15 Most Anticipated Fantasy Novels of 2023: Are you ready to escape into fantastical worlds and embark on thrilling adventures? 2023 promises to be a fantastic year for fans of Fantasy Novels, with a plethora of exciting new releases on the horizon. From epic battles to mysterious magic, and from daring heroes to fearsome creatures, there’s something for everyone in the world of fantasy. To help you plan your reading list for the year, we’ve put together a list of the 15 most anticipated fantasy novels of 2023. These books promise to transport you to new and wondrous places, introduce you to unforgettable characters, and leave you on the edge of your seat with every twist and turn of the story. So sit back, grab a notebook, and get ready to add some must-reads to your bookshelf!

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

The highly anticipated sequel to Leigh Bardugo’s debut adult paranormal fantasy series, “Hell Bent,” continues to follow the adventures of Alex Stern, a Yale scholarship student with the ability to see and control ghosts. In this installment, Alex takes on the role of Virgil in the mysterious Lethe House as she sets out on a mission to open a portal to Hell to bring back her former mentor. With Ninth House being a remarkable series opener.

The book talks about a mission to find a gateway to the underworld and retrieve a soul from hell sounds simple, but not many people who embark on this journey return. However, Galaxy “Alex” Stern is determined to rescue Darlington from purgatory, even if it means sacrificing her future at Lethe and Yale. Alex and Dawes are forbidden from seeking help from the Ninth House, so they gather a team of questionable allies to save the gentleman of Lethe. They must decipher arcane texts and uncover the society’s secrets, breaking every rule along the way. But when faculty members start to die off, Alex realizes that something sinister is at play in New Haven. To survive, she must confront the monsters of her past and a hidden darkness within the university’s walls.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

A novel set in Samantha Shannon’s expansive Priory of the Orange Tree universe is always a must-read, but the thought of a prequel that delves into the story of the Great Sorrow – when dragons last wreaked havoc on the world – is particularly thrilling.

Tunuva Melim is a member of the Priory. For the past fifty years, she has been trained to kill dragons – but none have appeared since the Nameless One, leading some in the younger generation to question the Priory’s purpose. In the north, in the Queendom of Inys, Sabran the Ambitious marries the new King of Hróth, saving both realms from ruin. Their daughter, Glorian, prefers to stay in the background. The dragons of the East have been dormant for centuries. Dumai has lived her life in a Seiikinese mountain temple, trying to awaken the gods from their long sleep. Now, someone from her mother’s past is coming to change her destiny. When the Dreadmount erupts, unleashing terror and violence, these women must find the courage to protect humanity from a destructive threat.

A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair

The sequel to Melissa Blair’s Halfling Saga is expected to create a new wave of excitement on BookTok with its intricate plot twists and political intrigue, but for me, it’s all about Keera and Riven. In the eyes of the kingdom, Keera is known as the king’s Blade, a fearsome and reliable spy and assassin. However, behind the scenes, she partners with Prince Killian and his Shadow, the mysterious and alluring Fae Riven, who ignites a spark in her. Together, they aim to overthrow the current monarchy.

The secret they hold can only be kept safe if they stick together, but when everything seems to be unraveling, their lives are put in jeopardy. After experiencing a devastating loss, Keera swore she would never let anyone close to her heart again, but she soon realizes there is much more at stake than she initially thought.

The Bone Shard War by Andrea Stewart

Andrea Stewart’s Drowning Empire trilogy is a fantastic fantasy series that is so captivating, you don’t want it to come to an end. However, The Bone Shard War, the final book in the series, is predicted to be the best of all.

According to the publishers, Emperor Lin Sukai has achieved her first victory, but the future of the Phoenix Empire is still uncertain and she is facing a shortage of allies. Traitors are among her own governors, the Shardless Few are becoming hostile again, and to make matters worse, Lin discovers that her enemy Nisong has joined forces with the rogue Alanga, Ragan, to kill her. However, there is hope in the past. Legends say that seven mythical swords were crafted long ago. If Lin can find them before her enemies do, she may have a chance to change the outcome. If not, the Sukai dynasty and the entire empire will crumble.

Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare

The much-awaited finale of Cassandra Clare’s Last Hours trilogy, Chain of Thorns, follows Cordelia Carstairs, James Herondale, and Matthew Fairchild as they deal with familial secrets and relationship struggles while the Shadowhunters of London gear up to fight a Prince of Hell. Cordelia, devastated by the loss of her father and failed plans for parabatai with Lucie, is now bound to demon Lilith and has lost her power as a Shadowhunter. In an effort to escape her sorrows, she flees to Paris with Matthew, but is soon forced to return to London when the Prince of Hell, Belial, threatens the city. Upon returning, Cordelia is torn between her love for James and her potential future with Matthew, while her friends are torn apart by their own secrets. The Shadowhunters must come together to face Belial’s army, or risk losing everything, including their souls.

Witch King by Martha Wells

Martha Wells, the author of Murderbot, has finally released a brand new fantasy novel after a decade-long hiatus. And that’s all we need to hear!

The novel revolves around Kai, a character who wakes up after being murdered, only to find that his consciousness has been in a dormant state for an unknown period of time. He discovers that a lesser mage is trying to take advantage of his magic. But why was Kai put in a water trap in the first place? What changes have occurred in the world since his death? And why is the Rising World Coalition becoming more powerful? Kai must work with his allies and utilize his pain magic to uncover the truth. But be warned, the answers may not be to his liking.

The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Circus of the Fantasticals, a magical circus set in the aftermath of World War I. Meet Rin, the charismatic ringmaster who has the ability to travel through time, and her wife Odette, a daring trapeze artist. The circus is a haven for misfits, outcasts, and marginalized groups who have found a sense of belonging among its colorful cast of performers. Each night, Rin and her troupe of magical performers, known as the Sparks, stun audiences with their incredible feats and illusions. However, Rin must navigate threats from both the past and the future as an impending war threatens the safety of the circus and a malevolent circus from Rin’s past seeks to steal their secrets. If you’re a fan of The Night Circus and The Mysterious Life of Addie LaRue, this story is the perfect fit for you. Get ready for a journey filled with magic, adventure, and heart.

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong

If you were a fan of Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights, a twisted version of Romeo & Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai, with gangs, magic, and monsters, then you’ll be thrilled to know she’s now venturing into the world of adult fantasy with her new book, Immortal Longings. This latest work is inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra and features politics, deceit, and a deadly competition where contestants battle by exchanging bodies.

Each year, thousands of people in the kingdom of Talin gather in its capital, San-Er, where the royal palace hosts a series of games. Competitors from across the city fight to the death, hoping to win unimaginable wealth by jumping between bodies. Princess Calla Tuoleimi hides in the shadows, determined to bring down the monarchy after a massacre took the lives of her parents and left the palace of Er empty. With the help of Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat, and King Kasa’s adopted son, August, Calla must navigate treacherous waters and determine her true goals before the games come to a close.

In an Orchard Grown From Ash by Rory Power

The second installment of Rory Power’s In a Garden Burning Gold continues where the first book left off, with the four Argyros siblings at odds with one another. This time around, there will be less talk and more action, as Power’s reputation for killing off beloved characters hints at anything being possible.

In the book, The Argyros family is in ruins. The loss of their father and their home has left the siblings separated and without their former power. Rhea, in the northern region, tries to gain control of her newfound ability over death while facing distrust from a rebel group. Chrysanthi ventures to a war-torn land in search of her brother Nitsos, hoping to restore their family’s glory with him as the leader. Meanwhile, Lexos, stripped of his power and now a prisoner, plots his revenge. The siblings must confront their past traumas and find a new way forward, or risk falling apart. Alone and farther apart than ever before, they must make a choice that will determine their future.

The Faithless by C.L. Clark

In the anti-colonialist epic fantasy, “The Unbroken,” C.L. Clark masterfully blends the perspectives of both soldier Touraine and princess Luca, as they confront the Balladairan empire that has shaped them but will never truly embrace them unless they surrender something significant. The book’s standout feature lies in Clark’s ability to delve into the big picture while still capturing the intimate, tangible moments – a brawl in the mud, a fitting of a dress, a critical dance, and a touch that alters everything. As the second volume of the Magic of the Lost trilogy focuses on the “Trial of Competence” and reunites Luca and Touraine after their tumultuous conclusion in the first book, I am eagerly awaiting its release. Also, the cover design is simply breathtaking.

