I don’t know about you all, but I was pleased as a dragon on a pile of gold with the new fantasy releases in 2017. From Brandon Sanderson’s Oathbringer to Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology to V.E. Schwab’s A Conjuring of Light, some of my favorite authors and series saw new installments this year, and none of them disappointed. In case you missed out on some of the action, here are the best fantasy books of 2017.
The Best Fantasy Books 2017
Oathbringer
Brandon Sanderson
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive sits at the top of my list of all time favorite fantasies with Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicles. Known for finishing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, Sanderson has built his own lush world in the Stormlight Archive. Oathbringer is the third novel in the series, and follows the steadfast Dalinar, honest Adolin, troubled Kaladin, and formidable Shallan on the next stage of their journey to save the world from the Voidbringers. As a female reader of fantasy, I really appreciate the strong women in the Stormlight Archive (of which there are many), and highly recommend this series to everyone who loves getting lost in other worlds.
Buy on AmazonNorse Mythology
Neil Gaiman
Release Date: February 7, 2017
Neil Gaiman has written many beloved modern classics, such as American Gods, which was graced with its own show this fall. In Norse Mythology he turns his wordsmithing toward a different kind of classic, capturing the essence of the most beloved stories from Norse mythology into a cohesive narrative arc. Utilizing his whimsical style and witty dialogue he makes the stories and characters more relatable to a modern reader, allowing us to fall in love with yet another unique rendition of Thor, Odin, Loki, and the gang.
Buy on AmazonA Conjuring of Light
V. E. Schwab
Release Date: February 21, 2017
It’s always wonderful when a fantasy series brings you not just one unique new world to explore, but three worlds to get lost in. Schwab delivers this and more in her adventure-filled, character-driven Shades of Magic series. A Conjuring of Light is it’s third and final installment. Get ready to be swept away by spunky pirates, cocky royalty, and a new, exciting, and sometimes bloody magic system.
Buy on AmazonStrange The Dreamer
Laini Taylor
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Lani Taylor, the National Book Award finalist and author of the best selling Smoke and Bone Trilogy was back with a new adventure this year. The book follows Lazlo Strange, an orphan and librarian, as he seeks answers to the questions from his dreams. I haven’t had time to pick this one up yet, but the jacket urges us to “Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage.” Count. Me. In.
Buy on AmazonThe Book of Dust
Philip Pullman
Release Date: October 19, 2017
The Book of Dust did for lifelong fantasy readers of a certain age, what Toy Story 3 did for Pixar movie watchers of a certain age: Brought them back into a narrative that they love with nostalgic glee. If you’ve read the original His Dark Materials series, then you’ll recognize the setting of this book as Lyra’s world, full of the magic of daemons. It follows Malcolm and his daemon as they chase a path of interest and intrigue straight toward a young woman that everyone is talking about. A young woman… named Lyra.
Buy on AmazonThe City of Brass
S.A. Chakraborty
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Set in the streets of Eighteenth century Cairo, City of Brass follows Nahri, an incredibly successful con woman. When one of her slights of hand summons Dara, a similarly sly and mysterious dijinn warrior, Nahri’s definition of reality is upended. Dara tells Nahri of Daevabad, the magical city of the dijinn, a city to which they must travel. The arrival of Nahri sets already fraught factions on edge and threatens to ignite a war. Can she scheme her way back to safety?
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