Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024
If you are looking for the best new fantasy books of 2024, I gathered them all in one place so you don’t have to scour to find them. Kirsten and I read every one of these books and love them.
Each of these books is unique, entertaining, and so much fun to read, that you cannot go wrong with whatever you choose. There are also new sci-fi books on this list that you will adore- even if you are not typically a sci-fi lover. If you want more fantasy books, you can check out my post Best Adult Fantasy Novels
What is your favorite new fantasy book of the year? Are there books I should be adding to my TBR? I always love getting great recs so feel free to send me an email and let me know!
The Best Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of best sci-fi and fantasy books of 2024. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best New Fantasy Book
A Song to Dorwn Rivers by Ann LIang– Click to read the review and see more books in this genre
Best New Fantasy Romance Book
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker- Click to read the review and see more books in this genre
Best New Magical Realism
Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison – Click to read the review and see more books in this genre
Best New Sci-Fi
The Husbands – Click to read the review and see more books in this genre
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best New Fantasy Books
A Song to Drown Rivers
Author: Ann Liang
Year: October 1, 2024
Genre: Mythology
More info: October 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Xishi lives in the village of Yue with her parents still mourning the loss of her beloved younger sister at the hands of the Wu warriors. Fanli is a military advisor to the king who recognizes that Xishi’s beauty can be used as a weapon to help infiltrate the enemy palace of Wu. She agrees so she can help the kingdom and avenge her sister’s murder.
He trains her in everything from dancing and etiquette to the art of seduction and sends her to the king. Her goal is to infiltrate the court and make the king fall in love with her. Once inside the palace, the king is drawn to her, and she rises through the court. But one mistake can bring the whole kingdom crashing down. She must strategize and navigate enemy territory without drawing any suspicion, or her punishment will be torture and then death.
This book is Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China which is why it is included in the fantasy category. Those looking for magic and world-building will not find it in this book, but it remains a 5-star read and one of the best new fantasy books of the year.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The story is beautifully written. The plot pulled me in from the first page and was non-stop throughout the book. My heart felt the pain of Xishi’s loss and the anxiety of living a second life “undercover”. This story is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time #gifted
Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club List/ Most Anticipated October 2024 Book Releases / October 2024 Celebrity Book Club Spoilers / Mythology Books / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Best Books of 2024
Plot
No book says “Jackie” like a book about tea and witches. A family curse is trying to separate Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley, witch triplets run the Crescent Moon Tearoom. When the witch counsel comes for a visit, the sisters are given an ultimatum. They must help three witches find their life’s purpose before it’s too late and only then can they stay together and keep their beloved tearoom.
The sisters each have ideas on how to help the other witches but they also feel themselves being pulled apart. Is the pull away from each other a curse or their destiny?
Why Jackie loves it
This magical book gave me the same feeling as The Night Circus. Sivinski’s writing is so descriptive, that I felt the words coming off the page. The house is one of my favorite characters with a personality that made me laugh and despite the fact that the sisters were triplets, their personalities were completely distinct.
Find this book in: Books About Tea / The Best Witch Books /Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / The Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Giftable Books
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
Author: TJ Klune
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy
More info:
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
House on the Cerulean Sea is one of my favorite books of all time. I am so excited to read this next book in Arthur’s story. We are back on Marsyas Island with Arthur, Linus, the children, as well as Zoe (the island sprite) and Mayor Webb. They hope to bring a new child to the island named David who is a yeti.
They are also waiting on the paperwork to formalize the adoption of all the kids. When Arthur is summoned to make a statement about his past, it is clear that not everyone supports Arthur and his family. The Department in Charge of Magical Adults and Youth may no longer have the best interests in mind for magical people. Although Extremely Upper Management has been dismantled, what is left may not be better.
David arrives on the Island along with a new investigator from The Department in Charge of Magical Youth and the new investigator is no Linus.
Trigger Warnings
Discrimination, Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
The House on the Cerulean Sea felt like a much lighter book than this one. However, this book delved deeper into the stereotypes against magical people. I laughed a lot while reading this book but my heart also ached for some of the experiences the children had- especially David the Yeti. He did not grow up at the orphanage and experienced a lot of trauma. Despite some of the dark moments, the book is lovely and wonderful and everything I hoped it would be.
Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Novels / Best Fantasy Novels of 2024
Best Fantasy Romance Books of 2024
When the Moon Hatched
Author: Sarah A. Parker
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Moonfall Series, 1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Raeve is an assassin for the rebellion. She shows no mercy and leaves no witnesses until one night when she lets a mysterious stranger live. When The Guild of Nobles’ prisons Raeve, she expects death but instead finds herself carried away by Kaan Vaegor’s dragon.
Kaan is a King mourning the loss of the love of his life when he finds Raeve in the prison cell. She cannot help but feel the connection between them but cannot understand why.
This is the first book in the Moonfall Series and I cannot wait to see what happens.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Content, Graphic Violence
Why Jackie loves it
I was immediately sucked into this world of Fae and dragons. The storytelling is fantastic, and the characters are unique and surprising. I loved how strong Raeve is and yet, her character is also vulnerable. I cannot wait for the next book. This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2024.
Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing/ Dragon Books for Adults / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / Best Books of 2024
Bride
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy romance
More info:
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Misery Lark is the daughter of a Vampyre councilman who is being forced into marriage with their mortal enemy (the Weres) to form a peace treaty between the two species. She has been living with humans and trying to live her life under the radar.
Now, she must move into Were territory with her husband, Lowe Moreland, the Alpha of the Weres. She also has her reasons for going into Were territory and as long as she can stay under the radar, she should be able to stay alive. After all, the last Vampyre/ Were marriage ended in a deadly and bloody battle. This paranormal romance is SPICY. If Ali Hazelwood’s last books made you blush, this one will give your face a sunburn.
Trigger Warnings
Violence, kidnapping
Why Jackie loves it
I feel like this is an adult version of Twilight if Bella fell in love with Jacob. Anyone who is “Team Jacob” will love this book. But more than that, I loved the depth of the characters and the intricacy of the plot without it feeling overwhelming.
Find this book in: Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / Adult Fantasy Books / New Romance Books 2024/ Best New Fantasy Books of 2024 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books
Best Magical Realism
The Fallen Fruit
Author: Shawntelle Madison
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This historical fantasy is also an epic family saga that could not put down. In this pick from the September 2024 book releases, Cecily Bridge-Davis is researching her family curse and trying to figure out how to break it. One member of the family in every generation from her father’s side falls back in time. The family has rules that every member of the family is taught from a young age. They learn how to survive in the past.
As she learns more about her family and her past, we also move through the past and meet the members of the Bridge family. Will she ever be able to find out where the curse began and find a way to stop it?
Why Jackie loves it
I was not sure what to expect when reading this book but I had high hopes. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. The narrative is brilliant. As the reader meets more members of the Bridge family, more of the story comes together and we get one step closer to solving the mystery of the family curse of falling through time.
Find this book in: Nonlinear Narrative Novels / September 2024 Book Releases / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
The Lost Story
Author: Meg Shaffer
Year: 2024
Genre: Magical Realism/ Fantasy
More info: National bestseller from the author of The Wishing Game
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fifteen years ago, Jeremy and Raffe went missing from a West Virginia state forest only to return six months later without explaining where they went. Now, Rafe is an artist who has no memories of what happened in those 6 months and is haunted by his unknown past. Jeremy is the only one who knows the truth about their disappearance and works as a private investigator who specializes in finding missing girls and women.
Emilie hires Jeremy to find her sister who went missing from the same forest as the lost boys, years before they went missing. Jermey and Rafe have not spoken in 15 years, but they can only save Emilie’s sister by working together. The three must head to the magical realm where they spent those 6 months to find everything they lost.
Trigger Warnings
Child disappearance
Why Jackie loves it
The narrator breaks the third wall while explaining parts of the story throughout. It reads like a fairy tale for adults and I loved every minute. I could not put this book, inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia, down.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2024 / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Plot
Cassie works in a bookstore in NYC. When one of her favorite customers dies, she finds the book he was reading with an inscription leaving it to her. It’s the Book of Doors which allows Cassie to open any door and go anywhere she wants to – London, Paris, or any door she can picture in her head.
