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It's hard to believe the 2020s are more than halfway over, and there are many great fantasy books to come of the decade so far — and the best of them will go down as total masterpieces. The fantasy genre has surged in popularity in recent years, likely due to a number of factors. HBO's Game of Thrones popularized the category among mainstream audiences, along with all the TV shows that followed it. But the use of TikTok to recommend books and the explosion of "romantasy" as a category are also drawing people to the category.
And readers certainly have great stories to choose from, as the 2020s have brought unique and incredible fantasy tomes to shelves. Whether they're conclusions to well-loved series or new releases from favorite fantasy authors, these novels are destined to be remembered long after the decade is through.
Why You Should Trust Me: I've been writing about books online for the last decade, and fantasy is one of my main areas of expertise. I keep up with new releases and have a long history of reading within the genre.
Honorable Mentions
- Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (2020): There's a reason Dungeon Crawler Carl is seeing such viral success, and it's because it's a fun, engaging read with lovable leads and timely themes.
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023): Like Dungeon Crawler Carl, Fourth Wing is drawing newcomers to the fantasy genre in the 2020s. I have to give it props for that. It's also a genuinely entertaining dragon book.
- The Burning God by R.F. Kuang (2020): R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War series is a masterpiece, and its ending falls into the 2020s category. It's as brutal as the rest of the series suggests and will leave viewers thinking for a long time after.
- The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne (2024): It feels wrong to exclude a series as gripping as The Bloodsworn Saga, and the closing installment is the best of the three books.
'The Will of the Many' by James Islington (2023)
A Timely Tale With a Unique Magic System
Anyone who frequents fantasy spaces will likely recognize The Will of the Many, the first book in James Islington's Hierarchy series. The 2023 novel received heaps of praise on the heels of its release, and Sony Pictures acquired the rights to it late last year (via The Hollywood Reporter). It's deserving of all the hype, as it brings unique elements, like its hierarchical magic system, to the table while leaning into familiar but well-loved tropes. Its main character is compelling, as is his motivation to survive and seek vengeance against an unjust empire. The Will of the Many grapples with many timely themes when it comes to power and oppression, and it ends on one of the best twists fantasy readers are likely to encounter in a recent release.
Read This If: Readers who enjoy academic fantasy settings, complex magic systems, and clever twists will eat this book up. (It's great for fans of Islington's Licanius Trilogy and those waiting for the next Kingkiller Chronicle book.)
Skip This If: If you're weary of school settings in fantasy stories, or if you're looking for something that goes lighter on the fantasy elements, it's best to look elsewhere.
'The Raven Scholar' by Antonia Hodgson (2025)
Mystery Meets Fantasy in This Incredible Release
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is another recent fantasy novel to receive plenty of acclaim, and it's even a finalist for the 2026 iteration of the Hugo Awards. The book meshes high fantasy with the elements of a murder mystery, a combo that's becoming a winner this decade (see also: The Tainted Cup). Like The Will of the Many, The Raven Scholar's pacing and prose make it an easy entry to fantasy. It will also appeal to diehard fans of the genre, with the politically driven murder that opens the story — and everything that follows — putting an intriguing twist on common conventions.
Read This If: Readers driven by the desire to solve mysteries will plow through The Raven Scholar, as will those who enjoy a good plot twist. Fans of deadly trials are also encouraged to dive in.
Skip This If: Those looking for more straightforward high fantasy, who are tired of academic settings, and who prefer steadier pacing might be better served by other books on this list.
'Blood Over Bright Haven' by M.L. Wang (2023)
Another Fantasy Masterpiece From 'The Sword of Kaigen' Author
With The Sword of Kaigen proving one of the strongest fantasy books of the 2010s, it's no surprise M.L. Wang's newer standalone is among the 2020s' most worthwhile reads. Blood Over Bright Haven is another fantasy story in the dark academia category, and it offers poignant social commentary by using that backdrop to unpack systemic issues and privilege. The novel also features a heavily praised magic system and incredible twist, and that's not to mention the believable leads it finds in Sciona and Thomil.
Read This If: Anyone who leans toward dark and emotional fantasy that unpacks real-world issues will appreciate Blood Over Bright Haven.
Skip This If: Readers who prefer thematic discussions to happen more subtly may not enjoy this one, and neither will those looking for a more lighthearted or hopeful romp.
'Rhythm of War' by Brandon Sanderson (2020)
One of Sanderson's Many Great 2020s Releases
Brandon Sanderson has released several great hits in the 2020s, but I'd argue Rhythm of War is the strongest of his books to emerge from the decade so far. (It's a close call between that and The Lost Metal.) The fourth installment of The Stormlight Archive isn't as impressive as the two opening books — both of which released in the 2010s — but it's still a triumph on par with the author's other work. It slows down a bit to unpack the characters and the lore, but it's better for it. And its climax is as thrilling as readers expect from Sanderson.
Read This If: Anyone already invested in Sanderson's Cosmere or The Stormlight Archive should obviously dig in. Fans of magic systems that lean into science will also appreciate this one.
Skip This If: If you've abandoned other Sanderson works, steer clear. The steadier pacing also may not be for everyone, though the sequel is far from dull.
