15 Must-Read Modern Fantasy Books You Can’t Miss Out On Reading

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Modern fantasy literature has a special way of whisking us off to enchanting realms filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy fan or just starting to explore this captivating genre, these 15 modern fantasy books are bound to leave you spellbound.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling

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Embark on a journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with young Harry Potter. This magical world, hidden from the non-magical folk, introduces readers to a realm where spells, broomsticks, and talking hats are the norm.

“Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan

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Join Percy Jackson, an unsuspecting demigod, as he discovers his true identity and navigates a world filled with Greek gods, mythical monsters, and prophecies that shape destinies.

“A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin

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Enter the gritty, politically charged world of Westeros, where noble families vie for power and an ancient threat looms in the North. George R.R. Martin weaves a complex tale of honor, betrayal, and a battle for the Iron Throne.

“Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson

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In a world where ash falls from the sky and magic is tied to metals, Vin, a street urchin, discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities. Brandon Sanderson crafts a rich, unique magic system and an intricate plot filled with twists and turns.

“His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman

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Follow Lyra Belacqua on a journey through parallel universes, meeting armored bears, witches, and uncovering a dark secret that threatens to unravel the fabric of reality itself.

“The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss

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In this lyrical tale, Kvothe recounts his life’s adventures, from a young orphan to a gifted musician, powerful magician, and legendary hero. Patrick Rothfuss creates a vivid world filled with music, arcane arts, and ancient mysteries.

“The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch

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In the city of Camorr, a skilled group of thieves led by Locke Lamora pull off daring heists while navigating a dangerous underworld of crime lords and political intrigue. Scott Lynch’s novel combines wit, action, and a richly detailed setting.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

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A fantastical competition unfolds within the confines of a mysterious circus, where two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, are bound by a deadly game of skill and imagination. Erin Morgenstern weaves a tale of enchantment, romance, and ethereal wonder.

“The Way of Kings” by Brandon Sanderson

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In the shattered world of Roshar, where storms, rage, and magic is harnessed through unique weapons, epic battles, and powerful characters collide in Brandon Sanderson’s grand tale of honor, betrayal, and redemption.

“Uprooted” by Naomi Novik

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A tale of dark enchantments and ancient forests, “Uprooted” introduces readers to Agnieszka, a young girl chosen to serve a powerful, capricious sorcerer known as the Dragon. Naomi Novik’s lyrical prose paints a vivid world where magic and danger entwine.

“The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden

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Set in a wintry medieval Russia, this enchanting tale follows Vasilisa, a girl with a unique gift for seeing the spirits of the land. Katherine Arden crafts a story steeped in folklore, where old magic clashes with the rise of Christianity.

“Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman

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Richard Mayhew’s ordinary life in London takes an extraordinary turn when he helps a wounded girl named Door. Neil Gaiman’s urban fantasy takes readers on a journey through the hidden, fantastical realms beneath the city’s streets.

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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. On her sites, Motherhood Life Balance, Neon Moon and Bookworm Era she writes about ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.