Top Fantasy - Best Fantasy Books Ranking 2025

When young Fitz is brought to the court of the Six Duchies, he is unaware that his arrival will forever alter his life—and the fate of the entire kingdom. As the illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry, Fitz's mere existence forces his father to relinquish the throne to protect the royal family's honor, igniting a fierce struggle for succession. Alone and adrift in this unfamiliar world, Fitz must navigate the treacherous waters of court intrigue. Amidst this turmoil, Fitz discovers the Wit, a mysterious magic that allows him to communicate with animals. But this power is fraught with danger and suspicion, drawing the attention of King Shrewd. The king assigns Fitz an unusual mission: to master the clandestine art of assassination, a lethal diplomacy that could tip the balance of power. In a realm where poison, magic, and sharpened blades weave the fabric of daily life, Fitz must learn to wield his talents wisely, or risk becoming a pawn in a deadly game. Robin Hobb's "Assassin's Apprentice" is a spellbinding tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the painful journey to find one's place in a world rife with peril. Prepare to be swept into a richly crafted fantasy that will leave you yearning for more.

Emerging from the perilous mountains, Fitz finds himself back in the castle's labyrinth of power and deceit. The young assassin must navigate a world where the stakes are higher than ever. While King-in-Waiting Verity exhausts his strength and magical Skill to fend off the relentless Red Ship Raiders, his cunning brother, Prince Regal, schemes to seize the throne for himself. Caught in a web of loyalty and love, Fitz is torn between his duty to the crown and his heart's desire for Molly. As he wrestles with the dilemma of using his forbidden Wit magic, Fitz must decide how to protect those he loves without betraying his own lineage and talents. In a world where every choice is fraught with danger and every ally could be a foe, Fitz must grow wise and resilient to survive the court's treacherous intrigues and the yearning of his own heart. Can he outwit Prince Regal and uphold his honor, or will the shadows of the past and the demands of the present tear him apart? Dive into this intricate tale of loyalty, love, and the relentless pursuit of power.

In "Assassin's Quest [Clothbound Edition]" by Robin Hobb, the kingdom of the Six Duchies teeters on the brink of annihilation. Long ago, King Shrewd withstood the relentless siege of seafaring marauders. Now, in a desperate bid to save his realm from the vicious onslaught of the Red Ship Raiders, he embarks on a perilous journey to seek out the legendary Elderlings—a people whose very existence is shrouded in myth and mystery. As the King sets sail in search of this elusive salvation, a sinister plot brews at home. The departure of the King-Servant leaves a treacherous path open for his ambitious younger brother, who hungers for the throne. Caught in this web of intrigue and betrayal, FitzChivalry Farseer, the royal assassin, must navigate the deadly politics of the court. Armed not only with his cunning and skill but also with the dark art of poisons, FitzChivalry is thrust into a battle to protect the dynasty he serves. Immerse yourself in this epic tale of loyalty, deception, and the quest for redemption. With Hobb's masterful storytelling and rich world-building, "Assassin's Quest" invites readers on a journey where the line between ally and enemy blurs, and the fate of a kingdom hangs by a thread. Will FitzChivalry's cunning be enough to save the realm from ruin? Discover the answer in this captivating fantasy adventure.

In "A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow," the first part of the third book in George R. R. Martin's epic saga, "A Song of Ice and Fire," the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros are drenched in chaos and bloodshed as winter looms with a ferocious intensity. The North faces a dire threat: a horde of wild, ravenous people, steeped in the mystic darkness of the wild, stand ready to storm the lands ruled by the newly crowned Robb Stark. Yet, Robb's defenses are turned toward the treacherous South, where the cunning Lannisters hold his young sisters captive. As the war for the Iron Throne blazes with unparalleled fury, the stakes rise higher than ever. Should the Wall fall, no king will survive to claim the throne's perilous power. Martin's storytelling masterfully captures the intricate and intoxicating complexity of historical conflicts like the Wars of the Roses and the grandeur of Imperial Rome, all woven into his fantastical world. This installment promises to solidify its place among the titans of fantasy literature, offering readers a colossal and staggering journey through betrayal, honor, and the relentless quest for power. Dive into a realm where blood runs deeper than oaths and the shadow of winter threatens to consume all.

