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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.

Lords and Ladies

“Lords and Ladies” by Terry Pratchett is a delightful romp through the magical world of Discworld, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur in the most enchanting ways. I remember laughing out loud at the antics of Granny Weatherwax and her fellow witches as they faced off against the sinister, otherworldly elves. Pratchett’s wit and wisdom shine through every page, making it a must-read for anyone who loves clever, heartwarming storytelling.

Maskerade

Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax are back, and this time they’re taking on the glittering world of opera. When a mysterious phantom starts haunting the Ankh-Morpork Opera House, the witches can’t resist meddling. With a dash of magic, a sprinkle of humor, and a generous helping of Pratchett’s signature wit, “Maskerade” is a rollicking adventure that’ll have you laughing out loud. It’s like “Phantom of the Opera” meets “Macbeth,” but with more pointy hats and less tragedy. Trust me, you’ll never look at opera the same way again.

I Shall Wear Midnight

In this enchanting tale, Terry Pratchett weaves a spellbinding story of young witch Tiffany Aching’s most challenging adventure yet. As she faces the ancient, malevolent Cunning Man, Tiffany must confront her own fears and doubts. Pratchett’s signature wit and wisdom shine through, making this a delightful read for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and deeply moved the next. A truly magical journey that left me pondering long after the final page.

A Hat Full of Sky

Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, faces her greatest challenge yet in this enchanting tale. As she leaves her beloved chalk hills to apprentice with Miss Level, Tiffany discovers a sinister force stalking her thoughts. With wit, courage, and a dash of Nac Mac Feegle magic, she must confront her own fears and the ancient evil threatening her mind. Pratchett’s signature humor and wisdom shine through, making this a delightful journey of self-discovery and growing up.

Wintersmith

Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, faces her toughest challenge yet in this enchanting tale. When she accidentally catches the eye of the Wintersmith, an elemental force of nature, chaos ensues. As the lines between seasons blur and snow threatens to engulf the world, Tiffany must use all her wit and growing magical skills to set things right. Pratchett’s signature humor and wisdom shine through, making this a delightful read for both young adults and the young at heart.

Wyrd Sisters

Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick are back, and this time they’re meddling in royal affairs. When a murdered king’s infant son is thrust into their care, the witches find themselves embroiled in a Shakespearean plot of usurpation and revenge. Pratchett’s signature wit shines as he skewers theatrical tropes and fairy tale conventions. I couldn’t help but chuckle at Nanny’s bawdy humor and Granny’s no-nonsense approach to magic. A delightful romp through the Discworld that left me craving more.

Pyramids

In this hilarious Discworld adventure, young Teppic inherits the throne of an ancient kingdom obsessed with building pyramids. Struggling with royal duties and a stubborn high priest, he grapples with tradition and progress. Pratchett’s wit shines as he pokes fun at ancient Egypt, modern politics, and everything in between. A rollicking tale of camels, assassins, and mathematics gone mad that’ll leave you chuckling long after the last page.

The Truth

In “The Truth,” Terry Pratchett delivers a wickedly funny satire of journalism and politics in his beloved Discworld. When William de Worde accidentally invents the newspaper, he unleashes a whirlwind of change in Ankh-Morpork. Suddenly, everyone wants their story told—or buried. With a cast of colorful characters and Pratchett’s signature wit, this novel explores the power of words and the chaos of truth in a world balanced on the edge of absurdity.

The Last Hero

Cohen the Barbarian, ancient hero of the Discworld, decides to go out with a bang. Gathering his elderly comrades, he embarks on a final quest to return fire to the gods. Meanwhile, Leonard of Quirm invents a spacecraft, and the wizards of Unseen University realize they must stop Cohen to save the world. Pratchett’s wit shines as he weaves together heroic adventure, philosophical musings, and laugh-out-loud humor. A touching tribute to classic fantasy that will leave you both chuckling and contemplating life’s big questions.

Soul Music

In this rollicking adventure through Discworld, Death takes an unexpected holiday, leaving his granddaughter Susan to fill his bony shoes. Meanwhile, a mysterious force called “Music With Rocks In” sweeps through Ankh-Morpork, captivating the youth and baffling the elders. As Susan grapples with her newfound duties, she crosses paths with Imp y Celyn, a young musician with dreams of stardom. Pratchett’s wit shines as he weaves together themes of destiny, rebellion, and the power of music, all while keeping readers chuckling at his trademark humor and clever wordplay.