Best Epic Fantasy Books December 2024

King’s Cage

In this electrifying third installment of the Red Queen series, Mare Barrow finds herself trapped in a gilded cage, powerless and at the mercy of her nemesis. As she struggles to maintain hope, unexpected alliances form and old loyalties are tested. Aveyard’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of betrayal, resilience, and the cost of power. With pulse-pounding action and heart-wrenching moments, King’s Cage will leave readers breathless, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling saga.

Red Queen

In a world divided by blood, Mare Barrow discovers she possesses a deadly power of her own. Forced to play a dangerous game, she risks everything to help a growing rebel movement. But this is no fairytale – in the treacherous royal court, one wrong move could be fatal. With twists that’ll leave you breathless, “Red Queen” is a thrilling ride through a realm where power corrupts and love might just be the strongest magic of all.

Rule of Wolves

Leigh Bardugo’s “Rule of Wolves” plunges readers back into the Grishaverse, where danger lurks in every shadow. As war looms, Nikolai Lantsov fights to save his country and his soul, while Nina Zenik seeks vengeance for her fallen love. The stakes have never been higher, and alliances shift like sand. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late, completely enthralled by Bardugo’s masterful storytelling and complex characters. A thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that left me craving more.

King of Scars

I found myself utterly captivated by Leigh Bardugo’s “King of Scars.” This gripping tale follows Nikolai Lantsov, the young king of Ravka, as he grapples with dark magic threatening to consume him. Bardugo’s masterful world-building and complex characters drew me in from the first page. The way she weaves political intrigue with supernatural elements is simply mesmerizing. I couldn’t put it down, staying up far too late just to see what would happen next. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

Crooked Kingdom

Kaz Brekker’s crew barely escaped with their lives after pulling off a daring heist in the impenetrable Ice Court. Now, they’re back in Ketterdam, nursing wounds and facing impossible odds. With powerful enemies closing in, Kaz must devise a scheme to outwit them all. As loyalties are tested and old wounds reopened, the gang fights not just for revenge, but for their very survival. Bardugo’s gritty, fast-paced sequel plunges readers into a world of intrigue, where every alliance is fragile and every victory comes at a cost.

Shadow and Bone

Alina Starkov’s ordinary life is shattered when her hidden power awakens, thrusting her into the lavish world of the magical elite. As she struggles to hone her newfound abilities, dark forces conspire against her. Caught between loyalty and love, Alina must unravel the secrets of her past to save her country from the Shadow Fold. Bardugo’s richly imagined Grishaverse comes alive with intrigue, romance, and heart-stopping action that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Fool’s Fate

Diving back into the world of FitzChivalry Farseer, Robin Hobb’s “Fool’s Fate” is a masterful conclusion to the Tawny Man trilogy. Hobb’s rich prose and intricate character development shine as Fitz faces his most daunting challenge yet. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up far too late just to read one more chapter. The complex relationships and political intrigue kept me guessing until the very end. A bittersweet, satisfying finale that left me both elated and emotionally drained.

Golden Fool

Fitz’s journey continues in this gripping sequel, weaving political intrigue with magical mystery. Hobb’s masterful storytelling draws you deeper into the Six Duchies, where loyalty and betrayal dance a dangerous waltz. I found myself lost in Fitz’s struggles, his bond with the Fool both touching and complex. The rich world-building and nuanced characters kept me up late, turning pages with bated breath. A must-read for fantasy lovers seeking depth and heart.

Fool’s Errand

Fifteen years have passed since Fitz, the royal assassin, vanished from court. Living quietly as a farmer, he’s haunted by memories of his past and the wolf-bond he once shared. But when his old mentor Chade unexpectedly appears, Fitz is thrust back into a world of intrigue and danger. The kingdom faces a new threat, and only Fitz’s unique skills can save it. As he grapples with his reluctance to return, Fitz must confront his own demons and the price of loyalty. Hobb’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of sacrifice, duty, and the enduring power of friendship.

Assassin’s Quest

In this gripping finale to the Farseer trilogy, FitzChivalry Farseer faces his greatest challenge yet. Presumed dead, Fitz must navigate a world where his very existence is a threat. With his beloved wolf at his side, he embarks on a perilous journey to save the Six Duchies from the machinations of the evil Regal. Hobb’s masterful storytelling weaves together threads of loyalty, magic, and sacrifice, creating a tapestry of adventure that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.