In the wake of King Robert Baratheon's suspicious death, the Seven Kingdoms are plunged into chaos. Young Joffrey sits uneasily on the Iron Throne, but true power hides in the shadows, wielded by his manipulative mother, a cunning eunuch, and a sharp-witted dwarf. As whispers of discontent echo through the land, four noble factions rise, each proclaiming their own kingly right, thrusting Westeros into a tempest of war and betrayal. Overhead, a blood-red comet blazes across the sky, a harbinger of the turmoil to come. From the ancient halls of Dragonstone to the icy reaches of Winterfell, the realm is torn asunder. Six mighty factions vie for dominance, each seeking to claim the Iron Throne through the clashing of swords and the spilling of blood. Amidst the chaos, alliances are shattered and bonds of loyalty are tested. A princess dons the guise of a lowly orphan boy, while a cerebral knight concocts a deadly poison for a treacherous sorceress. From the Mountains of the Moon, savage clans descend to pillage the lands. In this gripping tale of incest, intrigue, and fratricide, victory belongs to those with the coldest steel—and the coldest hearts. As kings clash, the very earth trembles beneath their feet. Enter a world where the stakes are life and death, and only the cunning will survive.

The Seven Kingdoms are on the brink of collapse. The realm is nursing its wounds as wars have desolated the lands, plagues have ravaged the harvests, and marauders roam the wasted territories. Yet, the quest for power remains relentless. As each claimant to the Iron Throne weaves their intricate plots, the Lannisters forge precarious alliances, Stannis Baratheon delves deeper into the enigmatic faith of R'hllor, the Lord of Light, and Robb Stark dreams of a shattered Winterfell. Meanwhile, looming threats gather at the borders, far beyond the Wall in the icy North. As the mighty maneuver their pieces in the game of thrones, the vulnerable struggle for mere survival. "A Storm of Swords," the third installment in George R. R. Martin's epic series, "A Song of Ice and Fire," immerses readers in a world where loyalty is fleeting, the line between friend and foe blurs, and the price of ambition is steep. Martin's masterful storytelling and intricate character arcs deliver a narrative rich with political intrigue, unexpected betrayals, and heart-stopping action. Immerse yourself in a tale where honor battles against treachery, and every decision could mean the difference between life and death. Prepare for a thrilling ride through a land where winter is coming, and no one is safe from the storm.

In the land of Westeros, where power is fleeting and betrayal is a breath away, the Lannisters hold sway upon the Iron Throne, ruling through the young King Tommen. Yet, peace remains an illusion as the embers of war give rise to fresh conflicts. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell burn with the desire for vengeance, seeking justice for their fallen kin. Meanwhile, the notorious pirate Euron Crow's Eye returns from the haunted ruins of Valyria to stake his claim upon the Iron Isles, bringing chaos in his wake. From the frozen reaches of the North, where the sinister Others loom beyond the Wall, the earnest Samwell Tarly embarks on a perilous journey to the Citadel, a mysterious infant cradled in his arms. Amidst a landscape shadowed by incest, treachery, and the alchemy of ambition, only those with the steeliest resolve and the coldest hearts will emerge victorious. George R. R. Martin weaves an intricate tapestry of intrigue and survival in "A Feast for Crows," a masterful continuation of his saga that will ensnare your imagination. With vivid prose and relentless tension, this novel promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to rest until the last page is turned. Dive into a world where every alliance is fraught with danger, and every victory comes at a cost.

In "A Dance with Dragons," the enthralling fifth installment of George R. R. Martin's acclaimed series "A Song of Ice and Fire," the Seven Kingdoms are engulfed in the aftermath of war, while new threats rise from both the North and the East. As winter looms ever closer, the fragile peace is shattered, and the battle for the Iron Throne becomes more perilous. In the North, Jon Snow, the newly appointed Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, must balance loyalty to his sworn brothers with the pressing demands of diplomacy and the looming threat of the White Walkers. Across the sea, Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, struggles to maintain control over the city of Meereen, torn between her desire to rule and the uncontrollable power of her growing dragons. Meanwhile, in King's Landing, the political machinations continue as Tyrion Lannister, the cunning dwarf, navigates a web of deceit and danger. As old alliances shatter and new ones form, the stakes grow ever higher, with each character facing their own trials in a world where survival is never guaranteed. George R. R. Martin masterfully weaves a tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, and ambition, drawing readers deeper into a world where no one is safe, and the dance of dragons begins anew. Fans of epic fantasy will find themselves captivated by this gripping continuation of a beloved saga, where every choice could mean life or death.

