7 Medieval Fantasy Books You Need To Read In 2025

Medieval fantasy has enchanted readers for generations, immersing them in realms filled with brave knights, fearsome dragons, powerful magic, and unforgettable epic quests. These stories don’t just entertain—they explore timeless human themes such as honor, ambition, love, and the struggle between good and evil. Here is a list of 7 medieval fantasy books you need to read in 2025.

1. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

Peter S. Beagle’s The Last Unicorn is a lyrical, standalone fantasy that blends medieval settings with myth and allegory. The story follows a unicorn who believes she is the last of her kind, embarking on a quest to discover the fate of her species. Along the way, she encounters wizards, kings, and dangerous creatures, navigating a world reminiscent of classic medieval tales. Beagle’s prose is poetic, imbuing the narrative with a timeless, melancholic beauty. Themes of immortality, loss, courage, and love are explored with emotional depth. This novel is a masterpiece of standalone medieval fantasy, both enchanting and philosophically resonant.

2. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman’s Stardust is a whimsical yet dark medieval fantasy adventure that transports readers to the magical kingdom of Faerie. Gaiman’s writing blends fairy-tale charm, humor, and vivid imagery with medieval-inspired castles, magical forests, and feudal politics. Themes of love, destiny, and self-discovery drive the narrative, while moral ambiguity adds depth.

3. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Buried Giant is a haunting medieval fantasy that examines memory, love, and collective trauma in a post-Arthurian Britain. The story follows an elderly couple on a journey across a mist-covered land plagued by forgotten histories and lingering magical forces. Ishiguro blends elements of folklore, quests, and knights with deeply philosophical themes, creating a reflective, emotionally charged narrative. The medieval setting—with its villages, forests, and legends—serves as a backdrop for exploring human memory and reconciliation. The Buried Giant demonstrates that medieval fantasy can be both lyrical and introspective, offering readers a profound meditation on history, loss, and forgiveness.

4. To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams

While part of a larger saga, To Green Angel Tower can be appreciated as a standalone high-stakes medieval fantasy finale. Tad Williams concludes the story of Simon and his allies as they confront the forces of evil threatening Osten Ard. The novel features intricate medieval-style settings, including castles, fortresses, and ancient lands, alongside complex political and magical systems.

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Though not strictly medieval, Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus incorporates medieval-inspired atmospheres and settings within its magical narrative. The novel centers on a mysterious, wandering circus where illusion and enchantment rule, and two young magicians are bound in a contest of skill. Themes of love, rivalry, and destiny are intertwined with a sense of wonder and danger. The book’s immersive setting, complex characters, and intricate magical systems make it a compelling standalone experience, demonstrating that medieval fantasy can extend beyond traditional sword-and-sorcery tropes.

6. The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French

Jonathan French’s The Grey Bastards is a standalone medieval fantasy that blends gritty realism with dark humor and supernatural elements. Set in a feudal-inspired world, the story follows a band of half-orc outlaws navigating brutal battles, political intrigue, and the harsh realities of life on society’s fringes. French’s world-building emphasizes medieval-style hierarchy, guilds, and combat tactics, immersing readers in a vivid, perilous landscape. Themes of loyalty, honor, family, and survival drive the narrative, giving depth to the characters’ struggles. The Grey Bastards demonstrates that medieval fantasy can be both raw and engaging, combining action, moral complexity, and rich storytelling in a standalone adventure.

7. Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart

Barry Hughart’s Bridge of Birds is a standalone medieval fantasy novel that fuses whimsical adventure with Chinese-inspired myth and medieval quest structures. The story follows Master Li and Number Ten Ox on a mission to save a village from a mysterious illness, encountering magical creatures, clever riddles, and treacherous villains along the way. Hughart’s prose is witty, inventive, and richly descriptive, evoking a medieval-style world full of legends, temples, and castles. Themes of courage, friendship, ingenuity, and perseverance shine throughout the narrative. Bridge of Birds illustrates that medieval fantasy can be playful, imaginative, and culturally diverse while still offering classic adventure and heroic storytelling.

Why These Medieval Fantasy Books Matter

Medieval fantasy books endure because they transport us beyond the mundane, immersing readers in worlds where courage, honor, and imagination shape reality.

They teach us about resilience, moral complexity, and the consequences of our choices, often in societies that mirror our own in structure, ambition, and folly. By exploring medieval-inspired kingdoms, political intrigue, quests, and mystical forces, these stories allow readers to grapple with themes of loyalty, justice, love, and identity in ways that are both entertaining and deeply meaningful.

Conclusion

Medieval fantasy transports readers to worlds where heroism, magic, and morality intersect. They offer not only adventure and escapism but insights into human nature, society, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness. By exploring these stories, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring appeal of medieval fantasy and the imaginative worlds it continues to inspire.

For anyone seeking their next immersive read, these books provide the perfect balance of legendary tales, complex characters, and richly imagined settings—ensuring countless hours of exploration, wonder, and reflection.