In the book community, thefantasygenre has always been a place where readers can escape reality and dive headfirst into amazing worlds, and in the 2010s, there were a number of outstanding fantasy novels for readers to choose from. Like any genre, fantasy has books that can be considered classics:The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter,andWheel of Time.These are books that all fantasy lovers should consider reading at one point or another. However,there is also an incredible amount of magic in newer fantasy books, which may becomeclassic books themselves someday.
During the 2010s, the book world saw a number of genres get boosts, including fantasy. From 2010 to 2019, an impressive number of fantasy books hit the market and stole readers' hearts due to their beautiful worlds, gripping stories, and lovable characters. Thebest fantasies of the 2010sare novels which broke the mold of the typical fantasy novel and offered audiences something new, unique, and thought-provoking. All in all,the following 10 books are sure to entice just about any fantasy readerand deserve every bit of the hype they get.
10Six Of Crows: Leigh Bardugo
Teenage Thieves Carry Out A Heist
One fantasy book that has risen to incredible heights since its 2015 release isSix of Crows.Set in Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse,Six of Crowstells the story of five criminals in a dark and edgy city who band together to carry out a dangerous heist. UnlikeBardugo’s previous fantasy series,Shadow and Bone,Six of Crowsis less heavy on politics, and has a bigger focus on crime, magic, and morality. InSix of Crows,readers are sucked in by Bardugo’s incredibly witty dialogue and her impressively smart storylines.
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The best part ofSix of Crowsis its characters, The Crows. From brooding leader Kaz Brekker to sassy Grisha Nina Zenik, each of the book’s characters are distinct and fleshed out. They may be working together, but they all have their own motives and beliefs, which often clash with each other in interesting ways. In many ways,Six of Crowsis the perfect definition of a found-family fantasy storyfrom the 2010s, and despite being young adult, it can impress audiences of any age.
9The Night Circus: Erin Morgenstern
Rivals Compete For Power Amid A Magical Circus
Another amazing fantasy book which was released in 2011 is Erin Morgenstern’s,The Night Circus.Thisstandalone fantasy novelcenters on the titular Night Circus, which travels around the world and is fueled by real magic. Within this nomadic wonder,two magic proteges are pitted against each otherin a competition to prove who is the better magician. The only problem is, neither magician truly wants to beat the other, and in fact, their intertwining pasts make them better lovers than enemies.
Plus, those who do not want to commit to a series will only get oneThe Night Circusbook that has a complete ending.
Fantasyreaders who enjoy a strong ambiance and setting will absolutely loveThe Night Circus.Morgenstern offers endless amounts of details in this novel, which ultimately adds up to a world that readers can really and truly live in. It also helps that the characters are likable and compelling, and the overarching story comes together in such an astounding way. Plus, those who do not want to commit to a series will only get oneThe Night Circusbook that has a complete ending.
8Uprooted: Naomi Novik
A Young Woman Is Chosen By The Wizard
For a fantasy story that feels more like a fairytale, readers should check outUprooted.Published in 2015, this novel followsAgnieszka, a young woman who is selected by the local wizard to join him in fightingoff the encroaching magical forest. Although Agnieszka seems like the least likely girl in her village to be chosen, she soon discovers that she has the powers and the ambition to help to wizard. The book is based on Polish folklore and is part of a series.
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While some fantasy books benefit from taking on a different type of setting or story,Uprootedbenefits from its traditional Middle Ages setting and classic fantasy tropes. It is engaging to see how Novik crafts this world that is some parts folklore and some parts fantasy, including a magical forest and a wizard known as the Dragon. It feels nostalgic and familiar, while also being fresh and exciting.Uprootedgives readers three books in one, and every second of it is magical.
7The Poppy War: R.F. Kuang
An Orphan Goes To A Military Academy
A fantasy book that blends history, magic, and war is R.F. Kuang’sThe Poppy War.In this novel, Rin is a poor orphan whose only hope of escaping her dull life is by getting into the elite military academy, Sinegard. Against all odds,Rin gets in and joins some of the wealthiest students in the countryin learning to become lethal fighters and incredible military minds. However, Rin soon comes to realize that her world is full of secrets, and it may be too late for her to stop the bloodshed.
Released in 2018,The Poppy Warisa historical fantasy storythat is still being showered with praise now in the 2020s. In general, Kuang’s works earn outstanding acclaim, butThe Poppy Warin particular has hit readers in just the right way. Using Chinese/Japanese history as her basis, Kuang crafts a world that is cruel, brutal, and unapologetically violent. Yet, this violence has a much deeper meaning, which will leave readers thinking hard about our own world. All in all,The Poppy Waris a true epic fantasy.
6Jade City: Fonda Lee
A Magical Mob Family Fights For Power
One fantasy novel that subverts typical fantasy expectations isJade City.This novel, released in 2017, focuses on the No Peak Clan, a mob that is led by the Kaul familyin the fictional country of Kekon. When a conflict begins between No Peak and the One Mountain clan, a war of violence and political power sets off and lasts for decades. The Kauls must fight for their people and their power. On top of that, at the center of this issue is jade, a gem that allows certain individuals to harness amazing power.
