10 Best Fantasy Books of the Last 10 Years

fantasy is often defined by older works of writers of the past. however, The current generation of speculative fiction authors has delivered excellent work that moves the genre in an exciting direction. As fiction, and writing in general, becomes more inclusive and diverse, it opens the door for a greater number of stories to be told that connect with audiences. Although many of these works are the beginning of a sweeping fantasy series, some are stand-alone projects that have become just as influential in the world of fiction. These books represent the trends that fantasy will continue to follow.

Many of them are complex fantasy books with big payoffs that deliver strong endings after laying the groundwork with intricate world-building. While World-building and the creation of concrete magical systems are important parts of the fantasy genre, It is equally vital that these novels include complex characters who undergo significant development before the story is done. Over the past decade, authors have delivered works that achieve all this and more and bode well for future contributions to the world of fantasy. Both the critical reception and the opinion of the public play a role in how the books are received and remembered.

10

Six of Crows (2015)

Written by Leigh Bardugo

The spinoff duology of Shadow and bone, Six of CrowsBegins with the titular novel and is easily the best of the Grishaverse series. No longer following Alina Starkov and her quest to defeat the Darkling, Six of Crows Join Kaz Brekker and his crew of thieves as they pull off an incredible heist Which takes the reader to the farthest corners of the Grishavers. While the Shadow and bone Books rarely stray from Alina’s storyline, Six of Crows Thrives because it follows a large ensemble of different characters.

Not only does Six of Crows Having one of the best enemies-to-lovers arcs in romance, it successfully uses these tropes and weaves them into the intricate story while developing each other’s characters individually. The universe Leigh Bardugo created in the original series flourishes Six of Crows, And the new piece of lore the audience learns never feels forced or out of place. Six of Crows He stares helplessly at the conclusion of the novel, and although it seems like it will be a simple robbery, it turns out to be much more.

9

Gideon the Ninth (2019)

Written by Tamsyn Muir

Gideon the ninth is the first in Tamsin Muir’s The locked tomb Series. This engages the audience not only with the dangerous world that the protagonist, Gideon, inhabits, but also with Gideon and her unique voice. Gideon is a fantastic character to follow through the darkness and humor of the story. Combining elements of sci-fi in his story that blends perfectly with fantasy, Gideon the ninth Paves the way forward for speculative fiction by incorporating multiple genres into his narrative, Including horror and romance.

The tone and language of Gideon the ninth are in conversation with contemporary humor and slang, What could be that the book many years from now but also help root it in a particular period of culture. Like many new fantasy books, Gideon the ninth Incorporates LGBTQ+ representation into the plot through a compelling and well-developed romance built on trust and friendship. As Gideon helps her nemesis, Harrowhawk, rise through the ranks of necromancers, she learns about herself and discovers the truth about the dark empire around her.

8

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020)

Written by VE Schwab

VE Schwab is a prolific fantasy writer and has written well-received novels such as A darker shade of magic And viciousBut the author’s best work of the decade is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Over generations, the reader is able to spend a lifetime with Addie, who does everything she can’t forget. Although it is an extreme situation, vi Addie has immortality in exchange for never being remembered by anyone she meets, Her story is universal, as everyone wants to be remembered.

Nominated for several awards, including the 2021 Locus Award for Best Fantasy, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Connects with readers because of Addie as a character. It is her journey and development that keeps the audience engaged as she grapples with her desire to feel seen by the world. It’s an interesting new take on the tale of Faust, which involves a man selling his soul to the devil. The bittersweet conclusion is a reminder that not every story has a perfectly happy ending and that there are many ways to be remembered.

7

She Who Became the Sun (2021)

Written by Shelley Parker-Chan

Shelley Parker-Chan’s debut novel, She who became the sunis an excellent representation of the most exciting parts of contemporary fantasy. The book follows the story of Zhou, a young woman who takes on the identity of her brother and eventually aspires to the throne of the emperor. As a reimagining of Chinese history in the 1300s with a magical twist, it interrogates the existence of LGBTQ+ people in history. This story calls into question the nature of greatness and prophecy And a person’s power in shaping their own destiny.

She who became the sun Do not shy away from the violence and intensity of war that is woven throughout the plot. Parker-Chan isn’t afraid to make their characters suffer, but also affords them deeply satisfying moments of triumph. Gender identity and exploration are a significant part of the story and are tackled from multiple perspectives and experiences, which provides many lenses through which to look at the story and its themes. Parker-Chan followed up the novel with the sequel, He who drowned the worldThat concludes Zhou’s story.

6

Children of Blood and Bone (2018)

Written by Tomi Adeyemi

The first in the US Legacy of Orisha series, Children of blood and boneImmediately captured the attention of fantasy lovers everywhere, as the novel seamlessly took the best parts of the YA genre and incorporated relevant contemporary social issues. Deep in conversation with the discrimination against black Americans in the US. Children of blood and bone Follows the story of Zélie Adebola, who sets out on a quest to restore magic to her home After the terrible king Saran. With elements of romance and action, Children of blood and bone Chronicles an amazing odyssey for Zelie.

