The best new fantasy books to lose yourself in, recommended by the experts

Why read this: Dive into a dark and utterly bewitching triumph from V. E. Schwab, the No. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. This fierce new take on the immortality tale weaves together the stories of three young women whose lives tangle like roots across the centuries: from Santo Domingo de la Calzada in 1532, to London in 1837, and Boston in 2019. Follow them as one grows high, one grows deep, one grows wild, and all of them grow teeth in this epic, time-spanning tale of fate and power – one of the biggest fantasy books of 2025.

If you’re looking for: Multi-timeline narrative, historical fantasy, vampires, character-driven story, anti-heroines, immortality

Great for fans of: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab, The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

What the experts say: 'A gripping take on the vampire that pays homage to the greats while doing something deliciously new.' Lex Croucher, author of Gwen and Art Are Not in Love

Why read this: Olivie Blake offers a riveting conclusion to the internationally acclaimed 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.

If you’re looking for: Dark academia, intellectual fantasy, morally grey characters, complex magic, secret societies

Great for fans of: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Why read this: 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. 

If you’re looking for: Violent magic, moral dilemmas, manipulative characters, fighting the system, high stakes

Great for fans of: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, Powerless by Lauren Roberts

What the experts say: 'Full of compelling twists and high-stakes magic. . . a captivating romantic fantasy that had me rooting for the protagonists from the very first page.' Kelly Andrew, author of Your Blood, My Bones

Why read this: This dark fantasy debut will transport you to the glittering glamour, gangsters, and gods of 1930s Shanghai. Jingwen lives two lives: delivering bones to a gangster family's doctor by day, and charming the city's wealthiest patrons at a decadent cabaret club by night. 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.

If you’re looking for: Historical fantasy, gangsters, identity mystery, gods and monsters, atmospheric world-building

Great for fans of: Fonda Lee's Green Bone Saga, Chloe Gong

What the experts say: ‘Decadent, dangerous and addictive’ – A. Y. Chao, bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal

Why read this: Rooted in fairy tales, folklore, and sapphic romance, this is a dark, atmospheric, and riveting debut that reviewers are calling 'a love story like no other' (Samantha Shannon). When her mother is accused of murder by a zealot priest, healer’s daughter Malka strikes a bargain: bring the monster lurking in the blood-soaked woods to the priest to save her mother. But rather than a monster, Malka finds a disgraced golem who agrees to implicate herself if Malka will help free her imprisoned rabbi creator. As their desperate deal unravels a much more sinister threat, Malka must face her growing feelings for the very creature she was taught to fear.

If you’re looking for: Sapphic romance, fairy tale retelling, folklore and mythology, morally complex decisions, atmospheric setting

Great for fans of: Katherine Arden, Ava Reid's A Study in Drowning, Naomi Novik

What the experts say: 'A gorgeous dark fantasy rendered in detail sharp as a tailor's needle' – S. T. Gibson, author of A Dowry of Blood

Why read this: This is the deliciously twisty and seductive epic follow up to the number one bestselling A Tempest of Tea, forming a gritty duology about an orphan girl and her crew who get tangled in a heist with vampires. The city of White Roaring is sharpening its fangs after a deadly night, and Arthie Casimir has no time to mourn, even for herself. She has no time for love either, but it has saved her life. She must navigate new emotions and reassemble her crew for one last fight, facing the ghosts of her past to do it.

If you’re looking for: Gritty fantasy, seductive vampires, heist plot, found family crew, dark romance, fast-paced action

Great for fans of: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli

What the experts say: 'Filled with phenomenal prose, impeccable world building, and a mesmerizing found-family cast embarking on the heist of their lives!' Ali Hazelwood on A Tempest of Tea

Why read this: Called 'Fourth Wing meets Throne of Glass' and from No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author K. A. Linde, House of Dragons is the start of a new series filled with magic, mayhem, and a thrilling enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance. Half-Fae, half-human Kerrigan Argon has trained at the elite House of Dragons. But when everyone else is chosen by one of the twelve tribes of Alandria, Kerrigan is left behind. So, she strikes a bargain: convince a tribe to select her, or lose her birthright forever. She finds an unlikely ally in Fordham Ollivier, the cursed Fae prince. Together, they must chart her destiny and reshape their world.

