Best Fantasy Books of 2018

"Children of Blood and Bone" is a young adult fantasy novel written by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi. The novel was published in March 2018 and is the first installment in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, which was once filled with magic until the ruling class, the kosidán, used their power to suppress the magic of the maji, who are now oppressed and persecuted.

The story follows Zélie Adebola, a young maji who is determined to bring magic back to Orïsha and overthrow the ruthless king, Saran, and his kosidán enforcers. Zélie is joined on her quest by her brother Tzain and a runaway kosidán princess, Amari.

As they journey across Orïsha, they encounter various obstacles and dangers, including a powerful kosidán prince named Inan, who is torn between his loyalty to his father and his growing feelings for Zélie. Together, they must confront their fears, face their enemies, and fight to restore magic to Orïsha before it is too late.

"Children of Blood and Bone" is a thrilling and immersive story that explores themes of power, oppression, and the struggle for justice. It has received widespread critical acclaim for its vibrant world-building, engaging characters, and gripping plot, and has been praised for its powerful commentary on race and identity.

"The Poppy War" is a debut novel by Chinese-American author R.F. Kuang, published in May 2018. The book is a dark and gritty military fantasy set in a world inspired by Chinese history and mythology.

The story follows Rin, a war orphan from the Rooster Province who manages to secure a place at the prestigious Sinegard military academy. Despite facing discrimination and bullying from her classmates, Rin proves to be a brilliant student and discovers that she has a gift for shamanic magic. However, when war breaks out between the Nikara Empire and the Federation of Mugen, Rin is forced to confront the brutal realities of combat and the horrifying power of her magic.

"The Poppy War" is a brutal and unflinching portrayal of war and its devastating consequences. Kuang does not shy away from depicting the horrors of war, including graphic violence, sexual assault, and genocide. The book also explores themes of identity, trauma, and the price of power.

Kuang's writing is compelling and immersive, and she does an excellent job of bringing the world of Nikara to life with vivid descriptions and rich cultural details. Rin is a complex and flawed protagonist, and her journey from a naive and idealistic student to a hardened warrior is both gripping and heartbreaking.

Overall, "The Poppy War" is an impressive debut that is sure to appeal to fans of dark and gritty fantasy. While it is not always an easy read, it is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that leaves a lasting impression.

Washington Post "5 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel of 2018" pick! 

A "Best of May" Science Fiction and Fantasy pick by Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Audible, The Verge, SyFy Wire, and Kirkus

“I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year [...] I have absolutely no doubt that [Kuang’s] name will be up there with the likes of Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin.” -- Booknest

A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Liu’s Grace of Kings and N.K. Jemisin’s Inheritance Trilogy. When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies—it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard—the most elite military school in Nikan—was even more surprising. But surprises aren’t always good. Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the South is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school. For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away ... Rin’s shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity . . . and that it may already be too late.

“With a twisting and turning plot that ultimately leads its expansive cast of characters to a long-fated collision, Kingdom of Ash is a worthy finale to one of the best fantasy book series of the past decade.” Time

"Kingdom of Ash" is the seventh and final book in the "Throne of Glass" series by Sarah J. Maas. The book was published in October 2018 and concludes the epic fantasy saga that follows the adventures of assassin-turned-queen Aelin Galathynius and her allies.

The story picks up where the previous book, "Empire of Storms," left off, with Aelin imprisoned by the dark queen Maeve and her armies marching towards Terrasen. As Aelin's friends and allies band together to rescue her and defend their kingdom, they must also confront ancient enemies and make impossible sacrifices in order to save their world from destruction.

"Kingdom of Ash" is a sweeping and epic conclusion to the "Throne of Glass" series. Maas masterfully weaves together multiple plot threads and character arcs, creating a satisfying and emotional finale that will leave readers breathless. The book is action-packed and full of thrilling battles and magical confrontations, but it also takes the time to delve into the characters' inner lives and explore their motivations and fears.

Maas's writing is powerful and evocative, and she does an excellent job of balancing the book's many different elements, from romance and friendship to politics and warfare. Aelin is a complex and compelling protagonist, and her journey throughout the series has been a joy to follow.

Overall, "Kingdom of Ash" is a fitting conclusion to the "Throne of Glass" series, and a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath until the very end.

"Empire of Sand" is a debut novel by British-Indian author Tasha Suri, published in November 2018. The book is a unique blend of Mughal Indian history and mythology, infused with elements of fantasy and magic.

The story follows Mehr, the daughter of a nobleman and an Amrithi mother, who has inherited her mother's magical abilities. However, as an Amrithi, Mehr is an outcast in her own society, and her mother's people are persecuted and hunted by the empire's religious zealots. When Mehr's father arranges a marriage for her to a ruthless and powerful governor, Mehr is forced to use her magic to save herself and those she loves.

"Empire of Sand" is a beautifully written and richly imagined novel. Suri's descriptions of the world and its characters are vivid and evocative, and her attention to detail brings the story to life. The book is full of political intrigue, courtly machinations, and magical battles, and it keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Mehr is a compelling and sympathetic protagonist, and her struggles to reconcile her Amrithi heritage with her father's expectations are both poignant and relatable. Suri also does an excellent job of exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and the price of power, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, "Empire of Sand" is a fantastic debut novel that showcases Suri's talent as a storyteller. It's a book that will transport you to a different time and place, and leave you eager to explore more of this fascinating world.

