Fantasy has always been my favorite genre when I want to completely disappear into another world. There is something special about opening a fantasy novel and finding yourself surrounded by magic, dragons, ancient prophecies, dangerous kingdoms, and unforgettable characters. The best fantasy books don’t just entertain us—they transport us somewhere else entirely.
Thankfully, 2025 has been an incredible year for fantasy readers.
This year delivered everything I could ask for as a fantasy fan. We saw long-awaited releases from established authors, breakout debuts that came out of nowhere, and books that pushed the genre in exciting new directions. Whether you prefer epic fantasy, dark fantasy, romantasy, gothic fantasy, or character-driven adventures, there has been something for everyone.
Narrowing this list down to only ten books wasn’t easy. Several fantastic novels nearly made the cut, but these are the books that stood above the rest. They generated buzz, earned critical praise, and most importantly, delivered stories that fantasy readers won’t soon forget.
If you’re looking for your next fantasy read, these are the ten fantasy books of 2025 that deserve a place on your bookshelf.
10 Best Fantasy Books of 2025 That Every Fantasy Reader Needs to Read
- The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
- Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
- The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
- The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
- A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett
- The Strength of the Few by James Islington
- The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
- Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang
- The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison
1. The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
Whenever Joe Abercrombie releases a new book, fantasy readers pay attention.
The Devils is another reminder of why Abercrombie remains one of the most respected voices in modern fantasy. Known for his grimdark storytelling, sharp dialogue, and morally gray characters, he once again delivers a story that refuses to follow traditional fantasy conventions.
The novel follows a dangerous group of outcasts tasked with protecting a princess through a hostile and unpredictable world. Of course, nothing is ever simple in an Abercrombie novel.
The real strength of the book lies in its characters. Everyone has secrets, flaws, and questionable motives. Readers will find themselves constantly changing opinions about who deserves trust and who deserves suspicion.
Filled with dark humor, brutal action, and excellent character work, The Devils is one of the year’s most essential fantasy reads.
2. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab has built a career creating unforgettable stories, and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil may be one of her most ambitious novels yet.
This dark fantasy follows three vampires whose lives intertwine across centuries. While vampire stories are hardly new, Schwab approaches the concept in a way that feels fresh and emotionally powerful.
Rather than focusing solely on romance or supernatural action, the novel explores loneliness, immortality, identity, and what it means to remain human over hundreds of years.
The gothic atmosphere is exceptional. Every page feels rich with mood and tension, making this one of the most immersive fantasy novels of the year.
If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with beautiful prose and emotional depth, this book belongs at the top of your reading list.
3. The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
One of the breakout fantasy novels of 2025, The Raven Scholar has quickly become a favorite among readers looking for intelligent worldbuilding and political intrigue.
The story follows scholar Neema Kraa as she becomes involved in a deadly struggle for power while investigating a murder that threatens the future of the empire.
What impressed me most about this novel is how layered the world feels. Every kingdom, political faction, and religious institution has depth and history.
Neema is also a fascinating protagonist. She isn’t your typical fantasy hero, and that’s exactly what makes her memorable.
The mystery element keeps the plot moving while the larger political conflicts provide epic stakes. It’s the kind of fantasy novel that rewards careful readers and leaves you eager for the next installment.
4. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Few fantasy books have generated as much excitement as Onyx Storm.
As the third book in the wildly successful Empyrean series, Rebecca Yarros continues expanding the world first introduced in Fourth Wing.
The dragons remain one of the series’ biggest strengths. Every interaction involving them feels exciting and meaningful, and the action sequences continue to improve with each installment.
What I appreciate about Onyx Storm is how much larger the story becomes. The political conflicts deepen, the mythology expands, and the stakes become increasingly personal for the characters involved.
Whether you consider it fantasy, romantasy, or a blend of both, there’s no denying that this series has become one of the defining fantasy phenomena of the decade.
5. The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rachel Gillig continues to establish herself as one of fantasy’s rising stars.
