Are you curious about which fantasy books are hitting the shelves in 2024? From the minds of beloved authors and debut writers alike, comes a collection of the most anticipated fantasy books that will transport you to realms beyond your wildest dreams. Get ready to embark on a journey that will take you from the depths of the ocean to the heights of the sky, where mythical creatures await and ancient secrets are waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or just discovering the magic of fantasy, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. So, gather ’round, dear readers, and let the adventure begin!
List of Fantasy Books Releasing in the Year 2024
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Publication date: April 9, 2024
In 16th-century Madrid, a young Jewish woman named Luzia Cotado used her magical abilities to gain favor with her noble employers and avoid persecution by the Inquisition. When her talents attract the attention of a powerful advisor to the king, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of politics and intrigue and must navigate a treacherous web of alliances and rivalries to survive.
House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City, #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Publication date: January 30, 2024
Bryce Quinlan finds herself stranded in a strange new world after unexpectedly leaving Midgard. Desperate to return home, she must navigate unfamiliar surroundings and uncertain allies. Meanwhile, Hunt Athalar, her mate, is trapped in the Asteri’s dungeon, unable to assist her. With no clear path forward, they both face daunting challenges in their quest to reunite and reclaim their lives.
The Atlas Complex (The Atlas, #3) by Olivie Blake
Publication date: January 9, 2024
The six Alexandrians are in a precarious situation as they face the consequences of their failed mission. Tensions rise within the group as they disagree on how to handle their dangerous bargain, leading to conflicting alliances and strategies. Meanwhile, an unlikely duo from the Society works to shape global politics, while the Caretaker’s ominous plan threatens the world’s safety. As the clock ticks down, the recruits must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for ultimate power, and who will fall victim to the chaos.
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde, #2) by Heather Fawcett
Publication date: January 16, 2024
Emily Wilde, a brilliant scholar of faerie folklore, is torn between her love for the charming but dangerous exiled faerie king Wendell Bambleby and her desire to protect herself from the risks of loving a member of the Fair Folk. As they embark on a journey to find a door to Bambleby’s realm and evade his mother’s assassins, Emily must navigate new relationships and confront her feelings amidst the dangers of the faerie world.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea (The House in the Cerulean Sea, #2) by T.J. Klune
Publication date: September 10, 2024
Arthur Parnassus, headmaster of an orphanage on a remote island, has built a happy life for himself and six magical children. However, his past is set to catch up with him when he’s called to account for his actions. As a new magical child joins their community, Arthur must confront his history and lead his family in a fight for their future. Set on Marsyas Island, this tale of resistance follows Arthur’s journey towards self-acceptance and protection of his loved ones.
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
Publication date: February 13, 2024
Cassie Andrews, a bookstore employee, inherits a mysterious book called the Book of Doors from a deceased customer. The book promises the ability to open any door, but Cassie soon realizes it’s much more than that. She’s approached by Drummond Fox, a librarian who guards rare books, and learns that her book is one of several powerful tomes sought after by dangerous individuals. With her roommate Izzy, Cassie must decide whether to help Drummond protect the books from those who would misuse their power, including a sinister woman who will stop at nothing to acquire them.
The Tainted Cup (Shadow of the Leviathan, #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett
Publication date: February 6, 2024
Detective Ana Dolabra, renowned for her exceptional skills and quirky habits, is tasked with solving a mysterious murder involving a tree growing out of a high imperial officer’s body. Assisted by her new aide, Dinios Kol, who is magically altered to enhance her abilities, Ana uncovers a plot threatening the Empire. As they close in on the culprit, Din realizes he’s underestimated Ana’s intelligence and wonders how long he can hide his own secrets from her keen mind.
Empire of the Damned (Empire of the Vampire, #2) by Jay Kristoff
Publication date: March 12, 2024
Detective Ana Dolabra, renowned for her exceptional skills and quirky habits, is tasked with solving a mysterious murder involving a tree growing out of a high imperial officer’s body. Assisted by her new aide, Dinios Kol, who is magically altered to enhance her abilities, Ana uncovers a plot threatening the Empire. As they close in on the culprit, Din realizes he’s underestimated Ana’s intelligence and wonders how long he can hide his own secrets from her keen mind.
You may also like to know about the Most Anticipated Science fiction books releasing in 2024.
