Fantasy Novel Bestsellers

Cover of "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien, featuring the iconic Ring inscription in Elvish script encircling the title on a dark background.

Currently in the top three of most popular literary genres, to help you choose your next

read, here are four defining characteristics of the fantasy genre and how we consider they contribute to a compelling reading experience:

Magic Systems: Fantasy novels often feature a system of supernatural powers or abilities that are distinct from the real world. A well-defined magic system provides a sense of wonder and possibility, creating a world with different rules and allowing for unique forms of conflict and resolution. It can be a source of both power and peril for the characters.

World-Building: This involves the creation of a new, imaginary world with its own geography, history, cultures, and laws. Rich and detailed world-building immerses the reader in the story, making the setting feel real and lived-in. It allows the author to explore themes and ideas that might be difficult to convey in a real-world setting, and provides a backdrop for the characters' adventures.

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: Fantasy frequently draws on elements from mythology, folklore, and legend, such as quests, prophecies, epic battles, or classic character types like the hero, the mentor, or the villain. These familiar story patterns provide a foundational structure that readers can easily connect with, while still allowing for creative subversions and new interpretations.

Moral Ambiguity: While often perceived as a struggle between good and evil, modern fantasy frequently explores complex characters and situations where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. This complexity adds depth and realism to the narrative, prompting readers to think critically about the characters' choices and the consequences of their actions. It makes the conflict more engaging and the characters more relatable.

Young wizard Harry Potter stands in Diagon Alley alongside a towering figure, amidst bustling shops and magical sights in this vibrant cover of "Harry Potter: The Complete Collection" by J.K. Rowling.

All-time Bestselling Fantasy Novels

The bestselling fantasy series of all time is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, with over 650 million copies sold worldwide. Following closely is J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series, with over 150 million copies.

Now household names, the above would appear to 'tick all the boxes' in satisfying a broad range of readers drawn to fantasy storytelling.

But, what if you are looking for a specific 'slant' to your next fantasy read? That's where our "Fantasy Fiction Score" comes in.

Based on trends and information available from various book-related sources in 2025, here are some of the fantasy titles that have shown significant popularity and have appeared on bestseller lists:

New and Recently Released "Fantasy" Titles

Sunrise on the Reaping

by Suzanne Collins

Magic Systems: 3/10 (The book is more dystopian sci-fi than high fantasy. The "magic" is limited to the advanced technology of the Capitol and the mutations, which are engineered rather than truly supernatural.)

World-Building: 9/10 (Building on the established world of Panem, this book provides a rich, devastating look into the past. It deepens the lore of the Hunger Games, particularly the history of the Districts and the manipulative nature of the Capitol.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 8/10 (The book is a classic hero's journey, or rather, an anti-hero's journey. It follows the archetypal "hero who refuses the call" in Haymitch, and its core premise is a brutal subversion of ancient gladiator myths.)

Moral Ambiguity: 9/10 (This is a central theme. The narrative relentlessly explores the moral compromises forced upon characters in a totalitarian system, showing how both victims and perpetrators are trapped in a cycle of violence.)

Overall Score: 7.25/10

Review: While not a typical high fantasy, Sunrise on the Reaping is a masterclass in world-building and moral complexity.

It's a harrowing and emotionally resonant story that expands on the beloved series lore.

Fans of the original trilogy will find it a devastating yet essential read, offering a powerful, unflinching look at how the past shaped a character we thought we knew.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Magic Systems: 7/10 (The magic system, centred on dragon-bonded riders who can channel power, is a core part of the plot. While the rules are well-established, some readers feel the newest book expands on the system without fully deepening it, leaving some elements feeling a little muddled as new plot points are introduced.)

World-Building: 8/10 (This book further expands the world of Navarre, moving beyond the Basgiath War College to explore new locations and political conflicts. It provides a larger sense of scale, showing the wider war with the Venin and introducing new factions, though the pacing can be a bit rushed in places.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 7/10 (The series as a whole leans heavily into classic fantasy and romance tropes—the "chosen one," "enemies-to-lovers," and "found family." Onyx Storm continues to use these tropes effectively to drive the narrative, though some of the plot feels like they are setting up a bigger story to come rather than standing on their own.)

Moral Ambiguity: 6/10 (The central conflict is a clear-cut battle between good (the riders) and evil (the Venin). While there are some shades of grey in the political manoeuvring and personal secrets, the overarching narrative is less about moral complexity and more about a righteous fight against a malevolent force.)

Overall Score: 7/10

Review: A highly anticipated third instalment, Onyx Storm delivers more of the action and romance that fans crave. While it's a solid, enjoyable entry that expands the world and characters, some readers feel it serves as a transitional book, setting the stage for future events rather than providing the same sense of narrative urgency as its predecessors.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

Magic Systems: 7/10 (The magic here is less a formal system and more tied to the inherent nature of the vampires and their unique abilities. It’s gothic and atmospheric, with rules that are revealed gradually and serve the character-driven plot rather than being a central focus of the conflict.)

