Fantasy lovers, rejoice! Whether you’re searching for the best fantasy books of 2025, timeless fantasy book series, or the greatest fantasy novels of all time, this curated list has you covered. From mind-bending sci-fi horror to epic sword-and-sorcery sagas, these titles represent the most talked-about, top-rated fantasy books dominating Amazon’s bestseller lists and reader discussions this year. We’ve ranked them based on ratings, sales performance, and sheer storytelling brilliance—so you can dive into 2025’s hottest fantasy releases and undisputed classics with confidence.
This selection includes everything: highly anticipated new fantasy books 2025 (looking at you, Sunrise on the Reaping!), groundbreaking debuts (Space Brooms!), and all-time best fantasy books that belong on every shelf (we see you, The Stormlight Archive). Each entry features a spoiler-free overview, honest pros and cons, and a target audience
Why trust this list? We’ve analyzed Amazon sales data, Goodreads ratings, and fan buzz to bring you books that are actually worth your time—not just hyped releases. So grab your bookmarks, clear your TBR pile, and let’s explore the best fantasy books to read in 2025!
10. Dissolution – Nicholas Binge
Author: Nicholas Binge (British author of Ascension and sci-fi horror specialist).
About book:
A scientific expedition to a remote, shape-shifting mountain descends into madness in Dissolution. When climbers begin vanishing—some reappearing with no memory, others mutilated—the team realizes the mountain isn’t just a geological anomaly. It’s alive, and it’s rewriting their reality. Told through fragmented journal entries, the novel blends cosmic horror with psychological survival, evoking Annihilation meets The Terror. The protagonist, a physicist, grapples with eerie time loops and grotesque transformations, all while questioning whether the mountain is a sentient entity or a mirror of humanity’s darkest instincts. Binge’s prose is clinical yet haunting, amplifying the dread as the team’s trust dissolves alongside their sanity. The climax leans into ambiguity, leaving readers haunted by unanswered questions—perfect for those who love open-ended, cerebral horror.
Why Read It?
Mind-bending horror: The mountain’s reality-warping will leave you paranoid. Unreliable narration: Journals distort truth, making you question everything.
Frustrating for some: The ending avoids neat explanations.
Perfect for: Fans of Jeff VanderMeer or H.P. Lovecraft who enjoy existential dread.
9. Murder by Memory – Dorothy Gentleman Book
Author: Olivia Waite
About book::
In 1947 London, detective Elias Finch wakes up with a gun in his hand, a corpse at his feet, and no memory of the past 48 hours. The only clue? A cryptic poem left by the victim. As Finch retraces his steps, he uncovers a serial killer who crafts verses for each murder—a killer who might be framing him. Gentleman’s prose drips with noir atmosphere: foggy alleys, smoky jazz bars, and a protagonist whose amnesia isn’t just a plot device—it’s a metaphor for postwar trauma. The mystery unfolds like a chess game, with red herrings and a final twist that’ll make you gasp. While the middle sags under procedural details, the payoff rewards patience. Think Memento meets The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, but with more Shakespearean flair.
Why Read It? Unique hook: Amnesiac detective + poetic killer = fresh take on noir. 1940s atmosphere: Perfect for lovers of slow-burn, character-driven mysteries. Pacing issues: The middle acts drag.
Perfect for: Agatha Christie fans who want darker, psychological twists.
8. Where the Axe is Buried – Ray Nayler
Author: Ray Nayler (linguist and mythic fantasy world-builder).
About book:
In a forest where trees whisper and axes carry ancestral curses, warrior Ryn must bury her father’s weapon to break a bloodline’s doom. But the axe doesn’t want to stay buried. Nayler crafts a folkloric epic brimming with sentient forests, morally gray deities, and Nordic-inspired battles. The prose is lyrical—every chapter feels like a fireside saga—but the real star is the world-building. The “Living Wood” reacts to emotions, bending paths to mislead invaders or shelter allies. Ryn’s journey from vengeful heir to reluctant leader is poignant, though some side characters feel undercooked. Fans of The Bear and the Nightingale will adore the blend of myth and grit, while God of War gamers will relish the axe-throwing action.
Why Read It? Atmospheric AF: You’ll smell the pine needles and blood. Unique magic: The forest is a character, not just a setting. Slow first act: Takes time to axe-celerate (sorry).
