Best Contemporary Fantasy Books December 2024

New Moon

Bella Swan’s world is turned upside down when Edward Cullen, her vampire love, leaves town to protect her. Heartbroken and lost, she finds solace in her friendship with Jacob Black, unaware of the supernatural secrets he harbors. As Bella navigates her grief, she discovers an unexpected thrill in reckless behavior, pushing the boundaries of her own mortality. Meyer’s haunting prose captures the raw emotions of first love and loss, drawing readers deeper into the mesmerizing world of Forks, where danger lurks in the shadows and nothing is quite as it seems.

Our Dark Duet

In this gripping sequel, Kate Harker and August Flynn find themselves on opposite sides of a war that has left their city in ruins. As monsters born from violence roam the streets, Kate becomes a ruthless hunter while August struggles with his own inner darkness. Their paths collide once more, forcing them to confront not only each other but also the shadows within themselves. Schwab’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil, leaving readers breathless until the very last page.

The Unbound

Kell Maresh, the last of the Antari blood magicians, struggles to adjust to his new life in Red London. Haunted by the events of the past, he grapples with his growing powers and the weight of responsibility. Meanwhile, Lila Bard, the cunning thief from Grey London, embarks on a perilous journey to prove her worth as a magician. As dark forces gather and ancient magic awakens, Kell and Lila must confront their deepest fears and make impossible choices. A spellbinding tale of adventure, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

The Archived

Mackenzie Bishop’s world is filled with secrets and shadows. As a Keeper, she’s tasked with returning the restless dead to their eternal sleep in the Archive. But when her little brother dies and her family moves to the Coronado, an old hotel turned apartment building, Mac’s carefully ordered life begins to unravel. Strange disturbances in the Archive and mysterious deaths in the Coronado force her to confront long-buried truths about her past and the nature of the Archive itself. With time running out and danger closing in, Mac must decide who to trust and what she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the living and the dead.

Ninth House

Galaxy “Alex” Stern never expected to be offered a full ride to Yale. But when she wakes up in a hospital bed—the sole survivor of a multiple homicide—everything changes. Alex is tasked with monitoring Yale’s secret societies, where the future elite engage in sinister occult practices. As she delves deeper into this shadowy world, Alex uncovers a dark conspiracy that threatens everything she holds dear. Bardugo’s adult debut is a gritty, haunting tale that blends the supernatural with real-world issues, creating a gripping narrative that will keep you up at night.

Calamity

Calamity gripped me from the first page, plunging me into a world where superheroes are the villains. Sanderson’s masterful storytelling had me rooting for David, a regular guy with an extraordinary mission. The twists kept me guessing, and I found myself staying up way too late, unable to put it down. It’s a thrilling ride that blends sci-fi and action seamlessly, leaving me eager for more. A must-read for anyone who loves a fresh take on the superhero genre.

Firefight

David’s world turned upside down when he discovered his power to create illusions. Now, as a Reckoner fighting against the tyrannical Epics, he’s thrust into a dangerous mission in Babylon Restored. Amidst the neon-lit, flooded ruins of Manhattan, David grapples with his growing feelings for Megan and the true nature of his abilities. As he uncovers shocking secrets about the Epics, he questions everything he thought he knew. Sanderson’s electrifying sequel keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending superhuman action with heart-wrenching dilemmas.

The Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, faces his final challenge in this thrilling conclusion to Rick Riordan’s “Trials of Apollo” series. As I raced through the pages, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and sadness, knowing this was the end. Riordan’s signature wit and heart shine through as Lester battles not just external foes, but his own doubts and fears. The stakes have never been higher, and I found myself holding my breath during the climactic showdown. A fitting end to an unforgettable journey.

The Trials of Apollo: The Tyrant’s Tomb

Apollo’s fall from grace continues in this gripping fourth installment of Riordan’s mythological masterpiece. Still trapped in his mortal teenage form, Lester Papadopoulos faces his most harrowing challenge yet: confronting an ancient Roman emperor risen from the dead. With his usual blend of humor and heart-pounding action, Riordan weaves a tale that had me laughing one moment and gasping the next. As a longtime fan, I found myself completely immersed in Apollo’s journey of self-discovery and redemption. It’s a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss!

The Trials of Apollo: The Burning Maze

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, continues his mortal journey in this thrilling third installment. Trapped in the blazing Labyrinth, he faces his most harrowing quest yet. With loyal friends Meg and Grover by his side, Lester must confront a ruthless Roman emperor and his own fading divinity. Riordan’s signature wit shines through the danger, keeping readers on edge. I found myself laughing one moment and holding my breath the next. A rollercoaster of mythology and heart-pounding adventure awaits in this can’t-put-down page-turner.