Step into the enthralling world of "The Alloy of Law," where the echoes of the past Mistborn trilogy reverberate through a realm on the brink of modernity. In the three centuries since the legendary events that reshaped Scadrial, the land is now a marvel of technological progress, boasting railroads, electric lights, and towering steel skyscrapers. Yet, amidst these advancements, the ancient magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy persist, weaving their influence through society. Enter Waxillium Ladrian, a formidable Twinborn who has spent two decades in the lawless frontier known as the Roughs. With his unique ability to manipulate metals and alter his weight at will, he has maintained order in the wild lands. Now, as he returns to the sophisticated life of the city to fulfill his duties as head of a noble house, Wax discovers that the polished streets and grand estates harbor dangers more cunning than the open plains he once patrolled. Brandon Sanderson crafts a thrilling standalone tale that melds the intrigue of a Victorian detective with the exhilarating powers of a superhero. "The Alloy of Law" is a captivating journey filled with razor-edged wit, electrifying action, and the timeless struggle between duty and destiny. Dive into a world where tradition clashes with progress, and one man's legacy could change everything.

In the thriving metropolis of Elendel, set against the backdrop of a rapidly industrializing late 19th-century North America, turmoil brews beneath the surface. Waxillium "Wax" Ladrian, once a legendary lawman of the Roughs, now seeks a quieter life as he prepares for his impending marriage to the practical Steris. However, peace proves elusive as unrest spreads through the city—grueling working conditions, rampant industrialization, and political corruption stir the masses into discontent. When an audacious attack during a clandestine meeting leaves the city's criminal elite—and the governor's own brother—slain, chaos tightens its grip on Elendel. Undeterred by the looming danger, Wax is compelled to uncover the truth behind these brutal murders. With his loyal ally Wayne by his side and the sharp-witted Marasi, Steris's half-sister and a rising star in the police force, Wax dives into a tangled web of intrigue and danger. "Shadows of Self" by Brandon Sanderson weaves a masterful tale of mystery and justice in a world where magic and technology coexist. As Wax battles to restore order, readers will be captivated by the rich world-building and complex characters that make this Mistborn novel an exhilarating page-turner.

In "The Bands of Mourning," a captivating installment in the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, the legendary metalminds of the Lord Ruler—said to bestow his formidable powers upon any who dare to wear them—are the stuff of myths. Few believe in their existence until a kandra researcher arrives in Elendel with tantalizing images and mysterious writings that hint at their reality. Enter Waxillium Ladrian, a lawman drawn into a world of intrigue when he is tasked with venturing to the distant city of New Seran. His mission: to uncover the truth behind these enigmatic relics. Along his journey, Waxillium stumbles upon far more than he bargained for, unearthing the clandestine motives of his uncle Edwarn and the ominous machinations of a secretive cabal known as The Set. As Waxillium delves deeper into this web of secrets, he is propelled into a thrilling adventure that challenges his beliefs and tests his resolve. Sanderson weaves a masterful tale of mystery and magic, where the line between myth and reality blurs, and the stakes could not be higher. Prepare for a breathtaking journey into a richly imagined world, where each revelation brings new dangers, and ancient powers lurk just beyond reach.

In "Lost Metal: A Mistborn Novel," the grand saga that cemented Brandon Sanderson as a fantasy master reaches a thrilling conclusion in its second era. As the fate of Scadrial hangs precariously, Waxillium Ladrian has tirelessly hunted the elusive organization known as the Set. When Marasi and Wayne stumble upon a cache of weapons destined for the outer city of Bilming, a perilous new lead emerges. Wax uncovers a devastating explosive, realizing it may already be in the Set's hands. Meanwhile, an immortal kandra unveils a chilling truth: Bilming has succumbed to the sway of a new god, Trell. The time has come for a hero to rise and save Scadrial from impending doom, or watch as its millions of inhabitants face catastrophic destruction. With more than ten million copies sold worldwide, the Mistborn series has captivated readers, and "Lost Metal" delivers a pulse-pounding, deeply satisfying finale that will leave fans breathless. Embark on this epic adventure and discover why Kirkus Reviews praises it as "a thrilling and immensely satisfying conclusion."

