The best fantasy books of 2025

Locked in a cage and trapped on a foreign ship by warriors, thousands of miles from her people and her homeland, Zélie is forced to confront her enemies once more. Facing King Baldur, the man who has destroyed everything in his path in search of her, Zélie, Amari, and Tzain set off in search of new allies to their cause to help the maji rise once and for all. With Baldur and the Skulls closing in, will Zélie save her people? The epic conclusion to Tomi Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, Children of Anguish and Anarchy was one of the most anticipated fantasy novels of 2024, and is coming to paperback in 2025.

This is the epic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Sword Catcher (which you can find more about below if you're yet to read it). Lin and Kel once again find themselves entangled with the ruler of Castellane’s criminal underworld. As the simmering tensions in their city-state reach a fever pitch, they must decide who to trust when any false move means death – or worse.

Why read this: This is the latest heart-stopping romantasy in the bestselling Crowns of Nyaxia series from BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent. Set in an epic world of dark magic, monsters, vampires and gods, this book continues the story of Mische, who has made the ultimate sacrifice and Asar, obsessed with revenge but imprisoned by the gods. Together they must embark on an extraordinary mission to find each other and seize the god of death’s power as the underworld collapses around them. Their goal is the impossible: for Asar to ascend to true divinity.

If you’re looking for: Romantasy, vampires, gods and goddesses, epic fantasy world-building, dark magic, high stakes quest, underworld setting, BookTok favourite.

Great for fans of: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.

What the experts say: 'Morally grey men, vampires who bite, and a heroine who bites back twice as hard . . . Smoldering with heat, Broadbent leaves us begging for more in the best way!' K. A. Linde, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library on the first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series

Why read this: Wren Embervale is focused on one main interest: vengeance. But when a new poison is used in a royal attack, she’s offered a place at an ancient academy to find the antidote. To gain entry, she must conquer gruelling and deadly trials. Even more deadly, however, may be her supposed protector, Torj Elderbrock, whose last charge was a victim of Wren's past as an assassin.

If you’re looking for: Enemies-to-lovers, romantasy, assassin heroine/strong FMC, vengeance plot, magical academy, deadly trials, hidden identity, high fantasy, forced proximity

Great for fans of: The Legends of Thezmarr series, A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout, The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen, Zodiac Academy series.

What the experts say: 'Fast-paced, gripping, and devastatingly romantic. A perfect balance between rich, alchemy-fueled fantasy and a delicious slow burn romance.' Penn Cole, New York Times bestselling author of Spark of the Everflame

Why read this: This is the stunning second book in the Bristol Keats fantasy duology, packed with swoon-worthy romance, faeries, and non-stop action. After Bristol nearly loses Tyghan to the monsters her mother unleashed, their love deepens as they work to save Elphame. Bristol must confront the fact that her mother is more powerful and dangerous than she ever imagined. Tyghan, meanwhile, is thrown into question when a new secret about his past is revealed. Bristol must save her people, but is she willing to risk becoming a monster and losing the people she loves most by embracing her magic?

If you’re looking for: Romantasy, faeries and monsters, action and adventure, high stakes, moral dilemmas, questions of loyalty, magic as a birthright

Great for fans of: Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

What the experts say: 'Mary E. Pearson is the new queen of Faerie' – Stephanie Garber, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart.

Why read this: This Norse-inspired fantasy romance from Rachel Van Dyken is filled with ancient secrets and perilous desire. The Gods aren't dead, they're merely sleeping in mortal bodies, and Rey Stjerne's ruthless father is the most powerful of them all. He sends Rey to Endir University, a place steeped in ancient bloodlines and deadly secrets, with one mission: to steal the legendary hammer, Mjolnir. But Aric Erikson, the enemy's distant and dangerous heir, wasn't part of the plan. He's the one person she absolutely cannot afford to fall for, and now a war that will decide the world's fate stands between her and the man she was never meant to love.

If you’re looking for: Norse-inspired fantasy, fantasy romance, myth retelling, hidden gods and magic, enemies-to-lovers, secret mission, high-stakes university setting.

