Best Fantasy Books of 2024: Must-Read Book Recommendations

I love reading new releases as much as I love reading classical fantasy, and I have to say, 2024 has delivered. Even though the year is not yet over, I have already read nearly 60 fantasy books this year, many of which were released this year.

And so if you’re looking for a recent fantasy read, here is my list of the best fantasy books of 2024. These are absolute must-reads for any fantasy fan!

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links below which means if you make a purchase after clicking on one, I may earn a commission. Full disclaimer here.

Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson

While I haven’t technically read the whole book yet, (it’s only being published on Dec 6th of this year.) I’m positive it’ll be a 5-star read. Sanderson’s track record for this series is perfect.

As a huge fan of The Stormlight Archive, I can’t wait to finish this epic conclusion of the first major arc. The Stormlight Archive is probably my favorite fantasy series of all time (neck and neck with the Mistborn trilogy, which is another Sanderson series!)

Sanderson’s character work never fails to impress and this guy knows how to write a gripping narrative. The journey of discovering secrets about Roshar and the Cosmere is unlike anything else I’ve ever read.

From the preview chapters I’ve read on Reactor Magazine, it’s clear Sanderson is holding to his high bar. The pacing is great and there have already been some exciting reveals.

I’m counting down the days until I can get into the whole story.

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

I read The Tainted Cup this past summer, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys their fantasy with a side of Sherlock Holmesesque mystery.

The story follows Din, a fascinating protagonist with a remarkable memory. He’s an assistant investigator and is thrown into a gruesome murder case that’s baffling and compelling.

Bennett’s writing is addictive, each page reveals more secrets and twists. It kept me guessing until the end, with the action scenes balanced with quiet moments of tension and intrigue.

The world-building and politics add depth to the story and make it more than just a whodunit.

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen

If you’re a romantasy lover, make sure you pick this one up! Jensen’s Norse-inspired romantasy is a fun romp through the world of Skaland.

The protagonist is a fierce woman who’s lost everything. Her journey of self-discovery and revenge is so compelling. I was rooting for her every step of the way. Jensen – who also wrote the much-lauded Bridge Kingdom – is a master at creating romantic chemistry between her characters and this book is no exception.

While the Norse elements are prominent Jensen puts her own spin on the mythology. It feels new and exciting not rehashed.

If you like strong female leads, epic battles, and heart-fluttering romance this is a must-read.

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas

This book was met with mixed reviews by SJM’s fans, but Personally? I enjoyed it thoroughly and so it makes my list of top 2024 fantasy books.

In this third installment of the Crescent City series, Bryce is front and center as she navigates the world of Prythian’s caves with some tentative allies she does not really trust, and whom don’t trust her either.

But my favorite part of the book was Lidia’s plotline. I loved peeling back the layers of her character and learning more about her powers, and her relationship with Ruhn.

Admittedly, the book is a tad longer than it needed to be but I felt it allowed for world building and character moments, which are some of my favorite things about SJM books.

So definitely worth a read – but not before reading the ACOTAR series! If you are new to the “Maasiverse” then be sure to check out my SJM reading guide.

A Tempest of Tea by Harsh Faizal

This book is billed as a vampire heist novel set in a Peaky Blinders-esque world. What’s not to love about that premise!?

At the heart of the story is Arthie Casimir and her misfit crew as they plan to infiltrate an elite vampire society. It is as awesome as it sounds.

The world-building was interesting, it is kind of an 1880s England-style environment with lots of vampire lore. It’s a short book so not super detailed but it sets the tone for the action. If you need an easy read to dip your toe into fantasy, this is book is a good place to start.

Arthie and Jin were my favorite characters. Their chosen family dynamic added heart to the story. I wanted more of some of the other characters though.

The writing was engaging, with snappy dialogue and humor. I liked the multiple POVs giving us insight into different characters’ heads.

There’s a love triangle subplot but I felt it could have used more build-up. But I think it is setting up later books in the series. Overall it is one of the best YA books I read this year. (Read my full review for more deets!)

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Circcarelli

This one snuck up on me, I didn’t know what to expect going in but I loved it! This YA fantasy follows Rune, a young witch living a double life as The Crimson Moth, rescuing other witches from persecution.

Enter Gideon, a witch hunter determined to catch The Crimson Moth. The tension between these two is palpable as they circle each other, trying to uncover each other’s secrets.

What I loved most was the action, romance, and intrigue. It’s billed as Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets The Scarlet Pimpernel but with magic and witches, which is totally accurate. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done so well here.

The writing is smooth and mature, perfect for older YA readers or adults who enjoy well-written young adult fiction. Circcarelli deals with themes of identity and prejudice.

I liked how the author balanced the lighthearted romance with the darker aspects of witch hunts and persecution. It added depth without being too much. It’s the first book in a new series, and I’m already looking forward to the sequel, Rebel Witch, which is due for release in February 2025.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

This is more historical fiction with a huge helping of supernatural fantasy and although it’s not normally the kind of fantasy I read, I absolutely loved it

The story follows Laura Iven, a combat nurse during WWI searching for her missing brother Freddie. Arden’s prose is beautifully haunting, I could see the war-torn Belgium in my mind long after I closed the book.

What I liked most was the character depth. Laura’s determination to find the truth about her brother was so raw and real. I especially liked her interactions and relationship with Dr. Jones.

Freddie’s storyline with the German soldier Winter was just as compelling. Their unlikely connection in the midst of war (and being on opposing sides, no less) had me feeling all the feels and showed Arden’s skill at creating complex relationships.

The supernatural was woven in perfectly with the historical setting, I was on edge the whole time. Ghosts and evil spirits were metaphors for the psychological trauma of war.

Warning: this book doesn’t pull punches. If you’re sensitive to violence you might want to proceed with caution.

The Dollmakers by Lynn Buchanan

This dark fantasy debut caught my eye with its mix of whimsy and menace in a Studio Ghibli-style setting.

The story follows Shean, an ambitious apprentice Dollmaker from Pearl City. Her world is all about creating dolls that come to life through a magical Breath Mark. These dolls serve various purposes in society, from servants to guards against the terrifying Shod.

Shean’s journey starts when her plans go awry. Deemed too fragile for combat she sets out to prove herself in the remote village of Web. The character is pretty unlikable to start with, but you warm up to her as the story goes on and the character grows.

I loved the magic system in this book. The idea of Marks creating specific effects on objects adds to the world-building.

Buchanan’s writing was elegant and accessible without being too wordy. I liked how she balanced beautiful prose with clear narration.

The characters, including the dolls, were well done and three-dimensional. I loved Silver, Shean’s lifelike masterpiece, and Ikiisa the introverted Dollmaker of Web.

While the plot was a tad predictable the world, character growth, and overall vibe of the book made for a very satisfying read. Check out my full review of the Dollmarkers for more info!

Final Thoughts

I’ve had so much fun in the fantasy world novels this year. 2024 has been a great year for the genre, so many good new books.

My shelves are now bursting with magical stories from this year and I’m already planning to reread some of my new favorites.

If you want to get into a good fantasy book you can’t go wrong with any of the ones I mentioned. There’s something for everyone from epic high fantasy to action-packed standalones.

I’m looking forward to what new worlds and characters we’ll discover next year in 2025!

FAQ