The Best Fantasy Books of 2025 So Far (and their Writing Lessons)
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The Best Fantasy Books of 2025 So Far: Must-Reads and Writing Lessons
As a fantasy enthusiast, I’ve wandered through the pages of some of the most enchanting fantasy novels released in 2025 so far, each a lantern glowing in the misty expanse of this year’s literary landscape. This year has unfurled a tapestry of epic tales, woven with intricate world-building and characters that linger like echoes in the mind.
In this post, I’ll unveil my top five fantasy books of 2025, offering detailed reviews and actionable writing lessons for aspiring authors. Whether you’re a reader seeking your next obsession or a writer yearning to refine your craft, these must-reads provide inspiration. As a beta reader, I’ll guide you on weaving these lessons into your own manuscripts. Let’s step into these stories together!
1. The Radiant King by David Dalglish (January 2025)
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Review: The Radiant King bursts onto the 2025 scene like a dawn breaking over a fractured kingdom, its divine conflicts shimmering with lyrical prose that dances on the edge of shadow. Dalglish crafts a protagonist’s journey through a radiant yet treacherous realm, where golden spires cast long, whispering silhouettes, and the stakes rise with every turn of fate. A tale both gripping and haunting, it weaves a spell that lingers long after the final page. As a beta reader, I admired the seamless fusion of political intrigue with magical threads, a harmony that elevates the narrative to new heights.
Writing Lesson: Master Pacing with Subplots. A frequent stumble in fantasy is the tangle of subplots that can stall the heart of the story. Dalglish balances his narrative by tethering each subplot to the protagonist’s arc, ensuring a cohesive flow. Try this in your manuscript by ensuring every side path illuminates your hero’s journey, like stars guiding a wanderer home, and consider revisiting your outline to align secondary plots with the main goal.
Interested in this book? Get it here.
2. The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson (January 2025)
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Review: The Raven Scholar weaves a captivating dark fantasy, where a scholar unravels ancient prophecies amid a world tinged with mystery. Hodgson’s atmospheric setting, alive with the rustle of wings and shadowed corners, draws readers into a spellbinding tale that unfolds with quiet intensity. The characters’ quests resonate with a haunting depth, making this a true gem of the genre that invites rereading. As a beta reader, I’m drawn to the depth and allure of this narrative, which shines with its unique charm.
Writing Lesson: Build Immersive Worlds with Sensory Details. Hodgson’s use of rustling wings and the chill of prophecy crafts a vivid realm that pulls readers in. Infuse your fantasy with such sensory details (e.g., the scent of moss, the hum of magic) to draw readers into a world that feels alive beneath their fingertips, and experiment with one new sensory element per chapter to enhance immersion.
2. The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson (January 2025)
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Review: The Raven Scholar weaves a captivating dark fantasy, where a scholar unravels ancient prophecies amid a world tinged with mystery. Hodgson’s atmospheric setting, alive with the rustle of wings and shadowed corners, draws readers into a spellbinding tale that unfolds with quiet intensity. The characters’ quests resonate with a haunting depth, making this a true gem of the genre that invites rereading. As a beta reader, I’m drawn to the depth and allure of this narrative, which shines with its unique charm.
Writing Lesson: Build Immersive Worlds with Sensory Details. Hodgson’s use of rustling wings and the chill of prophecy crafts a vivid realm that pulls readers in. Infuse your fantasy with such sensory details (e.g., the scent of moss, the hum of magic) to draw readers into a world that feels alive beneath their fingertips, and experiment with one new sensory element per chapter to enhance immersion.
3. Grave Empire (The Great Silence #1) by Richard Swan (February 2025)
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Review: Grave Empire opens The Great Silence series with an evocative epic, where unseen rulers shape a land steeped in quiet power. Swan’s pacing flows with a compelling energy, and the magical undertones lend an enchanting depth to this debut that promises a saga to remember. The world feels alive with every whispered secret, drawing readers deeper into its embrace. As a beta reader, I’m captivated by the world-building that breathes life into every scene with remarkable skill.
Writing Lesson: Define Magic Systems Clearly. Swan’s magical elements enrich the story, providing a foundation for its allure. Outline your own system’s rules and costs to build a world where readers can lose themselves with confidence, and consider adding a short glossary or in-story explanation to clarify its mechanics for your audience.
Interested in this book? Get it here.4. The Crystal Heir (The Realm Reachers #2) by Brendan Noble (July 2025)
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Review: The Crystal Heir glows as a sequel in the Realm Reachers saga, where the heroine wields crystalline power in a setting of shimmering beauty. Noble’s character development unfolds with warmth and depth, while the plot twists add a delightful spark that keeps readers in his grasp, building a story that feels both epic and intimate. The interplay of magic and emotion leaves a lasting impression. As a beta reader, I’m charmed by the creativity that lights up this tale with every chapter.
Writing Lesson:Craft Unpredictable Twists. Noble’s clever surprises, backed by foreshadowing, elevate the story with a sense of wonder. Plant subtle hints in your manuscript to lead to turns that captivate and surprise your audience, and test your twists with a beta reader to ensure they land with impact.
5. Isles of the Emberdark by Brandon Sanderson (July 2025)
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Review: Isles of the Emberdark unfolds as an epic fantasy, with a stunning archipelago of glowing isles and intricate politics that pull readers in with every detail. Sanderson’s magic system shines with precision, and the large cast adds a rich tapestry to this masterful narrative, creating a world that feels both vast and personal. The storytelling prowess is a joy to experience. As a beta reader, I’m fascinated by the detailed world-building that makes this a standout journey.
Writing Lesson: Manage Large Casts Effectively. As is his custom, Sanderson’s ensemble thrives with distinct roles, keeping the narrative clear and engaging. Focus on a core group in your story, giving each a clear voice to enhance your fantasy epic, and use a character chart to track their arcs and avoid confusion.
Conclusion
The best fantasy books of 2025 so far, light the way with their exceptional storytelling. As a beta reader and reviewer, I’ve celebrated their strengths and shared lessons to inspire your writing journey. Dive into these must-reads, and let their insights shape your next fantasy manuscript.
Have you read any of these? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow me on Goodreads and X for more fantasy insights!
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