What Are The Top Fantasy Novels Of 2025? - smitjohn98/blog GitHub Wiki
Hey there, fellow fantasy enthusiast! If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for the next great adventure to dive into. Well, 2025 has been a stellar year for fantasy literature, offering a plethora of tales that whisk us away to enchanting realms. Aidenn: Crossing to Eternity Let's explore some of the standout novels that have captured our imaginations this year.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
A Continuation of a Beloved Series
Rebecca Yarros has done it again with Onyx Storm, the third installment in her Empyrean series. Fans eagerly awaited this release, and it didn't disappoint. The story picks up with Violet Sorrengail embarking on a perilous journey beyond the Aretian wards, seeking allies to stand with Navarre. With enemies lurking both outside and within, Violet's quest tests her wit, strength, and loyalty. The blend of romance, adventure, and dragon lore makes this a must-read. PEOPLE.COM
The Dark Mirror by Samantha Shannon
Unraveling Forgotten Memories
Samantha Shannon returns with The Dark Mirror, the fifth novel in the Bone Season series. Protagonist Paige Mahoney finds herself outside the Republic of Scion for the first time in over a decade, with half a year wiped from her memory. As she navigates the free world, Paige uncovers a dangerous secret in Venice that could alter the war between humans and immortals. Shannon's intricate world-building and compelling characters continue to captivate readers. EULALIEMAGAZINE.COM
Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
A Tale of Mortal and Immortal Realms
In Immortal, Sue Lynn Tan introduces us to Liyen, the young heir to a mortal crown. Following her grandfather's death, Liyen ascends a precarious throne, vowing to end her kingdom's obligation to the immortals. Summoned to the Immortal Realm, she forms a tenuous alliance with the ruthless God of War. As darker forces close in, Liyen must risk everything to save her people, even if it means forging a dangerous bond with the immortal. This standalone fantasy is set in the world of Tan’s popular Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology. PASTEMAGAZINE.COM
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
A Lyrical Journey Between Worlds
Amal El-Mohtar's The River Has Roots is a poetic exploration of love, family, and the boundaries between worlds. The story follows sisters Esther and Ysabel of the Hawthorn family, who tend to enchanted willows on the edge of Faerie. When Esther rejects a suitor in favor of a lover from the land of Faerie, both sisters find their bond and lives at risk. El-Mohtar's lyrical prose and rich storytelling make this a standout read. EULALIEMAGAZINE.COM
The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare
Intrigue in a Fantastical Realm
Cassandra Clare's The Ragpicker King is the highly anticipated sequel to Sword Catcher. The narrative continues with Kel Saren, body double to Crown Prince Conor, delving deeper into the underbelly of Castellane. Tasked with uncovering the culprits behind a massacre at the royal palace, Kel must navigate a web of deceit, magic, and danger. Clare's intricate plotting and character development shine in this installment. PASTEMAGAZINE.COM
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
A Multigenerational Vampire Saga
V.E. Schwab's Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil offers a multigenerational sapphic vampire story spanning centuries and continents. From 16th-century Spain to Victorian-era London and present-day Boston, the novel weaves the tales of three young women whose stories intertwine in unexpected ways. Schwab's masterful storytelling and rich characterizations make this a compelling read. GOODREADS.COM
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
A Descent into the Underworld
R.F. Kuang's Katabasis presents a unique blend of dark academia and mythological exploration. The story follows two rival Ph.D. students at Cambridge who descend into hell to rescue the soul of their academic adviser. Described as "Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi," this novel delves into themes of ambition, rivalry, and the lengths one will go for knowledge. GOODREADS.COM
The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Dreams, Divination, and Destiny
Rachel Gillig's The Knight and the Moth introduces us to Sybil Delling, a Diviner who receives visions from otherworldly figures known as Omens. As her fellow Diviners begin to vanish, Sybil teams up with the enigmatic knight Rodrick to uncover the truth. Set against the moors of Traum, this atmospheric fantasy explores faith, destiny, and the power of dreams. PASTEMAGAZINE.COM
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
A Motley Crew on a Divine Mission
Joe Abercrombie's The Devils brings together a diverse group of characters, including criminals, vampires, necromancers, and werewolves, led by Brother Diaz on a mission from the Sacred City. This novel blends action, horror, and gritty comedy, showcasing Abercrombie's signature style and complex character dynamics. GOODREADS.COM
The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott
A Journey Through Treacherous Paths
Kate Elliott's The Witch Roads follows Elen, a young courier from the lower classes, chosen to guide an arrogant prince through a dangerous mountain pass. After discovering a haunted spire, their journey becomes even more perilous. Elliott's storytelling delves into themes of class disparity, trust, and the supernatural. WINTERISCOMING.NET
Concluding Thoughts
2025 has truly been a remarkable year for fantasy literature, offering a diverse array of stories that transport us to new worlds and introduce us to unforgettable characters. Whether you're drawn to epic quests, intricate political intrigues, or lyrical explorations of love and identity, there's something in this year's lineup to captivate every reader. So, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of your favorite beverage, and lose yourself in these enchanting tales.