Best Fantasy Books of 2013

Below you will find a list of the fantasy books published in 2013 that we enjoyed most. Click on a book title to read the full review.

  8. Hild by Nicola Griffith

    Hild by Nicola Griffith book cover

    Nicola Griffith's "Hild" is a towering achievement of "secret history" that feels more like a vivid memory than a novel. Set in 7th-century Britain, it reimagines the life of Saint Hilda of Whitby. While the fantasy elements are subtle - Hild's "magic" is her peerless ability to read patterns in nature and human behavior - the atmosphere is thick with ancient spirituality. The prose is lush, visceral, and deeply researched, transporting you to a world of mead halls and brutal political shifts. It is a demanding, brilliant read for those who appreciate historical accuracy over flashy sorcery.

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  9. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

    Life After Life by Kate Atkinson book cover

    Kate Atkinson's Life After Life is a profound exploration of the "what if" through the lens of early 20th-century history. The story follows Ursula Todd, who dies and is reborn repeatedly, each cycle shifting her fate based on minute decisions. It is a fantastic read because it uses a speculative mechanic reincarnation - to create an intimate, multi-angled portrait of the World War II era. Atkinson's prose is exquisitely detailed, capturing the domestic fragility of English life alongside the sheer scale of the Blitz. It is a haunting, literary masterpiece that turns the linear nature of history into a beautiful, tragic loop.

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  13. The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker

    The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker book cover

    Helene Wecker's The Golem and the Djinni is a luminous masterpiece that weaves Jewish and Arabic folklore into the bustling streets of 1899 New York. The story follows Chava, a golem made of clay, and Ahmad, a jinni of fire, as they navigate the immigrant experience in a strange land. It is fantastic because it treats its supernatural leads with profound humanity, exploring their loneliness and desire for agency. The historical atmosphere of the Lower East Side is vibrant and authentic, serving as the perfect backdrop for a slow-burning, philosophical exploration of fate versus free will.

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  36. Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft

    Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft book cover

    Josiah Bancroft's 'Senlin Ascends' is a towering achievement in modern steampunk. Eschewing tired tropes, it introduces Thomas Senlin, a mild-mannered headmaster who loses his wife within the chaotic shadows of the Tower of Babel. The world-building is breathtaking; the Tower is a vertical labyrinth of distinct, imaginative 'ringdoms' powered by steam, mystery, and socio-political rot. Bancroft's prose is elegant and witty, elevating the narrative beyond a simple rescue mission into a profound exploration of character. It is a whimsical yet harrowing journey that proves the genre still has immense room for literary innovation and wonder.

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  38. Cold Steel by Kate Elliott

    Trouble, treachery and magic seem to follow Cat Barahal wherever she goes. The Master of the Wild Hunt has stolen away her husband. The ruler of the Taino kingdom blames her for his mother's murder. An enraged fire mage wants to kill her. And Cat, her cousin Bee and her half-brother Rory aren't even back in Europa yet, where revolution is burning up the streets.

    Rebellions to plot. Enemies to crush. Handsome men to rescue. Cat and Bee have their work cut out for them.

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