In the enthralling sequel to the Founders Trilogy, "City of Stairs," master storyteller Robert Jackson Bennett invites you back into a world where magic is the key to revolution. Sancia Grado and her band of allies from Entremuros are determined to ignite a magical-industrial uprising to topple the mighty merchant houses from within, having narrowly saved the city of Tevanne. Their mission is to unveil the arcane secrets of Sigil-writing for all its citizens. But the stakes are higher than ever. One of the formidable houses has resorted to a desperate measure: the resurrection of the legendary hierophant, Crasedes Magnus. Once a mere mortal, this immortal being has harnessed the power of the Sigils to become godlike. Awoken from his long slumber, Crasedes Magnus is relentless in his quest to reshape the world in his dark image. As ancient powers awaken and the balance of the world teeters, Sancia faces an unimaginable challenge. To stop this resurrected deity, she must harness the only thing capable of confronting a god—a god of her own making. Embark on a journey filled with breathtaking magic, intricate politics, and gripping suspense, as "City of Stairs" delivers a tale of rebellion, ancient forces, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream of a better world.

In "City of Blades," the climactic finale of "The Founders" trilogy, Sancia, Clef, and Berenice face their most formidable challenge yet. No longer battling mere thieves or an immortal hierophant, they confront an entity whose intelligence spans half the globe, wielding magic to manipulate objects and control human minds. To counter this unstoppable force, they harness the ancient art of scriving, transforming themselves and their allies into an unprecedented army. Despite their efforts, their adversary marches ever forward, relentless and implacable. As the entity nears its goal—a long-buried portal leading to the heart of creation—Sancia and her companions glimpse one last chance to halt its advance. To succeed, they must unravel the enigma surrounding the origins of scriving, infiltrate the enemy's stronghold, and execute the most daring heist of their lives. Along the way, they will be forced to sacrifice more than they ever imagined possible. This gripping tale of magic, friendship, and sacrifice weaves an epic narrative that will captivate readers, offering a breathtaking conclusion to a series that redefines the boundaries of fantasy. Will Sancia and her friends succeed, or will the world fall under the shadow of an unfathomable power? Discover the answers in this thrilling saga where the stakes have never been higher.

In "City of Miracles," the thrilling conclusion to Robert Jackson Bennett's acclaimed Divine Cities trilogy, a storm of vengeance brews. Sigrud je Harkvaldsson emerges from the shadows, driven by grief and fury. The assassination of Shara Komayd, former Prime Minister of Saypur and Sigrud's closest friend, has shattered his world. For thirteen long years, Sigrud, disguised as the silent woodworker 'Bjorn' in a remote logging town, awaited a summons from Shara, believing he had a crucial part to play in her grand designs. But now, her voice is silenced forever. With nothing left to lose, Sigrud embarks on a relentless quest for justice. Haunted by the memory of his daughter Signe's death, which he could not prevent, he is determined not to fail again. The path ahead is fraught with peril, entwining with the threads of fate that bind the Divine Cities. As Sigrud seeks the truth behind Shara's murder, he uncovers secrets that could reshape the world. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Brent Weeks, and China Miéville, "City of Miracles" offers a gripping exploration of loyalty, loss, and the unyielding pursuit of redemption. Join Sigrud on his electrifying journey, where the line between vengeance and justice blurs, and the echoes of the divine rumble through a world on the brink of transformation.

In the gritty underbelly of the city, where survival is a game of shadows and steel, young Azoth dreams of escaping the squalor of the Warrens. To make this dream a reality, he must apprentice under the infamous Durzo Blint, the most feared assassin of the realm. But becoming a master of the shadows demands more than just skill; it requires leaving behind everything familiar and stepping into a world where trust is a luxury and your next move could be your last. "The Way of Shadows" by Brent Weeks weaves a mesmerizing tale of ambition, danger, and transformation. As Azoth takes on the mantle of Kylar Stern, he must navigate a treacherous path of intrigue and betrayal, learning that the perfect killer has no friends, only targets. With each lesson from Blint, Azoth inches closer to his goal, but at what cost to his soul? This gripping debut offers a thrilling exploration of the darkness within and the relentless pursuit of power. Dive into a world where the line between hero and villain blurs, and every shadow hides a secret waiting to be unveiled. Will Azoth emerge as a master of death, or will the shadows consume him first? Discover the answer in this riveting tale of destiny and ambition.

