10 High Fantasy Books To Read In 2025

High fantasy has long enchanted readers with richly imagined worlds, epic quests, and powerful themes of destiny and heroism. Whether you are a lifelong fan or just venturing into the genre, these ten high fantasy books are essential reads that define and expand the boundaries of what fantasy literature can offer.

1. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

Tigana is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant standalone that explores themes of identity, memory, and cultural erasure. Set in a land conquered by two rival tyrants, the province of Tigana has been cursed—its name erased from memory by sorcery so that no one outside its borders can remember it ever existed.

2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

The story follows Kaladin, a former soldier turned slave; Dalinar, a noble tormented by visions; and Shallan, a young woman with a dangerous secret. Sanderson masterfully builds a rich universe with a unique magic system powered by Stormlight. The novel explores themes of honor, leadership, and sacrifice. With hundreds of years of lore, multiple cultures, and interconnected mythologies, The Way of Kings is a monumental achievement in high fantasy.

3. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

Set in 18th-century Cairo and the magical city of Daevabad, The City of Brass is a standalone novel filled with Middle Eastern mythology and vibrant fantasy. Chakraborty’s world-building is lush and immersive, blending politics, magic, and complex family dynamics. The novel stands out for its fresh cultural perspective and richly imagined setting, inviting readers into a mesmerizing, magical world rooted in history and myth.

4. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

The Last Unicorn is a beloved standalone fantasy classic telling the story of a unicorn who discovers she is the last of her kind and embarks on a quest to find out what happened to the others. Peter S. Beagle’s poetic prose and timeless narrative explore themes of loss, hope, and the transformative power of love. The novel blends whimsy with melancholy, creating a magical atmosphere that has captivated readers for decades. It remains a must-read for anyone seeking a standalone fantasy novel with heart, magic, and enduring charm.

5. Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock

Mythago Wood blends deep mythology with psychological fantasy in a haunting, forested setting. The story takes place near a mysterious English woodland called Ryhope Wood, where mythological archetypes—called “mythagos”—manifest from human subconscious. When Stephen Huxley returns to his childhood home, he discovers that his father and brother have been exploring the wood’s impossible, magical interior. Mythago Wood is a singular, dreamlike novel that redefines the boundaries of high fantasy.

6. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

Set in a world where god-like beings once lived in a magical city called Elantris, the story begins after a mysterious curse has turned those beings into decaying shells of their former selves. When Prince Raoden is suddenly afflicted and thrown into the ruined city, he must uncover the truth behind Elantris’s fall. Meanwhile, political and religious tensions rise outside its walls.

7. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus is a mesmerizing standalone novel set in a mysterious, magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco. The venue for their contest is the enigmatic Le Cirque des Rêves—a circus that appears without warning and enchants visitors with impossible feats and wonders. Morgenstern’s writing is lush and atmospheric, evoking a dreamlike quality that perfectly complements the novel’s themes of destiny, love, and rivalry. Unlike traditional epic fantasy, the story emphasizes enchantment, romance, and surreal imagery, creating an unforgettable and immersive standalone experience.

8. Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrlees

Set in the quiet country of Dorimare, where rationalism rules and anything “fairy” is dismissed as nonsense, the town of Lud-in-the-Mist faces a creeping threat when fairy fruit begins to infiltrate society. Mayor Nathaniel Chanticleer, a conservative and sensible man, must face the irrational and magical forces he’s always feared. Mirrlees’ prose is whimsical, philosophical, and elegantly crafted. The novel is a thoughtful meditation on repression, imagination, and the clash between the known and the unknowable—making it a must-read for fantasy purists.

9. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Naomi Novik’s Uprooted is a standalone fairy tale-inspired fantasy that blends dark magic with folklore. The story centers on Agnieszka, a young woman chosen to serve the enigmatic and powerful wizard known only as the Dragon, who protects their valley from a corrupt and malevolent forest called the Wood. As Agnieszka discovers her own magical abilities, she becomes entwined in a battle that combines personal growth with high-stakes conflict.

10. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

The Goblin Emperor is a stunning standalone high fantasy novel that explores court intrigue, identity, and leadership through the eyes of Maia, an unexpected heir to the imperial throne. Suddenly thrust into a world of political machinations and deadly conspiracies, Maia must navigate a treacherous court filled with scheming nobles and hidden enemies. Addison’s world-building is subtle yet richly detailed, and her characterization of Maia—a compassionate, thoughtful, and often vulnerable ruler—is deeply engaging.

Conclusion

These ten high fantasy books are not just stories — they are gateways into living, breathing worlds filled with magic, conflict, and transformation. Whether you prefer political intrigue, sweeping epics, or introspective journeys, high fantasy offers endless realms of imagination to explore.