The Knight and the Moth combines gothic fantasy, mystery, romance, and religious symbolism into a story that feels uniquely its own.
The novel follows Six, a diviner whose visions begin revealing truths that challenge her understanding of the world around her.
The atmosphere is incredible. Every chapter feels mysterious and haunting, creating a sense of tension that never fully disappears.
Gillig’s prose is beautiful without becoming overly complicated, making this an accessible fantasy novel that still feels literary and sophisticated.
Fans of gothic fantasy should not miss this one.
6. A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett
Robert Jackson Bennett has become one of the most consistently excellent fantasy authors working today, and A Drop of Corruption continues that trend.
Blending fantasy and mystery, the novel follows investigators attempting to solve a complex murder within a world shaped by magical forces.
Bennett excels at creating unique magic systems, and this book is no exception.
What sets him apart from many fantasy authors is his ability to balance intricate worldbuilding with genuinely compelling characters. Readers never feel overwhelmed by information because every detail serves the story.
The result is a fantasy novel that feels both intellectually satisfying and incredibly entertaining.
7. The Strength of the Few by James Islington
Fans of epic fantasy have been eagerly awaiting this sequel, and it absolutely delivers.
The Strength of the Few builds upon the foundation established in The Will of the Many while expanding the world in exciting ways.
James Islington continues to demonstrate why he has become one of the genre’s most promising writers. His plotting is meticulous, his pacing is excellent, and his twists consistently land.
The political intrigue, magical conflicts, and character development all reach new heights in this installment.
For readers who love large-scale fantasy series filled with secrets and shocking revelations, this is a must-read.
8. The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
Emily Tesh has created one of the year’s most imaginative fantasy novels with The Incandescent.
The story combines magic, academia, and personal discovery in a way that feels both intimate and epic.
What stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Fantasy often focuses heavily on worldbuilding, but Tesh never loses sight of the people at the center of the story.
The magical elements are creative and beautifully executed, while the themes of identity and belonging resonate throughout the narrative.
It’s one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you before becoming impossible to stop thinking about.
9. Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang
One of the most unique fantasy novels released this year, Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame delivers a fresh take on dragons, heroism, and destiny.
Neon Yang has always excelled at creating inventive worlds, and this book continues that tradition.
The storytelling feels mythic and intimate at the same time, balancing epic fantasy elements with deeply personal character arcs.
The dragon lore is particularly impressive and offers something different from the traditional dragon stories fantasy readers may be used to.
If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that feels original and daring, this is an excellent choice.
10. The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison
Katherine Addison closes out this list with another beautifully crafted fantasy novel.
The Tomb of Dragons combines adventure, mystery, politics, and dragons into a richly detailed world that rewards patient readers.
What I love about Addison’s work is her ability to create fantasy that feels thoughtful and mature. The conflicts aren’t always solved through violence, and the characters often succeed through intelligence, diplomacy, and compassion.
That doesn’t mean the story lacks tension. Quite the opposite.
The novel is filled with intrigue, danger, and emotional stakes that keep readers invested from beginning to end.
It’s a wonderful example of how fantasy can be both exciting and deeply human.
Why Fantasy Is Thriving in 2025
One of the biggest reasons fantasy continues to dominate bestseller lists is the sheer variety available to readers.
This year’s best books showcase just how broad the genre has become.
Readers can choose grimdark adventures like The Devils, gothic masterpieces like The Knight and the Moth, dragon-filled blockbusters like Onyx Storm, political epics like The Raven Scholar, or emotionally rich literary fantasy like Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.
Fantasy is no longer confined to a single style or audience.
The genre continues to evolve while remaining true to what makes it special: transporting readers into worlds where anything is possible.
Final Thoughts
The best fantasy books of 2025 remind us why the genre remains so beloved. They deliver unforgettable characters, imaginative worlds, compelling magic systems, and stories that stay with readers long after the final chapter.
No matter what type of fantasy you enjoy, there’s something on this list worth reading. These books represent the very best the genre has offered in 2025, and I have no doubt fantasy fans will be talking about many of them for years to come.
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