Fantasy Worlds You’ll Fall In Love With: The Best Fiction Books of the Year
There’s nothing like diving into a fantastical world where anything is possible—magical kingdoms, epic battles, and characters you’ll never forget. Fantasy fiction transports us to places that stretch our imagination and offer an escape from the everyday.
At I Was Today Years Old, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and uplift. Whether you’re a longtime fantasy lover or a newcomer to the genre, these are the best fantasy fiction books of the year that will captivate your heart and imagination.
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Why You’ll Love It: This runaway hit combines romance, action, and dragons in a richly woven tale of love, war, and self-discovery. The world-building is breathtaking, and the characters are impossible not to root for.
What It’s About: A young woman is thrust into an elite war college for dragon riders, where survival is as uncertain as her heart.
Perfect For: Fans of Game of Thrones and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
2. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Why You’ll Love It: Morgenstern’s lyrical prose invites you into a magical underground world where stories come alive. This novel is a love letter to books and the people who lose themselves in them.
What It’s About: A graduate student discovers a hidden door that leads to a secret library filled with tales of love, adventure, and sacrifice.
Perfect For: Readers who adore magical realism and enchanting storytelling.
3. Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Why You’ll Love It: This epic standalone fantasy redefines the genre with strong female characters, a richly imagined world, and heart-pounding action.
What It’s About: In a land divided by dragons and ancient rivalries, a queen must navigate political intrigue and a deadly prophecy to protect her realm.
Perfect For: Fans of feminist fantasy and sprawling epic adventures.
4. Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Why You’ll Love It: Cozy, heartwarming, and refreshingly low-stakes, this fantasy is perfect for readers looking for comfort and charm in their next read.
What It’s About: A retired orc adventurer opens a coffee shop in a magical city, discovering that life’s greatest adventures don’t always involve swords.
Perfect For: Those who want a light, feel-good fantasy story.
5. The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
Why You’ll Love It: A sequel that exceeds its predecessor, The Atlas Paradox is filled with complex characters, morally gray decisions, and gripping twists.
What It’s About: In a world where power is everything, six magical prodigies are drawn into a deadly competition to join a secret society.
Perfect For: Readers who love dark academia with a magical twist.
6. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Why You’ll Love It: Sanderson delivers yet another masterclass in world-building and character development, wrapped in a whimsical, adventurous tale.
What It’s About: Tress, an unassuming young woman, sets sail across a dangerous sea to save the man she loves, encountering magic and danger along the way.
Perfect For: Fans of classic fantasy with a modern twist.
7. Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
Why You’ll Love It: Combining historical fantasy with sharp social commentary, Kuang creates a gripping tale that explores the intersection of magic, language, and colonialism.
What It’s About: In an alternate 19th-century Britain, a group of linguists at Oxford’s translation institute uncover dangerous secrets about the power of language.
Perfect For: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and richly layered fantasy.
8. The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
Why You’ll Love It: This fast-paced urban fantasy blends magic, rebellion, and LGBTQ+ representation in a story that’s as emotional as it is exciting.
What It’s About: A fae prince returns to his magical kingdom to face an arranged marriage and a brewing rebellion.
Perfect For: Fans of urban fantasy with a diverse and inclusive cast.
9. The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons
Why You’ll Love It: With intricate plots, rich character arcs, and lush world-building, this sequel to The Ruin of Kings elevates the series to new heights.
What It’s About: As a kingdom teeters on the brink of war, heroes and villains alike must navigate a web of secrets and betrayals.
Perfect For: Readers who love epic fantasy with complex storytelling.
10. The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
Why You’ll Love It: Schwab returns to her beloved Shades of Magic universe with a new series that’s just as magical, intense, and unforgettable.
What It’s About: As old threats resurface, a new cast of characters steps into the spotlight, weaving their destinies into the fabric of parallel Londons.
Perfect For: Fans of Schwab’s previous work and newcomers to her world.
Why We Love Fantasy Fiction
Fantasy offers more than just escapism—it challenges us to dream bigger, think differently, and believe in the extraordinary. These books transport us to magical worlds while reminding us of the power of resilience, love, and hope.
Which Fantasy World Will You Visit First?
Whether you’re seeking high-stakes adventure or a cozy magical escape, these books are perfect for any fantasy lover. At I Was Today Years Old, we’re passionate about sharing stories that inspire and delight. Which of these books will you dive into first? Let us know in the comments below! 📚✨