The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson
Publication date: October 10, 2023
Nomad, a fugitive with the ability to travel across different worlds, is trapped on a planet called Canticle where he must constantly move to avoid being killed by the sun’s fiery rays. He becomes embroiled in a conflict between a tyrannical ruler and a group of rebels and must fight not only for his survival but also to preserve his humanity.
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods (To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods, #1) by Molly X. Chang
Publication date: April 16, 2024
Ruying, a young woman gifted with the ability to drain life from others, faces a difficult decision. The invaders who conquered her world long ago have offered her a deal: become their private assassin and eliminate their political rivals, and in return, her family will be protected and provided for. But accepting this offer means using the powers she has always feared, which will shorten her lifespan. Can she trust the enemy prince who makes this offer, whose charm and persuasion make her heart flutter? Is this arrangement truly for the greater good, or will it ultimately betray her people?
A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated, #1) by Danielle L. Jensen
Publication date: February 27, 2024
Trapped in a loveless marriage, Freya dreams of becoming a warrior and escaping her miserable life. When her husband betrays her, she’s forced to reveal her hidden power – a drop of a goddess’s blood that makes her a shield maiden with magic. A powerful jarl sees her potential and binds her with a blood oath, ordering her to be protected by his son, Bjorn. As Freya trains to fight and control her magic, she must also resist her growing attraction to Bjorn, knowing that giving in could jeopardize her destiny and the fate of the people she’s sworn to protect.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
Publication date: February 13, 2024
After being discharged from the medical corps following an injury, Laura Iven returns home to Canada only to receive news of her brother Freddie’s death in combat. However, something doesn’t add up, and Laura becomes determined to uncover the truth. She returns to Belgium as a volunteer at a private hospital, where she hears rumors of haunted trenches and a mysterious hotelier who provides soldiers with a drink that grants them temporary oblivion.
Meanwhile, Freddie, who had been presumed dead, awakens trapped in a pillbox with a wounded German soldier named Hans Winter. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely alliance and manage to escape. They then seek refuge with a mysterious figure who seems to have the power to make the horrors of the trenches disappear. As the war rages on and ghosts roam among the living, Laura and Freddie must confront their deepest traumas and decide whether their world is worth saving or if it’s better to leave it behind.
A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland
Publication date: April 9, 2024
During a stormy night, Jean is awoken by a cry and discovers a pregnant woman in distress outside her cabin. The woman, Muirin, is unable to speak English and appears to be in labor. Jean, the local midwife, helps deliver the baby but is confused by Muirin’s identity and the fact that her husband, Tobias, has kept her pregnancy a secret.
As Jean grows closer to Muirin, she becomes increasingly concerned about her well-being and suspects that Tobias may be mistreating her. When Jean discovers the truth about Muirin’s situation, she realizes that she may have put herself and others in danger. To protect Muirin and the baby, Jean must navigate a dangerous web of secrets and lies, potentially risking her own life in the process.
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
Publication date: February 27, 2024
Lore Alemeyu, a 21-year-old living in a village trapped by ruthless Fae, makes a deal with a Fae lord to organize an enchanted library in exchange for wealth and possibly gaining magic of her own. To survive, she must rely on two Fae males, who are both attractive and dangerous, and navigate the hostile world outside her village while keeping her true intentions hidden. As she works to breach the cursed doors of the library, Lore finds herself caught between her desire for magic and her growing feelings for the two Fae males, putting her life and heart at risk.
Faebound (Faebound, #1) by Saara El-Arifi
Publication date: January 18, 2024
Yeeran, an elven warrior, and her sister Lettle, a diviner, are forced into exile after a fatal mistake. They venture into the unknown wilderness beyond their borders, where they unexpectedly discover the fae court, a mythical place unseen for a millennium. Caught between their loyalties to each other, their homeland, and their hearts, they must navigate the seductive world of the fae and make impossible choices.
A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Publication date: April 2, 2024
Aubry Tourvel, a nine-year-old girl, discovers a magical puzzle ball that sets her on a lifelong journey of constant movement. Fleeing her home, she travels the world, experiencing wondrous places and learning to survive. As she searches for a place to belong, Aubry encounters diverse cultures, people, and challenges, shaping her into a strong, independent individual. Along the way, she grapples with her unique condition, which prevents her from staying in one location for too long. Through her adventures, Aubry discovers the value of life and the importance of finding meaning in the face of adversity. Ultimately, she finds solace in the journey itself, learning to embrace the uncertainty and beauty of the world around her.
