series shine is Aaronovitch’s witty humor and the vivid depiction of London as a living, breathing character in its own right. The magic system, based on London’s history and folklore, is refreshingly unique, and the cast of characters is incredibly diverse and engaging. If you love a good mix of humor, mystery, and magic, Rivers of London will quickly become a favorite.
Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels are a staple of fantasy literature, and Guards! Guards! is one of the best in the series. This novel introduces us to the bumbling yet lovable Captain Vimes and the Night Watch of Ankh-Morpork, a city where dragons, thieves, and bureaucrats all live in chaotic harmony.
Pratchett’s humor is razor-sharp, often satirical, and always delightful. The pacing is perfect, with easy-to-keep-going section breaks that make it an ideal book for both marathon reading sessions and quick pick-ups. But beyond the humor, Guards! Guards! explores deeper themes of duty, heroism, and justice, making it more than just a laugh-out-loud fantasy. For readers new to Discworld, this book is a fantastic entry point, offering everything from dragons to dysfunctional law enforcement.
For fans of darker, fairy-tale-inspired fantasy, T. Kingfisher’s Nettle and Bone is a gripping novella that turns traditional tropes on their head. This book is a blend of horror, dark humor, and adventure, following a princess who embarks on a quest to save her sister from an abusive marriage. Along the way, she assembles an unlikely group of allies, including a bone dog, a witch, and a demon-possessed chicken.
What I loved about Nettle and Bone is how it manages to be both whimsical and deeply unsettling. Kingfisher has a knack for creating dark, gritty worlds that still hold moments of beauty and humor. The novella format means this is a quick read, but it packs a punch with its original storytelling and memorable characters.
The Will of the Many is a captivating page-turner from James Islington, best known for his Licanius Trilogy. This book introduces a new world and a unique power system based on hierarchies and obligations, where individuals gain strength by absorbing the will of others. The political intrigue, intense action, and moral complexity keep the reader hooked from the first page to the last.
Islington excels at weaving intricate plots with high stakes and personal drama. If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that combines epic world-building with fast-paced action, this one is not to be missed. It’s the kind of book that grips you tightly and refuses to let go until you’ve devoured every last word.
Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders and Farseer series hold a special place in my heart. Her characters are some of the most complex and deeply human I’ve encountered in fantasy. The Farseer trilogy, which follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard trained as an assassin, is a deeply emotional journey filled with heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience.
The Liveship Traders series is equally compelling, set in a world where sentient ships made of wizardwood sail the seas. The political intrigue, family dynamics, and magical elements all intertwine beautifully to create a richly immersive experience. Hobb’s writing is introspective and often melancholic, but always rewarding for those who enjoy deep character studies and slow-burn plots.
Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver is a beautifully crafted novel inspired by Eastern European folklore. It’s a loose retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin tale, but Novik weaves in multiple perspectives and storylines to create a rich tapestry of magic, power, and survival.
The strength of Spinning Silver lies in its characters—particularly the women—who are not traditional heroes, but who find strength and agency in the face of adversity. The cold, wintry setting is vividly described, making the book feel like a fairy tale that you can sink into, complete with enchantments, bargains with faeries, and a powerful exploration of the cost of greed and ambition.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is an epic fantasy with a feminist twist. Dragons, ancient prophecies, and political intrigue are central to the story, but what sets this book apart is its richly developed female characters and LGBTQ+ representation.
This standalone novel is massive in scope, with intricate world-building and a deep, multi-layered plot that weaves together different cultures, religions, and histories. Shannon’s writing is immersive, and the book’s fast-paced action and well-developed characters make it a standout read for any epic fantasy lover.
Neil Gaiman’s American Gods is a masterpiece of modern fantasy that blends mythology, Americana, and dark fantasy into a unique and unforgettable story. The protagonist, Shadow Moon, is drawn into a war between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of technology and media.
Gaiman’s writing is poetic and eerie, filled with metaphors and imagery that linger long after you’ve turned the last page. American Gods is a thought-provoking exploration of belief, identity, and the power of stories, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys more literary fantasy.
N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season is a groundbreaking novel that redefines the boundaries of fantasy. Set in a world constantly ravaged by apocalyptic events, the story follows three women with the power to control seismic activity. Jemisin’s world-building is extraordinary, blending magic with geology in a way that feels both original and plausible.
What makes The Fifth Season truly remarkable is its narrative structure and the way it tackles issues of power, oppression, and environmental catastrophe. Jemisin’s writing is both powerful and intimate, pulling readers into the characters’ emotional journeys while exploring complex societal themes. It’s no wonder this novel won the Hugo Award for Best Novel—this is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it.
