Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2024

In her exclusive B&N Reads guest post, Kerri Maniscalco lets us in on her own secret: Throne of Secrets is one of her favorite books she’s ever written. The Prince of Gluttony can’t temper his indulgences and Adriana won’t rest until she gets the scoop on the Prince’s infamous court of revelry — it’s a sizzling match fit for the depths of the Underworld. 

We all fell in love with the dazzling world of The Cerulean Sea, and now we can finally dive back in. Return to our favorite cozy fantasy universe, and journey back with us to Marsyas Island. The Cerulean Chronicles continues with Arthur’s story, one of magic, hope and endless charm. 

Since its first installment, The Way of Kings, in 2010, Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive has defined a decade and made fantasy fans of us all. Battles won and lost, alliances gained and broken. Everything has come down to this — with only ten days to prepare. Experience a high-fantasy writer at the top of his game and get ready for the next five installments.

Fae, fated lovers and fearsome dragons — Where the Moon Hatched is a romantasy reader’s dream. Start a brand-new series and get lost in this enchanting world of magic, romance and political intrigue. 

If you were as sad as we were to say goodbye to Talasyn and Prince Alaric just as their relationship was starting to blossom at the end of The Hurricane Wars, then welcome back to the Night Empire in A Monsoon Rising. With intricate world building and a slow-burn romance, this is perfect for fans of R. F. Kuang and Jennifer Armentrout.

Mische has been turned into a vampire, and now she’s facing a death sentence — unless she can find a way to work with Asar, the wayward prince. Carissa Broadbent’s latest installment in the Crowns of Nyaxia series is a story of light vs. dark and wrong vs. right. Nothing is as it seems in a world of vengeful gods, love and treachery.

He’s a relentless gladiator fighting to live to see each day, and she’s an elven princess, desperately looking for a way out of her future marriage. This enemies-to-lovers romantasy belongs at the top of your TBR. P.S. Grab an extra copy of this one — this special package deserves to be gifted. 

Read this Greek myth in a whole new way — and fall in love while you do it. Astraea can’t remember anything prior to the last five years, and spends her days trapped by a ruthless king. Vampires, dark romance and political intrigue make this a winner that’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas. The best part? Book two is coming January 2025.

Willow was raised as a weapon against the Coven, and that leads her to the prestigious Hollow’s Grove University. Combining the tension of an addictive dark fantasy with compelling magic and a propulsive mystery, The Coven has all the staples of a stellar paranormal romance — vampires, witches and plenty of spice.

Jennifer Armentrout calls this “THE must-read fantasy of 2024” and we couldn’t agree more. A steamy romantasy steeped in Norse folklore, A Fate Inked in Blood stars a fierce heroine stuck in an arranged marriage, destined for more. With intricate world building, dynamic characters and complex lore, this is a fantasy realm you will love your stay in.

We know you’ve seen this one on BookTok and we’re here to tell you all the rumors are true — it’s the first gripping installment in a red-hot new series. Featuring an enigmatic heroine, an irresistible heir and a world where gods rule over mortals, this slow-burn romantasy is the epitome of a page-turner.

Can you overcome death defying odds at the hands of a Greek god? What if it’s Hades — the most unforgiving of them all? Steamy and action-packed, this epic fantasy is perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Sarah J. Maas. If you’re a Greek mythology buff and long for stories of ruthless gods and epic heroes, this is the book for you.  

We know, we know — we want to live in this world forever, too. The second of the three-book series sees Emily facing new challenges both inward and out. A neurodivergent heroine in a light academia romance — what’s not to like?

Fonda Lee, author of Jade City calls this book “the start of something truly epic.” We’re here to tell you it’s totally true. With a ruthless alien invasion and out-of-this-world storytelling, The Mercy of the Gods is one of the most exciting sci-fi releases of the year — and James S. A. Corey has even more on the way.

After getting battered and bloodied in San-Er’s games in Immortal Longings, Calla is back for even more action and adventure. Calla and Anton must work together — despite their overwhelming differences and protests — to bring their kingdom redemption… or ruin. Vilest Things is a dazzling tale of revenge, betrayal and suspense from the one and only Chloe Gong.

No one knew Jeff VanderMeer would put out a surprise fourth volume in the Southern Reach series after 10 years, but we’re so glad he did. Science fiction with a gothic horror twist, this is a creepy, transfixing tale of isolation at the end of the world. Dive back into this unique world and get to know its history in a whole new way.

Set forty thousand years in the desolate future, humanity fled Earth and found refuge at Centauri, a cluster of stars in the far reaches of the galaxy. Journey across the universe in Exodus, an otherworldly tale of survival, bravery and adventure. We’re in luck — this space opera is being adapted into a new RPG coming soon from Archetype Entertainment.

Step right up and dare to enter Phantasma — a haunted mansion crawling with monsters, madness and mayhem. When Ophelia is forced to fight and makes a deal with an annoyingly attractive stranger, she must do all she can to stay alive and keep her heart intact. A deadly competition, a dangerous bargain and forced proximity make this the paranormal romance of our dreams.

A librarian and a sentient spider plant live out their days among spellbooks and magic aplenty. If you loved the high fantasy and low stakes of Legends and Lattes, allow us to introduce you to Sarah Beth Durst. Combining the coziness of cottage core with the magical thrills of romantasy, this brand-new world is one we can’t resist — and you won’t be able to either. 

Have you ever hoped to dive into the pages of your favorite book and live out epic adventures alongside your favorite characters? Be careful what you wish for — on the verge of death, this romantasy lover gets a second chance at life in between the pages of her favorite books… as the bad guy. Loving this villain is a not-so-guilty pleasure you’ll want to tell all your friends about.

We know just the words to hook you on this exciting new world: Garlic. Festival. Cozy fantasy fans, gather your blankets, candles and tea: we have the perfect next read for you. This is a delightful new world from an author you’ll want to keep on your #TBR. 

This is a dazzling mix of Beauty and the Beast and Dracula — need we say more? We will anyway — atmospheric, innovative and unique, Gothikana embodies dark academia with all the genre staples and then some. This is a macabre school story with a steamy gothic romance at its core.

There are the books that you read, and then there are the books you experience — like the ones Leigh Bardugo writes. Set in the Spanish Gold Age, The Familiar stars a scullion and a servant planning their escape from the Spanish Inquisition and finding love along the way. If you’re looking for magic in all the right places, this is the historical fantasy for you.

Elves, fae, and passionate romance — Faebound is a brand-new complex world from the author of The Final Strife. Get swept away in this enchanting tale and get ready for the next two installments.