Best Fantasy Books of 2026

Homebound

Author: Portia Elan

Release Date: May 5, 2026

Genre: Literary Fiction

More info: May 2026 GMA Book Club Pick

Age Range: 15+

Plot

This is a story of five interconnected lives across centuries. The story starts in 1983 with a nineteen-year-old named Becks and a partially finished video game from her uncle. Throughout, there is a script of the video game play

The story spans the future lives of a scientist named Dr. Portman, who is trying to solve the world’s climate crisis in 2090, and a sea captain named Yasiki, who is trying to survive in 2586. Yasiko has Chaya, a 400-year-old automaton, to keep her company on her ship.

Trigger Warnings

Dystopian future

Why Jackie loves it

This book is beautifully written and so original in its premise. I love the subtle addition of some Jewish customs and sayings. I was never sure where the book was going and stopped trying to work it out. The dichotomy between those trying to use technology to save the planet vs those who want to save themselves is haunting. Thank you for my copy of this book #gifted Scriber, S & S Audio

Find this book in: Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time / GMA Book Club List 2026

The Astral Library

Author: Kate Quinn

Year: 2026

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Bestselling Author of The Alice Network

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Alix grew up in the foster care system and took refuge in books at the Boston Public Library. When she finds a hidden door, she enters a hidden library where people can escape into their favorite books.

There, she also meets the Librarian, the guardian of the Astral Library. When an enemy to the library threatens to destroy it, Alix and the Librarian flee through Sherlock Holmes and other literary favorites. Can they determine what the enemy wants before it destroys everything?

Trigger Warnings

Foster Care System, domestic abuse

Why Jackie loves it

2026 really seems to be the year of the book about books. This is unlike any other book by Kate Quinn. This is the perfect mix of fantasy and fiction, with an ode to books themselves. I could not out this book down.

Find this book in: Books About Libraries and Librarians / Best Beach Reads 2026

The Book Witch

Author: Meg Shaffer

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: Fantasy

More info: USA Today Bestselling author of The Wishing Game

Plot

Rainy March is a book witch. She can move in and out of novels to fix any alterations that book burners might do to try and harm the book. All book witches have to abide by a strict code that does not allow them to eat, drink, or sleep inside a fictional world. They are also not supposed to bring fictional characters into the real world.

When Rainy’s grandfather disappears, and a priceless book is stolen, there is only one person she can trust to help her. The Duke of Chicago is a British detective who stars in her favorite mystery series. The problem? She has been forbidden to see him anymore because they fell in love when she went into his books to save them from the burners. Now, the two of them will hop from book to book to follow the clues her grandfather left behind.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is an ode to books, and I loved every minute of it. It is funny and sweet with the perfect amount of romance and mystery. There are mentions of classic books from Nancy Drew to Fahrenheit 451 and Pride and Prejudice. Thank you to Ballantine for my copy of this book #gifted.

Find this book in: The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books / Best Beach Reads 2026

Rites of the Starling

Author: Devney Perry

Year: 2026

Genre: Romantasy

More info: Shield of Sparrows books 2

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The Crux is coming. Odessa has been separated from Ransom. She is on a mission to find him and find a cure for Lyssa while keeping herself alive.

We also have Caspia’s Point of View as she searches for answers about the Starling. The two women are both part of epic journeys that lead them to new and unknown places.

Trigger Warnings

Death, Violence

Why Jackie loves it

This was an amazing follow-up to the first book in the series and did not disappoint. I loved it. There are fantastic new characters, and the story gets even deeper in this second book in the trilogy. It is also steamier then the last! The ending had me completely shocked. I cannot wait for the last book in the series.

Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2026

YA

The Faraway Inn

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Release Date: March 31, 2026

Genre: YA fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestselling author of The Spellshop

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Plot

Calisa is excited to go stay with her great aunt in Vermont for the summer. She needs to get away from the boy who broke her heart. Auntie Zee runs a bed and breakfast, but rather than the cozy inn she was expecting, it is rundown.

Her aunt is also less than welcoming and tells her she can only stay for three days before she has to go home. Calisa decides that we will help her aunt fix the inn and become invaluable. This way, her aunt will let her stay. She quickly realizes that there is something magical about it as well.

Why Jackie loves it

This is an absolutely adorable, cozy fantasy book. I wanted to curl up by the moving fire in the book and not put it down. I can tell that this book is YA because of the small plot points that feel different from Durst’s adult books. However, I loved it. The magical world that Durst creates is so unique and lovely- I wish it were real!

Find this book in: YA Witch Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Fantasy Hotel Novels / Best Beach Reads 2026