The 10 Greatest Fantasy Books of the Last 10 Years, Ranked

by

Fantasy has long been a powerful outlet for imagination, and it’s recently become popular again, largely thanks to the BookTok community. While many excellent books have been published this century, fantasy readers have seen a huge increase in new releases over the past decade. This resurgence, especially with the rise of romantic fantasy, is fueled by a desire for escape, particularly among young readers.

Fantasy is more popular than ever, thanks to hit novels like Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series and Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses, which have gained huge followings online. With so many new fantasy books being published, the genre is reaching a wider audience and making reading trendy again. These authors are creating modern classics, experimenting with different fantasy styles and featuring diverse characters, solidifying their place among the best in fantasy literature.

The Poppy War Put R.F. Kuang on the Fantasy Map

R.F. Kuang’s first novel, The Poppy War, published in 2018, is a dark and intense military fantasy inspired by 20th-century Chinese history and China’s Imperial Dynasty. The story, influenced by the Second Sino-Japanese War, centers on Rin, an orphaned girl who attends the prestigious Sinegard military academy to avoid a forced marriage. Despite facing prejudice, she rises through the ranks and learns the art of shamanism as a devastating war begins.

R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War is the first book in an epic trilogy and has earned high praise for its compelling story and realistic depiction of the psychological effects of war. The novel features a strong female lead and a detailed fantasy world inspired by China’s Song Dynasty, complete with a unique magic system. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the best fantasy books ever written, The Poppy War is a deeply immersive and unforgettable read that is quickly becoming a modern classic.

Jade City is a Fantasy Version of The Godfather

Often compared to The Godfather but with martial arts and magic, Jade City is a fantasy novel centered around family, loyalty, and power. Set on a modern, fictional Asian island, the 2017 story revolves around a rare jade that grants special abilities to those who train with it. The novel, the first in the highly praised Green Bone Saga, follows the Kaul family as they fight a dangerous rivalry with the Mountain clan for control of this powerful jade.

As a huge movie and book fan, I was completely drawn into Jade City. It follows the younger generation of the Kaul family as they get pulled into the complicated politics of their clan. What really stood out was how it explored themes of loyalty, honor, and what people leave behind – all within this incredibly detailed and immersive world. The story revolves around a brutal power struggle between rival clans, but it’s so much more than just action. It’s a really gripping family drama with characters who are flawed, messy, and totally believable. And the fight scenes? They’re amazing – realistic and feel like you’re watching a movie. People often compare it to classic gangster films like The Godfather, but it feels fresh and new, cementing its place as a modern fantasy classic, in my opinion.

A Fantasy Criticizing British Imperialism and Academia’s Complicity

R.F. Kuang’s 2022 novel, Babel, quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller. Like her Poppy War trilogy, it powerfully critiques British imperialism, racism, and how universities helped support these harmful systems. The story takes place in an alternate 1830s Oxford, England, and follows four students at a unique institute who discover their studies are actually used to strengthen Britain’s empire.

The Nebula Award-winning novel Babel explores how translation connects to colonialism, national identity, and the process of becoming part of a new culture. Within the book’s magical system, power comes from pairs of words with similar meanings that are ‘lost in translation’—specifically through silver bars. This highlights how Britain used translation to maintain its power, benefiting the empire while exploiting the languages and cultures it drew from. Babel is a compelling example of dark academia, showcasing R.F. Kuang’s passion for language and literature, and offering a sharp criticism of Western imperialism.

Circe Retells The Odyssey From the Perspective of a Villain

Madeline Miller, known for her captivating retellings of Greek myths, presents a fresh take on one of the earliest works of literature. Her second book tells the story of Circe, a powerful witch often portrayed as a villain in Homer’s The Odyssey. Miller delves into Circe’s past and her interactions with famous figures from mythology, offering a complex and nuanced portrayal of her character.

Circe, often portrayed negatively alongside other powerful women in Greek myths, is presented as a relatable and complex character in Madeline Miller’s 2018 novel. While she’s committed terrible acts, this retelling humanizes her and sheds new light on details within Homer’s The Odyssey that are often overlooked. Miller’s Circe expands on the character’s brief appearance in the epic poem, transforming her from a minor villain into a fully realized protagonist on a journey of self-discovery.

A Feminist Retelling of Saint George & the Dragon

Samantha Shannon’s 2019 epic fantasy novel, The Priory of the Orange Tree, is a fresh take on the classic Saint George and the Dragon story, but stands strongly on its own. The book follows four main characters – Arteloth Beck, a courtier; Miduchi Tané, a dragonrider; Niclays Roos, an alchemist; and Ead Duryan, a secret mage from a society of women – as they work together to stop the return of a terrifying ancient dragon known as the Nameless One, who hasn’t been seen for a thousand years.

