The 2020s have been a golden era for fantasy literature, with authors pushing boundaries and delivering stories that captivate, challenge, and inspire. From sweeping epics to intimate character studies, the genre has never been more diverse or exciting. Here are the six best fantasy books released since 2020, ranked.
6. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Tasha Suri's The Jasmine Throne (2021) kicks off our list with a lush, political fantasy inspired by Indian history. It follows two women—a captive princess and a maidservant with a dangerous secret—as they forge an unlikely alliance against a tyrannical empire. Suri's world-building is exquisite, and her characters are morally complex, making this a standout debut of the decade.
5. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin, already a three-time Hugo winner, returned in 2020 with The City We Became, a genre-bending novel that personifies New York City through its five boroughs. Each borough has a human avatar, and they must unite to fight an otherworldly threat. Jemisin's prose is electric, and her love for the city shines through every page. It's a bold, inventive take on urban fantasy that feels both timely and timeless.
4. The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson concluded his Mistborn era with The Lost Metal (2022), a thrilling finale that ties together threads from the entire series. While it's part of a larger saga, it stands on its own as a masterclass in pacing and payoff. Sanderson's fans will be delighted by the revelations and the emotional weight, making it a must-read for any epic fantasy lover.
3. The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
A.K. Larkwood's debut, The Unspoken Name (2020), is a queer, sword-and-sorcery adventure that follows Csorwe, an orc priestess who escapes her fate to become a spy. Larkwood's world is full of gods, magic, and moral ambiguity, and her characters are unforgettable. It's a fresh, witty take on classic fantasy tropes that earned its place among the decade's best.
2. Babel by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang's Babel (2022) is a historical fantasy that explores colonialism, language, and revolution. Set in an alternate 1830s Oxford, it follows a young translator who discovers that silver-working—the magic that powers the British Empire—is built on exploitation. Kuang's novel is intellectually rigorous and emotionally devastating, earning it a spot near the top of our list.
1. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Topping our list is Brandon Sanderson's Tress of the Emerald Sea (2023), a standalone adventure that began as a gift for his wife. It's a fairy-tale-inspired tale of a young woman who sets sail across a sea of spores to rescue her love. Sanderson's wit and charm are on full display, and the story is both heartwarming and thrilling. It's a perfect entry point for new readers and a delight for long-time fans, making it the best fantasy book of the 2020s so far.
These six novels represent the best of what the decade has offered, each bringing something unique to the genre. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader or just dipping your toes in, these books are essential. And if you're looking for more great reads, check out our list of medieval fantasy favorites or explore the greatest sequels ever written.
