Fantasy and Science Fiction to Read This Year
From epic space operas to dark, gritty dystopias, these 22 books deliver epic worlds, memorable characters, and thrilling adventures.
Who these books are for
- Fantasy and science fiction readers
- Fans of epic quests and character-driven stories
- Readers seeking immersive, imaginative worlds
Dive into the best fantasy and science fiction novels of the year with this curated collection. From dark, gritty dystopias to epic space operas and imaginative magical realms, these 22 books deliver unforgettable characters, thrilling adventures, and thought-provoking ideas. Whether you're a longtime fan of the genres or just looking for your next great read, you'll find something to love in this diverse and engaging selection of must-read fantasy and science fiction books for 2022.
The collection
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When the Moon Hatched A Novel
In the captivating fantasy romance "When the Moon Hatched," a thrilling tale unfolds set in a richly detailed world where dragons fall from the sky and fae nobles wield immense power. Assassin Raeve finds herself imprisoned by the Guild of Nobles after a fateful encounter with rival bounty hunter Kaan Vaegor, still grieving over his lost love. As echoes of the past connect these two, lines of loyalty blur and truths threaten to poison their budding bonded relationship. With its lyrical prose, undeniable chemistry, and stunning fantasy world, this New York Times bestseller from Sarah A. Parker is a wild ride that enchants and thrills, sure to leave readers eagerly devouring every page.
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The Ballad of Falling Dragons (Deluxe Limited Edition) A Novel
Escape into the captivating world of The Ballad of Falling Dragons, a mesmerizing fantasy sequel that tops the New York Times bestseller list. Raeve's quest for vengeance intensifies alongside her enduring love for Kaan in a race against time to save their realm from an impending catastrophic moonfall. With a rich, immersive setting, intricate magic, and secrets waiting to be unearthed, dive into this epic tale of love, loyalty, and the ultimate choice between life and death.
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Circe
"Madeline Miller's 'Circe', a mesmerizing odyssey through ancient Greek mythology, plumbs the depths of the sorceress Circe's enigmatic psyche. The novel casts a haunting spell as it delves into themes of identity, power, and the boundless feminine, fueled by Miller's meticulous research and poetic prose. In Circe's journey from outcast to seer, readers are transported to a realm where magic tingles in the air and legendary figures ignite with startling nuance, revealing a world both haunting and utterly unforgettable."
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All Hail Chaos
"Oh my gosh, you NEED to read 'All Hail Chaos' by Sarah Rees Brennan! This darkly imaginative novel delves into a world of treacherous politics and bloodthirsty magic, perfect for anyone who craves complex characters, morally ambiguous settings, and a gripping narrative that'll keep you up all night. Fans of epic fantasy and fans of deliciously wicked villains will devour this and beg for more!"
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The Knave and the Moon
Picking up where The Knight and the Moth left off, Rachel Gillig's gripping sequel The Knave and the Moon plunges you back into a world of gothic fantasies, where kingdoms crumble and dark mysteries unfold. Amidst the ruins of Aisling Cathedral, an enigmatic knave emerges, his blank slate a chance for Sybil to rewrite the kingdom's flawed narrative and vanquish the tyrant king Benji once and for all. Prepare for an epic battle of power, faith, and self-discovery in this lush, romantic tale that will leave you breathless.
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Red Rising
Oh my gosh, you absolutely must read "Red Rising" by Pierce Brown! It's a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled epic that combines space opera and dystopian elements in a richly imagined world. The story follows Darrow, a low-caste "Red" who's forced into rebellion against the ruling elite, the Golds. His journey is brutal, visceral, and utterly compelling. Fans of Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games, or Star Wars will devour this gritty, fast-paced tale of revolution, loyalty, and the unquenchable human desire for freedom and justice.
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Golden Son
Golden Son is a gripping, emotionally charged continuation of the Red Rising series, with complex characters, intense action, and a thought-provoking exploration of rebellion and revolution.
For: Fans of epic science fiction, particularly those who enjoyed Red Rising, will devour this sequel.
Strengths: Pierce Brown's writing is vivid and engaging, with well-developed characters and a richly detailed world. The plot is masterfully crafted, with escalating stakes and unexpected twists.
Skip if: While Brown's world-building and characters are exceptional, some readers may find the novel's density and complexity overwhelming, requiring a strong commitment to the series.
Comparable: For readers who enjoy gritty, morally complex dystopian fiction with a focus on character development and rebellion, Golden Son is comparable to other acclaimed series like The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones.
“Stirring . . . Comparisons to The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones series are inevitable, for this tale has elements of both.”
