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.

Circe by Madeline Miller

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
Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan

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
Legion: Lies of the Beholder by Brandon Sanderson

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
A Veil of Spears by Bradley Beaulieu

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
The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding

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
Fire and Blood by George RR Martin

Forget any lingering frustration over waiting for the next main novel. Fire and Blood is an absolute triumph that reminds us exactly why we fell in love with Westeros. It is a masterclass in world building, chronicling the fascinating, coin flip madness and greatness of the Targaryen dynasty. From Aegon's legendary conquest to the tyrannical, mysterious reign of Maegor the Cruel, Martin weaves a historical tapestry of noble lords, heroes, and psychopaths. Only Tolkien's Middle-earth rival's this level of sheer scale. It is a rich, deeply enthralling lore-fest that makes the fantasy world feel completely, beautifully alive.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Fire and Blood by George RR Martin
Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence

Mark Lawrence's Grey Sister is a masterful evolution of the Book of the Ancestor trilogy. It pushes Nona Grey into a larger, more claustrophobic world where the freezing walls of the Corridor are closing in. Lawrence pairs his trademark dark, poetic prose with exceptional character growth. Nona must grapple with her own rage, lethal magic, and a shadowy passenger named Keot. With the addition of multiple viewpoints, including the brilliantly calculating Abbess Glass, the stakes rise from convent politics to a global struggle for survival. It is a tense, violent, and deeply emotional read featuring one of fantasy's absolute best final acts.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence
Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews delivers an absolute masterclass in character redemption with Iron and Magic. The story follows Hugh d'Ambray, a former warlord hit by a brutal fall from grace. Rather than erasing his villainous past, the authors brilliantly reframe his world, allowing him to reclaim his agency alongside a compelling new ally in Elara Harper. Their dynamic is electric, sparking with intense, snarky banter and heavy sexual tension. Packed with incredible action, imaginative monsters, and genuine emotional depth, the novel is a thrilling, hilarious ride that perfectly balances redemption, loyalty, and choice within a familiar urban fantasy setting.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
The Fall of Gondolin by J. R. R. Tolkien

For any devotee of Middle-earth, The Fall of Gondolin is an essential, deeply moving experience. Whilst The Silmarillion offers only a brief summary of this legendary First Age siege, this volume acts as a brilliant, detailed window into Tolkien's creative evolution. Curated lovingly by his son Christopher, the book traces the tale from its earliest drafts to its final, epic form. It delivers a tragic, romantic narrative of Tuor and Idril, alongside vivid, dramatic battles featuring dragons and Balrogs. Complete with Alan Lee's stunning illustrations, it is a glorious, fitting farewell to the legendary history of Middle-earth.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Fall of Gondolin by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Divine Cities Trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett

Robert Jackson Bennett's The Divine Cities Trilogy is an absolute masterclass in original, intelligent fantasy. Set in a world where mortals killed the gods that once enslaved them, it blends murder mystery, espionage, and explosive reality bending miracles. Instead of typical teenage heroes, we follow mature, world weary protagonists ageing over decades, lending real weight and wisdom to their choices. Bennett avoids cheap tropes, giving every side character agency while building an intricate, post divine world. The storytelling shifts effortlessly from quiet investigative intrigue to heart pounding action, culminating in a deeply emotional, satisfying conclusion that stays with you long after the final page.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Divine Cities Trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

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
Shattered Dreams by Ulff Lehmann

Ulff Lehmann's Shattered Dreams is a brilliant, deeply personal dark fantasy that subverts standard invasion tropes. At its heart is Drangar Ralgon, a mercenary whose battle with trauma and depression is handled with extraordinary care, making his inner monologue truly resonate. Lehmann weaves a complex web of political intrigue, surreal magic, spirit walking, and banished elves, all lightened by a witty talking squirrel. The prose effortlessly shifts from grounded action to abstract, poetic beauty. It demands your patience, but this richly layered epic repays you tenfold, marking an incredible opening to a grand five-part saga.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Shattered Dreams by Ulff Lehmann
A Time of Dread by John Gwynne

