Best Fantasy Books for Adults 2025: Epic Worlds & Unforgettable Adventures

Fantasy isn't just escapism—it's a portal to worlds where anything is possible. From epic battles between good and evil to quiet stories of personal magic, fantasy books offer something for every reader in 2025.

Why Fantasy Is Having Its Golden Age

Fantasy has exploded beyond traditional sword-and-sorcery tales. Today's fantasy encompasses:

Romantasy: Romance-forward fantasy taking BookTok by storm
Cozy Fantasy: Low-stakes magical comfort reads
Grimdark: Morally complex, realistic fantasy
Progressive Fantasy: LitRPG and cultivation novels
Mythic Retellings: Fresh takes on ancient stories

Discover your fantasy subgenre

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Best Fantasy Books of 2025

New Releases Making Waves

The Will of the Many

James Islington

A gripping tale of power, politics, and revolution in a Roman-inspired fantasy world. Think Red Rising meets Name of the Wind.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands

Heather Fawcett

The delightful sequel blending academia, faeries, and slow-burn romance. Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy.

The Crimson Moth

Kristen Ciccarelli

Enemies-to-lovers romantasy with a assassin heroine and a witch prince. Your next Fourth Wing obsession.

Modern Classics You Can't Miss

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

Groundbreaking trilogy that revolutionized fantasy
Unique magic system based on seismic power
Explores oppression, motherhood, and survival
Hugo Award winner (entire trilogy!)

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Epic worldbuilding with unique magic systems
Multiple POV characters with complex arcs
Perfect for readers ready for 1000+ page commitments
Ongoing series with dedicated fandom

Jade City by Fonda Lee

Asian-inspired urban fantasy
Godfather meets martial arts magic
Family drama and political intrigue
Complete trilogy

Fantasy Subgenres Explained

Epic/High Fantasy

What it is: Secondary worlds, grand scale, world-ending stakes Start with: Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, Stormlight Archive Perfect for: Readers who love immersive worldbuilding

Urban Fantasy

What it is: Magic in modern city settings Start with: Dresden Files, Rivers of London, Kate Daniels Perfect for: Mystery lovers wanting magical elements

Grimdark Fantasy

What it is: Morally gray characters, realistic violence, cynical worldview Start with: First Law trilogy, The Broken Empire, The Poppy War Perfect for: Readers tired of chosen ones and happy endings

Cozy/Comfort Fantasy

What it is: Low stakes, feel-good magical stories Start with: Legends & Lattes, The House in the Cerulean Sea, Howl's Moving Castle Perfect for: Stressed readers needing comfort

New to Fantasy?

Start with shorter standalones or completed trilogies. Try The Hobbit, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, or The Goblin Emperor for accessible entry points.

2025 Fantasy Trends to Watch

1. Romantasy Dominance

Romance + Fantasy continues its takeover with books like:

Fourth Wing series
From Blood and Ash
A Court of Thorns and Roses

2. Diverse Mythologies

Moving beyond European folklore:

African-inspired: Rage of Dragons
Asian-inspired: She Who Became the Sun
Middle Eastern-inspired: The City of Brass

3. Climate Fantasy (Cli-Fi Fantasy)

Environmental themes in magical settings:

The Fifth Season
The Books of the Raksura
The Broken Earth trilogy

4. Cozy Fantasy Explosion

Comfort reads gaining mainstream appeal:

Legends & Lattes started a movement
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea
The Spellshop

Building Your Fantasy Reading List

For Beginners

The Hobbit - Classic, accessible, short
Harry Potter - Gateway drug to fantasy
The Princess Bride - Fun, romantic, adventurous

For Romance Lovers

ACOTAR - Fae courts and steamy romance
From Blood and Ash - Plot twists and passion
The Bridge Kingdom - Political intrigue romance

For Complexity Seekers

Malazan Book of the Fallen - Ultimate challenge
The Wheel of Time - 14-book epic journey
The Stormlight Archive - Sanderson's masterwork

For Quick Reads

The Goblin Emperor - Standalone court intrigue
Piranesi - Mind-bending, beautiful, short
The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Novella perfection

Fantasy Reading Challenges for 2025

Try the Fantasy Bingo Challenge

Read 25 books fitting different squares like:

Found family
Magical academy
Dragon rider
Portal fantasy
Standalone novel

Common Fantasy Reading Mistakes to Avoid

Starting with unfinished series - Check publication status first
Ignoring content warnings - Fantasy can get dark
Forcing yourself through classics - Modern fantasy might suit you better
Not exploring subgenres - High fantasy isn't everything
Book shaming - YA fantasy is valid at any age

FAQs About Fantasy Books

What's the difference between YA and Adult fantasy?

Primarily protagonist age, content explicitness, and theme complexity. YA features teens, less explicit content, and coming-of-age themes. Adult has mature themes, explicit content, and older protagonists.

Should I read series in publication or chronological order?

Publication order is usually best. Authors reveal information assuming you've read previous books, even in prequels.

How do I keep track of complex fantasy worlds?

Take notes, use fan wikis (avoiding spoilers), join reading communities, or embrace confusion—rereading reveals new layers.

Your Fantasy Journey Starts Here

Whether you're seeking epic adventures, cozy comfort, or romantic escapism, fantasy offers infinite worlds to explore. The golden age of fantasy means there's never been a better time to dive in.

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