Fantasy fans, it’s never been a better time to be a reader. Authors like Brandon Sanderson are finally getting their flowers, which means there are many fantasy book series to choose from these days. With all the new releases, it’s hard to keep up.
To help you find your way through the beautiful abundance, we’ve put together a list of our ten favorite fantasy series to read next. These are all series that have books published since 2020, so you’re sure to find something new and exciting.
Here are our ten best fantasy series.
10. The Alex Stern series by Leigh Bardugo
This satisfying fantasy series is a rich blend of thriller and dark academia.
Set at Yale University, it follows a young woman named Alex whose history is hardly illustrious. A high school dropout with supernatural abilities, she’s an unlikely candidate to make it to Yale, but her admission comes with a secret motivation: she’s been selected as a member of Lethe House, an underground society that polices the use of magic on campus.
Why we recommend it: Dark academia is the perfect pairing with fantasy, and this series doesn’t disappoint. I loved how Alex also reflected and defied the antihero trope.
9. The Something Dark and Holy series by Emily A. Duncan
This YA fantasy series describes a conflict-ridden world where magic is divided into two factions: divine magic and blood magic.
Nadya is a cleric with the ability to speak to gods, and Serefin is a prince with powerful blood magic abilities. As they struggle to combat the war and corruption that riddle their world, they are confronted with demons from their past. Can they heal their trauma and save their society?
Why we recommend it: The vibes of this fantasy series are fantastic: gothic, dark, and totally bleak. The unpredictable plotlines and character development will keep you guessing.
8. The Rooks and Ruin series by Melissa Caruso
Ryx is a royal heir who carries a deadly curse, accidentally leading her to unleash an ancient evil upon the world. In this fantasy trilogy, Ryx joins an unlikely group of magicians when she’s forced into exile.
As the world slowly descends into disorder, can the gang harness their powers to prevent a catastrophic war from breaking out?
Why we recommend it: I loved the political intrigue in this series (a trope which is becoming increasingly popular in fantasy books this year)! And the relationships were convincing and heartfelt.
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7. The Roots of Chaos series by Samantha Shannon
This series includes the hit novel The Priory of the Orange Tree and follows numerous perspectives. Set in a world where the East worships dragons, and the West seeks to banish them, it tells the story of a mage named Ead who is forced to hide her secret powers.
When an unmatched evil known as The Nameless One appears, Ead and an unlikely team of warriors must come together to vanquish it for good.
Why we recommend it: I loved the queer relationships in this series, as well as the strong female characters. Plus, the writing is gorgeous.
6. The Locked Tomb trilogy by Tamsyn Muir
In a galactic empire where necromancers rule supreme, Gideon is a sassy swordswoman who is forced to serve Harrowhark, an insufferable necromancer.
As Harrowhark becomes increasingly close to immortal power, Gideon starts to develop complicated feelings, leading her to question her purpose, her sexuality, and her relationships.
Why we recommend it: This series is a wild ride, seamlessly blending body horror and space opera with fantasy. Perfect for fans of unpredictable plots and unreliable narrators.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter5. The Last King of Osten Ard series by Tad Williams
King Simon and Queen Miriamele are getting older, and the alliances they once relied upon are fracturing. As ancient evils threaten the peace of their kingdom, Osten Ard, they are plunged into a web of betrayals and intrigues.
Can they come to terms with their forgotten pasts and traumatic legacies?
Why we recommend it: Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, this series is a profound exploration of aging and loss.
4. The Age of Madness series by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie is one of the most successful fantasy series writers out there today, and the Age of Madness books are proof of why.
This fantasy series follows a new generation decades after the First Law trilogy concludes. A meditation on corruption, coming-of-age, and the idea of progress, this trilogy is sure to win you over with its protagonists, Savine and Leo, who struggle to agree on the best path forward for their society.
Why we recommend it: I loved the themes in this book, which felt timely. Ideas of technology and social class were everywhere, and the characters were hilarious and complex.
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3. The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee
Green Bones are warriors whose purpose is to serve the powerful crime families on their island of Janloon. The Kaul family is one of them, and this fantasy series follows their struggle for power through the threats of betrayal, external invasion, and modern development.
Why we recommend it: I adored how this series blended fantasy sensibilities with mafia narratives. If you like The Godfather, this fantasy series is for you.
2. The Burning Kingdoms series by Tasha Suri
Inspired by Mughal Indian history, this fantasy trilogy tells the story of Malini, a dethroned princess who is fighting to reclaim her title. Priya is a priestess with dark powers that connect her to ancient gods.
As their narratives intertwine, the two women find themselves in the middle of an epic power struggle and their own budding romance.
Why we recommend it: The central romance in this series was so satisfying, and I loved the complex and ambitious female characters. One of my favorite love stories in a while!
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1. The Singing Hills Cycle by Nghi Vo
Cleric Chih is a nonbinary historian who wanders across the world, collecting stories and myths with the help of their magical talking bird.
This series of novellas is not a typical fantasy series, as each contains its own narrative, but the overall effect is the same: one of nuanced and detailed worldbuilding, all told through Chih’s magical voice.
Why we recommend it: I loved the brevity of these fantasy books, and especially the playful and poetic prose. Even if you don’t consider yourself a fantasy fan, this series is sure to hook you.
These have been our ten best fantasy series to read next. What would you add to our list? Did we miss one of your favorites? Leave us a comment and let us know!
As always, happy reading!
