The 10 Best Fantasy Books of the Decade (2014-2024)

Fantasy literature has taken over the literary world this decade. From magical realms and mythical creatures to dark academia and romantasy, this genre serves as a much-needed escape from the daily grind. The best fantasy books of the decade will transport you to amazing worlds and complex characters and plots.

The genre has changed a lot in the time since Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and many contemporary epic fantasy books have moved beyond good vs evil to explore complex themes and diverse perspectives.

So if you’re looking to add some top-shelf contemporary fantasy books to read this year, these are my top 9 recommended books to read that have been released in the last ten years. Whether you like dark books or fantasy romance books, there’s something here for everyone!

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

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (2015)

V.E. Schwab’s “A Darker Shade of Magic” starts an amazing Shades of Magic trilogy that remains one of my favorites of all time. In a world with four Londons, each with different levels of magic, you meet Kell, one of the last Antari magicians who can travel between them.

Kell’s journey starts when he finds a dangerous artifact from Black London, a world that was destroyed by dangerous magic. Alongside Lila Bard, a feisty pickpocket from Grey London, Kell must navigate treacherous waters to save the realms from disaster.

Schwab’s writing is elegant and accessible. You’ll be swept up in the descriptions of the four Londons, each with its own atmosphere and magic.

The character development is great. I love Kell with his conflicted loyalties and cool powers. Lila might be a bit more divisive – her sharp edges and survival instincts make her the kind of character you either love or hate. (I love her!)

Fantasy fans will love “A Darker Shade of Magic” with adventure, world-building and characters. It’s a great gateway into adult fantasy, between YA and more mature themes. As one of the best fantasy books, it’s notable for its impact on the genre and the trends and storytelling.

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang (2023)

M.L. Wang is one of my favorite emerging fantasy authors, with two standalone fantasy books that have been released in the last five years: The Sword of Kaigen, and Blood Over Bright Haven. Both were indie-published first and later Blood Over Bright Haven was picked up by Del Rey, with the gorgeous hardback edition coming out Oct 29th. (You can be I pre-ordered that baby!)

Both books make the list, but I think I loved Blood Over Bright Haven just a smidge more. In fact, it one of my favorite reads of the year. If you love dark academia, gritty politics, and unlikely friendship/romance, you will adore this book. I was obsessed from the very opening chapter, and I read the whole thing in just a couple of days.

The main character is Sciona, the first woman to graduate to high mage status within the city of Tiran. Disdained by her colleagues, she is given a janitor for an assistant instead of a trained researcher. But there is more to the Kwen man than meets the eye. They become unlikely friends as they begin unraveling the mysteries of the prosperous city of Tiran and the Otherrealm form which they drag magic from.

Filled to the brim with top-tier prose and heartbreaking moments, this is one book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

Full review of Blood Over Bright Haven

Full review of Sword of Kaigen

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas (2015)

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” introduces you to Feyre Archeron, a young huntress who’s pulled into the magical world of Prythian and its fae. It’s got elements of traditional fairy tales and deeper thematic explorations.

As you read, you’ll find fae, political intrigue, and heaps of romance. The series is five books long with a sixth on the way, so you have a lot to keep you busy.

Maas’s writing is in her characters and world-building. You’ll see Feyre grow and change as she navigates the fae lands.

This first volume sets the stage, but it’s the second one, “A Court of Mist and Fury” that really kicks the series into high gear. This book takes some wild turns and deepens the plot and characters.

Get ready for:

• Romance scenes

• Epic fantasy

• Emotional rollercoasters!

The mix of high fantasy and romance is addictive, and I can just about guarantee you’ll be waiting for the next book in the series.

This book has been the gateway into epic high fantasy for many readers (myself included), so if you want to get into fantasy this series is a great start.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (2017)

Laini Taylor’s lovely story “Strange the Dreamer” follows Lazlo Strange, a young librarian with an obsession with the lost city of Weep. His dreams are full of blue-skinned gods and hidden secrets.

Taylor’s writing is pure magic. You’ll get lost in her descriptions and feel like you’re stepping into a dream with Lazlo. She’s got a talent for blending reality and fantasy and the world feels both familiar and strange.

As you read deeper you’ll find:

• Complicated characters with secrets

• A world that comes alive on the page

• Surprises that challenge your notions of good and evil

The story unfolds slowly, bit by bit, and you’ll be turning pages as fast as you can to get to the next secret.

Whether you’re on the beach or in a nook, this book will transport you to a world where dreams and reality collide in the best way. It’s the first in a duology and it’s sequel, “Muse of Nightmares”, is just as good!

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang (2018)

I just finished this one the other day and it knocked my socks off! You’ll be hooked on this standalone military fantasy set in a Japanese-inspired world with lots of Asian mythology and modern warfare.

Mamoru Matsuda and his mother Misaki defend their isolated village from invaders. They live in a quiet mountain society that’s desperately holding on to ancient traditions despite the availability of modern technology.

Reminiscent of R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War Trilogy, which explores historical atrocities and personal struggles through Fang Runin, this book looks at the complexities of war and its effect on people.

Wang’s writing is top-tier, bringing the icy mountain to life and its residents to life. The cool elemental magic system adds to the vivid action scenes – it reminds me a little of The Blue-Eyed Samurai on Netflix, and I could totally see this book being turned into an anime with a similar style.

But my favorite thing about this book is the complicated characters. You’ll feel their internal struggles and moral dilemmas as they navigate family and societal expectations – in some cases shattering them completely.

