Essential best fantasy books for adults 2019
Best fantasy books for adults are awesome due to their capacity to offer an escape from reality, ignite creativity, and explore profound themes within imaginative worlds. Authors can unleash their creativity, crafting unique settings, magical systems, and complex characters that resonate with readers emotionally. The genre excels in world-building, creating immersive landscapes that contribute to the overall richness of the story. Additionally, fantasy encompasses diverse subgenres, from high fantasy to urban fantasy, providing a broad range of storytelling styles to cater to different tastes.
Fantasy’s passionate and engaged fan community, along with successful adaptations into other media, has broadened the genre’s appeal. Innovative storytelling, with authors pushing narrative boundaries, contributes to the genre’s freshness and excitement. Overall, the awesomeness of fantasy lies in its ability to transport readers, create a sense of community, and continuously captivate imaginations through imaginative tales of magic, adventure, and self-discovery.
List of top 10 best fantasy books for adults
- “The Starless Sea” by Erin Morgenstern
- “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo
- “A Little Hatred” by Joe Abercrombie
- “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon
- “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow
- “The Rage of Dragons” by Evan Winter
- “The Kingdom of Copper” by S.A. Chakraborty
- “Darkdawn” by Jay Kristoff
The Starless Sea
“The Starless Sea” by Erin Morgenstern is a beautifully written fantasy novel and one of the best fantasy books for adults that immerses readers in a mesmerizing tale of magical realism. The story revolves around a mysterious underground library, enchanted books, and a protagonist named Zachary Ezra Rawlins. As Zachary unravels the secrets of the underground world, he discovers a timeless love story woven through the fabric of time. Morgenstern skillfully blends elements of fairy tales, mythology, and romance, creating a rich narrative that explores the power of stories and the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. The novel is a lyrical journey that celebrates the enchantment found in literature and the boundless realms of imagination.
Ninth House
“Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo is a dark and gripping fantasy novel and one of the best fantasy books for adults set in the secret societies of Yale University. The story follows Alex Stern, a young woman with the ability to see ghosts, as she navigates a world of occult rituals and magical intrigue. As she delves into the mysteries surrounding these societies, the narrative unfolds a compelling blend of fantasy and mystery. Bardugo masterfully explores themes of power, privilege, and the supernatural, creating a thrilling tale that combines elements of the paranormal with a keen commentary on societal hierarchies. “Ninth House” is a spellbinding and atmospheric journey into the hidden realms of academia.
A Little Hatred
“A Little Hatred” by Joe Abercrombie is a gritty fantasy novel that continues the world-building of the First Law Trilogy. Set in a war-torn world on the brink of industrialization, the story weaves political intrigue, military conflicts, and complex character dynamics. Abercrombie introduces a new generation of characters, including war heroes, rebels, and ambitious leaders, exploring themes of power, revenge, and societal change. The narrative is known for its sharp wit, dark humor, and realistic portrayal of human nature. “A Little Hatred” stands out for its compelling characters and the exploration of the consequences of past actions on the evolving landscape of Abercrombie’s brutal and vividly depicted world.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon is an epic standalone fantasy novel and one of the best fantasy books for adults featuring a richly detailed world threatened by an ancient dragon. The narrative unfolds across multiple perspectives, including dragon-riding dragonriders, dragon-queens, and dragon-slayers. Shannon weaves a tale of political intrigue, magic, and complex characters in a world inspired by Eastern and Western mythologies. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and the clash between tradition and progress. With intricate world-building, diverse characters, and a focus on strong female protagonists, “The Priory of the Orange Tree” is a captivating and expansive fantasy that subverts traditional genre tropes.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
“The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of January Scaller. Raised in a wealthy household, January discovers magical doors that lead to different worlds, challenging her perception of reality. The narrative seamlessly blends historical fiction with fantasy, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling. Harrow’s prose is enchanting, and the novel celebrates the magic inherent in books and the boundless possibilities they represent. Through a beautifully crafted narrative, “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” is a poignant exploration of self-discovery and the transformative nature of imagination.
The Rage of Dragons
“The Rage of Dragons” by Evan Winter is a compelling fantasy novel and one of the best fantasy books for adults that introduces readers to a unique African-inspired world. The story revolves around Tau, a young warrior seeking revenge for the murder of his loved ones. Filled with intense combat, political intrigue, and a powerful magic system, the narrative explores themes of vengeance, power, and the cost of ambition. Winter’s vivid prose and dynamic character development create a gripping tale of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. “The Rage of Dragons” is a captivating start to “The Burning” series, offering a fresh and immersive take on epic fantasy.
The Kingdom of Copper
“The Kingdom of Copper” by S.A. Chakraborty is the second installment in “The Daevabad Trilogy,” continuing the saga of djinn, political intrigue, and magic. Set in a richly imagined Middle Eastern-inspired world, the story follows Nahri, navigating the complexities of power and identity in the magical city of Daevabad. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of historical conflicts. Chakraborty’s intricate world-building and nuanced characters provide a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. “The Kingdom of Copper” is a masterful blend of fantasy and historical elements, offering readers a gripping and immersive continuation of the series.
Darkdawn
“Darkdawn” by Jay Kristoff concludes “The Nevernight Chronicle” with a dark and action-packed fantasy. The story follows Mia Corvere, a skilled assassin seeking revenge in a world filled with political intrigue, magic, and ancient mysteries. Kristoff weaves a tale of epic proportions, combining ruthless assassins, gods, and the shadows of Mia’s past. The narrative explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of choices. With its gritty and fast-paced style, “Darkdawn” delivers a satisfying conclusion to Mia’s journey, blending elements of revenge, love, and destiny against a backdrop of a vividly realized and treacherous world.
Why do adults prefer fantasy over other genres?
Adults may gravitate towards best fantasy books for adults for various reasons, but it’s crucial to acknowledge the diversity of individual preferences. Fantasy’s appeal often lies in its capacity for escapism and imagination, providing readers with a break from the mundane or challenging aspects of daily life. The genre’s creative and fantastical elements, featuring unique creatures and magical settings, captivate adults seeking a sense of wonder and exploration.
Furthermore, fantasy stories can address real-world issues allegorically, offering a nuanced reflection on topics like power, morality, and the human condition. This blend of imaginative worlds and meaningful themes contributes to the genre’s allure for some adults.
Nostalgia plays a role as well, with many adults having grown up on classic fairy tales and fantasy series. Revisiting the genre in adulthood may evoke feelings of nostalgia and a connection to childhood.
The complexity of characters and plotlines is another draw. Fantasy often weaves intricate narratives with well-developed characters, appealing to adults who appreciate depth and complexity in storytelling.
Moreover, the sense of community within fantasy fandoms contributes to the genre’s popularity among adults. Engaging in discussions, attending events, and sharing a passion for fantasy with like-minded individuals enhance the overall reading experience.
However, it’s important to recognize that preferences for genres are highly subjective, and individuals may have diverse tastes. While some adults find solace and fascination in fantasy, others may prefer science fiction, mystery, historical fiction, or literary fiction. Personal tastes can evolve over time, leading individuals to explore various genres throughout their lives.
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