If you’re looking for: Enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, Fae and magic, elite training programme, high-stakes bargain

Great for fans of: Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black and Rebecca Yarros

What the experts say: 'An epic foray into a world of power and mystery that caught me from the first page.' – Carrie Ann Ryan, author of The Elements of Five series

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: Vampires, gods and goddesses, epic fantasy world-building, dark magic, high stakes quest, underworld setting

Great for fans of: 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, strong FMC, vengeance plot, magical academy, deadly trials, hidden identity, high fantasy, forced proximity

Great for fans of: The Legends of Thezmarr series, The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

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 conclusion to the duology that began with The Courting of Bristol Keats, 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's past, meanwhile, is thrown into question when a new secret is revealed.

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

Great for fans of: Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas

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 distant and dangerous heir of her family's nemesis, 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

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 the sweeping, action-packed Daughter of No Worlds 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 her best friend, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organisation 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 soon become 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, Danielle Jensen, and Raven Kennedy

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 new 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: Hidden identity, witches, political tension, cosy fantasy elements, royal intrigue, witty banter

Great for fans of: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehre, Stephanie Garber, Disney's Maleficent

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 FMC, forbidden alliance, fairy tale retelling

Great for fans of: Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

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

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, Count of Monte Cristo retelling, Pakistani-inspired world

Great for fans of: Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong, Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

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: Contemporary fantasy, witches, found family, self-discovery, autumnal atmosphere, 90s/00s vibe

Great for fans of: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, The Ex Hex by Rachel Hawkins, Gilmour Girls, Charmed

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: Uncharmed is the definition of pure cosy joy, set in the same world as Rewitched. Andromeda Wildwood, owner of Celestial Bakehouse, lives a life of magic and impossibly high standards. But her charmed existence is about to get delightfully messy. Tasked with mentoring fiery, stubborn teenage witch Maeve, Annie finds her life complicated further by Hal, the gruff but handsome owner of their temporary woodland cottage. As outside forces take an interest in Maeve’s extraordinary powers, Annie may have to risk everything to protect the true magic and family she’s finally found.

If you’re looking for: Modern day witches, found family, baking and food, gentle romance, high standards vs. true self, charming atmosphere

Great for fans of: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree, Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

What the experts say: 'Beautifully crafted, sparkling with autumn magic – the literary equivalent of the most delicious cinnamon bun' Beth O’Leary. 'Pure cosy joy' – Sangu Mandanna

Why read this: Magical mysteries, unlikely friendships, and spellbinding romance are all 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? 

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

What the experts say: 'It’s as comforting as homemade jam on a fresh baked muffin!' Rebecca Thorne, author of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

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: 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

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: Witty dialogue, light-hearted adventure, humorous quest, found family

Great for fans of: TJ Klune, Katherine Addison and T. Kingfisher

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

Why read this: This is the earth-shattering and magical epic finale to the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy by bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi, soon to be a major film series. Zélie thought her battles were over and the maji had risen again, but she now finds herself locked in a cage and trapped on a foreign ship, far from her homeland, trafficked by warriors with iron skulls. . .

If you’re looking for: West African-inspired, world-saving quest, political conflict, magical uprising, massive scale action

Great for fans of: Tomi Adeyemi's Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

What the experts say: 'Adeyemi could write a hundred books in this series and keep us just as gripped as we were in the first instalment. Astonishing.' Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie, on Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Why read this: The Ragpicker King is the Sunday Times bestselling sequel to Cassandra Clare's epic Sword Catcher. 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.

If you’re looking for: Political intrigue, criminal underworld, deception and illusion, high-stakes decisions, morally grey characters, vibrant world-building

Great for fans of: The Shadowhunter Chronicles, Game of Thrones, Brandon Sanderson

What the experts say: 'This is fantasy at its finest’ – Leigh Bardugo. 'Everything I look for in fantasy’ – George R. R. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Game of Thrones.

