The fantasy genre continues to evolve, with romantasy dominating bestseller lists and epic fantasy series delivering the kind of immersive world-building that keeps readers coming back for more.
From dragons and morally grey love interests to assassins and magical systems that will blow your mind, we've curated five must-read fantasy books and series that deserve a spot on your 2026 TBR. Let's dive in.
1. The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Romantasy / Fantasy Romance | Spice Level: 4/5 (High) | Status: Ongoing (5 books planned)
If you haven't heard of Fourth Wing by now, where have you been? Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series has taken the book world by storm, becoming the bestselling romantasy phenomenon of recent years. With Onyx Storm releasing in early 2025 and the series continuing, 2026 is the perfect time to catch up or dive in.
Why You Should Read It:
Dragons, dragon riders, and a brutal military academy setting
Swoon-worthy enemies-to-lovers romance with Violet and Xaden
High-stakes action with genuine danger (characters actually die)
Unique magic system with 'signets' and telepathic dragon bonds
A fierce, determined heroine who overcomes physical limitations
Perfect for fans of dark academia and fantasy military schools
Key Tropes: enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, chosen one, morally grey love interest, touch her and die
2. Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Romantasy | Spice Level: 3/5 (Medium-High) | Status: Ongoing (3 books published)
If you've devoured A Court of Thorns and Roses and want something with a darker, grittier edge, Crescent City is Sarah J. Maas at her most ambitious. Blending urban fantasy with her signature romantasy elements, this series follows half-fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan as she investigates her best friend's murder in a city of angels, demons, and deadly magic. It's part murder mystery, part epic fantasy, and entirely addictive.
Why You Should Read It:
A unique urban fantasy setting with a modern, tech-infused world
Gripping murder mystery that keeps you guessing
A fierce, flawed heroine who balances grief with humour
Hunt Athalar—a fallen angel love interest who fans adore
Complex world-building with angels, shifters, fae, and demons
Connections to the wider Maas universe (Maasiverse) for eagle-eyed readers
Key Tropes: slow burn romance, found family, strong female protagonist, morally grey characters, revenge arc, fated mates
3. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Epic Fantasy | Spice Level: None (clean) | Status: Complete trilogy (plus Era 2 & Era 3)
For readers who prefer their fantasy focused on plot, world-building, and innovative magic systems, Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn is the gold standard. This heist-fantasy follows a street thief recruited to help overthrow an immortal emperor. It's perfect for those who want epic fantasy without the romance focus.
Why You Should Read It:
• One of the most innovative magic systems in fantasy (Allomancy)
• Ocean's Eleven meets Lord of the Rings vibes
• Tight plotting with incredible twists and foreshadowing
• Complex political themes and class commentary
• Gateway to the larger Cosmere universe
• Action sequences that are genuinely cinematic
Key Tropes: heist story, chosen one (subverted), found family, mentor figure, dark lord, rebellion, underdog heroes
4. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
Genre: Gothic Fantasy / YA Fantasy | Spice Level: 1/5 (Mild) | Status: Standalone (with companion novels)
If you're looking for something atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful, House of Salt and Sorrows delivers gothic fantasy at its finest. This Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling combines murder mystery, ghostly visions, and a cursed family in a seaside manor. Perfect for readers who love dark fairy tales with a romantic edge.
Why You Should Read It:
• Beautifully atmospheric gothic setting by the sea
• A compelling murder mystery with supernatural elements
• Genuinely creepy moments and unexpected twists
• A clever fairy tale retelling that subverts expectations
• Complex sister dynamics and family relationships
• Standalone novel—perfect for quick reading goals
Key Tropes: fairy tale retelling, mysterious stranger, haunted house, cursed family, slow burn romance, secrets and lies
5. The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Genre: Romantasy / Dark Fantasy | Spice Level: 3/5 (Medium-High) | Status: New series (2025)
From the author of the beloved Shepherd King duology comes a new romantasy series that has readers buzzing. The Knight and the Moth features Rachel Gillig's signature blend of dark magic, compelling romance, and richly drawn characters. One of the most anticipated romantasy releases that's perfect for your 2026 reading list.
Why You Should Read It:
• Stunning prose and immersive world-building
• A compelling romance that doesn't overshadow the plot
• Dark, atmospheric fantasy with high stakes
• Complex magic system and intriguing lore
• A protagonist worth rooting for
• Perfect balance of romantasy and epic fantasy elements
Key Tropes: brooding love interest, quest narrative, forbidden romance, magical abilities, dark secrets
Final Thoughts: Your 2026 Fantasy Reading List
Whether you're drawn to the spicy romantasy of the Empyrean series, the urban fantasy intrigue of Crescent City, the intricate magic of Mistborn, the gothic atmosphere of House of Salt and Sorrows, or the fresh storytelling of The Knight and the Moth, there's something here for every fantasy reader.
