Fantasy has a way of pulling you into worlds filled with magic, danger, and wonder that feel as vivid as your own. Whether you prefer epic land-spanning journeys, enchanted urban settings, or tales with a gritty, darker edge, modern fantasy offers something for everyone. From blockbuster hits to hidden gems, here’s your guide to some of the most exciting fantasy books capturing hearts and imaginations right now.

Epic Fantasy to Immerse Yourself In

1. “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon

  • What It’s About: A sweeping, standalone epic fantasy set in a world of dragons, rival kingdoms, and ancient prophecies. The story follows a queen under pressure to produce an heir and a dragon rider fighting to prevent an ancient evil from rising again.
  • Why It Stands Out: With lush world-building, a feminist twist on classic dragon narratives, and a diverse cast of characters, Shannon delivers a refreshing take on high fantasy. Perfect for readers looking for an epic tale without committing to a series.

2. “The Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson

  • What It’s About: A sprawling multi-book series starting with The Way of Kings, this series explores a richly detailed world where war, political intrigue, and magical swords shape the fate of nations.
  • Why It Stands Out: Sanderson’s intricate magic systems and deeply human characters are next-level. Each book is massive, yet every page is worth it. It’s a must-read for fans of world-building that rivals Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

3. “The Green Bone Saga” by Fonda Lee

  • What It’s About: Starting with Jade City, this trilogy blends fantasy with martial arts and mafia-style family drama. It’s set in a modern yet magically infused city where jade grants its users superhuman abilities.
  • Why It Stands Out: Think The Godfather crossed with an entirely original fantasy world. With its heart-pounding conflicts, layered characters, and sharp writing, this is an unmissable epic with a contemporary flair.

Urban Fantasy with a Magic Twist

4. “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman

  • What It’s About: When a good Samaritan act pulls Londoner Richard Mayhew into the magical underworld of “London Below,” he discovers a strange, shadowy realm full of fantastical dangers and beings.
  • Why It Stands Out: Gaiman’s clever reimagining of the familiar will leave you enthralled and slightly spooked. If you like your fantasy stories rooted in a recognizably modern world, this is a classic that never feels outdated.

5. “The Dresden Files” by Jim Butcher

  • What It’s About: Imagine a private investigator and a wizard rolled into one. Harry Dresden solves magical crimes in modern-day Chicago, dealing with vampires, werewolves, and the occasional rogue fairy.
  • Why It Stands Out: Packed with humor, action, and complex mysteries, this long-running series is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of snark with their spells. Start with Storm Front and prepare to devour the rest of the series.

6. “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo

  • What It’s About: Bardugo’s debut adult novel spins a dark tale of secret societies at Yale University and the sinister magic that fuels them. The story follows Alex Stern, a troubled young woman tasked with policing the occult underbelly of campus life.
  • Why It Stands Out: Combining gritty urban fantasy with academic intrigue, Bardugo weaves a suspenseful story perfect for fans of dark academia. It’s sharp, dark, and utterly gripping.

Dark Fantasy to Haunt Your Dreams

7. “Black Sun” by Rebecca Roanhorse

  • What It’s About: Set in a pre-Columbian-inspired world, Black Sun follows a priestess trying to keep the peace, a ship captain with hidden magic, and a young man prophesied to bring chaos.
  • Why It Stands Out: Roanhorse builds a mesmerizingly unique setting filled with rich mythology, political tension, and morally complicated characters. The story’s layered complexities will keep you hooked.

8. “The Poppy War” by R.F. Kuang

  • What It’s About: This grim tale follows Rin, a war orphan who rises through the ranks of a prestigious military academy only to discover the devastating cost of war and her own godlike powers.
  • Why It Stands Out: Drawing on Chinese history and combining it with brutal dark fantasy, Kuang tells a story that’s as harrowing as it is awe-inspiring. Be prepared for emotionally heavy themes and twists that haunt you long after reading.

9. “The Shadow of the Gods” by John Gwynne

  • What It’s About: Inspired by Norse mythology, this action-packed tale takes you into a brutal world of warring gods, vengeful humans, and massive monsters.
  • Why It Stands Out: Gwynne’s world comes alive with a gritty reality and edge-of-your-seat battles. If you crave dark, intense worlds with shades of Norse epics, this book (and its sequel) delivers big.

Underrated Gems You Shouldn’t Miss

10. “The Forgotten Beasts of Eld” by Patricia A. McKillip

  • What It’s About: A young sorceress living in solitude among magical, otherworldly creatures is drawn into events that challenge her ideals and force her into the complexities of love, revenge, and destiny.
  • Why It Stands Out: A classic in fantasy circles, McKillip’s poetic writing and timeless themes make this novel a quiet masterpiece that deserves more attention today.

11. “The Bone Ships” by RJ Barker

  • What It’s About: Set in a world where ships are built from dragon bones, this book follows two misfit sailors tasked with protecting the only living sea-dragon from warring nations.
  • Why It Stands Out: Barker’s imaginative world-building and oceanic culture make this fantasy a standout. It’s perfect for fans of nautical adventures and tales of redemption.

12. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

  • What It’s About: The story of a magical circus that only appears at night and the two young magicians intertwined with its fate.
  • Why It Stands Out: Morgenstern’s lush, dreamlike prose creates a world you’ll never want to leave. It’s as much a love story as it is a fantasy, ideal for readers who crave rich atmospheres over action-packed battles.

Modern fantasy isn’t just about swords, sorcery, and elves (though we love those too). Its ability to blend timeless storytelling with fresh ideas and diverse voices makes it one of the most exciting genres today. Whether you’re transported to mystical mountains or a gritty city street with hidden magic around the corner, these books promise to make you fall in love with reading all over again.