The book looks at duty, identity, and the cost of war. It doesn’t pull punches with its world and characters. I’m not going to lie, it’s a heavy book and emotionally devastating in arts – but in the most beautiful possible way.

Notable:

• Worldbuilding

• Emotional narrative

• Female characters

• Traditional and modern elements

The Sword of Kaigen has gotten great reviews and a dedicated following. If you like Asian-inspired fantasy or want something new in the genre, you should read this.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020)

Piranesi is a short, stand alone fantasy, but you’ll be hooked (and maybe a tad confused) from the very first page of Piranesi. This fantasy novel drops you into an infinite labyrinth of statues surrounded by ocean.

As you follow the lovable Piranesi through the endless halls you’ll find the secrets hidden in this strange House. The magic in this book isn’t flashy but it’s woven deep into the world.

Clarke’s writing pulls you into the world and you’ll feel like you’re right there with Piranesi. You’ll be surprised by new discoveries as you figure out what’s going on.

There aren’t many characters in this book – Piranesi and “The Other” drive the plot. Their interactions add to the mystery and intrigue.

I could not put this down once I started, and I was thinking about this book long after finishing.

Babel by RF Kuang (2022)

Babel is a fantasy novel that will hook you with its dark academia and alternate history. Set in 19th-century Oxford you meet Robin Swift, a Chinese boy brought to England to study at the Royal Institute of Translation.

I loved the silver-working and language translation magic system. It’s complicated but very unique and believable.

The book features a lot of heavy themes, like colonialism, race and ethics. You’ll be thinking about these things long after you finish.

RF Kuang’s writing is dense and academic, especially in the first half. You might struggle with it at first but push through – it’s worth it. The story really takes off in the second half and you’ll be on the edge of your seat.

Characters are well-developed and relatable. You’ll love Robin and his found family and experience their joys and sorrows. The interludes with different character perspectives add extra layers to the story.

Babel’s historical and fantasy worldbuilding is great. You’ll love the detail in the 19th century Oxford and the magical elements.

This isn’t a normal fantasy book. It’s a book that will make you think, stay with you long after you finish and possibly even make you cry. Be prepared for some dark and uncomfortable moments.

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (2022)

Rachel Gillig’s One Dark Window is a gothic fantasy romance that starts The Shepherd King Duology. This romance-heavy book takes you to the misty kingdom of Blunder where magic and mystery collide.

Elspeth Spindle is our protagonist and we learn at the start of the book that a childhood fever has left her with an unusual companion – an ancient spirit known as the Nightmare. This otherworldly protector adds depth to Elspeth and keeps you guessing throughout the book.

The book takes its time at first but stick with it. By 100 pages in you’ll be fully in the dark, magical world Gillig has created. Witches and other supernatural beings are present throughout.

The worldbuilding in One Dark Window is just right. Not too much, not too little. Perfect if you’re new to fantasy.

The sequel Two Twisted Crowns continues Elspeth’s story and expands on the magic from the first book. It’s just as good, if not better!

The Will of the Many by James Islington (2023)

James Islington’s The Will of the Many gives you a new take on epic fantasy. You’ll be in a Roman-inspired world, a fresh setting for the genre.

No worries if you’re new to fantasy – Islington’s writing is clear and you’ll follow this complex story easily. You’ll love the slow worldbuilding that builds the picture in your mind.

Politics is a big part of the story. You’ll be invested in the characters’ power struggles and machinations and it adds another layer to the plot.

Get ready for some major twists! Just when you think you have it all figured out, the book will surprise you in the best way. Beware: the ending will leave you wanting. You’ll be desperate for the sequel as soon as you finish the last page.

If you want a fantasy book that’s both easy to get into and fun The Will of the Many should be on your list. It’s a mix of familiar fantasy and new ideas.

9. Yumi & The Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson (2023)

Honestly, I could have included any of the books Brandon Sanderson has written in the last ten years (namely, The Stormlight Archive) on this list because they’re all that good! But I chose Yumi & The Nightmare Painter because it is a fantastic entry point into Sanderon’s work without having to commit to a longer series, and it will hook you with art, magic, and cultural elements.

You’ll get two great protagonists: Yumi, a spirit summoner who wants to be free, and Nikaro, who likes to go by Painter. Their worlds collide in a story of self-discovery and heroism.

Sanderson’s worldbuilding is on full display. You’ll be in a world of eternal night, lit by hion lines and another scorched landscape where plants float above the burning ground.

The book is about love, art, redemption, the value of creativity, and the lines that separate humans and AI. Sanderson incorporates Korean and Japanese cultural elements so it’s a very immersive read.

The plot may slow down in the middle but it’s the character interactions that really make this book pop. You’ll be invested in their emotional journeys and rooting for them to grow.

Don’t miss the amazing artwork by Aliya Chen. Her illustrations will bring the story to life and make your reading experience even more beautiful.

If you’re a Final Fantasy X fan you’ll love the little nods and parallels throughout the story. It’s a fun easter egg for gamers.

Conclusion

These are the best fantasy books of the last decade, according to moi! You may have noticed I didn’t mention some obvious ones, like Harry Potter, the George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series or Robert Jordan’s later books, but this is because everyone knows about those books already. I wanted to give you a list of my personal favorites that need more attention!

But this is just the beginning. The fantasy genre is massive, with many more five-star reads to explore. So don’t be afraid to go beyond these recommendations. Your next favorite book might be one you’ve never heard of.

Keep an open mind as you browse the shelves or online. You never know when you’ll find a gem.

Happy reading! May your reading be as epic as the books.

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