Great for fans of: Neon Gods by Katee Robert, A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair, Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas

What the experts say: 'Rachel Van Dyken will tear your heart out, slice it in half with a machete and hand it back. Then, you‘ll thank her.' Kristen Proby, author of Come Away with Me

Why read this: This is the first book in a sweeping, action-packed trilogy full of all the passion, romance, vengeance and redemption we've come to expect from Carissa Broadbent. Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life. Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organisations of magic Wielders in the world. To join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder. . . But her growing feelings for him are becoming even more of a threat than the potential conflict on the horizon. 

If you’re looking for: dark magic, slow-burn romance, strong female characters, mentor and mentee, action, female rage, high fantasy and magic systems, forced proximity, worldbuilding, war and political intrigue.

Great for fans of: Carissa Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia series, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, Naomi Novik

What the experts think: 'Daughter of No Worlds should be considered a classic of modern fantasy, and it’s a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance as well' Before We Go

Why read this: Your next favourite romantasy trilogy starts here with a charming, blend of political machinations and enchanting slow-burn romance. The feared Witch Queen Saskia is holed up in her chaotic library of magic, experimenting with spells to keep her people safe from the empire next door. However, she's finding herself a little distracted by her new librarian, who is, in fact, an archduke in disguise, hiding from his enemies in plain sight. When she finally discovers the truth, will their love save them both, or will it be their ultimate doom? 

If you’re looking for: Romantasy, hidden identity, powerful witch, magic library setting, political tension, cosy fantasy elements, royal intrigue, witty banter.

Great for fans of: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree, The Duke and the Lady by E. E. P. Louchard, Charmed (TV show)

Why read this: This unforgettable  YA fantasy debut blends a high-stakes, secretive competition with  romance. Ninety-nine suitors have already died trying to win Princess Mariama's hand in marriage, and she has had enough. Her new servant, Amie, has been framed for a crime and lost everything, including her childhood sweetheart. Forced together by circumstance, the two girls begin to work together to try to end the secretive, murderous trial that takes place behind palace walls as part of the competition for Mariama. But will Amie choose to stay with the Princess to help her fight, or run away with the boy she loves?

If you’re looking for: YA fantasy, courtly intrigue, forbidden romance, high stakes, deadly competition,  political mystery, strong female protagonists, forbidden alliance, fairy tale retelling.

Great for fans of: Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass, Kendare Blake's Three Dark Crowns, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

What the experts say: 'A sweeping fantasy novel imbued with darkness but full of heart. Mina Fears breathes life into a sprawling and treacherous world.' Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching and An Academy for Liars. 'A fascinating insight into courage, sacrifice, and survival.' Roselle Lim, author of Night for Day and Sophie Go's Lonely Hearts Club

Why read this: This lovers-to-enemies fantasy debut is a fierce tale of revenge and forbidden magic. Dania seeks retribution after being betrayed by her ex and falsely imprisoned. When a fellow prisoner grants her forbidden Jinn magic, Dania seizes her chance to escape, determined to protect her family and confront those who wronged her. However, her path to vengeance is hindered by the very man who signed her life away. As she falls deeper into a web of lies, will she let her anger consume her, or will she give in to the undeniable fire still burning between her and the only boy she has ever loved?

If you’re looking for: Lovers-to-enemies, revenge plot, Jinn magic, dark fantasy, forbidden power, moral ambiguity, betrayal, dark fantasy, Count of Monte Cristo retelling, Pakistani-inspired world

Great for fans of: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare.

What the experts say: 'Unabashedly furious and vengeful, For She Is Wrath is a brilliant retelling set in an imaginative Pakistani-inspired world. Varga has crafted a love letter to angry girls. If you ever wished for an Arya Stark spinoff with a fiery enemies to lovers romance, this is the book for you.' Vaishnavi Patel, bestselling author of Kaikeyi

Why read this: Such was the excitement around YouTube star Lucy Jane Wood's cosy fantasy, that when she announced it, it flew to number one on the Amazon book chart on pre-orders alone. Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books and concealing her witchcraft from the non-witches around her has left Belle burnt out. But when her thirtieth birthday brings a summons from her coven, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriating) watchman who’s sworn to protect her.