Returning to John Gwynne's Banished Lands 120 years after his epic original series is an absolute treat. A Time of Dread kicks off a dark, exhilarating new era where the line between good and evil grows deliciously blurred. The angel-like Ben-Elim now rule, but their oppressive authority breeds quiet rebellion. Following just four tightly focused viewpoints, Gwynne builds a patient burn that explodes into intense action, brutal battles, and jaw-dropping betrayals. Whether you love giant riding bears or brilliant, unpredictable plot twists, Gwynne's rich history and grim reality make this an unmissable, gripping fantasy masterclass for old fans and newcomers alike.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of A Time of Dread by John Gwynne
Paris Adrift by E. J. Swift

E. J. Swift's Paris Adrift is a brilliant, hugely inventive time-travel story that feels beautifully grounded. Following Hallie, a young woman working at a dive bar in Clichy who accidentally stumbles into a time anomaly, the novel seamlessly blends high-stakes sci-fi with intimate drama. Swift grounds the temporal madness in rich atmosphere and genuine heart, building a vibrant cast of friends around Hallie who make her world worth saving. Instead of an all-knowing heroine, Hallie feels delightfully human as she navigates dystopian threats and historic Parisian streets. It is an overwhelming, deeply affecting read about finding inner strength and belonging.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Paris Adrift by E. J. Swift
The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson

Tyrell Johnson's The Wolves of Winter is a remarkably taut, affecting post-apocalyptic story that breathes fresh life into a familiar genre. Set in the freezing Canadian Yukon after nuclear war and disease collapse civilisation, it follows Lynn McBride, a fiercely skilled young woman trying to protect her family. What makes this book shine is its deep emotional core. Lynn's raw grief over her father and her genuine humanity anchor the narrative amidst the harsh, snowy wilderness. Packed with conspiracy, intense survival action, and an intriguing stranger named Jax, it balances heartbreaking loss with gripping adventure to deliver a captivating, beautifully written read.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson
Bone Driven by Hailey Edwards

Hailey Edwards' Bone Driven is a wonderfully lively urban fantasy that balances supernatural stakes with genuine heart. Picking up shortly after Bayou Born, it thrusts small-town cop Luce Boudreau into the deep end as she struggles to conceal her dark secret identity while investigating a harrowing new arson case. Edwards excels at weaving laugh-out-loud humour and sharp snark with deeply personal, poignant moments among Luce and her coterie. The tension between human warmth and demon danger keeps the pages turning, making Luce a hero you cannot help but root for. It is an inventive, multifaceted read that delivers a fantastic emotional punch.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Bone Driven by Hailey Edwards
Symphony of the Wind by Steven McKinnon

Steven McKinnon's debut, Symphony of the Wind, is a sensational, genre-blending ride. Mixing post-steampunk aesthetics with military fantasy, political conspiracy, and dark creatures, it delivers a high-octane adventure that hits like a summer blockbuster. Once past its opening setup, the story charges forward with relentless pace, from thrilling aerial airship battles to brutal underground encounters. What really elevates it, though, are the brilliantly flawed, witty characters who struggle through real trauma and moral dilemmas in a powder-keg city. With fantastic snark, genuine emotional heart, and stakes that feel terrifyingly real, this self-published gem is an unmissable, wildly entertaining read.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Symphony of the Wind by Steven McKinnon
The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman

Genevieve Cogman's The Mortal Word is a sheer joy for urban fantasy fans. Set in an alternate 1890s Paris filled with anarchists, dragons, and Fae, it trades heavy magic relying on the Language for a classic, witty murder mystery. When peace talks between dragons and Fae are threatened by murder, Librarian Irene must investigate. By sidelining raw magic, Cogman forces Irene to rely on her intellect, producing a hilarious, fast-paced romp. Filled with clever turns of phrase, emotional depth, and genuine laugh-out-loud humour, it stands as a captivating love letter to the detective genre that keeps you guessing.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

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.

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By Raven's Call by J. A. Devenport

$By Raven\'s Call by J. A. Devenport book cover$

J. A. Devenport's By Raven's Call is a wonderfully vibrant fantasy debut that breathes fresh, exciting air into classic tropes. Following the legendary assassin known as the Raven, the story expertly blends high-stakes action, sky-high airship voyages, and a deeply inventive magic system where Spirit Dancers harness the dead. Devenport crafts a world filled with moral nuance, airships, and sinister political plots, yet balances its dark themes with a surprising lightness and genuine heart. Driven by flawed, deeply human characters fighting for freedom and vengeance, it builds to an emotionally devastating finale that will leave you eager for the next chapter.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of By Raven\'s Call by J. A. Devenport