Best Epic Fantasy Books January 2025

Unfinished Tales

Delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth with Tolkien’s “Unfinished Tales,” a treasure trove of narratives that expand the lore of his beloved world. From the First Age to the Third, these stories offer tantalizing glimpses into the lives of legendary characters and pivotal events. As I pored over the pages, I found myself lost in the author’s meticulous world-building, marveling at how even his unpolished works shine with brilliance. A must-read for any Tolkien enthusiast seeking to deepen their understanding of this magical realm.

A Conjuring of Light

Darkness looms over the magical world of Red London as the final battle approaches. Kell, Lila, and Alucard must face their greatest challenge yet: an ancient evil that threatens to consume everything in its path. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, our heroes grapple with their own demons and the weight of their destinies. Schwab’s masterful prose weaves a spellbinding tale of sacrifice, love, and the true nature of power. I couldn’t put it down, my heart racing with every twist and turn. A thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable trilogy.

A Gathering of Shadows

Kell’s London is a world of magic and danger, where parallel realities collide. Four months after the harrowing events of “A Darker Shade of Magic,” he struggles to adjust to his new life. Meanwhile, Lila Bard, the pickpocket turned pirate, chases adventure on the high seas. As the Element Games approach, bringing magicians from across the empire to compete, dark forces gather in the shadows. Kell and Lila’s paths intertwine once more, testing their loyalties and pushing them to their limits in this thrilling sequel that will leave readers breathless for more.

A Darker Shade of Magic

Kell, a rare magician who can travel between parallel Londons, smuggles forbidden artifacts for thrills. But when a dangerous object falls into his hands, he’s thrust into a perilous adventure. Joined by Lila, a cunning thief with dreams of becoming a pirate, Kell must navigate treacherous magic and political intrigue to save his world. Schwab’s vivid prose brings each London to life, weaving a tale of loyalty, power, and the consequences of wielding magic that will keep you spellbound until the very last page.

The Mask Falling

Paige Mahoney, the dreamwalker, finds herself in a precarious position as she navigates the treacherous waters of Scion Paris. Torn between her loyalty to the rebellion and her growing feelings for Warden, she must make impossible choices that could alter the fate of both humans and voyants. Shannon’s vivid prose brings this dystopian world to life, weaving intricate politics with heart-pounding action. I found myself holding my breath during the tense undercover missions, feeling Paige’s internal struggle as if it were my own. A thrilling continuation of the series that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

The Burning God

Rin’s journey reaches its explosive finale in this heart-wrenching conclusion to R.F. Kuang’s epic fantasy trilogy. Haunted by the atrocities she’s committed, Rin grapples with her inner demons and the crushing weight of destiny. As war engulfs the land, alliances shift like sand, and ancient powers awaken, Rin must confront the ultimate question: How far will she go to save her people? Kuang’s masterful prose and unflinching exploration of power, colonialism, and morality will leave you breathless until the very last page.

The Dragon Republic

Rin’s world is shattered. Haunted by the atrocities she committed to save her people, she grapples with addiction and the weight of her actions. As civil war erupts, Rin finds herself caught between loyalty and survival. Kuang’s visceral prose plunges readers into a brutal, richly-imagined fantasy realm inspired by Chinese history. With complex characters and heart-wrenching choices, this sequel left me breathless. A masterful exploration of power, trauma, and the cost of victory.

The Poppy War

Rin, a war orphan from a backwater province, defies expectations by acing the Empire’s brutal military exam. Thrust into an elite academy, she discovers a gift for shamanism—a power that could change the course of history. As war looms and dark forces awaken, Rin must confront her own demons and make impossible choices. Kuang’s debut is a gripping tale of magic, warfare, and the cost of power, leaving readers breathless and haunted long after the final page.

The Stormlight Archive

Immerse yourself in a world of epic fantasy where storms shape civilizations and ancient powers awaken. Sanderson’s masterful storytelling weaves together complex characters, intricate magic systems, and political intrigue on a grand scale. As darkness looms and forgotten legends come to life, unlikely heroes must confront their pasts and unite against overwhelming odds. With breathtaking world-building and heart-pounding action, The Stormlight Archive will captivate you from the first page to the last.

A Song of Ice and Fire Series

Immerse yourself in a world of political intrigue, epic battles, and dragons. Martin’s masterful storytelling weaves a tapestry of complex characters and unpredictable plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely lost in the richly detailed landscapes and couldn’t help but feel a connection to the flawed, yet relatable heroes and villains. Fair warning: you might lose sleep turning pages late into the night!