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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.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson’s world turns upside down when he discovers he’s a demigod. Suddenly, Greek mythology comes to life, and he’s thrust into a dangerous quest to prevent a war between the gods. With his newfound powers and loyal friends, Percy faces monsters, betrayal, and his own destiny. Riordan’s witty narrative and clever modernization of ancient myths create a thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of all ages. This first installment in the series sets the stage for an epic journey of self-discovery and heroism.

Full Throttle

Joe Hill’s “Full Throttle” is a heart-pounding collection of short stories that’ll keep you up at night. From ghostly road trips to sinister AI, Hill’s imagination runs wild, blending horror and humanity in ways that feel eerily familiar. I couldn’t put it down, each tale leaving me breathless and craving more. It’s like stepping into a funhouse of fears you didn’t know you had. Hill’s voice is unmistakable – he’s truly his father’s son, but with a modern edge that cuts deep.

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Vic McQueen discovers her uncanny ability to find lost things, riding her bicycle through a mysterious covered bridge. But her gift comes with a price when she encounters Charlie Manx, a sinister immortal who abducts children to his twisted “Christmasland.” Years later, Vic must confront her own demons and face Manx again to save her son. Hill’s chilling tale blends supernatural horror with heart-wrenching emotion, creating a haunting journey that lingers long after the last page.

Heart-Shaped Box

Joe Hill’s “Heart-Shaped Box” is a chilling ride into the depths of human fear. When aging rock star Judas Coyne impulsively buys a ghost online, he unleashes a terrifying force that threatens everything he holds dear. Hill’s prose is razor-sharp, weaving a tale of redemption and revenge that kept me up at night. The characters are flawed yet compelling, and the supernatural elements feel unnervingly real. I couldn’t put it down, even as it made my skin crawl.

Firestarter

In this chilling tale, King weaves a gripping narrative of a young girl with extraordinary pyrokinetic abilities. As government agents relentlessly pursue her and her father, the story ignites with heart-pounding suspense. I found myself captivated by the raw emotion and complex family dynamics amidst the supernatural terror. King’s masterful prose left me feeling both unsettled and deeply moved, pondering the fine line between gift and curse long after the final page.

Moving Pictures

In this rollicking adventure on the Discworld, Terry Pratchett introduces us to the magic of Holy Wood. As moving pictures captivate the masses, our unlikely heroes must navigate a world where dreams become reality. With his trademark wit and whimsy, Pratchett weaves a tale of ambition, stardom, and the power of imagination. You’ll laugh, you’ll ponder, and you’ll never look at cinema the same way again.

Making Money

Terry Pratchett’s “Making Money” is a delightful romp through the chaotic world of Ankh-Morpork’s financial system. With his trademark wit and satirical edge, Pratchett weaves a tale of Moist von Lipwig’s reluctant ascension to the role of banker. As I chuckled through the pages, I couldn’t help but marvel at how Pratchett manages to make economics both hilarious and thought-provoking. His clever wordplay and unforgettable characters kept me engrossed until the very end.

Witches Abroad

Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick embark on a hilarious journey across the Discworld in this enchanting tale. As they meddle in fairy tales and face off against a wicked godmother, Pratchett’s wit shines through every page. I found myself chuckling at the clever wordplay and loving the quirky characters. It’s a perfect blend of fantasy, humor, and heart that left me grinning long after I finished. A must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a dash of magic.

The Wee Free Men

Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, faces her first real challenge when the Queen of Fairies kidnaps her little brother. Armed with nothing but a frying pan and her wits, she teams up with the Nac Mac Feegle – tiny, blue, kilt-wearing, sheep-stealing pictsies – to rescue him. Pratchett’s wit shines through in this delightful tale of courage, friendship, and the power of believing in yourself. I couldn’t put it down, laughing out loud at the Feegles’ antics and cheering for Tiffany’s growth. A perfect blend of humor and heart.

Eric

In “Eric,” Terry Pratchett weaves a hilarious tale of misadventure through time and space. Young demonologist Eric summons a wizard, expecting ultimate power, but gets Rincewind instead. Together, they bumble through history, meeting figures like Aztec gods and the Trojan Horse. Pratchett’s wit shines as he pokes fun at human nature and mythology. It’s a romp that’ll leave you chuckling and pondering life’s absurdities.