Best Recent Fantasy Fiction: Which Ones Should I Read?

One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' series by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes you on an epic adventure through Middle - earth, filled with hobbits, elves, dwarves, and powerful wizards. The world - building is extraordinary.

I would recommend 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. Although it's more of a historical fantasy romance, it's truly amazing. Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, travels back in time to 18th - century Scotland. Her relationship with Jamie Fraser is intense, loving, and full of challenges as they navigate different time periods and cultural differences. It's a long - running series that has captured the hearts of many readers.

I'd recommend 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters and a very intricate plot. There are political intrigues, battles, and a lot of grey areas in terms of morality. Also, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is a classic. It takes you to a magical world full of talking animals and mythical creatures, and has a strong Christian undertone that adds depth to the story.

One great book is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It combines elements of science fiction like advanced technology and interstellar politics with a touch of the fantastical in its unique world - building. The story is set in a far - future desert planet where a young man rises to power and has to navigate complex power struggles.

Some great fantasy novels from 2018 include 'Spinning Silver' by Naomi Novik. It's a richly detailed retelling of fairytales with strong female characters. Another one is 'Children of Blood and Bone' by Tomi Adeyemi. It has a unique magic system and a story of revolution in a fantasy world.

Some great 21st - century fantasy novels include 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters, political intrigue, and a vast world. Another is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It tells the story of Kvothe, a legendary figure, with beautiful prose and a captivating plot.

I highly recommend 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It's a fantasy romance set in a magical land. The relationship between the main characters develops in an interesting way against the backdrop of a dark, enchanted forest. Then there's 'Red, White & Royal Blue' which is more of a contemporary - ish take on a romantic relationship but has elements of political intrigue that can be considered a bit science - fiction - like in the context of high - level politics. 'An Ember in the Ashes' also has a slow - burning romance within its action - packed fantasy setting.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is a must - read. It has a richly detailed world with elves, dwarves, hobbits and more. The story of Frodo's quest to destroy the One Ring is epic and full of adventure.

One great fantasy harem novel is 'The Rising of the Shield Hero'. It has an interesting concept where the main character is wrongly accused but builds his own party which includes multiple female characters with different personalities and abilities. Another good one is 'In Another World with My Smartphone'. The protagonist gets transported to a fantasy world and attracts a harem of various characters along his adventures.

One popular fantasy smut novel is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It has a great blend of fantasy elements like faeries and magic, along with some steamy romantic scenes. Another is 'Fifty Shades of Grey' which, while not strictly pure fantasy, has elements of a fantasy - like relationship dynamic and some rather sensual scenes. Also, 'The Black Dagger Brotherhood' series by J.R. Ward is known for its combination of vampire - based fantasy and some hot romantic encounters.