If you’re looking for: Cosy fantasy, urban fantasy, witches, found family, self-discovery, autumnal atmosphere, 90s/00s vibe

Great for fans of: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, Practical Magic, Gilmour Girls

What the experts say: 'A warm and witchy autumnal delight, Rewitched was an absolute hot cocoa mug of a book topped with a heavy dollop of self-discovery, magic, and humour. I adored every minute I spent in Belladonna's company.' Julie Leong, author of The Teller of Small Fortunes

Why read this: Magical mysteries, unlikely friendships, and spellbinding romances are abundant in The Spellshop, Sarah Beth Durst’s cosy, cottagecore fantasy novel. Librarian Kiela is quite happy with her solitary life, looking after the dusty tomes in the Great Library of Alyssium with Caz, her sentient spider plant, in tow. When the library erupts in flames and the pair are forced to flee from the empire’s vicious takeover, they find themselves on a faraway island and in the company of a handsome and overfriendly new neighbour. Will Kiela be able to make a new life for herself, or will she find it too difficult to let down her guard? 

Why read this: Escape into this cosy, cottagecore fantasy novel abundant with magical mysteries, unlikely friendships, and spellbinding romances. Librarian Kiela is quite happy with her solitary life in the Great Library of Alyssium with her sentient spider plant, Caz, in tow. But when the library erupts in flames and the pair must flee the empire’s vicious takeover, they find themselves on a faraway island with a handsome, overfriendly new neighbour. Will Kiela be able to make a new life and let down her guard?

If you’re looking for: Cottagecore, magical library, found family, spellbinding romance, low-stakes adventure, whimsical world-building

Great for fans of: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree, The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune, Stardust.

Why read this: For Arthur Parnassus, now a devoted headmaster at an orphanage for magical children and happily in love with Linus Baker, things finally seem to be in their right place. But when he is forced to confront a past he thought was long buried while welcoming a child determined to sabotage himself, everything Arthur has built to protect the children in his care comes under threat. A story of courage, love, and found family, this is the hugely anticipated sequel to TJ Klune’s beloved The House in the Cerulean Sea. 

If you’re looking for: Cosy fantasy, found family, queer romance, gentle magic, emotional depth, healing and hope.

Great for fans of: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune, Howl’s Moving Castle (film).

What the experts say: 'I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect' V. E. Schwab, author of the Shades of Magic series and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, on The House in the Cerulean Sea

Why read this: Return to the world of the bestselling Legends & Lattes series with a freshly baked adventure featuring fan-favourite bookseller, Fern. Crippling ennui sees Fern transplanting herself to the city of Thune to open a new bookshop. But fixing her life isn't so simple. A desperate night leaves the rattkin with a thumping hangover and a ragtag company: a legendary warrior, an imprisoned chaos-goblin with a love for silverware, and a rogue's gallery on their tail. 

If you’re looking for: Bookseller protagonist, witty dialogue, light-hearted adventure, humorous quest, found family. 

Great for fans of: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree, The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune, Good Omens (TV show).

What the experts say: 'Funny, unexpected and touching' Ben Aaronovitch, author of Rivers of London.

The new book from V. E. Schwab, the No. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, is a triumph: dark, lovely and utterly bewitching. We move from Santo Domingo de la Calzada, 1532, to London, 1837, and Boston, 2019, following three young women, their bodies planted in the same soil, their stories tangling like roots. One grows high, one grows deep, one grows wild and all of them grow teeth in this fierce new take on the immortality tale.

In The Atlas Complex Olivie Blake offers a riveting conclusion to the internationally acclaimed The Atlas Six trilogy. Following a dramatic incident at the library, the Alexandrians must navigate their dangerous recruitment terms. With alliances crumbling and ethical dilemmas concerning their exceptional abilities, the initiates are split. Meanwhile, global forces are plotting their downfall, and Atlas Blakely, their Caretaker, might be planning something catastrophic. As they face decisions about power and betrayal, everyone is in a desperate race for survival.