"Foundryside" is the first book in a new fantasy series by Robert Jackson Bennett, published in August 2018. The story takes place in a world where objects can be "scrived," or imbued with magical inscriptions that give them unnatural properties.

The protagonist, Sancia Grado, is a skilled thief who is hired to steal a valuable artifact from a heavily guarded warehouse. However, as Sancia soon discovers, the object she has stolen is more than it appears, and she finds herself caught up in a dangerous game of politics and magic that threatens to upend the entire city of Tevanne.

"Foundryside" is a fast-paced and action-packed novel that blends elements of heist stories, political thrillers, and high fantasy. Bennett's world-building is inventive and immersive, and the scriving system that underpins the magic in the story is both fascinating and well thought out.

Sancia is a compelling and complex protagonist, and Bennett does an excellent job of exploring her backstory and motivations as the story unfolds. The supporting cast of characters is also well-drawn and memorable, from Sancia's unlikely allies to her ruthless enemies.

One of the strengths of "Foundryside" is Bennett's writing style, which is sharp and witty, with plenty of humor and clever turns of phrase. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, and the action scenes are expertly choreographed and full of tension.

Overall, "Foundryside" is a thrilling and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and heist stories. It's a promising start to what looks to be an exciting new series from a talented author.

"The Fall of Gondolin" is a posthumously published work by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by his son Christopher Tolkien and released in August 2018. The book tells the story of the destruction of the elven city of Gondolin, which was one of the key events in the mythology of Middle-earth.

The book is a fascinating glimpse into Tolkien's creative process and the evolution of his legendarium. It includes several versions of the story, ranging from early drafts to the more polished and complete version that Tolkien was working on before his death.

As with all of Tolkien's works, the world-building in "The Fall of Gondolin" is exquisite. The city of Gondolin is a marvel of elven architecture and engineering, and the various characters and creatures that populate the story are vividly imagined and fully realized.

The battle scenes in the book are particularly impressive, showcasing Tolkien's talent for creating epic and immersive set pieces. The Fall of Gondolin is a powerful and tragic story, and the book does an excellent job of conveying the sense of loss and sorrow that comes with the destruction of such a magnificent city.

Christopher Tolkien's editing and commentary are also valuable additions to the book, providing insight into his father's creative process and the history of Middle-earth. The illustrations by Alan Lee are also a highlight, bringing the story to life in stunning detail.

Overall, "The Fall of Gondolin" is a must-read for fans of Tolkien's work and for anyone who loves epic fantasy. It's a fitting tribute to one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century, and a reminder of the enduring power and beauty of his stories.

"Song of Blood & Stone" is the first book in the "Earthsinger Chronicles" by L. Penelope, published in May 2018. The story takes place in a world where two races, the Elsiran and the Lagrimari, are divided by a magical barrier known as the Mantle. The protagonist, Jasminda, is a half-Elsiran, half-Lagrimari woman who possesses the ability to quiet the earth and calm storms.

When Jasminda rescues a wounded soldier from the enemy side, she finds herself caught up in a web of politics and intrigue that threatens to tear her world apart. As Jasminda and the soldier, Jack, journey together to deliver a message that could change the fate of their people, they must confront their own prejudices and fears and learn to trust each other.

"Song of Blood & Stone" is a well-crafted and engaging novel that blends elements of romance, fantasy, and political intrigue. Penelope's world-building is rich and detailed, and the magic system in the story is both imaginative and well-developed.

Jasminda is a compelling and sympathetic protagonist, and her struggles with identity and belonging are relatable and poignant. The romance between Jasminda and Jack is also well-handled, with a slow-burn buildup that feels natural and organic.

The supporting cast of characters is also well-drawn, from the villainous ruler of Elsira to the enigmatic rebels fighting against the Mantle. Penelope does an excellent job of exploring themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the search for common ground, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, "Song of Blood & Stone" is an impressive debut novel that showcases Penelope's talent as a storyteller. It's a book that will appeal to fans of both romance and fantasy, and it sets the stage for what looks to be a promising new series.

"An Easy Death" is the first book in Charlaine Harris's "Gunnie Rose" series, published in October 2018. Set in an alternate version of the United States in the early 20th century, the story follows Lizbeth Rose, a sharpshooter and gun-for-hire in a country where the United States never came into existence and is instead split into several smaller territories.

When Lizbeth is hired to escort two Russian wizards across the country, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of politics and magic. As she navigates the treacherous terrain of the new American frontier, Lizbeth must use all her skills to protect herself and her charges from those who would do them harm.

Harris's world-building in "An Easy Death" is impressive, and her alternate history is both imaginative and well-realized. The combination of western and fantasy elements makes for a unique and compelling setting, and the use of magic in the story is well-integrated and never feels out of place.

Lizbeth is a tough and capable protagonist, and her inner struggles and emotional depth make her a sympathetic and relatable character. The supporting cast of characters is also well-drawn, with each member of the ensemble contributing to the overall story in their own unique way.

The plot of the book is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Harris does an excellent job of balancing the various elements of the story, from the political intrigue to the action scenes to the quieter character moments.

Overall, "An Easy Death" is an enjoyable and engaging read that will appeal to fans of both westerns and fantasy. With its richly detailed world-building and compelling characters, it's a promising start to a new series from a seasoned and talented author.