Best Epic Fantasy Books December 2024

The Fate of the Tearling

I found myself utterly captivated by Johansen’s final installment in the Tearling trilogy. The way she weaves together past and present, blending fantasy with dystopian elements, is simply masterful. Kelsea’s journey from naive princess to hardened queen tugged at my heartstrings, while the intricate plot kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late just to see how it all unfolded. A bittersweet but satisfying conclusion that left me both exhilarated and a little melancholy to say goodbye to these characters.

The Invasion of the Tearling

Kelsea Glynn, now Queen of the Tearling, faces an ominous threat from the Red Queen’s invading army. As she grapples with her newfound powers and the weight of leadership, Kelsea uncovers dark secrets about her kingdom’s past. Through mysterious visions, she connects with a woman from pre-Crossing America, unraveling a complex tapestry of history and magic. Johansen’s gripping sequel delves deeper into this richly imagined world, blending fantasy, dystopia, and political intrigue with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding action.

The Queen of the Tearling

Kelsea Raleigh, raised in exile, embarks on a perilous journey to claim her rightful throne. Armed with nothing but her wits and a mysterious sapphire necklace, she must navigate treacherous politics and dark magic. As she uncovers shocking secrets about her kingdom’s past, Kelsea grapples with her own identity and the weight of her destiny. I was captivated by her transformation from an insecure girl to a formidable queen, facing impossible choices that will shape the future of the Tearling. Johansen’s rich world-building and complex characters kept me turning pages late into the night.

Half a War

Gritty and intense, Abercrombie’s “Half a War” delivers a gut-punching finale to his Shattered Sea trilogy. I was captivated by the complex characters and their moral struggles in a brutal world. The author’s razor-sharp prose and unexpected plot twists kept me on edge throughout. While dark, there are moments of sardonic humor that provide welcome relief. A masterful blend of fantasy and coming-of-age drama that left me both satisfied and craving more.

Half the World

Thorn Bathu dreams of becoming a warrior, but fate seems set against her. Branded a murderer for a training accident, she faces a life of shame. Yet Brand, an awkward outsider, sees Thorn’s potential and helps her seize a second chance. Together, they embark on a perilous journey across half the world, seeking allies for their beleaguered kingdom. As war looms and treachery lurks at every turn, Thorn and Brand must confront their own demons and forge an unbreakable bond to survive the trials ahead.

Half a King

Yarvi never wanted to be king. Born with a crippled hand, he was destined for the Ministry. But fate had other plans. When his father and brother are murdered, Yarvi is thrust onto the Black Chair of Gettland. Betrayed and left for dead, he must navigate a world of treachery and deceit to reclaim his throne. With unlikely allies and newfound strength, Yarvi discovers that a cunning mind can be the sharpest weapon of all. Abercrombie’s gritty tale of revenge and self-discovery will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Red Country

Gritty and unforgiving, “Red Country” plunges readers into a world of dust, blood, and vengeance. Abercrombie’s masterful prose paints a vivid landscape where hope is scarce and survival is everything. I found myself captivated by the complex characters, each wrestling with their own demons. The tension builds like a slow-burning fuse, erupting into moments of brutal violence that left me breathless. A must-read for anyone who craves raw, unflinching fantasy with a dash of dark humor.

The Heroes

Gritty and uncompromising, Abercrombie’s “The Heroes” plunges readers into the heart of a brutal three-day battle. With his trademark dark humor and unflinching portrayal of violence, he weaves a tale of flawed characters caught in the chaos of war. I found myself captivated by the shifting perspectives and morally ambiguous choices. It’s a stark reminder that in conflict, heroism is often just a matter of perspective. A must-read for fans of realistic fantasy.

Best Served Cold

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and Monza Murcatto’s vengeance is glacial. Once the most feared mercenary in Duke Orso’s employ, she’s now left for dead, her brother murdered beside her. Surviving against all odds, Monza vows to kill the seven men responsible for her downfall. As she assembles a motley crew of misfits and cutthroats, each with their own agenda, the line between justice and madness blurs. Abercrombie’s gritty tale of betrayal and retribution pulls no punches, delivering a visceral journey through a world where honor is scarce and loyalty comes at a steep price.

Last Argument of Kings

Brutal, gripping, and darkly humorous, “Last Argument of Kings” delivers a stunning conclusion to Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to see how it all unfolded. The characters are flawed and complex, making you question who to root for. Abercrombie’s gritty prose and unexpected twists kept me on edge, and the ending… well, let’s just say it’s not your typical fantasy fare. A must-read for fans of morally gray tales and subverted tropes.