Best Urban Fantasy Books May 2025

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.

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.

The Hod King

Senlin’s journey through the Tower of Babel takes a perilous turn as he infiltrates the ringdom of Pelphia. Disguised as a noble, he must navigate treacherous politics and uncover the whereabouts of his lost wife. Meanwhile, Voleta and Iren face their own challenges in the ringdom’s deadly arena. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings this steampunk world to life, weaving intrigue and adventure with moments of unexpected humor. As the stakes rise, loyalties are tested, and secrets threaten to unravel everything Senlin holds dear.

Shadows of Self

Shadows of Self plunges readers back into the gritty, mist-shrouded world of Scadrial. Waxium Ladrian, lawman turned reluctant nobleman, grapples with his dual identity as he investigates a series of mysterious murders. Sanderson’s masterful blend of fantasy and detective noir keeps you guessing until the very end. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up way too late just to unravel one more clue. The witty banter between Wax and Wayne provides welcome moments of levity amidst the mounting tension. A thrilling ride that left me eager for more.

The Alloy of Law

Wax Ladrian, a lawman from the untamed Roughs, returns to the bustling city of Elendel after twenty years away. Haunted by his past, he reluctantly takes up his uncle’s noble title and finds himself thrust into a world of political intrigue and technological marvels. As he grapples with his new responsibilities, a string of mysterious robberies threatens the city’s stability. Wax must dust off his guns and team up with his eccentric friend Wayne to uncover a conspiracy that could shake the very foundations of their society. Sanderson’s blend of Wild West grit and steampunk ingenuity creates a thrilling adventure that kept me up way too late.

Calamity

Calamity gripped me from the first page, plunging me into a world where superheroes are the villains. Sanderson’s masterful storytelling had me rooting for David, a regular guy with an extraordinary mission. The twists kept me guessing, and I found myself staying up way too late, unable to put it down. It’s a thrilling ride that blends sci-fi and action seamlessly, leaving me eager for more. A must-read for anyone who loves a fresh take on the superhero genre.

Firefight

David’s world turned upside down when he discovered his power to create illusions. Now, as a Reckoner fighting against the tyrannical Epics, he’s thrust into a dangerous mission in Babylon Restored. Amidst the neon-lit, flooded ruins of Manhattan, David grapples with his growing feelings for Megan and the true nature of his abilities. As he uncovers shocking secrets about the Epics, he questions everything he thought he knew. Sanderson’s electrifying sequel keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending superhuman action with heart-wrenching dilemmas.

Steelheart

In a world where superhumans reign supreme, David Charleston harbors a secret vendetta. Ten years ago, he witnessed Steelheart, the most powerful Epic, murder his father. Now, David joins the Reckoners, a group of ordinary humans fighting back. Armed with meticulous research on Epic weaknesses and fueled by a thirst for revenge, David is determined to uncover Steelheart’s fatal flaw. But in a city of steel and secrets, the line between hero and villain blurs, and David must confront the true cost of his quest for justice.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Dive into the gritty underbelly of Camorr, where a young orphan named Locke Lamora leads a band of clever thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards. With wit as sharp as his blade, Locke cons the city’s elite, dancing on the edge of danger. But when a mysterious figure threatens everything he holds dear, Locke must outwit not just the nobles, but the deadliest players in a game he thought he mastered. Lynch’s vivid world-building and intricate plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, faces his final challenge in this thrilling conclusion to Rick Riordan’s “Trials of Apollo” series. As I raced through the pages, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and sadness, knowing this was the end. Riordan’s signature wit and heart shine through as Lester battles not just external foes, but his own doubts and fears. The stakes have never been higher, and I found myself holding my breath during the climactic showdown. A fitting end to an unforgettable journey.