I may not be a social media influencer, but as I set out to identify the most influential fantasy books of the past decade, I had to ponder what makes a book truly impactful. Is it the one that dominates online platforms, such as Bookstagram and BookTok? Or is it the one that innovatively pushes the genre’s boundaries? Perhaps it’s a combination of both – or neither. As I compiled my list, I allowed myself the luxury of subjectivity, embracing both popular and critically acclaimed works.
The following books represent a diverse range of opinions, from widely celebrated to intriguingly overlooked, and everything in between. While I couldn’t possibly include every notable title, I’ve provided some additional recommendations at the post’s end for readers seeking more bookish inspiration.
The Most Influential Fantasy Books of the Last 10 Years
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
In 2015, N. K. Jemisin’s inaugural novel in the Broken Earth trilogy burst onto bookshelves, leaving a lasting impact on both readers and critics alike. The subsequent accolades were nothing short of impressive: it took home the Hugo Award for Best Novel and racked up nominations across various categories, including the Nebula Award. With a sterling 4.31-star rating on Goodreads, it’s evident that the consensus among readers mirrored that of the literary community.
For this writer, however, the trilogy’s profound influence extends beyond its critical acclaim – it warrants a re-read to recapture the awe-inspiring magic that first captivated me.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
This novel, The Jasmine Throne, has earned its place among the literary elite, boasting a string of impressive accolades. For starters, it took home the prestigious World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. But that’s not all – Publishers Weekly and other notable outlets also included it in their lists of best books from 2021. This sweeping, sapphic fantasy draws inspiration from Indian mythology, weaving a tale that will leave readers emotionally drained yet eagerly anticipating more.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
While I may have been oblivious to the Shades of Magic trilogy until now, it’s clear that many readers have fallen under its spell. The series boasts an impressive 300,000+ ratings and a 4.06-star average on Goodreads, making it a must-read for anyone looking to expand their literary horizons. Critics have praised the series’ captivating worldbuilding, dubbing it ‘compulsively readable’.
At its core lies the story of a rare magician who possesses the extraordinary ability to traverse four parallel Londons – each with its own distinct history and society. It’s no surprise that this captivating tale has captured readers’ hearts, as evident in the years-long development process surrounding its potential movie adaptation.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi’s work, particularly the ‘blank of blank and blank’ title format she popularized in the fantasy genre, has significantly expanded its scope beyond Western-centric narratives. The success of her African-inspired YA fantasy novel in 2018 was unprecedented, catapulting the genre into uncharted territories and garnering widespread acclaim. Not surprisingly, it won numerous awards, including a spot on Time’s Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time and Best YA Books of All Time.
With an impressive Goodreads rating of 4.11, this story has captivated readers and earned its place as a must-read.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series has left an indelible mark on the literary world. The books’ immense popularity and ensuing controversy have cemented their status as a cultural phenomenon. At its core, this series is a reimagined take on Beauty and the Beast, with a strong human protagonist thrust into a realm of magic and peril.
While readers may initially be drawn in by the narrative’s twists and turns, it’s likely Maas’s mastery of crafting addictive stories that keeps them hooked. As evidence of its widespread appeal, the series has topped the New York Times bestseller list, a testament to the author’s ability to craft tales that are impossible to put down.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
This critically acclaimed novel, like Children of Blood and Bone, holds a prestigious spot in Time’s Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time and Best YA Books of All Time. The impressive accolades don’t stop there – it’s also a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. What makes this book truly stand out is its unique narrative structure, told from the perspectives of two distinct characters: one a soldier fighting for freedom, and the other an enslaved individual struggling against their oppressors.
Together, they lead a rebellion against the all-powerful Empire that binds them. With an impressive 4.26 Goodreads rating, this novel has earned the admiration not only of critics but also ordinary readers.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s novels have gained immense popularity in recent years, with many readers familiar with the world and characters of her award-winning series. For instance, the Netflix adaptation of ‘Shadow and Bone’ has been well-received by audiences worldwide. The original novel, which shares its name with the TV series, is a magical YA heist story that follows six misfit outcasts as they navigate treacherous landscapes and rival factions.
One notable aspect of Bardugo’s work is her ability to craft complex characters that readers can’t help but root for. This is evident in ‘Six of Crows’, which boasts an impressive 4.5-star average rating on Goodreads, with nearly 850,000 ratings from fans who have devoured the novel.
Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
In the realm of YA contemporary fantasy, another captivating novel has left readers and critics in awe. The story begins with a mysterious corpse at a party and murals that begin to weep actual tears in Sierra’s neighborhood. As she delves deeper into this eerie phenomenon, she discovers her own hidden ability as a shadowshaper – an art-infused magic that channels ancestral spirits.
However, her newfound powers come with a dire warning: someone is methodically slaughtering the few remaining shadowshapers. It’s no wonder this mesmerizing tale earned prestigious recognitions from NPR and Publisher’s Weekly as one of the Best Books of the Year.
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
As part of a teacher book club, I had the pleasure of reading an outstanding middle-grade fantasy novel that left me eager to recommend it to anyone who would listen. The accolades didn’t stop at my enthusiastic endorsement, as this remarkable book went on to win prestigious awards like the Stonewall Book Award and was even nominated for the National Book Award. It’s no surprise that it made Time’s list of 100 Best YA Books of All Time, impressing a wide range of readers.
What truly sets Pet apart is its bold storytelling and thoughtful approach to tackling difficult topics such as child abuse. This courageous novel challenges us to confront society’s problems head-on and inspires us to take action.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
The buzz surrounding this bestseller has finally died down, but its impact on the literary world remains unparalleled. This game-changing novel seamlessly weaves together feminist themes and non-Western mythological elements to create a fantasy narrative that defies conventions. The author’s masterful storytelling ensures that readers are completely enthralled from start to finish.