'Jade Legacy' by Fonda Lee (2021)
A Truly Ambitious Conclusion to 'The Green Bone Saga'
The Green Bone Saga mostly unfolded in the late 2010s, but the conclusion to Fonda Lee's urban fantasy series arrived in 2021 — and it's the strongest of the three books. Jade Legacy pulls everything together impressively, sticking the landing with its conclusion. It's more impressive because the book covers around 20 years, speaking to how ambitious it is. This also gives it ample opportunity to explore the fallout of the prior books for both the characters and the world. Lee does this in a powerful way that will leave readers immersed in their feelings and thoughts after they've finished the final page.
Read This If: Readers who like crime dramas and martial arts should check out The Green Bone Saga more generally, as it mixes those things with fantasy.
Skip This If: Fantasy fans looking for a more traditional adventure or high fantasy setting may not care for The Green Bone Saga.
'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke (2020)
A Masterpiece Perfect for Mystery-Box Fans
Piranesi is an absolute masterpiece, especially for fans of mystery-box stories. It's one of the shorter books on this list, so much that it makes for a gripping fantasy binge. Its page count doesn't prevent it from packing a punch, though, both with the revelations about its mysterious setting and with its existential and emotional themes. Although it takes some time to get going, the unraveling of the House and Piranesi's history there takes readers on a journey they won't be able to look away from. It's one of the most engrossing stories of the 2020s, and it's immensely clever.
Read This If: Fantasy readers looking for something fresh and different can't do much better than Piranesi. There's not much like it.
Skip This If: If you prefer straightforward narratives to those that come together over time, this might be a book to pass on.
'The Trouble With Peace' by Joe Abercrombie (2020)
The Beloved Fantasy Author at His Best
Fantasy lovers won't be surprised to see Joe Abercrombie's name on a list of best fantasy books, and The Trouble With Peace is his strongest release of the 2020s. The second installment in the Age of Madness trilogy, this one does away with the exposition and setup of its (also impressive) predecessor. In terms of pacing, character work, and twists, it also comes out just slightly ahead of book three, The Wisdom of Crowds. The Trouble With Peace is Abercrombie at his best, bringing everything readers love about his work to the table — but also highlighting how much his storytelling has grown since The First Law trilogy.
Read This If: Readers who appreciate gritty storytelling and dark humor will like anything by Joe Abercrombie, The Trouble With Peace included. It's great for people who enjoy the gray middle of the moral spectrum.
Skip This If: Anyone looking for clear moral lines probably won't enjoy Abercrombie's characters. Those who prefer adventure to political intrigue may also not be on board.
'The Tainted Cup' by Robert Jackson Bennett (2024)
A Great Mystery With Sherlock Holmes Vibes
Fans of fantasy and mystery stories will agree that Robert Jackson Bennett's The Tainted Cup is a standout addition to the genre. The 2024 novel gives some serious Sherlock Holmes vibes, with its central duo investigating a death that gives way to a larger conspiracy. Their bond is already a compelling reason for The Tainted Cup's success, but its inventive backdrop and magic system are what truly makes it shine. The mystery is also a plus, rendering The Tainted Cup an all-around good time. Between the enjoyment factor and quality, it's no wonder it won the 2025 Hugo Award and 2025 World Fantasy Award.
Read This If: If you're into detective stories, as well as fantasy, The Tainted Cup masterfully blends the two. For anyone looking for something different when it comes to world-building, it's also a must-read.
Skip This If: Despite its fun investigator dynamics, The Tainted Cup doesn't delve too deeply into its characters. Anyone looking for deep introspection on that front won't find it here.
'The Fires of Vengeance' by Evan Winter (2020)
A Fast-Paced and Action-Packed Sequel to The Rage of Dragons
Evan Winter's The Burning books are severely underrated fantasy, but they're some of the best releases of the last decade. And The Fires of Vengeance just makes the cutoff for the 2020s, necessitating its inclusion on this list. The sequel builds on everything set up in The Rage of Dragons in spectacular fashion. It expands the South African-inspired setting and makes the characters more complex and compelling. It also continues to embrace the strengths of book one: the quick pacing, action, and high tension.
Read This If: Those looking for a faster-paced, thrilling read that feels cinematic will love The Burning series. It's also great for fans of revenge narratives.
Skip This If: Readers who enjoy slower burns in fantasy, and those who want more straightforward morality and less rage, should skip this book and its predecessor.
'The Lotus Empire' by Tasha Suri (2024)
A Stunningly Wrought Conclusion to The Burning Kingdoms
Tasha Suri's The Burning Kingdoms series is one of the best full fantasy stories to publish in the 2020s, but I'll spotlight The Lotus Empire specifically here. It's never easy to wrap up a complex fantasy narrative, but Suri pulls it off — and cements this as one of the best recent additions to the genre in the process. The Lotus Empire offers an emotional but still satisfying send-off to this world and its characters, and that's exactly what readers will want after going on this ride with them.
Read This If: Anyone who enjoys a compelling romance that doesn't overtake the fantasy plot will like The Burning Kingdoms. Its themes of rebellion will also appeal to those looking for a tale that grapples with corruption and oppression.
Skip This If: Those looking for more romance than fantasy should pass on this one. Additionally, this series won't appeal to those looking for a fully triumphant ending. The final book is very bittersweet.
What are your favorite fantasy books released in the 2020s so far? Let us know in the comments below!