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Morning Star
Pierce Brown's Morning Star is a thrilling conclusion to the Red Rising trilogy, delivering pulse-pounding action, intricate world-building, and a richly drawn protagonist's journey that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
For: Fans of epic science fiction, dystopian tales, and complex characters will devour this book.
Strengths: Brown's vivid first-person prose, operatic battle scenes, and the satisfying payoff to Darrow's character arc make Morning Star a standout in the series.
Skip if: Some readers may find the dense world-building and complex plot lines overwhelming at times.
Comparable: For fans of the Red Rising trilogy, Morning Star offers a similarly intense, action-packed, and emotionally resonant read to the previous installments.
“A page-turning epic filled with twists and turns . . . The conclusion to Brown”
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London Falling A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth
In this gripping true-crime narrative, celebrated journalist Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the tragic death of Zac Brettler, a 19-year-old whose apparent suicide reveals a secret life entangled with London's criminal underworld. As Zac's parents Rachelle and Matthew Brettler investigate, they unravel a web of deceit, corruption, and aspirations underwritten by dirty money. An absorbing blend of suspense, reportage, and poignant family dynamics, London Falling is a spellbinding exploration of loss, love, and the darker side of the gilded city.
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Iron Gold
Pierce Brown's epic space opera continues the compelling story of Darrow and the Red Rising universe, blending action, politics, and complex characters in a vividly realized world.
For: Fans of science fiction, fantasy, and epic space operas, particularly those invested in the Red Rising series.
Strengths: Richly detailed world-building, morally complex characters, and a gripping narrative that balances individual struggles with grand-scale conflict.
Skip if: The dense, layered storytelling and large cast of characters can make it challenging to follow for new readers without prior knowledge of the series.
Comparable: Readers of the Red Rising trilogy will find a natural continuation, while fans of similar authors like Brian McClellan, Dan Simmons, and Joe Abercrombie may also appreciate Brown's work for its blend of gritty realism and imaginative world-building.
“Brown writes layered, flawed characters . . . but plot is his most breathtaking strength. . . . Every action seems to flow into the next.”
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Dark Age
Dark Age delivers a gripping, high-stakes continuation of the Red Rising saga, with complex characters, relentless action, and thought-provoking themes.
For: Fans of epic space opera and fans of the Red Rising series.
Strengths: Expertly paced with intense battles, political intrigue, and character development that challenges assumptions. Brown's world-building is rich and immersive.
Skip if: Prior knowledge of the series is essential, as this is not a standalone novel with a self-contained story.
Comparable: Compared to other titles in the collection, Dark Age has a similar epic scope and complex characters to works like Dune and The Three-Body Problem, but with a more focused focus on a single protagonist's journey.
“An epic story of rebellion, social unrest and sacrifice.”
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Light Bringer
Pierce Brown's Red Rising series is a thrilling, action-packed epic that explores complex themes of rebellion, social hierarchy, and the human cost of war, with compelling characters and world-building.
For: Fans of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian series will devour this intense, character-driven saga.
Strengths: Brown masterfully weaves together politics, war, and personal drama, crafting a rich, immersive universe and complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Skip if: The series can be overwhelming in its scope and brutality, with some plot threads and character arcs feeling secondary to the main narrative.
Comparable: For readers who enjoy gritty, high-stakes sci-fi/fantasy with complex world-building, other notable series include The Expanse by James S. A. Corey, The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, and The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie.
“An epic story of rebellion, social unrest, and sacrifice.”
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Lore Olympus: Volume Ten
In the breathtakingly illustrated tenth volume of Lore Olympus, Hades and Persephone's love is put to the ultimate test as they navigate a treacherous new winter that threatens to destroy the Mortal Realm. When Apollo seizes the throne and demands Persephone's power, the other gods propose a fix-the-seasons challenge in exchange for ruling Olympus. This pivotal installment of the Eisner Award-winning series, now with an exclusive bonus short story, reimagines Greek mythology with modern passion and intrigue, ensuring readers will be utterly captivated by the dynamic couple's journey to save their world and each other.
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Broken Dove
In the thrilling sequel to Silver Elite, Broken Dove propels Wren Darlington into an even more treacherous battleground as she navigates the complex frontlines of war and the battlefield of her own heart. Caught between her missions to aid the Mod Uprising and her longing for her secret love, Cross Redden, and the unexpected spark reignited with former ally Grayson Blake, Wren must confront the hardest choices yet and decide what - and who - she's truly fighting for in this explosive and romantic ride.
