Best fantasy books published in 2025

This book delivers a monumental conclusion to the first half of the acclaimed "The Stormlight Archive" series, solidifying its complex world-building and profound characters. Its epic narrative and plot development, culminating in a crucial confrontation, demonstrate Sanderson's mastery in modern fantasy.

This novel is the sensational third installment in Tracy Deonn's Legendborn Cycle, continuing the reimagining of the King Arthur legend with a blend of Southern Black Girl Magic. The work delves into a dazzling contemporary fantasy world with a complex narrative and multiple POVs, solidifying its impact on the genre.

"The Devils" delivers a grimdark fantasy experience with masterclass character writing and a plot packed with action and twists. Its dark humor, massive set pieces, and brutal betrayals establish it as a memorable read of the year.

This book offers an exciting fantasy-mystery narrative and a masterfully woven world-building, featuring imperial intrigue and a scholar's quest for truth. Its substantial length of over 600 pages and inventive plot establish it as a remarkable work in the genre published in 2025.

This novel won the 2025 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy, standing out for its genre-defying narrative and exploration of immortality and hunger. It offers a captivating story about three vampires across centuries, featuring excellent prose and deep characterization.

Katabasis offers a deep dive into dark fantasy and academia, combining an intriguing plot with sharp social commentary. R. F. Kuang's novel stands out for its originality in merging mythology with a satire of academic life, creating a unique and captivating reading experience.

This fantasy novel by Eric Kahn Gale offers a complex and timeless narrative about a young boy who finds his voice through a magical connection with animals. Its exploration of themes such as bullying, animal cruelty, and family dynamics adds depth and resonance to the story. The work stands out for its original premise and its ability to tackle difficult issues within a fantasy framework.

Lesser Beings delivers a dark fantasy narrative that explores complex themes of identity and conflict through its alien races and shapeshifting humans. Its world-building and character depth provide an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience. The novel stands out for its focus on the consequences of atrocity and shared horror, making it a notable addition to the genre.

This novel by Kij Johnson delivers a poignant fantasy adventure that blends elements of lightheartedness, sadness, and emotion. Its narrative provides a quick read that leaves the reader feeling hopeful and inspired. The story of Small Cat, searching for a new home after tragedy, resonates deeply with readers.

Pagans delivers an urban fantasy and crime mystery narrative that stands out for its clever world-building in an alternative reality where pagan gods are worshipped. The novel tackles contemporary themes of religious conflict and prejudice with an exciting plot and engaging characters, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

Heir is a "tour de force of fantasy" that captivates readers with its unforgettable tale of revenge and rebellion. The novel offers an immersive narrative about an inexperienced king attempting to end a thousand-year war, making it a standout read of the year.

Godkiller delivers impressive world-building and a unique presentation of gods, elements that set it apart in the fantasy genre. Its tense narrative and complex characters, such as Kissen, a bisexual godkiller, create an immersive and rewarding reading experience.

This fantasy novel stands out for its originality, presenting a queer love story between a shapeshifting monster and a human, exploring themes of disability and acceptance. Its unique narrative and focus on warmth in the face of complex realities make it a memorable and critically acclaimed read.

This novel offers a unique blend of fantasy and murder mystery, presenting an intriguing plot with a Holmes and Watson-style detective duo. Its world-building is inventive, featuring a weird ecology and dark elements that set it apart within the genre.

This novel by T. Kingfisher offers a dark and captivating reimagining of "The Goose Girl" fairy tale, exploring themes of secrets, murder, and forbidden magic with a modern yet timeless narrative. Its literary merit was recognized with the prestigious 2025 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, solidifying its impact on the genre.

This book was recognized as one of the most outstanding fantasy novels of 2025. Its original premise of a legal thriller set in a futuristic fantasy world, divided by a revolution, offers a unique and captivating narrative. Gautam Bhatia's work explores complex themes of justice and society within a richly imagined setting.

This novel stands out for its profound exploration of East Asian mythology, weaving a complex narrative about love, grief, and the power of stories across generations. Its focus on hard historical speculative fiction, combining myths and an imagined history, offers a unique and enriching literary experience.

This novel offers a thrilling and deeply exploratory prequel to The Hunger Games universe, focusing on the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy. Its high-stakes narrative and emotionally haunting characters make it a ferociously entertaining read that expands the series' canon with significant impact.

Onyx Storm was an editorial phenomenon in 2025, selling 2.7 million copies in its first week and solidifying the success of the Empyrean series. Its romantic fantasy narrative, full of dragons and battles, captivated millions of readers, making it a must-read title of the year.