7 Fantasy Novels You Need to Read Right Now (Timeless Picks for Every Fan)

We’ve always had a soft spot for fantasy here at Books of Brilliance. There’s just something about the genre that keeps pulling us back in, whether it’s sprawling worlds, unforgettable characters, or stories that completely take you out of your day-to-day life.

And the best part? Fantasy never really stands still.

While many of us grew up reading the classics, the genre has continued to evolve in some pretty interesting ways. Over the past decade especially, fantasy has expanded beyond its traditional boundaries. You’ve got darker, more experimental stories, character-driven epics, and of course, the rise of romantasy, a blend of romance and fantasy that has taken over bookshelves and social media alike.

At the same time, older fantasy novels are finding new audiences thanks to TV adaptations, word of mouth, and readers simply looking to revisit stories that still hold up. And while adaptations don’t always get everything right (and let’s be honest, they rarely do), they’ve become one of the easiest ways to discover books you might have otherwise missed.

That’s exactly what inspired this list.

Instead of focusing on a specific year, we wanted to put together something more timeless, a mix of fantasy novels that are worth reading no matter when you pick them up. Some are modern classics, some are a bit under the radar, and others are just pure fun.

If you’re looking for your next great fantasy read, this is a good place to start.

Fantasy Novels You Need to Read

• Library at Mt Char by Scott Hawkins
• The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski
• The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
• Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
• Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
• American Gods by Neil Gaiman
• Play of Shadows by Sebastien de Castell (April 2)

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

This is one of those books that doesn’t quite fit into a neat category and that’s exactly why it works.

The Library at Mount Char is strange, dark, funny, and completely unpredictable. It follows a group of individuals who were raised by a mysterious, godlike figure known as Father. Each of them has been trained in a specific area of knowledge, and when Father disappears, things spiral in ways you probably won’t see coming.

What stands out here is how different it feels from traditional fantasy. It’s not your typical medieval setting or hero’s journey. Instead, it blends modern elements with cosmic horror and dark humor in a way that somehow works.

It’s also one of those books that tends to fly under the radar compared to bigger fantasy titles. But if you’re looking for something unique, this is absolutely worth your time.

The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski

Like a lot of readers, I first gave The Witcher series a shot after watching the adaptation. And while the show has its moments, the books are where the story really shines.

The series follows Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher, someone enhanced with abilities specifically designed to hunt monsters. But what makes these books interesting isn’t just the monster hunting. It’s the world around Geralt.

This is a morally complex, war-torn setting where the lines between good and evil are constantly blurred. Geralt himself is a perfect reflection of that. He’s not your typical hero, and that’s what makes him compelling.

There’s also a strong mix of action, politics, and character-driven storytelling here. And once you get into the series, it’s hard not to keep going.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin

If you haven’t read N. K. Jemisin yet, this is a great place to start.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms introduces us to Yeine Darr, an outsider who is unexpectedly thrust into a position of power after her mother’s death. She’s summoned to the city of Sky and named an heiress to the throne, something that immediately puts her in danger.

What follows is a story filled with political intrigue, divine beings, and a constant sense of tension. Jemisin’s world-building is sharp and immersive, and the way she weaves in themes of power, identity, and legacy makes this book stand out.

It’s the kind of fantasy that feels both epic and personal at the same time.

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

This is easily one of the most entertaining fantasy books you’ll come across.

Kings of the Wyld follows a group of legendary mercenaries who have long since retired. But when one of their daughters is in danger, they have no choice but to reunite for one last mission.

The premise alone is fun, but what really makes this book work is the tone. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s a good thing. There’s humor throughout, but it never takes away from the stakes.

It’s part adventure, part character story, and honestly, it feels like reading about a group of old friends getting back together, even if that reunion involves fighting monsters.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more grounded (at least compared to traditional high fantasy), The Lies of Locke Lamora is a great pick.

The story follows Locke, an orphan who grows up to become the leader of a group of thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards. Their specialty? Elaborate cons that target the wealthy elite.

Set in the city of Camorr, the book leans heavily into its setting. The world feels alive, and the relationships between characters are just as important as the plot itself.

But don’t let the slower buildup fool you, once things start moving, they really pick up. And by the time you’re fully invested, you’ll understand why this book has such a strong following.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

This is one of those books that you can recommend to almost anyone.

American Gods blends mythology with modern life in a way that only Neil Gaiman can pull off. The story follows Shadow, a man who gets pulled into a conflict between old gods and new ones as he travels across America.

What makes this book stand out is its atmosphere. It’s not fast-paced in the traditional sense, but it doesn’t need to be. The strength lies in the storytelling, the characters, and the way everything comes together.

It’s thoughtful, a little strange at times, and incredibly memorable.

Play of Shadows by Sebastien de Castell

For something a bit newer, Play of Shadows brings a fresh perspective while still delivering that classic fantasy feel.

The story follows Damelas Chademantaigne, a man trying to escape a judicial duel, already a bad situation that quickly gets worse. In his attempt to flee, he ends up joining a troupe of actors, which is where things start to get interesting.

As the story unfolds, Damelas becomes entangled in a mystery involving a legendary hero who may not be what he seems. From there, it turns into a mix of intrigue, performance, and survival.

It’s fast-paced, character-driven, and filled with twists that keep you engaged.

Why These Fantasy Books Stand Out

One thing all of these books have in common is that they each bring something different to the table.

You’ve got books like The Witcher and The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms that lean into complex world-building and deeper themes. Then there are books like Kings of the Wyld, which focus more on entertainment and character dynamics.

And then you have something like The Library at Mount Char or American Gods, which don’t really follow the usual rules of fantasy at all.

That variety is what makes the genre so strong right now.

Fantasy isn’t just about dragons and medieval settings anymore. It’s about storytelling in all its forms, whether that means blending genres, experimenting with structure, or focusing more on character than plot.

The Influence of Adaptations

It’s also worth mentioning how much adaptations have influenced what people read.

Shows like The Witcher and American Gods have introduced these stories to entirely new audiences. And while adaptations don’t always capture everything that makes the books great, they do serve as an entry point.

In some cases, they even push readers to explore more within the genre.

So even if you’re someone who’s skeptical about adaptations, there’s no denying that they’ve helped bring more attention to fantasy as a whole.

Conclusion

Fantasy is one of those genres where there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re revisiting older titles or diving into newer releases, there’s no shortage of great books out there.

This list is just a starting point.

Each of these novels offers something a little different. whether it’s humor, action, world-building, or emotional depth. And depending on what you’re in the mood for, you might find yourself connecting with one more than the others.

But that’s the beauty of it.

So if you’re looking for your next fantasy read, you really can’t go wrong with any of these.

And if there’s a fantasy book you think should be on this list, feel free to add it to your own. After all, no list is ever complete. Until next time, happy reading!

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