There's nothing quite like a great high fantasy book. This subgenre demands more than just a compelling plot—it requires building an entirely new world with its own rules, cultures, and creatures, a feat only the most skilled fantasy authors can pull off. Over the last five years, readers have been spoiled with some of the most imaginative and captivating high fantasy works in recent memory.
From standalone gems like Blood Over Bright Haven to sprawling series entries like The Wisdom of Crowds, these books have proven that high fantasy remains as vital and beloved as ever. Here are the ten best high fantasy books from 2021 to now, ranked.
10. Alchemised (2025)
SenLinYu, known for the viral fan fiction Manacled, makes her original debut with Alchemised. This novel follows a former alchemist slowly recovering her memories of a civil war, set in a world that reimagines the author's earlier work. It's a must-read for any fantasy fan, blending meticulous plotting with deep emotional and thematic resonance. The visceral worldbuilding and fusion of grimdark and Gothic romance make it a standout.
9. Crossroads of Ravens (2024)
Andrzej Sapkowski, often called the Polish Tolkien, returns to the Witcher universe with Crossroads of Ravens. This prequel to the entire saga strips away the gloss of the video games and returns to the dark, philosophical roots that made the series iconic. With clever subversions of classic fantasy tropes and engrossing lore, it's a must-read for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
8. A Day of Fallen Night (2023)
Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series continues to impress with this prequel set 500 years before The Priory of the Orange Tree. Exploring the aftermath of a catastrophic volcanic eruption, the novel weaves together intricate magic systems, rich mythologies, and a cast of compelling characters. It's a perfect balance of epic scope and intimate storytelling, with plenty of queer representation and romance.
7. Tress of the Emerald Sea (2023)
Brandon Sanderson's Secret Projects series has been a gift to fantasy readers, and Tress of the Emerald Sea is a shining example. This standalone novel, part of the Cosmere universe, is a more accessible entry point for newcomers, yet it's packed with the wit and wonder that Sanderson is known for. It's fun, whimsical, and utterly magical—a perfect introduction to his work.
6. Blood Over Bright Haven (2023)
For those who prefer a standalone, M. L. Wang's Blood Over Bright Haven is a dark academia gem. Set in the industrial utopia of Tiran, it follows an ambitious mage determined to break into the highest magical ranks. The novel combines a high-stakes plot with complex character development and sharp social commentary, making it one of the best high fantasy books of the decade.
5. The Wisdom of Crowds (2021)
Joe Abercrombie concludes his Age of Madness trilogy with this explosive finale. Set in a world teetering on the brink of revolution, the novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the mob mentality. Abercrombie's signature grimdark style is on full display, with brutal action and razor-sharp dialogue. It's a satisfying conclusion to one of the best fantasy series of recent years.
4. The Lost Metal (2022)
Brandon Sanderson returns to the Mistborn saga with this fourth installment in the Wax and Wayne series. Blending Western tropes with epic fantasy, the novel brings the era to a thrilling close, with high stakes and a world-altering climax. Sanderson's worldbuilding is as intricate as ever, and the character arcs are deeply satisfying.
3. Babel (2022)
R.F. Kuang's Babel is a dark academia masterpiece that explores the intersection of language, power, and colonialism. Set in an alternate 1830s Oxford, the novel follows a young translator who becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the British Empire. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read that has earned its place among the best high fantasy of the decade.
2. The Jasmine Throne (2021)
Tasha Suri's The Jasmine Throne is the first book in the Burning Kingdoms trilogy, a lush and politically charged epic inspired by Indian history. The story follows a princess and a maidservant who form an unlikely alliance to overthrow an empire. With its rich worldbuilding and complex characters, it's a standout in modern high fantasy.
1. The Priory of the Orange Tree (2019)
Though technically published just before the five-year window, Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree has had a lasting impact on the genre. This standalone epic reimagines the legend of Saint George and the Dragon, with a feminist twist and a richly detailed world. It's a monumental achievement that continues to influence high fantasy today.
These books represent the best of what high fantasy has to offer, from sweeping epics to intimate character studies. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the genre, these titles are essential reading.
