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Best Contemporary Fantasy Books

April 2025

Contemporary fantasy brings the enchantment of magic into familiar, modern-day settings, blending the extraordinary with the ordinary. In this genre, the fantastical exists alongside the everyday, where mythical creatures, magical powers, and otherworldly phenomena intersect with real-world environments. These stories often focus on how characters navigate both magical and mundane challenges, creating a captivating balance between the two worlds.

From urban landscapes where hidden magic thrives to small towns with supernatural secrets, contemporary fantasy offers readers a fresh perspective on the coexistence of the magical and the real. The genre invites readers to imagine what life might be like if the mystical existed just beyond the surface of the world we know.

Discover a selection of contemporary fantasy books that weave together magic and reality, offering a thrilling escape into stories where the supernatural is just a part of everyday life.

The Trials of Apollo

After being cast down from Olympus, the god Apollo wakes up in a New York City dumpster as a mortal teenage boy. Stripped of his godly powers, he must navigate the modern world and face ancient enemies to regain his place on Mount Olympus. Along the way, he encounters old friends and new allies, learning humility and the true meaning of heroism. Riordan’s witty prose and clever mythological twists make this a thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of all ages.

The Kane Chronicles

Dive into the thrilling world of Egyptian mythology with Rick Riordan’s “The Kane Chronicles.” Follow siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their hidden magical heritage and embark on a perilous journey to save the world. Riordan’s signature wit and humor shine through as the Kanes face ancient gods, wield powerful magic, and unravel family secrets. With heart-pounding action and clever twists, this series will captivate readers of all ages, leaving them spellbound until the very last page.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Magnus Chase thought he was just another homeless kid on Boston’s streets. But when he dies a heroic death, he discovers he’s the son of a Norse god. Suddenly thrust into a world of mythology, Magnus must navigate Valhalla, befriend valkyries, and embark on a quest to prevent Ragnarok. With his wit, sarcasm, and newfound powers, Magnus faces mythical monsters and godly challenges, all while trying to figure out his place in this bizarre new reality.

The Heroes of Olympus Series

Dive into a world where Greek and Roman mythology collide with modern-day adventure. Rick Riordan’s “The Heroes of Olympus” series follows a group of demigod teens as they face epic quests and battle ancient monsters. With a perfect blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes action, these books had me hooked from the first page. Riordan’s knack for reimagining classic myths in a contemporary setting is truly magical. I found myself rooting for each character, flaws and all, as they grew into their extraordinary destinies.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series

Dive into a world where Greek mythology comes alive in modern-day America. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series follows the adventures of a young demigod as he discovers his true identity and battles mythical monsters. With a perfect blend of humor, action, and heart, these books captivate readers of all ages. I couldn’t put them down, staying up late to see what Percy and his friends would face next. It’s a thrilling ride that’ll make you look at the world differently.

The Mortal Instruments Series

Dive into a hidden world of demons, vampires, and Shadowhunters with Cassandra Clare’s thrilling “The Mortal Instruments” series. I was instantly hooked by Clary Fray’s journey from ordinary teen to fierce demon-hunter. Clare’s vivid writing brings New York City’s supernatural underbelly to life, with twists that kept me up way too late reading. The complex characters and their tangled relationships add depth to the non-stop action. It’s a rollercoaster ride that’ll leave you craving more.

The Shadowhunter Chronicles

Dive into a hidden world of demons, angels, and magic with Cassandra Clare’s “The Shadowhunter Chronicles.” This gripping urban fantasy series follows the adventures of young Shadowhunters, humans with angelic blood who protect our world from dark forces. With its intricate mythology, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable characters, Clare’s masterful storytelling will keep you spellbound. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late just to read one more chapter. A must-read for anyone craving an escape into a thrilling, supernatural realm.

The Inheritance Trilogy

Jemisin’s captivating debut weaves a tale of gods, mortals, and power that will leave you breathless. Set in a richly imagined world where deities walk among us, this epic fantasy follows Yeine Darr as she’s thrust into a deadly game of succession. With lyrical prose and complex characters, Jemisin explores themes of oppression, identity, and the nature of divinity. I found myself completely immersed, unable to put it down as the intricate plot unfolded. A stunning start to a trilogy that redefines the genre.