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

The latest book from the Changeling author is a haunting Gothic tale set in the time of homesteading, where single women ventured out on their own. In 1915, Adelaide Henry arrives in Montana carrying a large steamer trunk, running from the burnt remains of her home in California and the bodies of her parents. Despite being aware of the difficulties she faces as a Black single woman in homesteading, Adelaide possesses something unique: a dark secret hidden in her trunk that must always be kept locked but could also be the key to her survival on the homestead. This captivating story, originally a short story in the historical speculative fiction collection Long Hidden, has been developed into a full-fledged narrative about a woman struggling to make her place in history.

Flight & Anchor by Nicole Kornher-Stace

Since the release of Archivist Wasp in 2015, author Nicole Kornher-Stace has captivated audiences with her post-apocalyptic world filled with the spirits of super soldiers and the Archivists who keep records of the past world. The sequel, Latchkey, reinforced the alluring world and especially emphasized the genuine and meaningful depictions of platonic friendships. In the following year, Firebreak, a video game thriller surpassing Ready Player One, expanded the universe of Archivist Wasp. Kornher-Stace now brings us another tale from this world, Flight & Anchor, which follows two characters from Firebreak, the supercolliders known as 06 and 22, as they embark on a youthful misadventure inside a shipping container, paying tribute to The Boxcar Children. Observing Kornher-Stace experiment within her own creation is a joy, and with the added touch of nostalgia, this book is a must-read.

Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee

There’s no need to elaborate further, as this novella marks Fonda Lee’s return to the world of fantasy, following the conclusion of the Green Bone Saga.

The story revolves around Ester, who was left with nothing but her father’s silence after the loss of her mother and brother to a manticore. Determined to seek revenge, she finds herself at the King’s Royal Mews, where she is paired with a roc named Zahra to hunt manticores. Despite the dangerous and sacrificial nature of the task, Ester finds a sense of purpose and devotion to her calling. The partnership between her and Zahra leads to a journey of perseverance and acceptance, while they embark on the empire’s most dangerous manticore hunt.

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten

Why We’re Thrilled: Hannah Whitten has been a favorite among us since her captivating Wilderwood duology, but her latest book, The Foxglove King, has us even more excited. The story follows a young woman with the ability to bring the dead back to life through death magic, who is forced to use her powers for the benefit of the king’s warriors.

In The Foxglove King, Lore is a thirteen-year-old who escapes a cult and has been on the run for ten years. She uses her death magic, also known as Mortem, to make a living by running poisons. However, when a job goes wrong and her powers are revealed, she is taken by the warrior-monks, Presque Mort, who work for the Sainted King. The King wants Lore to use her magic to investigate the mysterious deaths in the countryside and find out who is responsible.

Lore is thrown into the Sainted King’s luxurious court, where she has to navigate the dangerous world of politics, religion, and forbidden romance. Meanwhile, the life she left behind in the catacombs is catching up with her. With the help of Gabriel, a duke-turned-monk, and while continually clashing with Bastian, the king’s troublesome heir, Lore must find a way to uncover the truth while avoiding the dangers that surround her.

Arca by G.R. McAllister

Many missed out on Scorpica, the first book in G.R. McAllister’s Five Queendoms series, a grand story about a female-led society that experienced a decade without the birth of a daughter. It’s time to catch up with the follow-up, Arca, which explores the political consequences of the Drought of Girls, as various powerful women scheme and compete against each other.

The book talks about, the absence of female offspring has come to an end, but the division it created among the Queendoms remains unresolved. Political turmoil grips the Paxim senate, where Queen Heliane is determined to make her son, Paulus, the country’s first male ruler or face the consequences. Scorpica’s military forces are gathering at the border of Arca, ready to launch an attack. Meanwhile, within Arca, the young and inexperienced queen finds her court filled with treacherous individuals and her future uncertain, as she is haunted by a mysterious figure with unknown motives.

Also Read: Most Anticipated Books of February 2023