Both a coming-of-age story and a sharp social commentary, Children of blood and bone Comes home with every reader who picks up the novel. Inspired by West African mythology, the magic that Zélie and her allies use is a well-crafted aspect of the novel, and Zélie’s passion for magic and her birthright propel her through the story. Her relationship with her friends and the bond they form as they complete their dangerous mission is also a touching and relatable part of the tale that helps root the deep story in the YA genre.

5

Words of Glory (2014)

Written by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a prolific fantasy writer, with works like these Mistborn Series garnering attention and his work finishing The Wheel of Time After Robert Jordan’s passing. however, Sanderson cemented his position in the fantasy canon with The Stormlight Archive, which began in 2010. This epic high fantasy series is an intricate tale that blends the stories of many different characters from multiple perspectives. However, Sanderson is consistently able to differentiate between the characters and bring them to life with ease.

Words of brilliance is the second installment in The Stormlight Archive And does what few sequels are able to do, which is to top the original. Many novel series and book trilogies suffer from second book syndrome, which sees a decline in quality after the initial installment. however, Words of brilliance is an exception to this rule, because it increases the stakes and tension and thrusts the characters right back into the heart of the action. Since The series is far from over, as Sanderson has many more installments planned, It is exciting to predict how he will peak Words of brilliance.

4

The Fifth Season (2015)

Written by NK Jemisin

NK Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy Start with The fifth seasonA wonderful combination of three women’s journey through a world that has been destroyed by geological catastrophes. Essun, Damaya and Syenite each bring a distinct perspective to the novel and have varying viewpoints. On the experiences of the orogenes, the people with the power to control the environment. With each chapter of The fifth seasonThe reader learns more about the world of history and the history of the women who were affected by the strict caste system.

Each installment of the trilogy won the Hugo Award for Best Fiction, making history and drawing attention to Jemisin’s brilliantly imagined universe. Not only are the characters deeply engaging and unforgettable, but The themes and tone of The fifth season become more relevant as time progresses. The titular fifth season that the book chronicles is a timely metaphor for the horrors of climate change. The fifth season Effectively communicates the interconnected nature of discrimination in both cultural and environmental spheres and how all of these prejudices inform each other.

3

Circe (2018)

Written by Madeline Miller

Circe Wasn’t Madeline Miller’s first foray into retelling classical Greek myths, But it took the groundwork laid by The song of Achilles And make something even more incredible. While The song of Achilles is a much more romantic work, Circe Reclaim the stories told about the titular witch by exploring her side of the lore and uncover how so many myths and legends came to revolve around her power. Other books have followed the formula of telling the stories of women in history and myth through a feminist lens, but Circe is one of the most successful.

Torn between the mortal and divine worlds, Circe may have access to magic and amazing abilities, but she seeks the acceptance and kindness of others as much as any regular person. Although Miller hits the major beats of Circe’s life, she also focuses on the everyday realities of her isolation. For all her power and greatness, what Circe really wants is a life of her own without the interference and restraints of others who are afraid of what they don’t understand.

2

Root (2015)

Written by Naomi Novick

As the folk tale of Rooted Unfolds, the reader is drawn into the world of Agnieszka and the dragon and the chilling wood they seek to tame. Naomi Novick is also known for these Temer series as well as The Scholomans novels, But her standalone project Rooted It remains a highlight of her work. The protagonist, Agnieszka, believes that she is an unlikely heroine, not believing in her hidden potential for magic and greatness, which the wizard, the dragon, can clearly see.

Based on Polish folklore, Rooted is a vast story that incorporates many journeys, Triumph, and failure in Agnieszka’s development. While Agnieszka takes on the role of the chosen one, she remains a relatable character who makes mistakes and must rely on her friends and allies in her quest. Winning both the Locus and Nebula Awards, Rooted Received strong praise from critics and audiences, but would be worth reading regardless. Although a friendship and budding romance develop for Agnieszka, this is secondary to her path to greatness.

1

Babel (2022)

Written by RF Kuang

RF Kuang has been a writer to watch since her debut, The poppy warIn 2018. Meanwhile The poppy war trilogy is an amazing work of historical fantasy, Babel May be Kuang’s best work to date. A fascinating story about Robin Swift, a young man who is taken from his home in Canton to study languages ​​in England, and eventually earns acceptance to the fictional Babel College in Oxford. In the 1830s, Babel Scrutinizes the history of British imperialism and violence through an imaginative lens And explore the moments when resistance becomes necessary and the right course of action.

The winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel, in addition to other accolades, Babel was quickly singled out as not only a great work of Fantasy But a great novel all around. Babel is a lesson in contradictions and the ability to hold two beliefs at once How the magical aspects of the story perpetuate the violence but also engage the reader. moreover, Babel Explores how language and academia play into these themes by incorporating history and etymology into the story.