Best Heroic Fantasy Books December 2024

The Titan’s Curse

Percy Jackson’s winter break isn’t going as planned. A dangerous mission to rescue two demigods leads him face-to-face with a terrifying monster, and his friend Annabeth vanishes. As Percy and his allies race against time to save her, they uncover a sinister plot involving the Titan lord Kronos. With the winter solstice deadline looming, Percy must make an impossible choice that could change the fate of Olympus forever. Riordan’s wit and imagination shine in this thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

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.

Before They Are Hanged

Gritty and unrelenting, Abercrombie’s second installment in The First Law trilogy plunges readers deeper into a world of betrayal and brutal warfare. As armies clash and alliances crumble, unlikely heroes emerge from the chaos. The author’s razor-sharp wit and unflinching portrayal of flawed characters kept me riveted. I found myself both horrified and oddly charmed by the morally ambiguous cast, their raw humanity shining through even in the darkest moments. A masterclass in subverting fantasy tropes.