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Ring Shout
In the haunting jazz-soaked streets and haunted swamps of 1920s Georgia, P. Djèlí Clark conjures a spellbinding tale of dark magic, racial terror, and liberation in 'Ring Shout'. This mesmerizing novella weaves together the threads of hoodoo, the Ku Klux Klan, and African diasporic resilience to craft a propulsive, cinematic narrative that feels both historically rooted and utterly contemporary in its urgency. As its protagonist Mable dares to summon the spirits of the enslaved to defend her community, Clark masterfully evokes a potent mood of hopeful defiance and supernatural might. 'Ring Shout' is a raw, riveting, and deeply moving exploration of the African American experience, rendered in vivid prose that's as much a visceral punch as it is a triumph of nuanced storytelling.
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Light Wielder Fire & Metal: Book Two
In this eagerly anticipated sequel, Fire & Metal: Light Wielder, the sparks of betrayal ignite a war that threatens to consume all. Four years after Jovie's fateful decision, loyalties are tested and the Matching Bond between her and Acker strains under the weight of duty, deception, and the perils of love. As Acker uncovers the darkness driving his father's new alliance, he must choose between loyalty to the crown and the fierce longing in his heart for Jovie. With its lush, luxurious packaging and a captivating tale of magic, romance, and redemption, Light Wielder is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and the Fire & Metal series.
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Harvest Season
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brynne Weaver, Harvest Season is a dark romantic thrill ride full of secrets, scandals, and the deadliest of entanglements. When true crime enthusiasts converge on Cape Carnage in search of answers, Nolan Rhodes finds himself at the heart of a sinister mystery. As Harper's buried past begins to unravel, loyalties are tested, and the line between love and danger blur. With its dark, steamy humor and gripping suspense, Harvest Season reaps what's sown in this small town full of larger-than-life characters and deadly secrets.
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How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
Join Yui Shaw on a thrilling adventure as she boldly takes on the role of the Hero in an epic battle against the Demon King. With her clever 10-step plan, she'll tackle formidable dungeons, master obscure classes, and seek out mythical items to turn the tide of war. A delight for fans of LitRPG and fantasy, this entertaining tale of a plucky heroine defying destiny promises to captivate from start to finish.
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Rites of the Starling A Slow-Burn Epic Romantic Fantasy
In the captivating sequel to Shield of Sparrows, Princess Calandra embarks on a perilous journey across a cursed realm to uncover the truth about her family, only to find her quest intertwined with the fate of a lost warrior she loves. As danger, magic, and romance collide, Calandra must discover the strength within herself to save not only her kingdom, but the man who owns her heart. With breathtaking worldbuilding and a slow-burn romance, Rites of the Starling is a must-read for fans of epic fantasies like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.
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Seven and the Swift An Epic Romantic Fantasy
"In the thrilling conclusion to Devney Perry's Shield of Sparrows series, Seven and the Swift delivers an epic romantic fantasy that will sweep readers away. With its heart-pounding action, swoon-worthy romance, and rich world-building, this must-read finale is best devoured after immersing yourself in the first two installments. If you're craving an unforgettable slow-burn story, this limited edition collectible won't disappoint."
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The Ballad of Falling Dragons
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of The Ballad of Falling Dragons, where ancient magic, mysterious creatures, and an unforgettable love story collide. This New York Times #1 bestseller and eagerly anticipated sequel to When the Moon Hatched promises a thrilling adventure as Raeve navigates vengeance, forbidden romance, and the fate of realms. With daring quests, burning secrets, and the promise of a world-changing revelation, this epic fantasy romance will captivate and leave you yearning for the next moonfall. Pick up this instant classic to be swept into a mesmerizing tale of passion, power, and self-discovery.
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South Breaks
In South Breaks, a poignant yet thrilling fantasy, Hannah Steenbock introduces South, a woman who has sacrificed everything to the Holy Empire, only to be brutally rejected and left for dead atop a pyramid. Rescued and reunited with a family she never knew, South must navigate her newfound purpose, confronting the dark forces of the Empire once more to save the niece she's grown to love. This captivating first installment of a multi-book series weaves together elements of adventure, magic, romance, and powerful destinies, making it the perfect starting point for epic fantasy fans.
Frequently asked questions
- Are these books part of a series?
- Yes, many of these titles are the first in a series, though individual novels can be read standalone.
- How do I find books on specific sub-genres?
- Browse by author, title, or genre tags like space opera, fantasy, sci-fi, and more.
- What if I don't have time to read a long book?
- Several shorter works and novellas are included for quicker reads or to sample authors' styles.
- Are there any free or library e-book options?
- Check your local library, or look for e-book deals and free promotions on sites like Amazon, Google Play, or Apple Books