The Book of Love by Kelly Link
Publication date: February 13, 2024
Three teenagers, Laura, Daniel, and Mo, are brought back to life by their former music teacher after being presumed dead for a year. They are given a series of magical tasks to complete but must keep their resurrection a secret. As they try to reclaim their lives, they attract the attention of supernatural figures with their own agendas, causing danger and chaos in their community. The teens must solve the mystery of their deaths to prevent a disaster and restore peace to their town.
Mislaid in Parts Half-Known (Wayward Children, #9) by Seanan McGuire
Publication date: January 9, 2024
Antsy, a new student at Eleanor West’s School for Wayward Children, discovers that his talent for finding lost objects may extend to doors. When the school’s mean girl realizes this, Antsy must flee with a group of friends to find a way back to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go and ensure that his friends are keeping their promises. Along the way, they travel through various worlds, facing challenges and discovering the true meaning of their journeys.
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
Publication date: February 13, 2024
In Manchuria, 1908, a courtesan is found dead, and Detective Bao is hired to investigate. Bao has a special ability to sniff out the truth and is fascinated by fox spirits. Meanwhile, a family with a famous Chinese medicine shop is plagued by a curse that kills their eldest sons before age 24.
A mysterious servant named Snow joins the household and changes everything. Snow is a creature with many secrets, including her true identity as a mother seeking revenge for her lost child. Both Snow and Bao embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the murders and the fox spirits that seem to be involved. The novel explores the intersection of mortals and spirits, humans and beasts, and the power of maternal love.
The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan
Publication date: January 9, 2024
At Akbar Manzil, a decaying mansion off the coast of South Africa, a group of eccentric individuals seek refuge and anonymity. However, Sana, a curious and inquiring resident, becomes captivated by the mansion’s history, particularly the forbidden East Wing and a locked door that has remained shut for decades. Behind the door lies a frozen bedroom and a diary that reveals the tragic tale of Meena, a young woman who died there a century ago.
Unbeknownst to Sana, a grief-stricken djinn watches her every move, obsessed with Meena’s story and determined to uncover the truth. As Sana delves deeper into the past, she unwittingly disturbs the djinn and uncovers long-buried secrets that will alter the lives of everyone at Akbar Manzil, living and dead. The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years is a poignant, mystical, and suspenseful tale of love, loss, and belonging.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark
Publication date: April 23, 2024
Eveen the Eviscerator is a highly skilled and professional assassin operating in the ancient city of Tal Abisi. She is bound by three unbreakable vows: to only kill the contracted target, to complete the job once accepted, and to uphold justice in her work. With her sharp blades and strong guild backing her, Eveen has never failed to deliver results. But when the Festival of the Clockwork King throws the city into chaos, Eveen’s latest mission puts her face to face with a past she doesn’t remember and a vow she can’t forget.
Sun of Blood and Ruin (Sun of Blood and Ruin, #1) by Mariely Lares
Publication date: February 20, 2024
In 16th-century New Spain, Pantera, a masked vigilante, uses her magic and swordplay to resist Spanish oppression. Unbeknownst to all, Pantera and Lady Leonora, a noblewoman engaged to the Spanish heir, are the same person. With magic flowing through her veins, Leonora’s dual life is convincing, but she is fated to die young in battle. When an ancient prophecy threatens destruction, Leonora must choose between surrendering her mask or fighting to the end, knowing that either choice will lead to her demise. Yet, Pantera’s legacy extends beyond her impending death, and once she learns the truth about her past, nothing can stop her.
Dragon Rider (The Soulbound Saga, #1) by Taran Matharu
Publication date: April 23, 2024
Jai, a royal hostage in the Sabine Court, escapes with a Dansk handmaiden and a stolen dragon hatchling after the emperor’s son’s engagement to Princess Erica of the neighboring kingdom brings dangerous political tensions to a boiling point. With his life in danger, Jai must learn to harness magic and become a soulbound warrior to survive, claim his destiny, and exact revenge.
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom (The Celestial Kingdom, #2.5) by Sue Lynn Tan
Publication date: February 6, 2024
“Tales from the Celestial Kingdom” is a collection of 9 magical stories set in the enchanting world of Sue Lynn Tan’s debut novel. The book includes 2 previously published stories and 7 original ones, including an epilogue to the duology. The tales are interconnected and told from multiple perspectives, featuring characters such as Chang’e, Shuxiao, Liwei, and Wenzhi. Beautifully illustrated by Kelly Chong, this collection is a perfect companion to Tan’s breathtaking series.