Perfect for: Lovers of myth retellings and nature-based fantasy.
7. Space Brooms! – A.G. Rodriguez
Author: A.G. Rodriguez (debut author with a flair for chaos).
About Book:
Witch soccer… in space. When rival covens settle feuds with zero-gravity broomball matches, hilarity ensues. This Ted Lasso-meets-Harry Potter romp is pure, unapologetic fun—with a side of asteroid-field drama.
Why Read It? Hilarious: Laugh-out-loud quirky. Unique premise: Sports + magic + sci-fi?! Not for grimdark fans: Sugar, not spice.
Perfect for: Anyone needing lighthearted escapism.
6. Death of the Author – (Nnedi Okorafor)
Author: Nnedi Okorafor
About Book:
When a famous writer dies mid-series, his characters must escape the collapsing narrative before the final page turns. This meta-fantasy blends existential crisis with adventure as fictional heroes battle against their own impending “The End.”
Why You’ll Love It: Brilliant concept execution Both funny and profound Requires genre familiarity
Best For: Book lovers and writers
5. The Third Rule of Time Travel – ( Philip Fracassi)
About Book:
When a physicist breaks the cardinal rule of temporal tourism—”Never meet your past self”—she triggers a chain reaction that unravels multiple timelines. This twisty sci-fi thriller explores destiny versus free will through snappy dialogue and heart-pounding paradoxes.
Why You’ll Love It: Smart time-travel mechanics that actually make sense Brisk pacing with zero dull moments Some science jargon may lose casual readers
Best For: Fans of Dark (TV show) or Blake Crouch’s work
4. When the Moon Hits Your Eye – (John Scalzi)
About Book:
In a Rome where Renaissance artists were secretly vampires, a bumbling art historian accidentally uncovers a 500-year-old conspiracy. This hilarious horror-romance blends Dan Brown-esque mystery with What We Do In the Shadows humor.
Why You’ll Love It: Whip-smart satire of art history academia Surprisingly tender romance subplot Vampire lore feels familiar
Best For: Grady Hendrix readers or art history nerds
3. The Dream Hotel – Laila Lalami
About Book:
Guests at a luxury resort pay top dollar to share dreams—until they start waking up with memories that aren’t theirs. Part Inception, part Gillian Flynn thriller, this psychological puzzle explores identity theft in the most literal sense.
Why You’ll Love It: Unnerving premise that lingers after reading Gorgeous resort setting with dark undertones Ending feels slightly rushed
Best For: Black Mirror enthusiasts who enjoy slow-burn dread
2. Cold Eternity – S. Barnes
About Book:
In a frozen empire where souls are currency, a thief steals the wrong noble’s “heart”—literally. This frostbitten epic fantasy features:
• A magic system based on emotional sacrifice
• Morally gray characters you’ll ship against your better judgment
• Battles atop glaciers that’ll give you goosebumps
Why You’ll Love It: Fresh take on ice-based fantasy worlds Complex romance that avoids clichés Overuse of winter metaphors
Best For: Fans of “The Winternight Trilogy”
1. Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
About Book:
The Hunger Games prequel we’ve craved since 2010! Follow a young Haymitch Abernathy through his infamous Games, revealing:
• The origin of the Quarter Quell
• Capitol secrets even Katniss never learned
• Why that “force field” advice was personal
Why You’ll Love It: Nostalgia meets new worldbuilding Haymitch’s voice is perfectly captured Less revolutionary than the original trilogy
Best For: Millennials who grew up with HG
Final Thoughts: Your Next Fantasy Adventure Awaits!
Whether you’re craving epic fantasy sagas, mind-bending sci-fi horror, or laugh-out-loud magical escapades, this list of the best fantasy books of 2025 has something for every kind of reader. From Suzanne Collins’ highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel (Sunrise on the Reaping) to indie gems like Space Brooms!, these books promise unforgettable worlds, complex characters, and stories that linger long after the last page.
Why This List Matters:
- Handpicked selections—no filler, just top-tier fantasy
- Honest pros & cons—so you know exactly what to expect
- Diverse subgenres—whether you love dark fantasy, romantic fairy tales, or action-packed adventures
Now it’s your turn! Which book are you most excited to read? Drop your pick in the comments, or tell us if we missed any must-read fantasy books of 2025. Happy reading, and may your TBR pile forever be stacked with magic!