Best Sword and Sorcery Books December 2024

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.

Royal Assassin

Fitz, the royal bastard, returns to Buckkeep a changed man. Haunted by his near-death experience, he grapples with newfound powers and old loyalties. As political intrigue swirls around him, Fitz must navigate treacherous waters, balancing his duties as assassin with his growing bond to the mysterious Fool. Hobb’s masterful prose brings this world to life, weaving a tale of magic, betrayal, and the weight of destiny. A gripping sequel that left me breathless and eager for more.

Assassin’s Apprentice

In a world where magic and politics intertwine, young Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, finds himself thrust into the dangerous world of royal intrigue. Trained as an assassin by the enigmatic Chade, Fitz struggles to balance his loyalty to the crown with his own desires for a normal life. As he navigates court politics and hones his skills, Fitz uncovers dark secrets that threaten the kingdom’s stability. Hobb’s rich prose and complex characters draw you into a tale of sacrifice, duty, and the price of power.

The Hero of Ages

Elend Venture’s reign as emperor faces its greatest challenge as the mists grow deadlier, threatening all life. Vin, the Mistborn heroine, grapples with her powers and destiny. As the world teeters on the brink, the crew must unravel ancient prophecies and confront the sinister force behind the mists. Sanderson’s masterful conclusion to the Mistborn trilogy weaves intricate magic, political intrigue, and heart-wrenching sacrifices into an epic tale that left me breathless until the very last page.

The Well of Ascension

Sanderson’s masterful sequel plunges readers back into the mist-shrouded world of Luthadel. Vin, now a powerful Mistborn, grapples with her newfound abilities and the weight of leadership. As political intrigue and ancient prophecies collide, the city teeters on the brink of chaos. I found myself captivated by the intricate magic system and the characters’ inner struggles. Sanderson’s prose paints a vivid, gritty landscape that feels eerily alive. A thrilling ride that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

The Final Empire

In a world shrouded in ash, where the immortal Lord Ruler reigns supreme, hope seems lost. But Kelsier, a charismatic thief turned rebel, has a daring plan. He recruits an unlikely crew, including the street urchin Vin, who harbors a hidden power. As they plot to overthrow the empire, Vin grapples with her newfound abilities and her growing feelings for a noble-born ally. Sanderson’s masterful worldbuilding and intricate magic system had me spellbound from the first page. A thrilling ride that left me craving more.

Empire of Storms

Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to queen reaches its heart-stopping climax as war looms on all horizons. With her court in tatters and her heart divided, Aelin must navigate treacherous alliances and impossible choices to save her world—and the people she has come to love. Maas weaves a tapestry of magic, romance, and breathtaking action that will leave readers spellbound. As ancient forces awaken, Aelin must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice for a kingdom that may already be lost.

Queen of Shadows

Celaena Sardothien has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return. The fourth breathtaking installment in the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series.

Heir of Fire

Celaena Sardothien, once Adarlan’s most feared assassin, now faces her greatest challenge yet. Sent on a dangerous mission to a distant kingdom, she must confront her own demons and unlock the secrets of her magical heritage. As dark forces gather and ancient powers awaken, Celaena must decide where her loyalties truly lie. With heart-pounding action and unexpected twists, this gripping tale explores the depths of courage, love, and sacrifice. Maas weaves a spellbinding narrative that will leave readers breathless and craving more.

Throne of Glass

In a world where magic has been outlawed, Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin, is offered a chance at freedom. Compete as the King’s Champion and win her liberty, or face certain death in the salt mines. As she battles fellow criminals and warriors, Celaena uncovers dark secrets and confronts her own haunting past. With each challenge, she questions her loyalties and discovers an unexpected ally. Maas weaves a tale of survival, romance, and political intrigue that kept me turning pages late into the night. A thrilling start to an epic fantasy series.