We cruised through 2025 and it has was an incredible year for fantasy books. From highly anticipated releases to surprise hits that came out of nowhere, last year delivered in a big way. Keep reading for our picks of the best fantasy books of 2025!
If you’re anything like me, then fantasy is a genre you can always come back to. No matter how many other books you read, there’s just something about diving into a completely different world filled with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters. That’s exactly why I wanted to revisit the genre and highlight some of the best fantasy books of 2025.
Whether you’re looking for your next obsession or just want to stay ahead of what everyone will be talking about, this list has you covered.
Why 2025 Was a Huge Year for Fantasy
Fantasy has always been one of the most popular genres, but in recent years, it has reached a whole new level. With massive book deals, growing fanbases, and constant adaptations into movies and TV shows, the genre continues to dominate.
And 2025 proved to be no different.
What stands out the most last year is the variety. We’re getting everything from dark, atmospheric fantasy to character-driven stories and expansive new worlds. There are sequels from established authors as well as brand-new voices making a huge impact.
If you’ve been feeling like you’re running out of good fantasy books to read, trust me—you’re not.
The Best Fantasy Books of 2025
Here are some of the standout fantasy novels you should definitely have on your radar:
- Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill
- Luminous by Silvia Park
- Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
- The Floating World (The Floating World, #1) by Axie Oh
- The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1) by Rachel Gillig
- The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy, #2) by James Islington
🌿 Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill
One of the biggest surprises of the year has to be Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill. This is the kind of fantasy novel that reminds you why you love the genre in the first place.
The story leans into folklore and darker fantasy elements, giving readers something that feels fresh and unique. It follows a mysterious, almost mythical presence tied to the natural world and the people who encounter it. What really stands out here is the atmosphere—O’Neill creates a setting that feels alive and slightly unsettling in the best way possible.
Fantasy novels are at their best when they take risks, and Greenteeth does exactly that. It’s not your typical story, and that’s what makes it so memorable.
✨ Luminous by Silvia Park
Luminous by Silvia Park offers a different kind of fantasy experience. Instead of focusing purely on action or world-ending stakes, this novel takes a more emotional and character-driven approach.
The story explores identity, connection, and self-discovery, all within a beautifully imagined world filled with light and mystery. It’s one of those books where the characters are just as important as the setting, and that balance works really well.
If you enjoy fantasy that leans more into its themes and character development, then Luminous is definitely worth picking up.
🌙 Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
Every time V. E. Schwab releases a new book, it becomes an instant must-read—and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soilis no exception.
I’ll be honest, this is one of the books I haven’t gotten to yet, but it’s easily one of the most talked-about fantasy novels of the year. Everywhere you look, people are recommending it and praising its storytelling.
From what I’ve seen, this novel dives into darker themes while still delivering the kind of immersive world and compelling characters Schwab is known for. It has that signature blend of emotional depth and fantasy elements that makes her books stand out.
If you’re looking for the fantasy book everyone is talking about right now, this is probably it.
🌊 The Floating World by Axie Oh
Axie Oh kicks off a brand-new series with The Floating World, and it’s already making a strong impression.
This is the kind of fantasy novel that pulls you in with its worldbuilding. The setting feels expansive and detailed, giving you that sense of stepping into something much bigger than just one story. As the first book in a series, it does a great job of setting up what’s to come while still delivering a satisfying story on its own.
If you love getting invested in new fantasy worlds and following characters across multiple books, this is one you’ll want to start now.
🖤 The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rachel Gillig continues to build on her reputation with The Knight and the Moth, a fantasy novel that blends romance, mystery, and darker elements.
This book has that atmospheric feel that makes it hard to put down. The world is filled with secrets, and the characters are constantly navigating shifting loyalties and hidden truths. It’s the kind of story where you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen next.
If you’re a fan of darker fantasy with a bit of romance mixed in, this is an easy recommendation.
⚔️ The Strength of the Few by James Islington
For fans of epic fantasy, The Strength of the Few is one of the biggest releases of the year.
As the sequel in the Hierarchy series, this book builds on everything that made the first one great. The stakes are higher, the world feels even more developed, and the characters continue to evolve in interesting ways.
Islington does a great job of balancing action, political intrigue, and magic, making this a must-read for anyone who enjoys large-scale fantasy stories. If you’ve already started the series, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Why You Should Start Reading These Now
One of the best things about discovering books early is getting ahead of the hype. Many of these novels are already gaining traction, and by the end of the year, they’ll likely be everywhere.
This is your chance to:
- Find your next favorite fantasy series early
- Stay ahead of trending books
- Join the conversation before everyone else
Fantasy fans are always looking for the next big thing, and this list is filled with books that could easily take that spot.
Final Thoughts
2025 was an amazing year for fantasy, and what a yeat it was. With so many incredible books released—and more on the way this year—there has never been a better time to dive into the genre.
From dark and atmospheric stories to expansive new worlds and emotional character-driven narratives, this year’s lineup has something for everyone.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to pick up a new fantasy book, this is it.
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