13 Best Contemporary Fantasy Novels to Read in 2025
Looking for the best contemporary fantasy novels? We found thrilling, magical stories perfect for new readers eager to explore this exciting genre.
Welcome to our list of the 13 best contemporary fantasy novels! We picked these books because they mix magic with our everyday world. Some have hidden cities while others offer secret libraries or odd magicians. Our main test? The story must be fun, clever, and feel new—no stale wizard hats here. Whether you want humor, heart, clever plots, or just some wild magical ideas, these contemporary fantasy novels have all the things we look for when we want to escape the real world for a bit (or a lot).
On this list:
13 Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman throws London into a blender with magic, murder, and rats who talk. If you’ve ever gotten lost on the Tube, you’ll fit right in. It’s a mix of oddball humor and spooky adventure—perfect spot to start your hunt for great contemporary fantasy novels.
12 The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Grown-up wizards go to college and learn magic, drink a lot, and make bad life choices. If Harry Potter had a midlife crisis, it’d look like this. Epic magic, messy characters, and just the right amount of snarky wit.
11 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A circus that pops up without warning and runs on magic—plus a will-they-won’t-they romance that will make you root for both sides. The writing sparkles like fairy dust on a popcorn bucket. A solid pick for contemporary fantasy novels fans.
10 Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
Ghost-hunting cops in London with cheeky British banter. Think Sherlock Holmes, but with angry water spirits and a hero who has no clue what’s going on. It’s funny, action-packed, and the start of a mega series.
9 American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Old gods meet new gods in a bizarre road trip across America. We got shadowy deals, quirky deities, and more jaw-dropping moments than a soap opera. It’s weird in all the best ways, plus you’ll learn why you shouldn’t trust people named Wednesday.
8 Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
Imagine twins made in a lab, each with half of the world’s magic. Creepy science meets fairy tale in a book that makes you question reality. Sometimes, the plot twists made us check if our coffee was spiked.
7 The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
Spy librarians jump between realities, grabbing dangerous books like literary Indiana Joneses. If you love books about books and secret societies, this one’s for you. The humor is sharp, and the action doesn’t stop.
6 The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
This book is bonkers in the best way. A mysterious library, powerful librarians, and rules we still don’t understand. It’s dark, twisty, and feels like reading a fever dream. Not for the faint of heart—or the easily confused.
5 An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard
New York’s magic elite go to war, and it’s brutal, flashy, and full of clever twists. Magic feels real here—like something you might stumble into on the subway if you’re not careful (look out for rabbits with attitude).
4 The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin
Five people become the soul of New York—and must fight off a cosmic threat. You get wild energy, biting humor, and a love letter to the city (but way weirder than pizza rats). The dialogue alone is worth the read.
3 A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Multiple Londons! Magic cloaks! One super moody magician. Schwab’s world-building is top-notch, and the pace keeps you flipping pages. We love the dry humor and how the plot always keeps you on your toes.
2 The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Doors to other worlds hidden in old books and a brave girl on a quest—it’s like Narnia, but with better prose and more sass. The story balances the bleak and the magical without ever dragging its heels.
1 The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This is the best of the bunch and here’s why: The House in the Cerulean Sea is a warm hug in book form, but it’s never dull. Linus, a down-to-earth caseworker, checks out a magical orphanage full of oddball kids and their mysterious caretaker. The story blends contemporary fantasy novels’ whimsy with a heartfelt message about acceptance. You’ll laugh, snort, and maybe even cry a little (we totally didn’t wipe our eyes during that one scene, promise). It’s easy to read and hard to put down; perfect for new fantasy readers and long-time fans alike. The best part? You’ll feel better about the world (and yourself) after you finish. And that, friends, is real magic.