In "Shadow's Edge," the line between friend and foe blurs in a world driven by shadows and secrets. Kylar Stern, once the most feared assassin, has stepped away from his lethal past. The fall of his mentor, Durzo, and the supposed death of his best friend, Logan Gyre—the rightful heir to the throne—during a brutal invasion by the God-King's forces, have left him adrift. Now, seeking solace and a fresh start, Kylar settles in a new city, embracing a peaceful life away from the blade. But peace is fragile. When whispers reach him that Logan is alive, imprisoned in a nightmarish dungeon, Kylar faces a heart-wrenching decision. Should he abandon his newfound tranquility and reunite with the deadly skills he vowed to forsake, risking everything for his friend and the fate of his country? Or should he remain in the shadows, leaving the past behind? Brent Weeks weaves a gripping tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption, where one man must decide if he will embrace the darkness within to become the hero he never intended to be. Dive into a world where identities are masks, and the ultimate battle is waged not just against enemies, but within one's own soul. Will Kylar find the courage to face the shadows once more?

In "Beyond the Shadows," Brent Weeks crafts a thrilling tale of power, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. The people of Cenaria have triumphed over their tyrannical overlord, the god-king Garoth Ursuul, and the Khalidoran Empire, but victory comes with a steep price. The kingdom lies in ruins, and Logan Gyre, the rightful heir to the throne, relinquishes his crown to a noble ally of the rebellion to prevent further bloodshed and civil unrest. As Cenaria grapples with its fragile peace, a new ruler rises in Khalidor, wielding a plan so cunning that it could cement his dominion forever. In this turbulent world, Kylar Stern, no longer just a novice assassin, confronts the dire cost of immortality. To save his friends and his homeland, he faces an unthinkable challenge: to kill a goddess. Success could mean salvation for thousands, but failure would plunge the continent into darkness. Yet, even victory holds its own price, threatening to strip away everything that gives Kylar's life meaning. Dive into a gripping saga where the line between hero and killer blurs, and every choice echoes across the fate of nations. Join Kylar on a journey where courage is tested and loyalty is stretched to its limits, in a world where the shadows are never quite what they seem.

In "The Black Prism," the first installment of Brent Weeks' riveting Lightbringer series, a world driven by color and sorcery unfurls its magic and mystery. At the heart of this vibrant realm is the Prism, the most powerful man alive, whose ability to harness and control light is unparalleled. Gavin Guile, the current Prism, is a man burdened by both the weight of his duty and a secret that could unravel the very fabric of his world. As the delicate balance of power teeters on the brink of collapse, Gavin discovers he has a son he never knew existed—a son who could either be his greatest redemption or his ultimate downfall. With the Seven Satrapies poised for war, Gavin must navigate treacherous political landscapes, confront ancient foes, and wield his astonishing abilities to protect his legacy. Brent Weeks crafts a masterful tapestry of intrigue, magic, and complex characters in a tale where every color holds a power, and every decision carries a consequence. "The Black Prism" invites readers into a world where the light can be both a tool of creation and a weapon of destruction, promising an epic journey of discovery, sacrifice, and transformation. Dive into this enchanting narrative where the spectrum of possibilities is as vast as the hues of light itself.

In "The Blinding Knife," the second book of Brent Weeks' mesmerizing Lightbringer series, the world teeters on the brink of chaos. Gavin Guile, the Prism, lies adrift on a fragile skimmer in the vast expanse of the sea, a reflection of his precarious hold on power and destiny. This is a realm where magic is wielded through the harnessing of colors, and Gavin's mastery of light is unparalleled. Yet, his greatest secret threatens to unravel everything he has fought to protect. As Gavin struggles against enemies both seen and unseen, he must confront dark truths and make impossible choices. His estranged brother, Kip, grapples with his own burgeoning powers and the weight of legacy thrust upon him. A dangerous prophecy looms, promising destruction unless Gavin can unite the fractured Seven Satrapies. In a world where alliances shift as swiftly as the tides, the stakes are higher than ever. Brent Weeks weaves a tapestry of intrigue, magic, and betrayal, crafting a narrative that is as unforgiving as it is enthralling. Dive into a tale where the boundaries of loyalty and ambition blur, and discover a universe where light is both a weapon and a shield. "The Blinding Knife" is a journey into the heart of power, where every decision could be the one that tips the balance toward salvation or doom.