These recommendations cover everything from trending BookTok favourites to beloved classics, from high-spice romantasy to clean epic fantasy. They're perfect whether you're working through a Goodreads reading challenge or simply want to lose yourself in another world.
Happy reading in 2026!
Books Featured in This Article
Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
Don't miss out on the series that everyone can't stop talking about! 'Pure escapism - think Hunger Games meets Fifty Shades' -The Sun 'We weren't expecting to become obsessed with Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing, but we very much are - and we're not alone . . .' -Sunday Times Style'I couldn't put it down!' -Millie Bobby Brown'This book contains an addictive, drug like essence that will make you relinquish all responsibility until the very last word. Do not say I didn't warn you' -Glamour'Yarros had me hooked from the first chapter' -Mail on SundayWelcome to the brutal and elite world of Basgiath War College . . .Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general - also known as her tough-as-talons mother - has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.But when you're smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away . . . because dragons don't bond to 'fragile' humans. They incinerate them.With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother's daughter - like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.She'll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.Everyone at Basgiath has an agenda, and every night could be your last. So, sleep with one eye open because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die. OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION READERS HAVE ALREADY GIVEN FOURTH WING FIVE STARS. ARE YOU READY TO ENTER THE WORLD OF BASGIATH WAR COLLEGE? 'If I can convince you to read one book I recommend it would be this one' 'I didn't sleep, I didn't eat, and when I finished, I had the overwhelming urge to just start it all over again' 'This book is probably the best fantasy book I have ever read''FIVE. FREAKING. STARS. There is no universe where I could give this book any less of a rating' 'There are some
House of Earth and Blood
by Sarah J. Maas
A #1 New York Times bestseller! Sarah J. Maas's bestselling Crescent City series begins with House of Earth and Blood, which follows the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance. Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths. Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach. As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it. With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.
Mistborn The Final Empire
by Brandon Sanderson
Now with over 10 million copies sold, The Mistborn Series has the thrills of a heist story, the twistiness of political intrigue, and the epic scale of a landmark fantasy saga.Once, a hero arose to save the world. He failed.Ever since, the world has been a wasteland of ash and mist controlled by the immortal emperor known as the Lord Ruler.But hope survives. A new uprising is forming, one built around the ultimate caper, the cunning of a brilliant criminal mastermind, and the determination of an unlikely heroine: a street urchin who must learn to master the power of a Mistborn.Other Tor books by Brandon SandersonThe CosmereThe Stormlight Archive● The Way of Kings● Words of Radiance● Edgedancer (novella)● Oathbringer● Dawnshard (novella)● Rhythm of War● Wind and TruthThe Mistborn SagaThe Original Trilogy● Mistborn● The Well of Ascension● The Hero of AgesWax & Wayne● The Alloy of Law● Shadows of Self● The Bands of Mourning● The Lost MetalOther Cosmere novels● Elantris● Warbreaker● Tress of the Emerald Sea● Yumi and the Nightmare Painter● The Sunlit ManCollection● Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere CollectionAlcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians● Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians● The Scrivener's Bones● The Knights of Crystallia● The Shattered Lens● The Dark Talent● Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians (with Janci Patterson)Other novels● The Rithmatist● Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds● The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval EnglandOther books by Brandon SandersonThe Reckoners● Steelheart● Firefight● Calamity● Lux (with Steven Michael Bohls)Skyward● Skyward● Starsight● Cytonic● Skyward Flight (with Janci Patterson)● Defiant
House of Salt and Sorrows
by Erin A. Craig
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Get swept away by this “haunting” (Bustle) YA novel about twelve beautiful sisters living on an isolated island estate who begin to mysteriously die one by one. This dark and atmospheric fairy tale inspired story is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets."Step inside a fairy tale." —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor with her sisters and their father and stepmother. Once there were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last--the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge--and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that her sister's deaths were no accidents. The girls have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who--or what--are they really dancing with?When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family--before it claims her next. House of Salt and Sorrows is a spellbinding novel filled with magic and the rustle of gossamer skirts down long, dark hallways. Be careful who you dance with... And don't miss Erin Craig's Small Favors, a mesmerizing and chilling novel about dark wishes and even darker dreams.
The Knight and the Moth
by Rachel Gillig
INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! "Prepare to meet your next obsession." -- Rebecca Ross, author of Divine Rivals From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gillig comes the next big romantasy sensation, a gothic, mist-cloaked tale of a young prophetess forced on an impossible quest with the one knight whose future is beyond her sight. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Leigh Bardugo. Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum's windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams. Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil's visions. But when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral's cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god.