World-Building: 8 /10 (Schwab is known for her evocative and atmospheric world-building, and this book is no exception. It creates a dark, haunting world that spans centuries and locations. The world feels deeply lived-in and rich, even if the primary focus is on the characters within it.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 6/10 (The novel expertly uses the classic vampire mythos but subverts many of the tropes. It focuses on the psychological and social aspects of immortality and bloodlust, making the familiar feel new and unsettling. It's a character study using mythic archetypes rather than a traditional mythic quest.)

Moral Ambiguity: 9/10 (This is one of the book's greatest strengths. The characters, especially the vampires, are complex and morally grey. The story explores themes of obsession, abuse of power, and the corrosive nature of immortality, making it clear that there are no simple heroes or villains.)

Overall Score: 7.5/10

Review: A beautiful and haunting novel that redefines the vampire story. Schwab's masterful prose creates an immersive and emotionally charged narrative. This is a book for readers who prefer character-driven stories with deep psychological and atmospheric elements over fast-paced action and traditional fantasy plots.

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

Magic Systems: 5/10 (The magic system is more present than in Abercrombie's previous works, with a menagerie of fantasy creatures and abilities. However, the system is less a structured set of rules and more a tool for action and humour, often playing second fiddle to the character dynamics and snappy dialogue.)

World-Building: 5/10 (The world is a grimdark, low-fantasy take on a pseudo-medieval Europe. While the setting is consistent with the author's style, it has been described as less inventive or original than other fantasy worlds, serving more as a backdrop for the characters' misadventures.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 7/10 (The book is a classic "misfit group on a quest" story, reminiscent of a darker, more cynical version of a high-fantasy fellowship. It plays with common archetypes—the cunning thief, the boastful magician—and then skewers them with humour and violence.)

Moral Ambiguity: 9/10 (This is Abercrombie's signature. All the characters are deeply flawed, selfish, and morally compromised. The narrative is defined by its cynicism and a refusal to present any clear-cut heroes. The "good guys" are often just as bad as the "bad guys," if not worse.)

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Review: A fast-paced, action-packed standalone that fully embraces Abercrombie's signature grimdark humou and cynical worldview. While some readers may find the relentless quips and action-over-plot approach can make the story feel a bit shallow, those who love his style and dark, morally complex characters will find it a thrilling and highly entertaining read.

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Magic Systems: 9/10 (The magic system is the heart of the novel's concept. Based on complex intellectual and logical paradoxes, it is both intellectually rigorous and deeply integrated into the narrative. It’s a unique and innovative approach that makes the fantasy feel tangible and compelling.)

World-Building: 8/10 (Kuang creates a surreal and disorienting world that is a literalized version of academic hell. The world-building is less about creating a new fantasy realm and more about using fantastical elements to explore real-world ideas, blending familiar real-world settings with a mythological and surreal underworld.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 8/10 (The novel is a modern retelling of the classic journey into the underworld (katabasis), a mythic trope seen from Dante to Orpheus. It takes this ancient archetype and applies it to a contemporary setting, giving it a fresh and deeply relevant feel.)

Moral Ambiguity: 9/10 (The characters are complex and deeply flawed, grappling with personal ambition, academic exploitation, and ethical compromises. The novel is not about a fight between good and evil, but a descent into the moral grey areas of ambition and survival.)

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Review: An ambitious and intellectually charged novel that blurs the lines between fantasy, satire, and literary fiction. Kuang uses a clever and unique magic system to explore themes of academia, power, and mental health. While the narrative can be disorienting, its originality and thematic depth make it a standout.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Magic Systems: 6/10 (The magic, or "signets," are tied to the dragon-rider bond and are a central feature. While the concept is compelling, the magic system's rules are not always as deep or consistent as in other epic fantasies, often serving the needs of the plot and the characters' power-ups.)

World-Building: 7/10 (The world is a "war school" fantasy with clear rules and a dangerous environment. It is detailed and well-realized, creating a strong sense of place and peril. However, it's a relatively self-contained world (in the first book), with the focus on the academy rather than the broader continent.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 8/10 (This book is an homage to fantasy and romance tropes. It features the "reluctant hero," the "tough-as-nails mentor," the "enemies-to-lovers" romance, and dragons as a core part of the culture. It uses these tropes effectively to create an addictive and fun narrative that feels both familiar and fresh.)

Moral Ambiguity: 5/10 (The story presents a fairly clear dichotomy between the "good" Navarre Riders and their "evil" enemies. While there are some secrets and conflicts within the academy, the larger conflict is a straightforward one of good versus evil. The moral ambiguity is more on a personal level than a systemic one.)

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Review: A genre-blending sensation that is a perfect entry point for new fantasy readers. It is a fast-paced, high-stakes read with a thrilling romance and a fun, dangerous setting. While some may find it less complex than classic fantasy, its accessibility and addictive nature make it a massive bestseller.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Magic Systems: 7/10 (The magic system gets a significant upgrade in this sequel, with new signets and a deeper exploration of the lore. The introduction of the Venin and their specific powers adds more layers to the conflict, though some readers still feel the system could be more consistently defined.)