Jade Cityis so gripping because it has such a compelling story.There is violence, humor, family, politics, and issues that take literal yearsto mend. Lee does not ever rush her story, and spends a lot of time diving deep into her characters, their origins, and their relationships with others. In this way, readers will not just be reading a story, but will feel like they are truly a part of this world. With ties toThe Godfather, Jade Cityis perfect for those who lovepolitical intrigue and family stories.
5Black Leopard, Red Wolf: Marlon James
A Hunter Joins A Band Of Misfits To Find A Young Boy
Yet another stunning fantasy book to add to your reading list isBlack Leopard, Red Wolfby Marlon James. Released in 2019, the novel follows Tracker, a skilled hunter who is contracted to find a young boy who disappeared three years ago. However,Tracker’s plans change when he teams up with a band of misfitsto find the boy together. The novel is based on elements of African folklore and is part of a series that has continued into the 2020s.
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Black Leopard, Red Wolfhas received outstanding praise from critics, who have compared James' writing to that of other greats such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Toni Morrison. James weaves a story that is biting and shocking yet so important. Similar to Kuang’sThe Poppy War,Black Leopard, Red Wolftackles important themes through fantasythat can easily be translated into the real world. Ultimately, this novel may not be an easy read, but it is a significant one.
4City Of Brass: S.A. Chakraborty
A Con-Woman Discovers A World Of Magic
Another fantastic world of magic and history is S.A. Chakraborty’sCity of Brass.In this novel,Nahri is a con-woman who spends her times on the streets of 18th century Cairo, fooling Ottoman visitors. Yet, Nahri’s world is turned upside down when she accidentally summons a djinn warrior, and he shows her that a magical city called Daevabad actually exists. More than that, Nahri’s fate is tied to this city that she never believed in. It is inspired by Middle Eastern folklore.
City of Brassshowcases a lush and magical world that is especially amazing for those who aren’t familiar with Middle Eastern folklore.
City of Brassshowcases a lush and magical world that is especially amazing for those who aren’t familiar with Middle Eastern folklore. This novel, and its sequels, introduce a setting and a plot that is dense, yet so intriguing. It also hasa protagonist that is easy to root for, and with whom readers can trust to take them through this storyof tricks and schemes and history. Overall,City of Brassis an underrated gem among fantasy fans.
3Circe: Madeline Miller
A Retelling Of Greek Myth
One more fantasy novel that blends fantasy with history isCirce.Written by Madeline Miller in 2018,this book is a retelling of the Greek myth of Circe, which follows a young witchwho is banished to an isolated island yet continues to cross paths with greats, gods, and monsters. Like her best-selling novel,Song of Achilles,Miller’sCirceis a beautifully written epic whichbrings Greek myths into the light of the modern day.
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The main draw ofCirceis likely the writing. Miller has more than just a way with words. Her writing is gorgeous, evocative, and moving. In this way, it is almost impossible for readers to not become invested in the story of Circe, who is not just a mythical figure, but a real woman who has hopes, desires, and fears.Miller succeeds at making the Greek myths audiences grew up with into more relatable storiesthat can stand on their own in the modern age.
2The Fifth Season: N.K. Jemisen
A Woman Seeks Her Daughter In An Apocalypse
Released in 2015 is one of the best fantasy novels of the 2010s,The Fifth Seasonby N.K. Jemisen. This novel follows Essun, a woman living in a world that has been torn apart by weather disasters. In the midst of this, Essun must find her daughter, who has been kidnapped by Essun’s husband. Yet, this trip will not be easy, asEssun has to hide the fact that she is a magical being with control over the earth.
Jemisen does not just create a fascinating story, but she also showcases it in such a way that audiences will be floored by the time they finish the book. Through flashbacks, multiple points of view, and the deep lore of the world,Jemisen crafts a novel that is unlike anything that was written during this time period. She does not just break the genre; she makes it anew.The Fifth Seasonis a fantay series that is definitely worth reading for fantasy lovers.
1Oathbringer: Brandon Sanderson
The Third Novel In The Stormlight Archive
Last but not least, there isOathbringer,by Brandon Sanderson. This is the third novel inSanderson’sThe Stormlight Archiveseries, which follows a vast ensemble of characters with seemingly separate lives who all come together over a series of disasters that are hitting their world. Of the fourStormlight Archivenovels that Sanderson released between 2010 and 2019,Oathbringeris a clear favorite. This book is thorough, detailed, and vast.It may be one of Sanderson’s most ambitious books, and miraculously, he succeeds at making it consistently entertaining.
It is no secret thatSanderson is a must-read author for those who love fantasy stories. FromThe Stormlight Archiveto theMistbornbooks, this author has created astonishing worlds that are intelligent, deep, and riveting. However, when it comes to his best books in the 2010s,Oathbringeris the one to pick up. It is definitely at the top of the list when it comes to the greatestfantasynovels of the 2010s.
