5 Modern Adult Fantasy Books You Should Read
If you're a Fantasy lover, here are some good recommendations!
The popularity of fantasy books has sky-rocketed in the past decade due to various successful adaptations such as A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire book series), Good Omens, and The Witcher.
But what happens when you finish those books in the series? Today I will be giving you five modern adult fantasy books that you can dive into and get your new-world fix!
1. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is no stranger to the modern fantasy genre. He does an amazing job at making, not only very interesting characters but his world-building is also very complex but in the best way possible.
The Way of Kings is the first book in the Stormlight Archive series and honestly, the complexity is not easy to describe without spoiling anything or getting a little too confusing. Let's just say, this series has a lot of racial divisions - less through skin tone, but more so, eye color. There are kingdoms, battles, and intricate creatures you've probably never seen before. And honestly, doesn't that sound pretty awesome.
Each of these books is a pretty long haul, ranging anywhere between 1000-1200 pages so if you like a thick book that you can use to escape from the current world, here's your pick!
2. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
The Black Prism is the first book in the Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks and is more so an authoritative fantasy where we follow Gavin Guile, the idol or superhero of The Seven Satrapies - an empire divided by color spectrums. Each color also possesses a different power or magical trait.
Most adult fantasy books' magic systems are a little hard to follow and can get very confusing. However, with The Lightbringer series, I've found it's much easier to follow along. The Black Prism also has very strong characterization and if you look for books that are more character-based than plot or world-building, I would highly recommend this.
3. The Poppy War by R.F Kuang
R.F Kuang is changing the game in the fantasy genre. It's very rare to see a minority write an adult fantasy book, let alone the book be successful. But after reading The Poppy War myself, it deserves all the praise and positive reviews it's been getting.
The Poppy War is a militia dark grim fantasy with Chinese mythology elements. It also deals with race within the Asian community - where light-colored Asians are considered more beautiful than dark-colored Asians.
R.F Kuang does not hold back when it comes to very sensitive content in this book - and the rest of the series. There is a list of trigger warnings for this book on her website including genocide, rape, and very detailed murder. If you as easily triggered, I highly suggest looking into these warnings before starting the trilogy.
4. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
The Shadow of What Was Lost is the first book in the Licanius trilogy. This book follows Davian, our protagonist who just came out of a war, and his struggle to retrieve his powers called the Gift.
This book is commonly compared to a classic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, but without the fluff. However, I have yet to read The Wheel of Time to compare.
I personally found that I enjoyed this book very similarly to The Poppy War in which the characters and plot really drew me in. It's also a pretty thick book, but it's doesn't feel as thick as it is when you read it.
5. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E Schwab
A Darker Shade of Magic is more so a dimensional fantasy where characters are able to hop throughout the same world, just different dimensions.
Schwab's writing, in general, is very good and flows very well. I noticed that her works are more like the holy trinity in which the writing is amazing, the plot is great and the characters are hard not to love (or hate).
This trilogy is no different.
When you constantly read fantasy, you notice that certain elements of books start to clash and seem the same. This is very rare for Schwab as her ideas are typically more original than most adult fantasy books.
About the Creator
Jessica Gomez
Wife and Dog Mom
Freelance Writer, Horror Junkie, and huge Book Nerd.
Instagram: @terrifyinglyfictional
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In the world of contemporary literature, few authors have commanded as much respect and admiration as Julian Barnes. Known for his incisive wit, keen psychological insights, and elegant prose, Barnes has spent decades shaping modern fiction, producing works that blend philosophical inquiry with human storytelling. Now, the celebrated novelist has announced that he is saying goodbye to the novel, signaling the end of an era for readers who have long followed his literary journey. A Career Defined by Curiosity and Elegance Julian Barnes, born in Leicester in 1946, has been one of Britain’s most distinguished literary figures since the 1980s. Over his career, he has authored a remarkable array of novels, essays, and short stories, earning accolades including the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his 2011 novel The Sense of an Ending. 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