For 16-year-old Deka, a life-altering event unfolds when she bleeds gold during her blood ceremony, threatening to condemn her to a fate worse than death. However, a mysterious stranger intervenes, offering her the chance to trade in her prison sentence for a warrior’s path. This pivotal moment sets off a chain reaction that transforms everything. Suffice it to say, I devoured this book and wholeheartedly endorse it.
Jade City by Fonda Lee
Another celebrated novel, Jade City has earned its place among the prestigious World Fantasy Award winners. Moreover, it’s been recognized as one of Time magazine’s Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time. It’s little wonder then that this critically acclaimed book has had a profound influence on the fantasy genre over the past decade.
A masterful blend of gangster film noir à la The Godfather, family drama, and fantastical elements that defy comparison to anything else in its class, Jade City is an unforgettable reading experience.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
I’m familiar with Piranesi despite not having read it, its ubiquitous presence making me feel as though I’ve already immersed myself in its imaginative, twisty, and surreal world. A perpetual fixture on bestseller lists, this remarkable novel has garnered widespread acclaim, including the Women’s Prize for Fiction and a finalist nod from the World Fantasy Award. As such, Piranesi is poised to leave a lasting impact on the genre, shaping the literary landscape for years to come.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor’s groundbreaking trilogy, Binti, has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with its blend of Africanfuturism and interstellar adventure. This Hugo and Nebula award-winning series is a testament to the author’s remarkable talent. The story centers around Binti, a young girl who seizes an opportunity to travel through space and attend a renowned university. But when her spaceship is suddenly attacked by a mystical creature, leaving her as the sole survivor, everything changes.
This pivotal moment sets off a chain of events that propels Binti on a journey of self-discovery and exploration.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
TJ Klune’s fantasy novels are the perfect companions for a deserted island getaway. The thought of being stranded on the same island where his books take place, surrounded by the whimsical world of magical children learning and growing in a highly classified orphanage, is certainly enticing. It’s no wonder that many fans share this sentiment, as evident from the book’s impressive 4.43 Goodreads rating based on nearly 500,000 ratings.
This beloved bestseller has garnered a laundry list of accolades, including the prestigious American Library Association’s Alex Award, solidifying its status as a must-read for fans of the genre.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
I’m still reeling from my experience with a captivating romantic fantasy novel earlier this year. This enchanting tale masterfully blends magic, mystery, and an undeniable slow-burn romance that has me swooning. Transported to Edwardian England, the story begins with a minor bureaucratic mistake that unwittingly propels our protagonist into a mystical realm hiding in plain sight.
As expected, this outstanding book has received widespread critical acclaim, taking home the 2022 Romantic Novel Award in Fantasy and earning a finalist spot for the prestigious Locus Award.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
Marlon James’s sweeping novel, published in 2019, brings together African history and mythology to craft a fantasy world that has drawn comparisons to Tolkien’s iconic Middle Earth. However, unlike the more leisurely paced epic fantasy of J. R. R. Tolkien, Black Leopard, Red Wolf packs Marvel Cinematic Universe levels of action into its narrative. This critically acclaimed work has earned James widespread recognition, with his novel ranking among Time magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.
Furthermore, it has been praised as one of the best books of 2019 by several prominent publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Time, NPR, GQ, Vogue, and The Washington Post.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
In the esteemed company of Goodreads users’ top fiction picks for 2020, The Midnight Library stands out as a poignant and uplifting tale that explores the complexities of life. This critically acclaimed novel, selected by Independent (London) as one of their Ten Best Books of the Year, follows a woman on the verge of despair who finds herself transported to an enigmatic library where she can relive alternate versions of her existence.
Through this extraordinary journey, she gains insight into the lives she would have lived had she made different choices. Ultimately, her odyssey serves as a powerful reminder that life is indeed worth cherishing. As I read this heartwarming story, I confess to having shed more than a few tears.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s novel, Circe, made a significant splash in the literary world when it was released in 2018. The book’s enduring popularity is evident from its impressive ratings and numerous accolades. With an impressive 4.24-star rating on Goodreads, it’s no surprise that Circe has earned its place as a New York Times bestseller. Moreover, its impressive award list is a testament to the novel’s widespread acclaim.
It’s rare for a book to receive such widespread recognition from prominent media outlets, with many naming Circe the best book of the year.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
In the realm of book enthusiasts, one title stands out as a beloved favorite: Legendborn. This critically acclaimed masterpiece has captured the hearts of many on platforms like Bookstagram and BookTok, not to mention being a New York Times bestseller. Written by Tracy Deonn, this young adult contemporary fantasy novel tells the story of 16-year-old Bree who, still reeling from her mother’s passing, finds solace in a residential program for gifted high schoolers.
Little does she know, however, that this very same university holds secrets not only about her mother but also about her own hidden magical abilities.
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
Ken Liu’s ‘The Grace of Kings’ is a celebrated novel that has garnered widespread acclaim. The book, which won numerous awards including the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards, has been named one of Time’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time. This epic series opener introduces readers to a cast of complex characters who navigate the intricacies of friendship, rivalry, and resistance against tyranny.
With its richly detailed world-building and pulse-pounding action, it’s no wonder that ‘The Grace of Kings’ was hailed as NPR’s best book of 2015. While this recommendation is part of my curated list of the most influential fantasy books of the last decade, I’d love to hear from you – have these books influenced your reading journey?
If you’re looking for more fantastical adventures, be sure to explore our other recommended reads: The 22 Best Fantasy Books of All Time, 20 Genre-Defying Fantasy Books You Won’t be Able to Put Down, The Bestselling Fantasy Books of All Time, Fantasy Books for People Who Don’t Like Fantasy Books, and The Best Fantasy Books You’ve Never Heard Of.