Best Fantasy Books of 2018

Below you will find a list of the fantasy books published in 2018 that we enjoyed most. Click on a book title to read the full review.

  1. Circe by Madeline Miller

    Circe by Madeline Miller book cover

    In Circe, Madeline Miller performs a breathtaking act of literary alchemy, transforming a minor villain from the Odyssey into a formidable, deeply human protagonist. Miller's prose is luminous and precise, capturing the isolation of a goddess who finds herself more at home among mortals than the cruel, glittering Olympians. The novel is a profound meditation on power, motherhood, and the necessity of self-invention. By stripping away the male-centric lens of ancient epic poetry, Miller grants Circe a rich interiority, proving that true immortality lies not in divine blood, but in the enduring strength of the female spirit.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Circe by Madeline Miller

  2. Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan

    Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan book cover

    Michael J Sullivan cements his status as a master of modern fantasy with Age of War. This stellar instalment brilliantly turns history on its head, proving that legends are often warped by the victors. Sullivan excels at blending intense epic action with deep, emotional characterisation. Instead of cheap plot devices, the narrative delivers profound realism through Persephone's raw, challenging portrayal of heroism. Balancing intricate plotting with genuine human empathy, the book easily walks a wide bridge to ultimate success. It is a flawless, deeply moving triumph that perfectly showcases why Sullivan belongs at the highest peak of the entire genre.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan

  3. Legion: Lies of the Beholder by Brandon Sanderson

    Legion: Lies of the Beholder by Brandon Sanderson book cover

    Brandon Sanderson proves his mastery of the short form in this brilliant, emotionally heavy final adventure for Stephen Leeds. Moving away from his massive Cosmere epics, Sanderson crafts a beautifully concise detective story that pushes Leeds to his absolute mental limits. The book forces the protagonist to confront his own sanity and aspects in a deeply moving way, making it perhaps the finest novella in the entire trilogy. Balancing immense psychological tension with a genuinely touching conclusion, it showcases a more caring, intimate side of Sanderson's writing. It stands out as a true high point in his career.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Legion: Lies of the Beholder by Brandon Sanderson

  4. A Veil of Spears by Bradley Beaulieu

    A Veil of Spears by Bradley Beaulieu book cover

    Bradley Beaulieu completely nails the execution in this third outing. The way he handles the widening fractures between the Kings of Sharakhai whilst elevating the stakes with direct godly intervention is masterclass epic fantasy. Ceda's personal evolution from a vengeful fighter into a genuine strategist and future leader keeps you deeply invested, while the expanded focus on minor characters like Davud shows just how fragile safety is in this desert landscape. The timeline management between Sharakhai and the deeper sands delivers constant cliffhangers without ever feeling rushed. It is a darker, brilliantly structured entry that sets up magnificent things to come.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of A Veil of Spears by Bradley Beaulieu

  5. The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding

    The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding book cover

    Chris Wooding's The Ember Blade is a magnificent triumph for epic fantasy lovers. It respectfully honours classic quest tropes while injecting a modern, nuanced edge. Set against the backdrop of a Krodan occupation, the story thrives on moral ambiguity and deep characterisation rather than simple black and white heroism. The relationships are complicated, lifelike, and earned through shared hardship. Wooding masterfully balances humour, intimate character growth, and gritty reality, completely avoiding the despair of grimdark while maintaining real stakes. With an explosive, action packed final act that keeps you gasping, this brilliant opening delivers an unmissable, emotionally resonant fantasy adventure.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding

  11. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

    The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang book cover

    This novel is a harrowing transition from a classic "magic school" setup into a brutal depiction of total war. Drawing heavily from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking, Kuang does not shy away from the atrocities of conflict. The protagonist, Rin, must decide if saving her people is worth sacrificing her soul and becoming a literal monster. It is an exploration of trauma, drugs, and the cyclical nature of vengeance. It is one of the most emotionally devastating reads in the genre.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

  19. The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman

    Reading The Mortal Word is some of the most fun you’ll have with a book in your life, and the fact that there’s already seven novels published (as of January 2021) means there’s more fun just around the turn of the page. Clever and witty, all while offering up a love letter to the detective genre and balancing the smartest urban fantasy worldbuilding in the business, The Mortal Word is an absolute gem and a must read for just about anyone.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman

  20. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    The Cruel Prince by Holly Black book cover

    Holly Black's "The Cruel Prince" is a masterclass in the "enemies-to-lovers" romantasy arc, set within a lethally atmospheric Faerie. Unlike softer depictions of magic, Black's Elfhame is a jagged landscape of political intrigue and casual cruelty. Jude Duarte is a refreshingly sharp protagonist; her ambition and vulnerability make her a perfect foil to Prince Cardan's hedonistic malice. Their dynamic is a tense, psychological chess match where desire is inextricably linked to power. It is a sophisticated, dark exploration of belonging that favours sharp wits over easy charms. For readers seeking high stakes and morally grey tension, this is essential.

    Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black