7 Best Medieval Fantasy Books You Should Read In 2025

Medieval fantasy has a timeless way of pulling us into worlds full of ancient kingdoms, sword-wielding heroes, cunning political intrigue, and the eternal battle between good and evil. These stories remind us of what we long for: courage, magic, adventure, and meaning. Whether we crave dragons and enchantments or realistic tales of knights and rebellion, the genre gives us an escape — and a reflection of the human spirit.

Below is a list of 7 best medieval fantasy books you should read in 2025. We explore why each book matters, what makes it stand out, and how it shapes the genre we love.

1. The Once and Future King — T. H. White

The Once and Future King reimagines the Arthurian legend through a deeply human lens. White portrays Arthur as a flawed but earnest young leader learning to shape a just society. Merlin’s unconventional mentorship, the formation of the Round Table, and the tragic love triangle with Lancelot and Guinevere drive a narrative that blends humor, philosophy, and emotional conflict. The novel questions the morality of power and whether noble ideals can survive human weakness. Its reflective, character-centered storytelling makes it one of the most influential standalone medieval fantasy novels ever written.

2. The Priory of the Orange Tree — Samantha Shannon

The Priory of the Orange Tree offers a richly imaginative world defined by dragons, divided religions, and powerful matriarchies. Shannon’s narrative follows queens, warriors, and mages whose intersecting destinies determine the fate of their world as a long-dormant evil reawakens. With sweeping political intrigue, breathtaking action, and deep world-building, it delivers an epic experience within a single volume. Ideal for readers who want the scale of high fantasy without committing to a long series.

3. The Mists of Avalon — Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Mists of Avalon provides a feminist re-telling of King Arthur’s myth, shifting the focus to the women behind the legend — especially Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar. Bradley blends spirituality, romance, and political struggle as Christianity rises to challenge ancient pagan beliefs. The novel explores the tension between duty and desire, the cost of power, and the shifting roles of women in a patriarchal society. With rich character development and mystical atmosphere, it reveals new dimensions of familiar stories. It stands as a cornerstone of feminist fantasy, offering complexity rather than idealized heroism.

4. Tigana — Guy Gavriel Kay

Tigana is a powerful tale about memory, cultural identity, and resistance against tyranny. Set in a land conquered by a vengeful sorcerer, the very name of Tigana has been magically erased from human memory — except by those who were born there. A group of rebels embarks on a desperate quest to restore their homeland’s existence. Kay’s lyrical prose and nuanced storytelling explore the emotional cost of oppression and the sacrifices demanded by freedom. This standalone masterpiece resonates as deeply as historical fiction while delivering the magic and intrigue of high fantasy.

5. The Curse of Chalion — Lois McMaster Bujold

The Curse of Chalion centers on an honorable nobleman, Cazaril, who returns home shattered by war and enslavement. Drawn into royal service, he uncovers a dangerous curse threatening the kingdom’s future. Bujold weaves a compelling blend of political intrigue, divine intervention, and personal redemption. The story explores fate, devotion, and the transformative nature of sacrifice. With its thoughtful world-building inspired by medieval Spain, the novel stands out for balancing intimate character drama with high-stakes fantasy. It’s a deeply rewarding read for those who appreciate mature storytelling and strong thematic resonance.

6. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell — Susanna Clarke

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell blends historical fiction and medieval-inspired magic in a richly atmospheric tale set in an alternate 19th-century England. Clarke creates a fully formed magical tradition rooted in legends of faerie roads, cursed kings, and ancient spellbooks. The story revolves around two magicians with opposing philosophies: Norrell, cautious and controlling, and Strange, bold and intuitive. Their rivalry shapes the future of magic itself as they confront dangerous forces beyond mortal understanding. Clarke’s intricate prose and world-building evoke the grandeur of classic literature while offering a modern exploration of ambition, knowledge, and destiny.

7. The Last Unicorn — Peter S. Beagle

The Last Unicorn blends mythic wonder with emotional poignancy as it follows a unicorn searching for others of her kind. Joined by a clumsy magician and a courageous woman, she uncovers a king’s terrible secret that threatens the magic of the entire world. Beagle’s writing is whimsical yet deeply philosophical, reflecting on generational loss, mortality, and the purpose of enchantment. Its lyrical style and timeless storytelling have cemented its place as a modern fairy-tale classic. This is a perfect choice for readers who seek medieval fantasy with heart, humor, and a lasting message.

Conclusion

Medieval fantasy reminds us why stories matter. They carry us across kingdoms, into battle, into love — and back to ourselves again. Each book on this list opens a door to a world where courage triumphs, legends come alive, and ordinary people discover extraordinary strength. These tales endure because they explore human truth beneath the armor and enchantment: loyalty, fear, ambition, hope.

Whether you're seeking a timeless epic, a fierce struggle for power, a feminist reimagining of myth, or a hero’s journey full of heart, you’ll find a perfect escape here — and maybe even a piece of your own story reflected back at you.

So choose your path, embark on the quest, and let these worlds remind you of the magic still alive in ours. The adventure begins with the turn of a single page.