Best Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2024: Top 13 List

Discover the best fiction and fantasy books that transport you to magical realms and thrilling adventures. Start your journey now!
The Hobbit coverAmerican Gods cover

Prepare yourselves, fellow book lovers! We scoured countless pages to bring you the best fiction and fantasy books, guaranteed to capture imaginations. We consider gripping tales, unforgettable characters, and worlds that pull you in completely. Without revealing all the magic, our picks offer epic adventures, mystical realms, and unforgettable journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to the genre, our list promises something exciting for everyone.

On this list:

13 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 310

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This is the book that brought fantasy to the mainstream. The Hobbit is an entertaining journey through Middle-earth. We picked it for its amazing storytelling and detailed world.

12 American Gods by Neil Gaiman

American Gods cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 465

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Neil Gaiman mixes mythology with modern life in this epic adventure. We loved the unique take on gods living among people and how it blends fiction with fantasy.

11 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 223

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A magical book that captured our imaginations! Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a phenomenal setting for fun and adventure.

10 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 662

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A bard’s tale! Kvothe is a fascinating character with an intriguing life story. This book has everything: magic, mystery, and a bit of romance.

9 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 387

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A story as mysterious as it is beautiful. We loved the magical competition and the enchanting ambiance of the circus itself.

8 Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: The Final Empire cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 541

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A twist on fantasy featuring a unique magic system of ‘Allomancy’. The story is action-packed with memorable characters and clever plot twists.

7 Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

Good Omens cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 412

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It’s hilarious and smart. The story of an angel and a demon teaming up to stop the apocalypse is a delightful rollercoaster.

6 A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 694

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This book started the epic saga of power, politics, and dragons. We chose it for the intriguing characters and complex plot.

5 His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1995
  • Pages: 399

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An imaginative tale of parallel worlds. The adventure unfolds with young Lyra and her discovery of a powerful truth.

4 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Crime
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 499

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A fantasy heist novel! Full of surprises, wit, and cunning plans. We admired the cleverness of its plot and charming rogues.

3 The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 685

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Epic fantasy world-building at its best! We relished the detailed realms and wide array of characters.

2 The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

The Priory of the Orange Tree cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 848

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A standalone epic fantasy. We enjoyed its sweepingly grand scale, filled with dragons and strong characters.

1 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Epic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 1178

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Defined the fantasy genre. We chose it as the best for its groundbreaking world-building and memorable journey.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!