Best Fantasy Books of 2015

A Year of Magic, Grit, and Innovation

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The year 2015 was a landmark moment for fantasy literature, delivering a dazzling array of novels that captured the imaginations of readers around the world. From sweeping epic sagas and morally complex political thrillers to emotionally charged young adult fantasies and myth-rich tales rooted in folklore, the genre truly flourished in every direction.

Whether you're a fan of intricate world-building, powerful magic systems, strong character-driven plots, or heart-pounding action, this carefully curated list of the best fantasy books of 2015 is packed with unforgettable stories that span every subgenre—epic fantasy, dark fantasy, urban fantasy, YA fantasy, grimdark, and more.

If you're searching for the most talked-about, award-winning, or fan-favorite fantasy novels released in 2015, you've landed in the right place. These titles aren't just popular—they helped shape the fantasy genre for years to come.

The ranking

1

Uprooted

Uprooted

by Novik, Naomi

‘Bewitching’ – Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked **Includes the bonus short story ‘The Lake Witch’ exclusive to this 10th Anniversary Edition** A dark enchantment blights the land in the award-winning Uprooted – a captiv...

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2

The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season

by Jemisin, N. K.

Winner of the 2016 Hugo and nominated for a Nebula, The Fifth Season is a volatile combination of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Dystopian Fiction. Mythology comes alive in this hostile world where apocalypse is routine, and th...

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3

The Aeronaut's Windlass

The Aeronaut's Windlass

by Butcher, Jim

Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity. Within their halls, the ruling aristocratic houses develop scientific marvels, foster trade alliances, and maintain fleets of airships to keep the peace.Captain...

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4

The Buried Giant

The Buried Giant

by Ishiguro, Kazuo

The Buried Giant begins as a couple set off across a troubled land of mist and rain in the hope of finding a son they have not seen in years.

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5

The Chimes

The Chimes

by Smaill, Anna

A boy stands on the roadside on his way to London, alone in the rain. No memories, beyond what he can hold in his hands at any given moment. No directions, as written words have long since been forbidden. No parents - ju...

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6

The Grace of Kings

The Grace of Kings

Emperor Mapidere was the first to unite the island kingdoms of Dara under a single banner. But now the emperor is on his deathbed, his people are exhausted by his vast, conscriptive engineering projects and his counsello...

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7

Updraft

Updraft

"Welcome to a world of wind and bone, songs and silence, betrayal and courage. Kirit Densira cannot wait to pass her wingtest and begin flying as a trader by her mother's side, being in service to her beloved home tower...

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8

Savages

Savages

by Parker, K. J.

An unnamed man wakes to find himself facing the loss of everything that matters most to him. Against all odds, he escapes with his life and heads out into the trubulence of the wider world, recreating himself, step by st...

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9

Trigger Warning

Trigger Warning

by Gaiman, Neil

This third collection of short fiction by Gaiman includes previously published pieces of short fiction -- stories, verse, and a Doctor Who story written for the series' fiftieth anniversary (Nothing o'clock). There is al...

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10

A Darker Shade Of Magic

A Darker Shade Of Magic

by Schwab, Victoria

A Darker Shade of Magic, from #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a...

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11

Shadows Of Self

Shadows Of Self

by Sanderson, Brandon

The #1 New York Times bestselling author returns to the world of Mistborn with his first novel in the series since The Alloy of Law.

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12

Magic Shifts

Magic Shifts

by Andrews, Ilona

"After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate--former Beast Lord Curran Lennart-- are adjusting to a very different pace. While they're thrilled to escape all the infighting, Kate and Curra...

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13

Fool's Quest (the Fitz And The Fool)

Fool's Quest (the Fitz And The Fool)

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BUZZFEED AND THE INDEPENDENT • Ranking alongside George R. R. Martin as a groundbreaking master of fantasy, Robin Hobb delivers the second book in he...

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14

Vision in Silver

Vision in Silver

by Bishop, Anne

"The New York Times bestselling author of The Black Jewels Trilogy transports readers to a world of magic and political unrest-where the only chance at peace requires a deadly price... The Others freed the cassandra sang...

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15

Dead Heat

Dead Heat

by Briggs, Patricia

"For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles's role as his father's enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal-or at least it starts out that way... Charles and Ann...

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16

Burned

Burned

by Moning, Karen Marie

"MacKayla Lane and Jericho Barrons are back and hotter than ever in Burned, the latest novel in the blockbuster Fever series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning. It's easy to walk away from lies....

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17

The Invasion of the Tearling

The Invasion of the Tearling

by Johansen, Erika

With each passing day, Kelsea Glynn is growing into her new responsibilities as Queen of the Tearling. By stopping the shipments of slaves to the neighboring kingdom of Mortmesne, she crossed the Red Queen, a brutal rule...

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18

The Liar's Key

The Liar's Key

by Lawrence, Mark

From the international bestselling author of the Broken Empire trilogy comes the second book of the Red Queen’s War... After harrowing adventure and near death, Prince Jalan Kendeth and the Viking Snorri ver Snagason fin...

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19

The Skull Throne

The Skull Throne

by Brett, Peter V.

"The Skull Throne of Krasia stands empty. Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, it is a seat of honor and ancient, powerful magic, keeping the demon corelings at bay. From atop the throne, Ahmann Ja...

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20

The Mime Order

The Mime Order

by Shannon, Samantha

Paige Mahoney has escaped the clandestine prison city of Oxford. Now a fugitive in London, she nurtures a new taste for revolution.Oxford may be behind her, but the Republic of Scion is undefeated. As it turns its all-se...

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Trending Books in Best Fantasy Books of 2015

The Mime Order

The Mime Order

Shannon, Samantha

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Dead Heat

Dead Heat

Briggs, Patricia

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Fool's Quest (the Fitz And The Fool)

Fool's Quest (the Fitz And The Fool)

Buy on Amazon

The Buried Giant

The Buried Giant

Ishiguro, Kazuo

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The Chimes

The Chimes

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The Grace of Kings

The Grace of Kings

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Updraft

Updraft

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Savages

Savages

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Burned

Burned

Moning, Karen Marie

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Vision in Silver

Vision in Silver

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