Best Fantasy Books in the Last 5 Years (2026): 4 Compared

Fantasy has had a remarkable run, and the best fantasy books in the last 5 years include award winners, series starters and deluxe editions worth gifting. We compared four by listed page count, publisher, series position and what each description says, so you can match the book to the reader.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Everlasting	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	A Court of Silver Flames	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Silvercloak	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Bloodsworn Saga by Gwynne	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

The Everlasting

Alix E. Harrow·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Deluxe hardcover with sprayed edges and illustrations. A lady-knight's legend and a historian sent back through time. Locus Award winner, 320 pages, Tor Books, October 2025.

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Pros

• Locus Award winner per listing
• Deluxe edition with sprayed edges and illustrations
• Complete 320-page story in one volume

Cons

• No warranty term stated
• No reading age stated
• 2025 publication; newest pick here

2

A Court of Silver Flames

Sarah J. Maas·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Book 5 of ACOTAR: Nesta and Cassian's story.

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Pros

• ACOTAR Book 5
• Nesta and Cassian
• Best-selling author

Cons

• Must read earlier books
• 18 years and up
• Long series commitment

3

Silvercloak

L. K. Steven·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Book 1 of the Silvercloak Saga. A detective infiltrates dark mages where magic runs on pleasure and pain. 464 pages, Del Rey, July 2025, first edition hardcover.

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Pros

• Book 1 of a saga; clean entry point
• First edition hardcover with stained edges and maps
• 464 pages

Cons

• No warranty term stated
• No reading age stated
• Book 2 not in this list

4

Bloodsworn Saga by Gwynne

John Gwynne·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A boxed trilogy of Norse-inspired epic fantasy, for readers who want a complete story in one set.

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Pros

• The listing states it contains the completed trilogy
• At 1776 pages, one set covers a long epic arc
• Three main characters: a huntress, a noblewoman and a thrall

Cons

• The description mentions battle, vengeance and violence
• 1776 pages is a long commitment for a casual reader
• No reading age or grade level is stated

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Compare the picks

22 October 2026

How we scored them

Each book is scored on story, edition, value, safety and warranty; see our How We Pick page for the weights. Books carry no safety certifications or warranties, so those score zero.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best fantasy books in the last 5 years

Start with series position. Silvercloak is Book 1 of its saga, a clean entry point. A Court of Silver Flames is Book 5; start at Book 1 if you are new. The Bloodsworn Saga boxed set collects a complete saga in one purchase. The Everlasting is a standalone quest.

Check the edition. The Everlasting listing is a deluxe hardcover with sprayed edges and illustrations; Silvercloak’s first edition hardcover has stained edges and endpaper maps. If the book is a gift, the edition matters as much as the story.

Match length to the reader. The listings state 320 pages for The Everlasting and 464 for Silvercloak. Longer books suit committed readers; the boxed set suits a reader who finishes series.

Before you buy

• For a series, buy Book 1 first and confirm the series number on the listing.
• The deluxe and first-edition features are stated as while supplies last on some listings.
• Check the format: hardcover, deluxe and boxed set are different products at different prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these books suitable for teens?

The listings do not state reading ages. The descriptions mention adult themes; read the description and a sample before buying for a teen.

Which book should I start with?

For a new series, start at Book 1: Silvercloak is Book 1 of its saga. For ACOTAR, start at Book 1, not Book 5. The Everlasting and the Bloodsworn boxed set are self-contained entry points.

What does deluxe edition mean?

The Everlasting deluxe listing states a hardcover with dark teal sprayed edges, a foil stamp and full-page illustrations. Deluxe features vary by listing.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Everlasting

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Related lists

See every fantasy list and all fiction lists. Also see our best book series in fantasy.