Most anticipated fantasy books of 2026

This dark historical fantasy debut promises an intriguing hunt for the first werewolf, The Beast of Gévaudan, across Europe. It features monster slayers, demons, and magic, making it a promising new voice in the genre.

This unmissable SFF release combines fantasy and historical fantasy with queer protagonists. It offers a fresh and inclusive perspective within the genre, making it a highly anticipated read.

This debut epic fantasy novel is inspired by Japanese samurai sagas, promising a unique cultural backdrop and rich storytelling. It is highly anticipated for its fresh take on epic fantasy.

This novel is from a New York Times bestselling author and is highly anticipated for its lush and enchanting narrative. It promises a captivating exploration of love and truth in a fantastical setting.

This debut fantasy is highly anticipated for its sweeping epic scope and intimate political intrigue, drawing inspiration from Cdramas. It promises a fresh and potentially dark take on imperial power dynamics.

This debut romantasy is inspired by medieval India's epic love stories, offering a unique non-Western fantasy perspective. It blends rich storytelling, lush worldbuilding, and themes of found family and romance.

From an author praised for historical fiction fantasy, this book offers a unique take on Arthurian legends. Set in 1941 Wales, it promises a blend of historical context and mythical rebirth.

From the New York Times bestselling author of 'The Bear and the Nightingale,' this historical fantasy blends history and myth. It follows Anne of Brittany's journey into a world of myth to save her country.

This collection marks a return to a beloved urban fantasy world by Rebecca Roanhorse, an author known for compelling storytelling. It includes an adventure set in the world of her popular novels 'Trail of Lightning' and 'Storm of Locusts'.

This is the latest installment in Adrian Tchaikovsky's modern space opera classic, 'Children of Time' series. It continues the epic story of terraforming, intelligence, and civilization, focusing on seeking out other worlds.

This is the first book in a new trilogy by Mark Lawrence, 'Academy of Kindness,' marking his return to grimdark fantasy. It promises compelling prose and dark themes as a survivor seeks to punish monsters from her past.

This is a highly anticipated sequel trilogy from Richard Swan, known for his dark fantasy. Set centuries after 'The Empire of the Wolf,' it leans heavily into horror aspects, promising a chilling and intense experience.

This is the highly anticipated third book in P.L. (Evan) Winter's 'The Burning' series, known for its high-octane grimdark fantasy. It promises to be the conclusion to a popular and intense dark fantasy series.

This action-packed installment of the Hugo Award-winning 'Wayward Children' series sees a fan-favorite character return. It continues the beloved series with a new challenge as darkness descends on the Halls of the Dead.

This is the highly anticipated sequel to 'The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi,' continuing the story of a notorious pirate pulled out of retirement. It promises more swashbuckling adventure and a popular fantasy romp.

This is the seventh and final book in Pierce Brown's popular 'Red Rising' saga, making it a highly anticipated conclusion. Fans are eager to see how this epic series resolves its intricate plot and beloved characters.

This explosive debut dark academia fantasy features a human woman hunting or being hunted in a world of witches. It promises dangerous rivals, guarded secrets, and simmering chemistry, making it a promising new entry in the subgenre.

This heartwarming cozy fantasy is set in 1920s Montréal, featuring a woman running a cat rescue who seeks help from a magician. From the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Wilde series, it promises charm and magic.

This epic sequel to 'To Shape a Dragon's Breath' features a young Indigenous woman and her dragon fighting for their homeland's independence. It continues a bestselling and multi-award-winning series, making it a highly anticipated release.