Best Urban Fantasy Books May 2025

The Diviners

Evie O’Neill’s sharp tongue lands her in hot water in Ohio, forcing her parents to ship her off to Manhattan. But 1920s New York City holds more than speakeasies and jazz for Evie. Her uncanny ability to “read” objects reveals a sinister connection to a serial killer terrorizing the city. Teaming up with her uncle and a ragtag group of misfits, each with their own supernatural gifts, Evie races to stop the murderer before it’s too late. Bray’s vivid prose brings the Roaring Twenties to life in this thrilling paranormal mystery that will keep you up all night.

The Mask Falling

Paige Mahoney, the dreamwalker, finds herself in a precarious position as she navigates the treacherous waters of Scion Paris. Torn between her loyalty to the rebellion and her growing feelings for Warden, she must make impossible choices that could alter the fate of both humans and voyants. Shannon’s vivid prose brings this dystopian world to life, weaving intricate politics with heart-pounding action. I found myself holding my breath during the tense undercover missions, feeling Paige’s internal struggle as if it were my own. A thrilling continuation of the series that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

The Song Rising

Paige Mahoney’s world is crumbling. As Underqueen of the Mime Order, she faces mounting threats from all sides. The Scion regime tightens its grip on London, while a dangerous new technology threatens to expose clairvoyants everywhere. Torn between loyalty and survival, Paige must navigate treacherous alliances and confront her own demons. As she uncovers shocking secrets about her past, she realizes the fate of her people rests on her shoulders. Shannon’s vivid prose brings this dystopian world to life, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The Mime Order

Paige Mahoney’s world is shattered when she’s thrust into the criminal underworld of Scion London. Forced to navigate a treacherous landscape of rival gangs and shadowy figures, she must use her rare clairvoyant abilities to survive. As she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens everything she holds dear, Paige finds herself torn between loyalty and love. Shannon’s gripping prose and intricate world-building had me on the edge of my seat, desperately turning pages late into the night. A thrilling blend of dystopian fantasy and urban grit that left me craving more.

The Bone Season

In a dystopian London, Paige Mahoney navigates a dangerous underworld as a dreamwalker, a rare clairvoyant hunted by the government. When she’s captured and thrust into a hidden city ruled by powerful beings, she discovers her own untapped abilities. As she unravels the city’s secrets, Paige forms unlikely alliances and faces heart-wrenching choices. I couldn’t put it down, staying up late to devour just one more chapter. Shannon’s vivid world-building and complex characters left me craving the next installment in this thrilling series.

A Discovery of Witches

Diving into “A Discovery of Witches,” I was instantly captivated by Deborah Harkness’s rich tapestry of history, magic, and romance. The story follows Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch who stumbles upon an ancient manuscript that unleashes a world of supernatural intrigue. As I turned each page, I found myself lost in the atmospheric Oxford setting and drawn to the enigmatic vampire Matthew Clairmont. Harkness’s blend of scholarly detail and spellbinding fantasy left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this bewitching trilogy.

The Twilight Saga

The Trials of Apollo

After being cast down from Olympus, the god Apollo wakes up in a New York City dumpster as a mortal teenage boy. Stripped of his godly powers, he must navigate the modern world and face ancient enemies to regain his place on Mount Olympus. Along the way, he encounters old friends and new allies, learning humility and the true meaning of heroism. Riordan’s witty prose and clever mythological twists make this a thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of all ages.

The Kane Chronicles

Dive into the thrilling world of Egyptian mythology with Rick Riordan’s “The Kane Chronicles.” Follow siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their hidden magical heritage and embark on a perilous journey to save the world. Riordan’s signature wit and humor shine through as the Kanes face ancient gods, wield powerful magic, and unravel family secrets. With heart-pounding action and clever twists, this series will captivate readers of all ages, leaving them spellbound until the very last page.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Magnus Chase thought he was just another homeless kid on Boston’s streets. But when he dies a heroic death, he discovers he’s the son of a Norse god. Suddenly thrust into a world of mythology, Magnus must navigate Valhalla, befriend valkyries, and embark on a quest to prevent Ragnarok. With his wit, sarcasm, and newfound powers, Magnus faces mythical monsters and godly challenges, all while trying to figure out his place in this bizarre new reality.