Fantasy and science fiction often go hand in hand—but when it comes to the Hugo Awards, science fiction usually takes center stage. That makes finding true fantasy-focused winners a bit more challenging than you might expect.

Still, there are some incredible fantasy novels that have broken through and claimed one of the most prestigious awards in literature.

In this list, we’re highlighting the best Hugo Award-winning fantasy books worth reading right now. While we wait for the next Hugo Award winner to be announced, these standout novels deserve a spot on your reading list.

Hugo Award-Winning Fantasy Books

• The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
• Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
• The City & The City by China Miéville 
• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 

The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that completely reinvents the genre, The Fifth Season is it.

Set in a world constantly on the brink of catastrophic collapse, the story follows three women—Essun, Damaya, and Syenite—each connected by a rare and dangerous power known as orogeny, the ability to control seismic energy.

After a devastating event fractures the continent, Essun sets out on a journey fueled by grief and survival after discovering her son has been murdered and her daughter kidnapped. Meanwhile, Damaya is taken to be trained under strict and mysterious authority figures, and Syenite navigates a system that exploits her power.

What makes this novel truly remarkable is its unique storytelling, innovative world-building, and emotionally powerful narrative. It’s no surprise that The Fifth Season won the 2016 Hugo Award—and even more impressive, every book in The Broken Earth Trilogy went on to win a Hugo Award, a first in literary history.

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

Dark, strange, and quietly powerful, Nettle & Bone is a modern fairy tale that blends humor with horror.

The story follows Marra, a princess who has spent most of her life in a convent, safely removed from royal politics. But when she realizes her sister is trapped in an abusive marriage, Marra takes matters into her own hands.

To save her sister, she must complete three impossible tasks—each more dangerous than the last.

Along the way, she gathers an unlikely group of companions, including a witch, a disgraced knight, and even a demon-possessed chicken.

What sets this book apart is its fresh take on classic fairy tale elements, combined with sharp writing and emotional depth. It’s no surprise the novel earned major recognition, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel.

The City & The City by China Miéville

Blurring the lines between fantasy, sci-fi, and crime fiction, The City & The City is one of the most unique Hugo winners you’ll come across.

The story begins with a murder investigation in the city of Besźel. Inspector Tyador Borlú is assigned to the case, but what initially seems routine quickly spirals into something far more complex.

The twist? Besźel exists alongside another city, Ul Qoma—occupying the same physical space, yet strictly separated by cultural and psychological boundaries.

As Borlú investigates, he uncovers a conspiracy that forces him to navigate both cities and the fragile rules that keep them apart.

This novel stands out for its mind-bending concept and philosophical depth, making it a must-read for fans who enjoy genre-defying stories.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book is a perfect entry point into fantasy—especially for younger readers, though it resonates just as strongly with adults.

The story follows Nobody Owens, or “Bod,” a young boy who survives the murder of his family and is raised by ghosts in a graveyard.

Under the protection of supernatural guardians, Bod grows up learning unusual skills and navigating a world filled with both wonder and danger. But the man who killed his family is still out there—and he hasn’t forgotten about Bod.

Gaiman transforms a simple premise into a haunting, magical coming-of-age story filled with charm, mystery, and heart. It’s no surprise the novel won the 2009 Hugo Award.

Why Are There So Few Fantasy Hugo Winners?

One of the biggest surprises when researching this list is how few purely fantasy novels have won the Hugo Award.

Here’s why:

• The Hugo Awards traditionally favor science fiction over fantasy
• Many winning books blend genres, making them harder to classify
• Fantasy has its own major awards, like the World Fantasy Award

That said, when fantasy novels do win, they tend to be groundbreaking and genre-defining.

The Future of Fantasy at the Hugo Awards

With the rise of subgenres like romantasy and the growing influence of platforms like BookTok, fantasy is more popular than ever.

This could lead to:

• More fantasy novels being recognized by major awards
• Greater genre blending in future winners
• New voices reshaping what fantasy looks like

As we wait for the next Hugo Award announcement, it will be interesting to see whether fantasy continues to gain ground.

Conclusion

While fantasy may not dominate the Hugo Awards, the novels that do win are often some of the most creative and impactful stories in the genre.

From the groundbreaking storytelling of The Fifth Season to the haunting charm of The Graveyard Book, these books prove that fantasy deserves its place at the top.

If you’re looking to expand your reading list, you can’t go wrong with any of these Hugo Award-winning fantasy novels.

FAQ: Hugo Award Fantasy Books

What is the Hugo Award?

The Hugo Award is one of the most prestigious honors in science fiction and fantasy, awarded annually to the best works in the genre.

Do fantasy books win the Hugo Award?

Yes, but less frequently than science fiction. When fantasy books do win, they are often innovative and genre-defining.

What is the best Hugo Award-winning fantasy book?

Many consider The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin one of the best due to its originality and the success of its entire trilogy.

Has a fantasy series ever won multiple Hugo Awards?

Yes. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin is the only series where all three books won the Hugo Award.

Is The Graveyard Book a fantasy novel?

Yes, it’s a fantasy novel with supernatural elements, including ghosts and magical beings, making it a great entry point into the genre.

Why are Hugo Awards important?

Winning a Hugo Award signals that a book is among the best in speculative fiction, often boosting its popularity and long-term recognition.

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