The Most Popular Fantasy Books of 2023 So Far
Fantasy literature continues to captivate readers with its rich world-building, fantastical creatures, and epic adventures. As we delve into 2023, it’s time to explore the most popular fantasy books that have enchanted readers and taken them on thrilling journeys. From dragons and faeries to ancient myths and magical realms, these books have pushed the boundaries of imagination.
In this blog post, we will highlight some of the most sought-after fantasy novels released in 2023, including Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo, A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett, Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson, Atalanta by Jennifer Saint, Witch King by Martha Wells, Victory City by Salman Rushdie, and Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Enter the captivating and dangerous world of dragon riders in Fourth Wing by bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. In this thrilling tale, we follow twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, who is thrust into the brutal and elite realm of dragon riders against all odds. With her fragile physique and the scarcity of dragons willing to bond, Violet’s journey becomes even more perilous. Amidst a war-torn kingdom and a secret concealed by leadership, she must navigate friendships, rivalries, and a potential love interest while struggling to survive. Yarros blends elements of fantasy, romance, and dragons into a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
If you enjoyed Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, be sure to check out our in-depth review of the book and explore our blog post featuring other captivating reads in a similar vein!
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo, the acclaimed author of the Grishaverse series, returns with Hell Bent, a dark and magical tale set in the Ivy League. Following the journey of Alex Stern, readers are drawn into a world of murder, power, and the occult. Forbidden from rescuing her friend from purgatory, Alex assembles a team of dubious allies to uncover the closely guarded secrets of the Ninth House. As faculty members start dying, Alex realizes something sinister is at work within the university’s walls. With her past haunting her, she must confront the monsters within and outside herself. Bardugo weaves a tapestry of history, magic, and violence, creating an intricate world that captivates readers from start to finish.
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
Samantha Shannon, the author of the acclaimed The Priory of the Orange Tree, takes readers back to her captivating universe in A Day of Fallen Night. This novel introduces us to four remarkable women whose actions shape their world for generations to come. Tunuva Melim, a sister of the Priory, questions the purpose of slaying wyrms when none have appeared since the Nameless One. In the Queendom of Inys, Sabran the Ambitious saves her realm by marrying the King of Hróth, while their daughter, Glorian, seeks her own destiny. Dumai, residing in a Seiikinese mountain temple, is determined to wake the gods from their slumber. As the Dreadmount erupts, these women must unite and protect humankind from a devastating threat. Shannon’s expert storytelling and world-building create a compelling narrative filled with terror, violence, and the indomitable spirit of heroism.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Heather Fawcett enchants readers with Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, a heartwarming and enchanting fantasy. The story follows Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, a brilliant scholar and expert on the study of faeries. Emily’s antisocial tendencies and preference for the company of books and her dog, Shadow, make her an unlikely candidate for social interactions. However, when she arrives in the village of Hrafnsvik to study faerie folklore, she finds herself drawn into the lives of the gruff townsfolk and her academic rival, Wendell Bambleby.
As Emily delves deeper into her research, she uncovers the secrets of the Hidden Ones, the elusive faeries lurking in the forest. Along the way, she discovers the mystery surrounding Wendell Bambleby and his true intentions. This enchanting tale explores the themes of friendship, love, and the pursuit of knowledge. Fawcett’s vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling transport readers to a world where magic and wonder blend seamlessly with the complexities of human relationships.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Renowned author Brandon Sanderson expands his Cosmere universe with Tress of the Emerald Sea, a standalone novel that combines adventure, romance, and the allure of the unknown. The story revolves around Tress, who lives a simple life on her island home surrounded by an emerald-green ocean. Collecting cups and listening to stories, her existence takes a dramatic turn when she stows away on a ship to seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea.
Navigating the treacherous waters filled with pirates and dangers, Tress must leave behind her familiar life and embark on a journey where even a single drop of water can mean instant death. Sanderson’s masterful world-building and engaging characters bring this standalone novel to life, capturing the essence of high-seas adventure and the magic of the human spirit.
Atalanta by Jennifer Saint
Jennifer Saint, the author of Elektra and Ariadne, reimagines the myth of Atalanta in her novel Atalanta. This fierce huntress, raised by bears and the only woman in the world’s most famous band of heroes, the Argonauts, takes center stage in this gripping tale. Born a princess but left to die on a mountainside, Atalanta survives and grows up under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis.
Driven by her desire for adventure, Atalanta seizes the opportunity to fight alongside the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece. As she battles alongside the men and forms a passionate connection, she defies Artemis’s warning and questions the goddess’s true intentions. Saint’s vivid prose and deep exploration of Atalanta’s journey make this an empowering and unforgettable tale of a woman forging her own path in a world dominated by men.
Witch King by Martha Wells
Martha Wells presents Witch King, a story of power, friendship, trust, and betrayal. Kai, the protagonist, finds himself awakening from an elaborate water trap only to be confronted by a lesser mage attempting to exploit his magic. As he unravels the mystery behind his imprisonment and the changes that have occurred since his assassination, Kai must rely on his allies and his pain magic to find answers.
In a world where the Rising World Coalition grows in influence and secrets abound, Kai’s journey is filled with intrigue and danger. Wells’s skilled storytelling and unique magical systems immerse readers in a world where choices have far-reaching consequences and where the lines between friend and foe blur.
Victory City by Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie, celebrated author of Midnight’s Children, presents Victory City, a captivating novel that weaves together history, power, and the endurance of storytelling. Set in fourteenth-century southern India, Victory City follows the life of Pampa Kampana, a nine-year-old girl who experiences a divine encounter after witnessing the death of her mother. The encounter sets her on a path that will shape the course of history. Pampa becomes a vessel for a goddess who tells her that she will play a crucial role in the rise of a great city called Bisnaga, also known as victory city.
Over the span of two hundred and fifty years, Pampa’s life becomes intertwined with the destiny of Bisnaga. She endeavors to fulfill the goddess’s task, which is to empower women in a patriarchal society. As rulers come and go, battles are fought, and alliances shift, Pampa struggles to realize her mission.
Rushdie’s richly detailed narrative explores themes of power, storytelling, and the role of women in society. The novel takes readers on a journey through time, highlighting the enduring impact of one girl’s encounter with the divine. With its vibrant characters and masterful storytelling, Victory City showcases Rushdie’s talent for blending history and imagination into a compelling and thought-provoking tale.
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Clytemnestra is a stunning debut novel by Costanza Casati that delves into the life of one of the most notorious villainesses of ancient Greece. The story follows Clytemnestra, who is left to die on a mountainside as a baby because she was born a daughter instead of a son. However, she defies her fate and grows up under the watchful eye of the goddess Artemis.
As Clytemnestra’s story unfolds, readers witness her transformation from a survivor to a woman with a choice. She navigates a world where power and vengeance are paramount, challenging the gods themselves in her quest for retribution. Casati’s reimagining of Clytemnestra’s tale explores themes of gender, power dynamics, and the complexity of human motivations.
With its evocative prose and compelling exploration of one of Greek mythology’s most intriguing characters, Clytemnestra captures the reader’s imagination and invites them to consider the depths of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
These are just a few of the most popular fantasy books of 2023 so far, offering readers a diverse range of captivating worlds, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you’re a fan of dragons, magic, ancient mythology, or intricate world-building, these books are sure to transport you to new realms and ignite your imagination. So, grab a copy, dive into these fantastical tales, and embark on unforgettable literary adventures!
I just finished Fourth Wing, and it totally lived up to the hype for me. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m hoping to pick up Hell Bent soon, too.
Even though such books aren’t my cup of tea… I really enjoyed this one ❤️