Ever wonder what stories are captivating readers in 2023? The year unfolds a tapestry of enchanting plots that invite fantasy lovers to enter the worlds filled with magic, dragons and heroic journeys. These books are your gateway to stories ranging from daring dragon riders, remote island mysteries, ancient enchantments and interstellar adventures. So, stay with us as we discuss the most popular fantasy books of 2023, their storyline and key themes.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: one of the best fantasy stories of 2023
What could be more enchanting than unknown destinies, daring adventures and tales of dragons? With her noteworthy entry in most popular fantasy books of 2023, Yarros provides all these elements of epic fiction in fourth wing. The story revolves around Violet Sorrengail, our 20-year old protagonist, desired to live a peaceful life amongst books. However, destiny has other plans for her. Her mother and commanding general forces her to become a dragon rider and protect her kingdom from a continuous war. Due to her small stature and week constitution, Violet may become an easy target where dragons don’t like the fragile.
But it’s not just about external threats. The conflict intensifies with each day, the kingdom’s defenses deteriorate, and death toll rises. In the middle of this confusion, Violet starts to suspect a hidden dark secret within the higher ranks. The loyalties become hazy at the Basgiath war college. Everyone seems to have a secret objective, whether they are friends, opponents or lovers. The risks are simple but brutal: pass the exam or die.
If you are looking for best new fantasy series with blend of heart-pounding adventure, Fourth Wing can serve as a mesmerizing tale. With its complex interplay of political intrigue, survival, and magic, it becomes a must-read for every reader.
Buy from amazon for $14.99 Kindle addition
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin: A sci-fi addition to top fantasy reads of 2023
Famous for gripping narratives, Cronin comes with another enthralling tale (The Ferryman,) to satisfy our thirst for best new sci-fi. The story takes place on Prospera, a remote archipelago. This island, founded by a mysterious genius known only as the designer, provides refuge from the horrors of outside world. Residents of Prospera live long, prosperous lives but under a condition. Everyone has a device embedded in their forearms, called monitor, to continuously observe their physical and psychological well-being. After their monitor’s readings fall below 10%, they retire themselves and take a ferry ride to an island called nursery. Nursery offers complete physical and psychological rejuvenation to start a fresh life.
However, as we know, even in the epic fantasy tales, things are rarely straightforward. A ferryman, Proctor Bennett, starts dreaming which is impossible in Prospera and his monitor’s readings are dropping alarmingly fast. He gets more upset after he is assigned to oversee his father’s retirement. Meanwhile, the island’s backbone, the support staff begins to doubt their very existence and their role in this paradise. Moreover, rumors of a resistance group (Arrivalists) fan the flames of rapidly growing revolt. So, it is clear that Proctor’s personal struggles are nothing but a small part of a much larger wave of upheaval.
Justin Cronin, with his seasonal competence, skillfully combines individual sufferings with social turmoil, making the Ferryman one of the most popular fantasy books 2023. With its tales of utopia, technology and human nature, it attracts the readers looking for epic fantasy and science fiction.
Buy from amazon for $13.99 (Kindle Addition)
Witch King by Martha Wells: Another enchanting addition to best fantasy books 2023
With a lot of fantasy novels under her belt, Martha Wells comes with another gripping tale to mesmerize her readers. Its remarkable plot and powerful characters make Witch King a beacon among the best fantasy stories available this year. The plot follows Kai, who finds himself trapped in a water contraption after being assassinated. What’s more? A lesser mage, with lofty ambitions, is trying to harness Kai’s magic for his personal gain. However, it is difficult to tether or exploit our protagonist. As the story progress, many questions arise: Why was Kai Imprisoned? What is happening in his absence? And most importantly, what plans does the rising world coalition have? The mystery of this famous fantasy novel keeps readers cling to every word and every twist from start to end.
Buy from amazon for $14.99 (Kindle Addition)
Translation State by Ann Leckie: A unique twist on fantasy and sci-fi
Recognize for her award-winning novel (Ancillary Justice,) Leckie is back with another amazing sci-fi (Translation State). The novel combines space adventure, mystery, and suspense. Leckie weaves her story around Qven, a creation made specifically to be a Presger translator. Qven’s life seems set on a predetermine direction with task to bridge the communication gap between mysterious alien race, Presger and human civilizations. But good fantasy books never come without surprises and twists, and Translation State is no exception. As a result of an inner turmoil, Qven starts to challenge its own existence, wanting something more than its preordain life. The story gets more interesting when Reet, a mechanic desperately trying to unearth his identity and Enae, a diplomat burdened with a legacy quest, meet Qven. Their actions can impact the galaxies with impending conclave and long-term treaty between Presger and humans is on the line.
The Translation State is not just about outer space, but also about space within, a search of identities and belongings. If you are looking for science fiction with space adventures and personal journeys, look no further than translation state.
Buy from amazon for $14.99 (Kindle Addition)
The endless vessel by Charles Soule: A must-read this year
The endless vessel is another jewel shining among the literary gems of the year. Thanks to its distinctive dystopian intrigue and a glimmer of quest, the book had earned its position in the best fantasy books of 2023. A few years from now, humanity struggles against a daunting plague known as “The Grey”. With no known cure and over-whelming depression, the world quickly descends into chaos. In the middle of this confusion, we meet Lily Barnes, a young scientist, emerging as an unexpected ray of hope.
The novel takes an astonishing twist when Lily comes upon a mysterious entity that can help to liberate the world from this threatening plague. However, along with the world’s affliction, she has to struggle against the shadows within herself while unraveling the mysteries of the endless vessel. Filled with suspense, mystery and emotions, this novel offers an enthralling narrative for readers looking for best new sci-fi and fantasy fusion.
Buy from amazon for $13.99 (Kindle Addition)
As we explore some of the best fantasy books published in 2023, it is clear that this year is golden era of epic fantasy narratives. They provide readers an opportunity to explore diverse possibilities: from dragon riders and magic, to mysterious islands and intergalactic diplomacy. No matter if you’re an experienced fantasy reader or a novice looking for famous fantasy novels to read, these stories will surely provide intriguing experiences. So Which of these books has captured your mind? Share your favorite book with us in the comment box below to guide other readers.
