Fantasy is a genre that never goes out of fashion. The magic, adventure, and the endless possibilities of a fictional world never cease to captivate readers. The year 2021 has seen some remarkable releases in the fantasy genre. In this article, we will take a look at the best new fantasy books that have been released in 2023.
Best New Fantasy Books of 2023
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan : The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri : The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo H2: The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne John Gwynne’s latest release, The Shadow of the Gods, is a must-read for all fantasy enthusiasts. Set in a world of Norse mythology, the story follows three different perspectives: a former warrior seeking redemption, a huntress on a mission to protect her people, and a young man searching for his father. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is gripping, making it hard to put the book down.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan She Who Became the Sun is a debut novel by Shelley Parker-Chan that has already garnered critical acclaim. Set in the 14th century in China, the book follows a girl who, after her family dies of the plague, decides to take on the identity of her brother. The story explores gender roles and power struggles in a unique and captivating way, making it a must-read for fans of historical fantasy.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne is a beautiful and intricate tale that explores themes of power, betrayal, and love. The story follows a princess who has been imprisoned by her half-brother, who wishes to use her magic for his own gain. She meets a servant who harbors a secret, and the two of them embark on a dangerous journey that will change their lives forever. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the characters are well-developed, making it a compelling read.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo The Chosen and the Beautiful is a unique take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, The Great Gatsby. The story follows Jordan Baker, a Vietnamese adoptee, and her journey through the jazz age. The book blends historical fiction, fantasy, and LGBTQ themes, making it a refreshing read. Nghi Vo’s writing is lyrical and poetic, making it a standout book of 2021.
The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison The Witness for the Dead is a standalone sequel to Katherine Addison’s The Goblin Emperor. The story follows Thara Celehar, a witness for the dead who must solve the mystery of a missing corpse. The book is a masterclass in world-building, with a rich and detailed world that is sure to captivate readers. The characters are well-written and fleshed out, making it a must-read for fans of the first book.
- The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
- She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
- The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
- The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
- The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison
- The Shadow of the Gods: a Norse mythology-inspired fantasy with a gripping plot and well-developed characters.
- She Who Became the Sun: a debut novel that explores gender roles and power struggles in 14th century China.
- The Jasmine Throne:
- “The Jasmine Throne” by Tasha Suri
“The Jasmine Throne” is the first book in the Burning Kingdoms trilogy. The story follows two women, a former princess and a maidservant, who join forces to overthrow a brutal empire. The novel has elements of Indian mythology and explores themes of power, privilege, and justice. It has received critical acclaim for its rich world-building, complex characters, and compelling storytelling.
- “The Blacktongue Thief” by Christopher Buehlman
“The Blacktongue Thief” is the first book in a new series by Christopher Buehlman. The novel follows Kinch, a thief with a silver tongue, who is hired by a group of wizards to steal a magical artifact from a powerful enemy. The book has been praised for its unique world-building, witty dialogue, and engaging characters.
- “The House of Always” by Jenn Lyons
“The House of Always” is the fourth book in the A Chorus of Dragons series by Jenn Lyons. The novel continues the epic fantasy saga with a tale of gods and mortals, love and betrayal, and the fate of the world. The book has been praised for its intricate plot, complex characters, and richly detailed world-building.
- “The Shadow of the Gods” by John Gwynne
“The Shadow of the Gods” is the first book in The Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne. The novel is set in a Viking-inspired world and follows three protagonists, each with their own secrets and motivations, as they embark on a dangerous quest. The book has been praised for its thrilling action scenes, well-drawn characters, and immersive world-building.
- “The Gilded Ones” by Namina Forna
“The Gilded Ones” is the first book in the Deathless series by Namina Forna. The novel is set in a West African-inspired world and follows Deka, a young woman who discovers she is an immortal with powers beyond her wildest dreams. The book has been praised for its powerful themes of feminism and social justice, as well as its engaging characters and world-building.
Choosing New Fantasy Books:
- Read the book summary or synopsis to get a sense of the plot and setting.
- Check out reviews from trusted sources to see what others have said about the book.
- Look for books that have won awards or been shortlisted for major literary prizes.
- Consider the author’s previous works and reputation in the fantasy genre.
- Pay attention to the cover art and design, which can provide clues about the book’s tone and style.
- Read an excerpt or sample chapter to see if the writing style and tone appeal to you.
FAQs
about New Fantasy Books:
- What is the difference between epic fantasy and urban fantasy?
Epic fantasy is typically set in a secondary world with its own rules and mythology, while urban fantasy is set in the real world with fantastical elements added in. Epic fantasy often features quests, battles, and epic struggles between good and evil, while urban fantasy often explores themes of identity, power, and supernatural beings living in the modern world.
- What are some common themes in fantasy books?
Fantasy books often explore themes of power, identity, morality, and the battle between good and evil. They can also address social and political issues through allegory and symbolism.
- How do I find new fantasy books to read?
There are many ways to discover new fantasy books, such as browsing bestseller lists, asking for recommendations from friends or book clubs, reading book reviews and blogs, and following authors and publishers on social media.