Why read this: The Sky on Fire is a thrilling and daring fantasy adventure novel that will transport you to a world of dragon-ruled cities in the sky. Anahrod, long dreaming of a life free from the vengeance of dragon regent Neveranimas, is rescued from a warlord by an adventuring party. She’s ready to thank them and be on her way, but the party insists she repay her debt, leading her straight into Neveranimas’ lair and face-to-face with her enemy. Expect kidnappings, rescue missions, and a little bit of heat in this epic quest.

If you’re looking for: Dragons, rescue missions, adventure quest, high stakes, moral debt, thrilling plot

Great for fans of: Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey, Temeraire by Naomi Novik

What the experts say: ‘Its plot races like wildfire atop wit and banter . . . an unflappable delight’ Kate Elliott, author of Unconquerable Sun and Servant Mage

Why read this: This dark and deadly adult debut from the bestselling author of the iconic Legend series, offers a compelling mix of magical mob rivalry and star-crossed ambition, all set in an alternate, present-day Los Angeles. Alchemy is the hidden art of transformation, an exclusive power wielded by two rival crime syndicates, who market it to the world’s elite in the form of sand – a drug that enhances those who take it into a more perfect version of themselves. Childhood friends Sam and Ari find themselves on opposite sides of an escalating conflict between the two groups: Sam, desperate to claw her way into Grand Central for a better life, and Ari, a rising Lumines star. As the two alchemists face off against each other, will either of them be able to survive the coming war?

If you’re looking for: Urban fantasy, rivalry, enemies-to-lovers, star-crossed romance, alchemy and transformation, high-stakes conflict

Great for fans of: V. E. Schwab's Shades of Magic series, One for my Enemy by Olivie Blake

What the experts say: 'As devastating as it is spellbinding. I loved it' – Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six.

Why read this: If your reading list includes a blend of witches, dark academia, and a bit of cosiness, then the first book in this new duology is for you. Twenty-three-year-old witch Aurelia has won a coveted place at Cambridge, but her rules for keeping her human and magical lives separate are about to be severely tested. With someone hunting witches, Aurelia must seek the help of a fellow witch – and awful classmate – Theodore, to stay safe. 

If you’re looking for: Dark academia, witches and witchcraft, contemporary fantasy, secret societies, slow-burn tension, university setting, danger and mystery

Great for fans of: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

What the experts say: 'With high stakes, deft romance and intriguing magic, Modern Divination is a gem of a book' Hannah Whitten, author of The Foxglove King

Why read this: Loosely based on the story of Beauty and the Beast, this is a deliciously dark and romantic urban fantasy set in a world where monsters and humans walk the same New York streets. Kierse, a street thief, gets caught in the act and agrees to join a risky heist. This must-read book is full of hidden dangers and undeniable tension, perfect for those who like their romance with a sharp, shadowy edge.

If you’re looking for: Retelling, dark romance, monsters and humans, New York setting, heist plot, high stakes

Great for fans of: V. E. Schwab's Shades of Magic series, Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows

What the experts say: 'Extraordinary!' Rebecca Yarros, author of Fourth Wing. 'Action-packed and full of steam' Geneva Lee, author of Filthy Rich Vampire

Why read this: This is the mystery-filled, enchanting finale to T. L. Huchu’s Edinburgh Nights series, perfect for readers who love fast-moving urban fantasy with a distinctive UK setting. Orphan, mischief-maker, and failed magician Ropa Moyo is back for her final adventure. Banished to the Other Place by the reanimated spirit of Henry Dundas, Ropa is now facing a threat where the Cult of Dundas intends to ascend to godhood, spreading their corrupting reach across all of Scotland’s schools of magic. Ropa must escape the Other Place, save her sister, and gather allies across the country before Edinburgh falls, using her only hope: her grandmother's final secret, the first school of magic, before an ancient power returns, hungry for revenge.

If you’re looking for: Mystery, magical Edinburgh setting, cults and ancient power, witty protagonist

Great for fans of: Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series, Stranger Things

What the experts say: 'Fast-moving and entertaining . . . Stupendously engaging’ Ben Aaronovitch, author of the Rivers of London series. 'I am such a fan of T. L. Huchu and this series – I recommend it to everyone I meet’ Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six.