Best Fantasy Books April 2025

The Midnight Library

Nora Seed’s life is falling apart. Jobless, friendless, and plagued by regrets, she finds herself on the brink of despair. But when she attempts to end it all, she awakens in a mysterious library between life and death. Here, each book represents a different path her life could have taken. As Nora explores these alternate realities, she grapples with the weight of her choices and the meaning of existence itself. Matt Haig’s poignant tale reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite our story and find hope in the most unexpected places.

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.

The Witcher: Sword of Destiny

Geralt of Rivia, the legendary monster hunter, returns in this gripping collection of short stories. Sapkowski weaves a tapestry of dark fantasy, blending Slavic folklore with gritty realism. As Geralt navigates a world of moral ambiguity, he encounters unforgettable characters and faces impossible choices. Each tale is a masterclass in storytelling, exploring themes of destiny, love, and the nature of humanity. I found myself utterly captivated by the rich world-building and complex relationships. A must-read for fantasy lovers.

The Hunger of the Gods

In “The Hunger of the Gods,” John Gwynne weaves a gripping tale of vengeance and destiny. I was captivated by the rich Norse-inspired world, where gods walk among mortals and ancient magic awakens. The characters’ struggles felt so real, I found myself holding my breath during intense battle scenes. Gwynne’s masterful storytelling had me pondering the nature of power and sacrifice long after I turned the final page. A must-read for fantasy lovers seeking an epic adventure with heart.