Soon, she is approached by a stranger named Drummond Fox, a librarian for a collection of books just like Cassie’s telling her she’s in danger. People have searched for The Book of Doors for years and will do anything to get their hands on it.
Now, Cassie finds herself entwined in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as she tries to stay alive and keep the Book of Doors away from those who want it for nefarious purposes. #gifted
Trigger Warnings
Death
Why Jackie loves it
OMG. I did not know what to expect when I picked up this book. It is unlike anything I had ever read and I loved every minute of the story! I loved I had to think about how the doors would work and how the story comes together in the end.
Find this book in: Books About Books / Magical Realism Books to Read Now / Books About Bookstores / Summer Reads 2024 / Best New Fantasy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands
Author: Heather Fawcett
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Emily Wilde #2
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of the year last year and I had high hopes for this book. It did not disappoint!
Emily Wilde is an expert in faerie folklore and has written an encyclopedia on the subject. Now, she is trying to make a map of the realms of faerie in the hope of finding a door to their land.
Brambleby, her colleague turned boyfriend who also happens to be the banished faerie king, is accompanying her on her quest. The only problem is that he is on the run from assassins sent by his mother and Emily cannot understand why now.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a historical fantasy that has the feel of fiction and would be perfect for someone new to the fantasy realm. However, die-hard fantasy lovers will also adore this book. This book has the feel of a historical fiction with the perfect touch of magic. I recommend this book for anyone who loves Alice Hoffman’s book Magic Lessons (the prequel to Practical Magic) #gifted
Find this book in: Best New Fantasy Books 2024
Find Similar Books in: Adult and YA Fae Books
Best New Sci-Fi Books
The Husbands
Author: Holly Gramazio
Year: 2024
Genre: Sci-fi Fiction
More info: April 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Think of this book as Sci-Fi lite. It calls upon sci-fi-based principles – mainly multiverses – but it doesn’t dwell on the scientific for even a moment.
The premise is simple. Lauren, a single woman, comes home one night to a husband she didn’t know she had. Her phone, friends, and photos in her apartment reflect this new life but she can’t remember it. And then something crazy happens.
He goes up to the attic to change a lightbulb and a new husband descends from the attic. Whenever a new husband emerges, the life around her shifts again. So with an endless supply of husbands, she finds herself torn between knowing when to send them back and when to keep one and start living.
Why Kirsten loves it
Easily one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. Even as a confirmed disliker of Sci-Fi books, I found this story compulsively readable. I had a blast watching Lauren try to figure out her life and the revolving door of husbands had me giggling at times. #gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Best Sci-Fi Books / Summer Reads 2024 / 2024 Fiction Favorites
All This and More
Author: Peng Shepherd
Year: 2024
Genre: Sci-fi
More info: Nationally Bestselling Author of The Cartographer
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I loved The Cartographers so I could not wait to read this book. Marsh is unhappy with her family life, work life, and love life. When she is chosen to be the star of a TV show called “All This and More” she jumps at the chance. The show uses brand-new quantum technology to allow Marsh to change the mistakes of her past. She can choose until she has her perfect life.
The catch? The reader gets to decide what she does next. What seems like a really cool game show is actually a lot more. When weird glitches start appearing, Marsh is nounsure if she is imagining them or if there is something wrong.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a choose-your-own-adventure for adults and it is amazing! Don’t worry, you will not have to start again repeatedly. There are strategic spots where you will choose. I think this book is absolutely brilliantly executed. The story is non-stop and the ending is perfect.
Find this book in: Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / 20 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Expert Tip
If you are looking for the best fantasy books of 2024 and don’t know where to start, I have a few ideas
- Look at the subgenre of fantasy from the list. If you see a book you read and loved, pick another in that section
- Read the descriptions of the books. That will help you narrow down which ones sound great and which are misses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best new fantasy book of 2024?
There are so many books that it is hard to choose just one. If you are looking for a fantasy romance like Fourth Wing, check out When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker. If you are looking for heart-tugging, Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J Klune should be on your TBR
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Epilogue:
What are your favorite new Fantasy books of 2024? Do you see books on the list that you are excited to read?
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