Best Fantasy Books of 1990

Below you will find a list of the fantasy books published in 1990 that we enjoyed most. Click on a book title to read the full review.

  1. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

    Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay book cover

    Guy Gavriel Kay's Tigana is a gorgeous, heartbreaking masterclass in fantasy storytelling. Centred on the young musician Devin d'Asoli, the narrative plunges into a quest to reclaim a homeland whose very name was magically erased by a grieving sorcerer-tyrant. Kay expertly balances grand adventure with rich emotional depth, exploring themes of identity, memory, and loss. The real magic lies in its tragic nuance; characters face painful moral compromises, and even the villains are given profound humanity. It is a thrilling, beautifully layered novel that hits even harder upon reflection, cementing itself as an unforgettable, soul-stirring masterpiece.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

  3. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett

    Good Omens by Terry Pratchett book cover

    Good Omens is the ultimate divine comedy - a masterclass in witty apocalypse management. When an angel (Aziraphale) and a demon (Crowley) realise they actually enjoy Earth's comforts, they team up to sabotage the end of the world. Pratchett's razor-sharp satire perfectly balances Gaiman's dark, whimsical atmosphere. The result is a hilarious deconstruction of theology where the Four Horsemen ride motorcycles and the Antichrist is just a normal kid. It is smart, absurdly funny, and surprisingly heartwarming. If you love footnotes, sharp British wit, and organised celestial chaos, this is your holy grail.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Good Omens by Terry Pratchett

  5. Winterlong by Elizabeth Hand

    The most basic thing I can say about Winterlong, is that if people really want to explore flawed, human, at times beautiful, at times extremely ugly people trying to cope in a world that is truly strange, unnerving and alien, well here it is!

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Winterlong by Elizabeth Hand

  6. The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling

    The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling book cover

    Often hailed as the book that codified the genre, The Difference Engine is a masterclass in 'what-if' historical fiction. Gibson and Sterling craft a 1855 London where Charles Babbage's analytical engine actually works, sparking a premature information age. The atmosphere is thick with coal smoke, social unrest, and the hum of punch-card computing. It is a dense, cerebral read that swaps cybernetics for steam-driven gears without losing any of the grit found in traditional cyberpunk. While the plot is complex, the world-building is unparalleled. It is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the roots of steampunk.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling