Best Fantasy Books of 2019

Below you will find a list of the fantasy books published in 2019 that we enjoyed most. Click on a book title to read the full review.

A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay

Guy Gavriel Kay's A Brightness Long Ago is a masterclass in historical fantasy. Set in a world closely resembling Renaissance Italy, it avoids standard genre clichés like dark lords and magic swords. Instead, Kay focuses on the profound impact of ordinary choices amidst a bitter rivalry between two brilliant military commanders. His prose is breathtakingly beautiful, capturing the delicate texture of memory, regret, and fleeting joy. The story feels deeply human, exploring how small, seemingly insignificant lives ripple across history. It is a poignant, unforgettable read that lingers in your mind long after the final page is turned.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay
The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie

The Raven Tower is an absolute masterclass in fantasy storytelling, mostly because it flips the usual tropes entirely on their head. Instead of a standard chosen hero narrative, the story is narrated by an ancient, stationary god of stone. This unique perspective makes the world feel incredibly vast, old, and beautifully alien. Leckie's use of second-person narration is a bold choice that pays off brilliantly, pulling you directly into the courtly intrigue and subtle magic of Vastai. It is a quiet, clever, and deeply atmospheric book that forces you to rethink how fantasy stories can be told.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie
The 10,000 Doors of January by Alix E Harrow

Alix E. Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a lyrical, stunning love letter to the power of stories and the magic of "elsewhere." Set in the early 1900s, it follows January Scaller, a young woman who discovers a book that speaks of literal doors between worlds. The novel is fantastic because it treats the "portal" not just as a plot device, but as a metaphor for freedom and self-discovery. Harrow's prose is lush and poetic, transforming a traditional adventure into a deeply emotional journey about belonging and the courage required to walk through a door into the unknown.

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Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Muir delivers a "lesbian necromancers in space" masterpiece that defies easy categorisation. It is a locked-room murder mystery set within a decaying, gothic space station. The narrative voice is irreverent and modern, contrasting beautifully with the ancient, bone-crunching magic of the Nine Houses. Gideon is a hilarious, sword-wielding protagonist, but the heart of the story lies in her complex, toxic, and deeply moving relationship with Harrowhark Nonagesimus. It is witty, gory, and eventually heartbreaking.

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The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Stuart Turton's "The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" is a breathtaking evolution of the "locked-room" mystery. The protagonist, Aiden Bishop, must solve a murder while inhabiting the bodies of eight different guests during a recurring day at a decaying estate. It is a fantastic read because it treats time and identity as forensic puzzles. The "body-hopping" mechanic creates a complex layer of psychological and physical constraints, forcing the detective to piece together the truth from fragmented, often unreliable perspectives. It is a high-concept, atmospheric masterpiece that perfectly blends Agatha Christie's precision with a dark, supernatural loop.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Samantha Shannon breathes fresh life into high fantasy with this sweeping, standalone epic. Instead of recycling tired tropes, she weaves an intricate world where distinct cultures view magic and dragons through completely different lenses. The narrative shifts beautifully between royal courts, hidden sanctuaries, and dragon rider academies, never losing its momentum. Driven by deeply human characters, complex political intrigue, and an incredible queer romance, the story feels both grand and intensely intimate. It is a masterful, self-contained triumph that proves you do not need a ten-book investment to experience a truly massive, breathtaking fantasy masterpiece.

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Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

Seanan McGuire's Middlegame is a masterpiece of modern dark fantasy that completely reshapes the genre. The story follows Roger and Dodger, separated twins who share an unnatural, telepathic connection. One embodies the magic of language, the other the logic of mathematics. Together, they are pieces in a dangerous, generational game played by an alchemist striving to reshape reality itself. McGuire's writing feels deeply human because she focuses on the raw, messy bond between the siblings rather than just the lore. It is an intricate, thrilling, and emotionally bruising journey that proves fantasy can be incredibly innovative.

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A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie completely revitalises the genre by dragging his gritty fantasy world kicking and screaming into the industrial revolution. Coal smoke and factory machinery replace traditional castles, creating a tense backdrop where old magic clashes with new money. The real magic, though, is in the cast. You get morally grey, deeply flawed perspective characters like Savine, a ruthless socialite, and Orso, a surprisingly likeable prince. They feel like actual people rather than walking archetypes. Combined with incredibly sharp dialogue, cinematic battle scenes, and a heavy dose of cynical wit, it is an absolute masterclass in modern grimdark fantasy.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
Beneath the Twisted Trees by Bradley Beaulieu

If you love epic fantasy, Beneath the Twisted Trees is an absolute masterclass in world-building. Bradley Beaulieu drops you right into Sharakhai, a desert setting that feels incredibly alive, far away from the usual European-inspired castles. The story expands beautifully here, weaving together complex political schemes, ancient gods, and high-stakes action. What makes it brilliant is Ceda. She is a phenomenal protagonist, driven by a deeply personal quest for vengeance that makes every single choice feel heavy and urgent. The pacing is intense, the lore is rich, and the magic feels genuinely dangerous. It is fantasy at its absolute finest.

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The Hod King by Josiah Bancroft

The Hod King takes Josiah Bancroft's brilliant Tower of Babel series to its peak. What makes it magnificent is how it anchors bizarre, steampunk world building with deeply human stakes. We follow Senlin's scattered crew into the dark, revolutionary underbelly of the Tower. The prose is beautiful but never sluggish, balancing sharp wit with genuine dread. Bancroft treats every side character with respect, making the oppressed Hods feel like the true heart of the story. It is a masterclass in fantasy because it understands that no matter how strange the setting, the characters must feel real.

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Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence

If you love fantasy that pulls no punches, Holy Sister is a masterclass in sticking the landing. Mark Lawrence brings Nona Grey's journey to an explosive, emotionally bruising conclusion. The world building is spectacular - a dying planet where a corridor of ice is closing in - but it is the razor-sharp focus on sisterhood, loyalty, and sacrifice that makes it unforgettable. The pacing is relentless, jumping between past and present, leading to a breathtaking finale. It is dark, lyrical, and deeply moving, proving that the bonds we choose are the most powerful magic of all.

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Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House is a hauntingly sophisticated entry into the "Dark Academia" branch of urban fantasy. Set within the ivy-covered walls of Yale University, it reveals a world where secret societies manipulate occult power to influence global politics and wealth. The story follows Alex Stern, a survivor who can see ghosts, as she polices these groups. Bardugo's brilliance lies in her atmospheric prose and the way she grounds arcane rituals in the cold reality of privilege and trauma. It is a visceral, intellectual, and often brutal exploration of power that feels chillingly possible behind closed doors.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
The Poison Song by Jen Williams

Jen Williams delivers a masterclass in modern epic fantasy with this conclusion to her Winnowing Flame trilogy. The book thrives on a brilliant subversion of classic tropes, swapping tired cliches for a refreshing, inclusive cast. The central trio of Vintage, Tor and Noon brings a beautiful found-family dynamic to life, crackling with sharp, snarky dialogue that keeps the mood remarkably light despite the apocalyptic stakes. Watching them ride bio-engineered war-beasts into aerial battles against parasitic insectoid invaders is pure, unadulterated joy. It is an emotional, beautifully paced finale that balances dark, high-stakes horror with absolute warmth and heart.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Poison Song by Jen Williams
Seven Blades in Black by Sam Sykes

If you are tired of the same old polite chosen ones, Sam Sykes offers a brilliant antidote. Seven Blades in Black introduces Sal the Cacophony, a delightfully ruined protagonist carrying a massive firearm and an even larger grudge. The book reads like a gritty Final Fantasy game crossed with a classic Western movie. It delivers a fast-paced, action-heavy revenge story set across a wasteland torn apart by rogue mages and industrial empires. Sykes keeps the dialogue incredibly sharp and the world-building wonderfully chaotic. It is an unhinged, high-octane fantasy ride that genuinely hooks you from the very first page.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Seven Blades in Black by Sam Sykes
Fortune's Fool by Angela Boord

$Fortune\'s Fool by Angela Boord book cover$

Angela Boord's Fortune's Fool is a masterclass in character-driven epic fantasy. Set against a richly textured, Renaissance-inspired backdrop of feuding noble houses, the story follows Kyrra d'Aliente. Cast down from nobility and seeking vengeance, she navigates a brutal world with a magical metal arm and a fierce determination. What makes this book shine is its intimate dual-timeline narrative. Boord weaves a deeply moving, slow-burn romance and complex political intrigue without relying on standard genre tropes. It feels less like a fabricated story and more like a lived-in history, anchored by a flawed, unforgettable heroine who truly breathes.

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Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone

This is a breathtaking, psychedelic reimagining of "Journey to the West" on a galactic scale. Gladstone throws a brilliant modern inventor into a far-future universe ruled by a tyrannical, god-like Empress. The world-building is exuberant, featuring cloud-cities, sentient nanotech, and pirates made of light. It moves at a breakneck pace, balancing high-octane action with philosophical questions about power, legacy, and the courage required to break a cycle of eternal control.

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Rise Against by Hailey Edwards

Hailey Edwards delivers a brilliant urban fantasy with Rise Against. The fourth book in the Foundling series manages to balance apocalyptic stakes with genuine, laugh-out-loud humour. Luce Boudreau is a spectacular protagonist, a fierce demon and former cop who is finally reconciling her human and supernatural sides. Stranded in the middle of a brutal war between angels and demons, her fierce dedication to protecting humanity gives the story its massive heart. The sharp, sarcastic banter between Luce and her loyal coterie grounds the high stakes beautifully, making this an absolute must-read for any urban fantasy fan.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Rise Against by Hailey Edwards
Kings of Ash by Richard Nell

Richard Nell defies the usual mid-trilogy slump in Kings of Ash, delivering a masterclass in grimdark fantasy. The narrative leans heavily into Ruka, a brilliant, deformed barbarian cursed with an eidetic memory that preserves every trauma with agonising clarity. Nell crafts a world where morality is fluid, balancing brutal, visceral action with deep political intrigue across contrasting cultures. Witnessing a character navigate the razor edge between hero and monster is utterly magnetic. The introduction of high magic and complex allegiances elevates the stakes, offering an unforgettable, character-driven journey that will completely ruin other fantasy books for you.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Kings of Ash by Richard Nell
The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang

If you are looking for a fantasy that pulls no punches, R. F. Kuang's The Dragon Republic is essential reading. It takes the raw, painful aftermath of war and refuses to give you easy answers. Rin is a wonderfully flawed protagonist - angry, traumatised, and making terrible choices as she navigates a world of political betrayal and shamanic gods. The military strategy feels grounded and brutal, while the world-building draws deeply from Chinese history. It is a gripping, emotionally exhausting sequel that expands the stakes and completely dismantles the classic "chosen one" trope.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang
The House of Sacrifice by Anna Smith Spark

For fans of grimdark fantasy, Anna Smith Spark's The House of Sacrifice is a masterpiece of dark, uncompromising storytelling. It brings Marith's bloody, tragic march toward godhood to a shattering conclusion. Spark's prose isn't just descriptive - it is raw, poetic, and hypnotic, reading like an ancient, blood-soaked myth rather than a standard fantasy novel. The book brilliantly deconstructs the "chosen one" trope, showing the psychological horror and devastating human cost of absolute power. It is an unsettling, deeply emotional experience that stays with you long after the final page is turned. It is fantasy at its most magnificent.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The House of Sacrifice by Anna Smith Spark
The Unbound Empire by Melissa Caruso

Political intrigue, explosive magic, and high stakes collide in a finale that hits like a war hammer. Melissa Caruso spins a brilliant web where clever diplomacy is just as dangerous as a rogue mage. What makes it special is the fierce, complicated bond between Amalia and Zaira. Their dynamic is the beating heart of a story about power, choice, and what we owe to the people we love. It is fast-paced, smart, and wraps up the trilogy with absolute perfection. If you love clever heroines and rich, tense fantasy worldbuilding, this book is an absolute must-read.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Unbound Empire by Melissa Caruso
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

The Rage of Dragons is basically Gladiator meets Dragon Age, and it burns with absolute fury. Evan Winter locks you into a brutal, African-inspired world where society is rigidly split by caste and magic. What makes it unforgettable is Tau, a protagonist driven not by destiny, but by pure, obsessive revenge. He trains until his muscles tear, fighting the same battle a thousand times over in a nightmare underworld just to get faster. The pacing is relentless, the swordsmanship feels incredibly tactile, and the stakes never stop escalating. It is an adrenaline shot straight to the heart of fantasy.

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Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff

Darkdawn brings Jay Kristoff's epic trilogy to a devastating, brilliant conclusion. Following the ruthless assassin Mia Corvere on her final quest for vengeance, this book delivers pure, electrifying escapism. Kristoff masterfully balances ultraviolence with sharp, witty humour and clever meta elements that surprise at every turn. The action scenes are raw, brutal, and beautifully written, whilst the expanded world building adds incredible depth to Itreya. It is a thrilling dark fest where every single victory feels earned through blood. For any true fantasy fan, this emotional finale solidifies the series as an absolute masterpiece of the epic fantasy genre today.

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The Hanged Man by K. D. Edwards

What makes K. D. Edwards' urban fantasy so special is the brilliant way it balances epic scale with raw, human heart. Returning to New Atlantis, a stunning patchwork city built from real world history, the layered world building immediately hooks you. But it is the deep, emotional core that truly elevates this sequel. The sigil based magic system keeps the action sharp and strategic, even dipping into genuine horror, while the legendary banter between Rune and Brand provides perfect comic relief. It is a rare second book that cranks everything to eleven, leaving you completely invested in these characters.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Hanged Man by K. D. Edwards
The Light of All that Falls by James Islington

James Islington hits a home run with this stunning finale. It delivers everything a classic epic needs, from deep world-building to complex magic, while breathing fresh life into the genre through a unique, mind-bending time travel plot. What makes it truly special is how it tackles big questions about fate and free will. Instead of using prophecy as a lazy shortcut, the story forces characters to wrestle with their choices in an immutable timeline. It threads the needle masterfully, giving us a profoundly moving, believable redemption arc and sticking a highly satisfying landing that ties every intricate thread together perfectly.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Light of All that Falls by James Islington
The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang

The Sword of Kaigen is a breathtaking masterpiece that proves heroic fantasy can be deeply emotional and character-driven. While it features stunning martial arts and elemental "whispering" battles, the story's true strength lies in its intimate exploration of motherhood, repressed trauma, and the cost of propaganda. M.L. Wang deconstructs the "warrior culture" trope by showing the devastating reality of defending one's home against an overwhelming empire. It is a rare, self-contained story that balances high-octane action with a gut-wrenching domestic drama, leaving readers transformed by its powerful themes of sacrifice and legacy.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang
Priest of Lies by Peter McLean

Priest of Lies cements Peter McLean as a master of modern grimdark fantasy. Following the ruthless gangster Tomas Piety, this sequel drags us from the blood-soaked streets of Ellinburg into the treacherous political games of the nobility. What makes this book a masterpiece is Tomas's unforgettable, sparse narrative voice. It feels like an intimate confession, forcing you to align with a killer who rules his criminal empire with a strict, pragmatic code of meritocracy and harsh justice. McLean brilliantly balances intense violence with a raw, honest examination of wartime trauma, creating a breathless, unpredictable read that leaves you desperate for more.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Priest of Lies by Peter McLean
The Girl with No Face by M H Boroson

The Girl with No Face is an absolute triumph of historical urban fantasy, transporting readers straight into the gritty, supernatural underworld of 19th-century San Francisco's Chinatown. What makes this novel so magical is how beautifully Boroson weaves rich Daoist mythology and ghost-slaying martial arts action with a deeply human story. Li-Lin is a phenomenal heroine, fighting off terrifying spiritual monsters whilst navigating the harsh realities of immigrant life and rigid gender roles. Her authentic, distinct voice brings this vibrant world to life, delivering a sequel that is even more atmospheric, clever, and emotionally powerful than the first.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Girl with No Face by M H Boroson
Dispel Illusion by Mark Lawrence

Dispel Illusion delivers a phenomenal finale to Mark Lawrence's Impossible Times trilogy, executing a narrative magic trick where every hanging thread slots perfectly into place. Returning to the nostalgic, Dungeons and Dragons-infused world of Nick Hayes, this novella shifts focus from the mechanics of time travel to its heavy philosophical consequences, exploring fate, destiny, and moral responsibility. Lawrence beautifully balances head-spinning sci-fi concepts with genuine human tenderness and sharp, snarky humour. It is a masterclass in how to conclude a series, grounded by fantastic first-person characterisation that keeps you hooked until the very final, brilliant reveal.

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Master of Sorrows by Justin Call

Master of Sorrows marks the arrival of a brilliant new voice in epic fantasy. Justin Call masterfully breathes fresh life into the familiar magic school and chosen one tropes by turning them completely upside down. Focusing tightly on Annev, a disabled acolyte hiding in an anti-magic academy, the story explores a fascinating moral conflict. The meticulous world-building and deep historical lore echo the complexity of Sanderson, yet the single perspective keeps the narrative fast-paced and intimate. It is an incredibly clever, character-driven dark fantasy that forces you to question the line between hero and villain, delivering a deeply rewarding experience.

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Smoke and Stone by Michael R. Fletcher

Michael R Fletcher delivers a masterclass in dark, hallucinogenic world-building with Smoke and Stone. Set in Bastion, a walled city where literal concentric rings separate the oppressed from the elite, the story thrives on a terrifyingly unique magic system driven by drug-induced states and divine communion. Through the dual perspectives of Akachi, a naive pastor, and Nuru, a street sorcerer, Fletcher explores the crushing weight of religious control. The atmosphere is thick with madness, the character dynamics are rich, and the violence is unrelenting. It is a brilliant, unconventional fantasy that keeps you hooked from the first page.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Smoke and Stone by Michael R. Fletcher
Empire of Grass by Tad Williams

Empire of Grass showcases Tad Williams at the absolute height of his world-building powers. Returning to the legendary realm of Osten Ard, this second instalment delivers fantasy fiction that feels alive, grounded in a deep sense of history and complex cultural lore. Williams brilliantly balances multiple viewpoints, weaving a tense narrative where various factions clash for survival. The intricate look into the dark, secretive culture of the immortal Norns provides a fascinating contrast to King Simon's struggles in the south. It is a slow-burning but richly rewarding masterpiece, trading simple morality for a realistic, gripping web of political schemes.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Empire of Grass by Tad Williams
Flight of the Darkstar Dragon by Benedict Patrick

Flight of the Darkstar Dragon showcases Benedict Patrick at his most wonderfully inventive. Stranding the crew of a magical skyship in the surreal Darkstar Dimension, Patrick crafts a physics-defying world of purple twilight, flying fish, and a country-sized dragon orbiting the sun. The story shines through its sheer, boundless creativity. Watching First Officer Min wrestle with a mutinous crew while navigating this bizarre, unpredictable sandbox is immensely entertaining. Written with a readable, engaging flow, it captures the awe of classic portal fantasy. It is a delightfully fresh, imaginative ride that leaves you completely hooked on the setting.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Flight of the Darkstar Dragon by Benedict Patrick
Steel Crow Saga by Paul Krueger

Steel Crow Saga is an absolute triumph for character-driven fantasy lovers. Set in a brilliant, vivid Asian-inspired world where technology and magic seamlessly blur, the story excels at presenting a deeply human cast. Following four flawed, morally grey viewpoint characters from different cultures, Paul Krueger masterfully dismantles their deep-seated prejudices and fears bit by bit. Whilst the book takes its time to build momentum, the slow burn is entirely justified. It crafts a heartbreakingly real exploration of the scars left by war and colonialism, resulting in an unforgettable, emotionally resonant standalone that fantasy fans will cherish.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Steel Crow Saga by Paul Krueger
The Ankh-Morpork Archives: Volume One by Terry Pratchett

For any Discworld devotee missing Sir Terry Pratchett's incomparable wit, this volume feels like a warm, comforting return to literature's most wonderfully chaotic city. Collecting four classic Discworld Diaries into a beautifully remastered, deluxe hardcover, this anthology expands the universe with deep lore that could never fit into the traditional novels. From exploring the chaotic complaints procedures of the Thieves' Guild to browsing expensive contracts from the Assassins' Guild, it is an immersive joy. What elevates it into a true collector's item is Paul Kidby's sumptuous artwork, which brings Pratchett's iconic characters to life with incredible charm and vibrant detail.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Ankh-Morpork Archives: Volume One by Terry Pratchett
Fallen by Benedict Jacka

Fallen marks an unforgettable high-water mark for Benedict Jacka's urban fantasy series. Set in a gritty magical London, this tenth instalment completely upends the traditional anti-hero trope. After years of struggling to stay on the side of good, Alex Verus finally breaks under unimaginable suffering. He abandons his lightside ideals, embracing a dark, cold logic where ends justify the means. Jacka brilliantly walks a fine line, keeping Alex compelling and complex rather than unpalatable. It is a visceral, emotional, and earned turning point that manages to raise the benchmark for the entire urban fantasy genre.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Fallen by Benedict Jacka
The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman

Genevieve Cogman delivers an absolute treat by blending the clever mechanics of an Ocean's Eleven style heist with her rich universe. This sixth outing throws a Librarian, two dragons, and four Fae into a thrilling, high stakes mission that subverts classic tropes. Beyond the rapid pacing and secret island lairs, it is the genuine character depth that keeps you hooked. The delicate friction of family dynamics adds a wonderful layer of humanity to Irene, while the fragile alliances between ancient rivals demand real trust. It is a fantastic, action packed chapter that masterfully expands the broader mystery of the series.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman
Sin Eater by Mike Shel

Mike Shel delivers a masterclass in dark fantasy with Sin Eater. Expanding brilliantly on his debut, this sequel deepens the unsettling atmosphere of the Hanifaxan Imperium, a world bleeding into chaos as an evil trickster god wreaks havoc. Shel moves away from a single perspective, split-screening the narrative between the haunted Auric Manteo, his estranged daughter Agnes, and a mysterious old man. This shift provides an epic scope whilst maintaining the series' trademark intimate character work. From tense, grotesque magical battles to quiet, tender moments of human connection, the storytelling is both methodical and gripping, offering a genuinely satisfying, unforgettable journey.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Sin Eater by Mike Shel
Wrath of Storms by Steven McKinnon

Steven McKinnon's Wrath of Storms is an absolute whirlwind of a fantasy sequel that trades slow-burn worldbuilding for high-octane spectacle. Gathering a diverse, unpredictable cast, it throws readers headfirst into a storm of sky-pirates, ancient magic, psychic gifts, and aerial battles. The pacing is wonderfully breathless, making the hefty story fly by like an action screenplay. What makes it stick, though, is the perfect balance of heart, dark conspiracy, and sharp dialogue. Characters like Gallows keep things grounded with brilliant, snarky humour even whilst being thrown out of windows. It is pure, unpredictable fun from start to finish.

Buy on Amazon | Read our full review of Wrath of Storms by Steven McKinnon