This novel is celebrated for its immersive fantasy world where same-sex relationships are simply a part of life, without prejudice. It features a central lesbian romance, a diverse cast of LGBTQIA+ characters, and strong feminist ideas. At over 800 pages, it’s an expansive, epic story known for its detailed world-building and attempts to bridge divides caused by historical and religious conflict. Many consider it a modern classic, appealing to fans of traditional fantasy like The Lord of the Rings, but offering a fresh, inclusive, and feminist perspective.

Gideon the Ninth Blends Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror

Tamsyn Muir’s first novel, Gideon the Ninth, published in 2019, kicks off The Locked Tomb series. The story takes place in the Dominicus star system, where the immortal Emperor—worshipped as a god for ten thousand years—rules nine planets. Gideon the Ninth combines elements of gothic horror and space opera, following Gideon Nav, a skilled swordswoman. She’s reluctantly tasked with protecting her rival, who is one of many necromancers vying to unlock the secrets of immortality – and, in return, earn Gideon’s freedom.

The novel has received a lot of praise for blending several genres—horror, science fiction, fantasy, and murder mystery—and is playfully nicknamed “lesbian necromancers in space.” Readers and writers appreciate its unique style, which combines dark, atmospheric writing with witty, often surprisingly moving, dialogue. Gideon the Ninth is celebrated for its original world-building and distinctive voice.

Children of Blood and Bone is Inspired by West African Mythology

Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone, published in 2018, is a young adult fantasy novel and the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha series. The story centers on Zélie Adebola and her quest to bring magic back to the kingdom of Orïsha. Magic had been suppressed by a ruling class who aren’t magical, leading to the persecution and genocide of those with magical abilities—including Zélie’s mother.

Children of Blood and Bone quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller, captivating young adult readers with its exciting West African-inspired fantasy world. The book has earned praise for its richly imagined setting, diverse characters, and thoughtful exploration of difficult themes like oppression, racism, and slavery. Told from the viewpoints of Zélie, Princess Amari, and Prince Inan, the story offers a complex and well-rounded look at the conflict. This important addition to young adult literature features a Black-centered fantasy and an all-Black cast, and is planned to be adapted into a film starring Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Idris Elba, with a release date set for January 2027.

Piranesi is a Love Letter to C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia

Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi is a tribute to C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, which was widely praised when it came out in 2020. The story is told through the diary entries of Piranesi, a man who has lost his memory, and details his life within a vast, maze-like building known as the House.

This award-winning novel is known for its immersive and captivating style, featuring a narrative voice that feels both ancient and dreamlike. It delves into themes of forgotten wisdom, loneliness, how we perceive reality, and the strange comfort of familiar confinement – resonating strongly with readers during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Winner of the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction, the book draws clear inspiration from C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, treating those influences with respect. This allows the author to create a truly magical and original fantasy world, making Piranesi a standout and highly recommended read.

Legendborn is a Modern Twist on Arthurian Legends

Tracy Deonn’s first novel, published in 2020, launches The Legendborn Cycle, a young adult fantasy series that reimagines the stories of King Arthur. The book follows 16-year-old Bree Matthews as she tries to uncover the truth about her mother’s death, leading her to a secret society of magic users descended from Arthurian knights. After spending nine weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, the novel explores a world of magic, demons, and hidden abilities, offering a fresh take on the Arthurian legend.

Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn, set at UNC-Chapel Hill, skillfully blends fantasy with important themes like grief, racism, and Black American history, directly addressing the painful legacy of slavery. The novel reimagines the King Arthur legends through a Southern Black cultural lens, featuring a detailed magical world and surprising twists. Praised for its fast-paced plot and Arthurian influences, Legendborn is ultimately a powerful story about dealing with inherited trauma, discovering one’s identity, and the journey of healing – all infused with a celebration of Black girlhood and empowerment.

The Midnight Library Explores a Limbo of Infinite Lives

Matt Haig’s 2020 novel, The Midnight Library, is a captivating blend of magical realism, fantasy, and philosophical exploration. The story follows Nora Seed, who finds herself in a mysterious library between life and death after attempting suicide. This library allows her to experience countless alternate lives, each representing a different path her life could have taken based on the choices she made.

As a huge movie lover, I’m really excited about the upcoming film adaptation of The Midnight Library! The book itself is amazing – it takes this big, fantastical idea of a multiverse and grounds it in a really honest and relatable way. It deals with tough stuff like depression and regret, but it’s ultimately a hopeful story about figuring out what truly matters in life. What I loved most is how it lets you explore all those ‘what if’ scenarios, and honestly, it was surprisingly therapeutic. It’s not your typical epic fantasy; it feels much more accessible and gentle. Deadline reported that the film is being made, and they’re calling it a ‘love letter to life,’ which just sounds perfect. It’s a poignant story about accepting our choices, and I think it will make a beautiful movie.

Read More

2026-05-15 05:18