World-Building: 8/10 (This book greatly expands the world beyond the confines of the war college. It delves into the broader politics of Navarre and the history of its war. The scope is much larger, and the world feels more detailed and dangerous as a result.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 7/10 (The sequel continues to leverage popular tropes, adding elements of "betrayal," "second chances," and more epic-scale conflicts. While it's still tropey, it does a good job of building on the established patterns to create a more expansive story.)

Moral Ambiguity: 7/10 (The moral lines begin to blur more in this book, as the secrets of the leadership and the true nature of the war are revealed. Characters are forced to make difficult decisions that challenge their beliefs, adding a layer of moral complexity that was less present in the first book.)

Overall Score: 7.25/10

Review: A successful sequel that deepens the lore and raises the stakes of the series. Iron Flame expands the world and introduces more moral complexity, delivering a satisfying, though at times slow-paced, narrative that propels the story toward its epic conclusion. Fans of the first book will be rewarded with a richer world and more nuanced character relationships.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Magic Systems: 5/10 (The magic system is not the central focus. It is more soft magic, with characters having a variety of powers that are not always clearly defined. The magic serves the plot and the characters' emotional states rather than operating on a strict set of rules.)

World-Building: 6/10 (The world of Prythian is a fairy-tale-inspired setting, with different courts and a rich history. The world-building is solid enough to support the story but is often secondary to the romance and character drama.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 8/10 (The book is a direct retelling of the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale, drawing heavily on classic folklore and mythic archetypes. It uses these familiar patterns to great effect, creating a story that is both predictable in a comforting way and subverts expectations.)

Moral Ambiguity: 6/10 (The initial conflict is a clear one between human and Fae. However, as the story progresses, the lines become blurred, with some Fae characters revealing themselves to be less monstrous and some human characters proving to be cruel. The moral complexity grows throughout the series, though the first book starts with a clearer hero/villain divide.)

Overall Score: 6.25/10

Review: A cornerstone of the "romantasy" genre. This book is a captivating, fast-paced read that combines fairy tale elements with a passionate romance. While the world-building and magic system may not be as intricate as in epic fantasy, its compelling character dynamics and romantic tension make it a fan favourite.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Magic Systems: 4/10 (The magic is a whimsical, undefined force. It is not a system with rules but a source of wonder and a metaphor for otherness. The "magic" is inherent in the characters and their fantastical abilities, serving to highlight the book's core themes of acceptance and found family.)

World-Building: 7/10 (The world is a low-fantasy, almost Ghibli-esque version of our own. It's a charming and cosy setting, with the mundane bureaucracy of the human world contrasted with the enchanting island of the magical children. The world-building is simple but highly effective, focusing on the emotional and social environment rather than intricate lore.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 5/10 (The book is a subversion of the "orphanage for magical children" trope, often seen in fantasy. It takes this familiar concept and transforms it into a heart-warming story about family and belonging, rather than a conflict-driven quest. It uses archetypes like the "bureaucrat" and the "father figure" but with a gentle, compassionate twist.)

Moral Ambiguity: 8/10 (This is a major theme. The story explores the insidious nature of bigotry and institutionalized prejudice, showing that true evil often lies not in a single villain, but in the systems and fears that divide people. The moral conflict is internal and societal, focusing on personal growth and challenging complicity.)

Overall Score: 6/10

Review: A truly unique and heart-warming fantasy. This gentle, character-driven story is a quiet triumph, praised for its humour, compassion, and powerful message of acceptance. It's the perfect book for readers who want a feel-good fantasy that is more about emotional connection and kindness than epic battles.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Magic Systems: 10/10 (This is the defining characteristic. The LitRPG genre is built on a magic system that is essentially a video game interface. The rules are extremely well-defined, with clear stats, loot, skills, and classes. This system is the engine of the plot and provides a compelling, gamified form of fantasy.)

World-Building: 8/10 (The world-building is both a commentary on our own and a sci-fi fantasy blend. The "dungeon" is a unique and ever-changing environment, with a complex history and a dark, satirical underbelly. The combination of a ruined Earth and a bizarre alien game show creates a highly original and immersive setting.)

Mythic Tropes & Archetypes: 6/10 (The story is a modern-day take on classic dungeon-crawling adventures, borrowing from RPG video games and tabletop games. It follows the archetypal "hero on a quest," but the tone is irreverent and satirical, twisting familiar tropes into a dark comedy.)

Moral Ambiguity: 7/10 (The moral ambiguity comes from the characters' need to survive in a brutal game. They are forced to make morally compromising choices, and the "good" heroes are often at odds with the demands of the game show's sponsors. The satirical tone, however, keeps the stakes from feeling too grim.)

Overall Score: 7.75/10

Review: A phenomenon in the LitRPG genre. This book is a wildly inventive and hilarious adventure that will appeal to gamers and fantasy fans alike. Its unique premise, sharp humour, and surprisingly heartfelt character dynamics make it a hugely enjoyable and addictive read.