Best Epic Fantasy Books December 2024

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places. In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

A Court of Mist and Fury

Feyre’s world shatters as she grapples with the aftermath of her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court. Torn between duty and desire, she discovers hidden strengths within herself and a realm of breathtaking beauty. As dark forces gather, Feyre must confront her own demons and embrace her newfound powers. Maas weaves a spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Feyre’s world shatters when she kills a wolf in the forest, only to be dragged into the treacherous realm of the Fae. Held captive by the enigmatic Tamlin, she discovers a world of magic and danger beyond her wildest dreams. As Feyre unravels the secrets of the faerie lands, she finds herself drawn to Tamlin in ways she never expected. But a sinister force threatens everything she’s come to love, and Feyre must find the strength within herself to save both worlds. A spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that will leave you breathless.

The Emperor’s Soul

Shai, a master forger, faces her greatest challenge yet: recreating the soul of an emperor in just 100 days. Trapped in a palace of intrigue and deception, she must unravel the essence of a man she’s never met. As she delves deeper into the emperor’s past, Shai questions the nature of identity and the power of creation. Sanderson’s novella is a masterclass in worldbuilding, blending magic and philosophy in a tale that will leave you pondering long after the last page.

The Witcher: Season of Storms

Geralt of Rivia, the famed monster hunter, finds himself embroiled in a web of political intrigue and magical mayhem in this gripping tale. Set between the short stories and novels, Sapkowski weaves a masterful narrative that delves deeper into the Witcher’s world. As I turned each page, I felt transported to the gritty, fantastical realm where monsters lurk and loyalties shift like quicksand. The author’s wit and dark humor shine through, making this a must-read for fans and newcomers alike.

The Witcher: Lady of the Lake

Sapkowski’s masterful conclusion to The Witcher saga weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, and political intrigue. As Ciri’s destiny unfolds, readers are swept into a world where reality blurs with legend. The author’s sardonic wit and complex characters shine, while the narrative’s twists keep you guessing. I found myself lost in the rich lore, savoring every page. It’s a bittersweet farewell to characters who’ve become like old friends, leaving me both satisfied and wistful for more.

The Witcher: The Tower of Swallows

Geralt’s quest to protect Ciri takes a dark turn in this gripping installment of The Witcher saga. As war engulfs the Continent, Ciri finds herself alone and hunted, forced to confront her destiny. Sapkowski weaves a tapestry of political intrigue, brutal combat, and complex relationships with his trademark wit and gritty realism. I was captivated by the richly detailed world and couldn’t put it down, even as my heart ached for the characters’ struggles. A must-read for fantasy lovers.

The Witcher: Baptism of Fire

Geralt’s quest to find Ciri takes a perilous turn in this gripping installment of The Witcher saga. Sapkowski weaves a tapestry of political intrigue, dark magic, and unexpected alliances as our brooding hero navigates a war-torn landscape. The author’s sardonic wit shines through, offering moments of levity amidst the chaos. I found myself completely immersed, staying up far too late to devour just one more chapter. A must-read for fantasy lovers and Witcher fans alike.

The Witcher: Time of Contempt

Geralt of Rivia, the legendary witcher, finds himself embroiled in a web of political intrigue and magical chaos. As war looms on the horizon, Ciri’s extraordinary powers become both a blessing and a curse. Sapkowski’s masterful storytelling weaves together complex characters, dark humor, and heart-pounding action. I couldn’t put it down, staying up late to devour just one more chapter. The rich world-building and morally ambiguous choices left me pondering long after the final page.

The Witcher: Blood of Elves

I found myself lost in the gritty world of Geralt of Rivia, the legendary Witcher. Sapkowski’s masterful storytelling weaves a tapestry of political intrigue, magical battles, and complex characters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The rich lore and morally ambiguous choices faced by Geralt resonated deeply, reminding me of the shades of gray in our own world. A must-read for fantasy lovers seeking a fresh, darker take on the genre.