Books in series: The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War
Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series is a sprawling epic that has quickly become a staple of modern fantasy. The first book, The Way of Kings, introduces readers to a world where magic, gods, and ancient prophecies shape the fate of nations. The series follows multiple characters, each with their own rich backstories and motivations, as they navigate war, betrayal, and the discovery of ancient powers.
Sanderson’s storytelling is both intricate and immersive, with a beautiful balance of action, emotion, and world-building. His ability to weave multiple plot threads together into a coherent and engaging narrative is masterful, making this series an absolute must-read for epic fantasy fans.
Books in series: Mistborn: The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, The Hero of Ages
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy is a cornerstone of modern fantasy, and for good reason. Set in a world where the “Lord Ruler” has governed for a thousand years, the story follows Vin, a street urchin who discovers she has the ability to “burn” metals and gain superhuman abilities. Together with a band of rebels, she sets out to overthrow the tyrannical ruler and liberate the oppressed.
Sanderson’s unique magic system—based on Allomancy, where individuals consume metals to gain powers—is a highlight of the series. Combine that with engaging characters, high-stakes action, and unpredictable plot twists, and you’ve got a fantasy series that is nearly impossible to put down.
The Lies of Locke Lamora is a heist fantasy that offers an unforgettable mix of intrigue, humor, and daring adventure. Scott Lynch introduces readers to Locke Lamora, a master thief who, alongside his band of con artists, schemes his way through the city of Camorr. But when Locke finds himself embroiled in a larger conspiracy, things get dangerously out of hand.
Lynch’s storytelling is fast-paced and full of wit, and the book is filled with intricate world-building and rich, layered characters. This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy clever protagonists, high-stakes plots, and plenty of humor alongside the action.
A Diverse Collection of Fantasy Favorites
In addition to the books above, a wide array of captivating fantasy novels have left lasting impressions on readers. Some of the standout recommendations include:
- “The Kingkiller Chronicles” by Patrick Rothfuss – A masterfully crafted series following Kvothe, a talented musician, arcanist, and warrior, whose life story is filled with both triumphs and tragedies.
- “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin – The brutal, politically charged saga that inspired Game of Thrones, known for its morally complex characters and high-stakes intrigue.
- “The Malazan Book of the Fallen” by Steven Erikson – A deeply complex series praised for its vast world-building and multi-layered narrative. It’s a challenging but rewarding read for fans of epic fantasy.
- “The Wheel of Time” by Robert Jordan – One of the most beloved epic fantasy series, known for its extensive world, intricate plots, and sprawling cast of characters.
- “The Blacktongue Thief” by Christopher Buehlman – A darkly humorous, action-packed fantasy that’s quickly gaining a loyal fanbase for its witty characters and engaging plot.
- “Mother of Learning” by Domagoj Kurmaic – A refreshing take on the time-loop trope, with complex characters and deep world-building, first gaining fame as a web serial.
- “Servant of the Empire” by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts – A tale of political intrigue, survival, and the clash of cultures, set in Feist’s Riftwar universe.
- “Earthsea” by Ursula K. Le Guin – A classic series that explores the balance of power and knowledge, set in a world of islands and mages. Le Guin’s philosophical approach to fantasy makes this a timeless read.
- “The Birthgrave” by Tanith Lee – A dark and hauntingly atmospheric tale of a woman seeking her identity in a world of gods and legends.
- “Fairy Tale” by Stephen King – King’s unique blend of dark fantasy and horror, where a young man finds himself drawn into a dangerous, otherworldly kingdom.
- “Fevre Dream” by George R. R. Martin – A lesser-known work of Martin’s, this vampire tale set on the Mississippi River blends historical fiction with supernatural elements.
- “John Dies at the End” by David Wong – A surreal and darkly comedic fantasy-horror that takes readers on a bizarre and unpredictable journey through alternate realities.
- “Sister of Sword and Shadow” by Laura Bate – A thrilling tale of magic, mystery, and fierce warriors, blending action with complex character development.
- “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown – A dystopian fantasy that mixes science fiction and classical themes, following Darrow’s rise through the ranks of a brutal society built on hierarchy and oppression.
These books reflect the incredible range within the fantasy genre, from epic world-spanning narratives to intimate character-driven stories. Whether you’re diving into the works of Brandon Sanderson or exploring lesser-known gems like The Blacktongue Thief, there’s something here for every kind of reader.
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