Two teenagers try to break out of the system that has them trapped in this dark YA fantasy. Mancella has a strange and violent magic that can summon an army of animals (as long as she kills them first). Silver is charming and manipulative, and wants to use Mancella in his latest scheme. Even worse, it turns out, is her father, who wants her to use her powers to create a human spirit army, with all the murder this entails. Mancella find herself forced to make choices that will change her world forever. 

The first book in a new duology, if you like witches, dark academia and a bit of cosiness, Modern Divination is for you. Aurelia is twenty-three, and a witch. Not that her human friends would know. But having won a coveted place at Cambridge, the rules that she lives by to keep the balance between the two sides of her life are about to be severely tested. Someone is hunting witches, and Aurelia must seek the help of a fellow witch (and awful classmate) Theodore to keep safe.

Ropa Moyo, a Scottish wannabe magician who can speak to the dead, decides to leave her life as an intern behind to work for the English sorcerer, Royal. But just as she settles in, an old enemy resurfaces with news that threatens to rip Ropa’s new life apart: her grandmother has been murdered in cold blood and with no killer in sight, she is the prime suspect. In the race to find the true culprit, Ropa gets caught up with a dark cult wanting to resurrect an ancient power. Will Ropa be able to use her magic to stop the ritual and clear her name? 

She's had her tea, now she's out for blood. A Steeping of Blood is the epic conclusion to the number one bestselling A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal; the gritty fantasy duology about an orphan girl and her crew who get tangled in a heist with vampires. In this deliciously twisty and seductive sequel, White Roaring is sharpening its fangs after the deadly night that left the city in shambles. Still reeling from the bloodshed, Arthie Casimir has no time to mourn the death of anyone, let alone her own. She has no time for love, either, but it had saved her life. As Arthie navigates new emotions and new allies, she must reassemble her scrambled crew and scrape what little they have left to fight one last time – and she will need to face the ghosts of her past to do it . . .

Loosely based on the story of Beauty and the Beast, deliciously dark and full of romance, The Wren in the Holly Library tells the story of Kierse, a street thief who, when caught in the act, agrees to join a risky heist. Set in a world where monsters and humans walk the same New York streets, this is a must-read for fans of V.E. Schwab and Leigh Bardugo.

Anahrod has long dreamt of a life without the threat of dragon regent Neveranimas and her thirst for vengeance looming over her. When she is rescued from the hands of a local warlord by an adventuring party, Anahrod is ready to thank them and be on her way. However, the party insists she repay her debt, leading her into Neveranimas’ lair and face to face with her enemy. With dragon-ruled cities in the sky, kidnappings, rescue missions, and a little bit of heat, The Sky on Fire is a thrilling and daring fantasy adventure novel for fans of Dragonriders of Pern.

If you found yourself accidentally in possession of the world’s biggest secret, what would you do? For Avra Helvaçi, former loyal servant of the Arashti Ministry of Intelligence, the answer is to flee to the open sea on his ex, pirate Captain Teveri az-Haffar’s galleon. Will the pair be able to sell the secret and secure a lifetime of wealth and their place in the history books? A queer pirate adventure fantasy from the author of A Taste of Gold and Iron, Running Close to the Wind is a story of betrayal, lust, secrets, and riches beyond belief.

Jingwen lives two lives. While the sun is up, she delivers the bones of the dead to the doctor of the city’s most feared gangster family. In darkness, she charms the city’s wealthiest patrons at a decadent cabaret club. When hidden attackers start stealing the faces of the women who dance at the club, Jingwen must become something she has always feared if she is to survive the Shanghai underworld. A dark fantasy set amidst the glittering glamour, gangsters, and gods of 1930s Shanghai, Rosalie M. Lin’s debut novel is sure to sweep you up and transport you to her reimagined historical setting.