Best Contemporary Fantasy Books December 2024

Horns

Ignatius “Ig” Perrish wakes up one morning with a raging hangover and a pair of horns sprouting from his temples. It’s not just the horns that are troubling; they seem to have a peculiar effect on people, compelling them to confess their darkest secrets and desires. As Ig grapples with this bizarre transformation, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the brutal murder of his beloved Merrin. In a tale that weaves horror with dark humor, Joe Hill crafts a gripping narrative about love, vengeance, and the monstrous nature lurking within us all.

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

I found myself chuckling through every page of this delightfully irreverent tale. Pratchett’s wit shines as he reimagines the apocalypse with a bumbling angel and demon duo at the helm. The clever wordplay and absurd situations had me snorting with laughter, yet there’s a surprising depth to the story’s musings on good, evil, and human nature. A wickedly funny read that left me pondering big questions between giggles.

Twilight Series

Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series plunges readers into a world where vampires and werewolves walk among us. At its heart is Bella Swan, an ordinary girl who falls for the mysterious Edward Cullen. Their forbidden romance ignites a passionate saga that had me turning pages late into the night. Meyer’s vivid storytelling brings Forks, Washington to life, making me feel the damp chill and smell the pine-scented air. It’s a thrilling blend of danger, desire, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

The Dark Prophecy

In “The Dark Prophecy,” Rick Riordan weaves a thrilling tale that had me on the edge of my seat. Apollo’s mortal struggles continue as he faces new challenges and old enemies. I loved how Riordan blends humor with heart-pounding action, creating a story that’s both fun and deeply moving. The characters feel so real, I almost forgot I was reading fiction. It’s a perfect mix of mythology and modern-day adventure that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

The Hidden Oracle

Dive into the world of fallen gods with Rick Riordan’s “The Hidden Oracle.” Once an all-powerful deity, Apollo now finds himself trapped in the body of a mortal teenager. Stripped of his godly powers and exiled from Olympus, he must navigate the treacherous landscape of modern-day New York City. With humor, heart, and a dash of mythology, Riordan weaves a tale that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Join Apollo on his quest for redemption as he faces dangerous foes, forges unlikely alliances, and rediscovers what it truly means to be a hero.

The Ship of the Dead

Magnus Chase’s final quest looms, a perilous journey to stop Loki from sailing his doomsday ship. With his einherji friends, he must navigate treacherous waters and face fearsome foes. As they race against time, Magnus grapples with his growing powers and the weight of his destiny. Riordan’s signature humor lightens the tension, but the stakes have never been higher. Will Magnus find the strength to save the Nine Worlds, or will Ragnarok consume all?

The Hammer of Thor

Magnus Chase thought he’d seen it all, but Thor’s missing hammer throws him into a whirlwind of Norse mythology gone wild. With his friends by his side, Magnus races against time to retrieve the weapon before chaos engulfs the Nine Worlds. Riordan’s wit shines through as Magnus grapples with his newfound powers and the weight of his destiny. I couldn’t put it down, laughing and gasping in equal measure. A thrilling ride that’ll leave you craving more godly adventures.

The Sword of Summer

Magnus Chase thought he was just another troubled teen in Boston, until the day he died and woke up as one of Odin’s chosen warriors. Now he’s on a wild adventure through Norse mythology, wielding a magical sword and trying to prevent Ragnarok. With a sarcastic sense of humor and unlikely allies, Magnus faces gods, giants, and his own destiny. Riordan’s signature blend of action, humor, and heart brings Norse legends to life in this thrilling start to a new series that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Blood of Olympus

I devoured “The Blood of Olympus” in one sitting, unable to put it down. Riordan’s masterful blend of Greek and Roman mythology with modern-day adventures had me spellbound. The characters’ growth throughout the series culminates beautifully here, with each demigod facing their fears and embracing their strengths. The epic battles and heart-wrenching moments left me breathless. A fitting end to an unforgettable journey that will stay with me long after the final page.

The House of Hades

Plunging into the depths of Tartarus, Percy and Annabeth face their greatest challenge yet. As they navigate treacherous landscapes and confront ancient horrors, their friends race against time to close the Doors of Death. Riordan’s masterful storytelling weaves heart-pounding action with moments of unexpected humor, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. I found myself holding my breath during the intense battles, yet smiling at the witty banter between characters. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that left me craving more.