The most recommended new adult fantasy books

Who picked these books? Meet our 88 experts.

88 authors created a book list connected to new adult fantasy, and here are their favorite new adult fantasy books.
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Book cover of A House with Good Bones

R. E. Stearns Author Of Under a New and Brilliant Sky

From R. E.'s 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

R. E.'s 3 favorite reads in 2024

R. E. Stearns Why did R. E. love this book?

I've never read a horror story like this one! First, our protagonist and viewpoint character is a unique delight, from her close and turbulent relationship with her family to her (well researched, as far as I can tell!) extensive insect knowledge, and even more features you just don't see in the average haunted house protagonist.

And then there are all the extremely strange story events! I enjoyed being surprised at every turn, even in such an otherwise commonplace location as a reasonably sized house in the American suburbs. There's something in this story to scare everyone, even if it's the entirely natural possibility that a parent might be getting seriously ill. But don't worry, there are extremely strange supernatural spooks involved too! I highly recommend it for fans of supernatural horror and complicated family relationships.

By T. Kingfisher,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked A House with Good Bones as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Barnes & Noble Best Horror Book of 2023

A haunting Southern Gothic from an award-winning master of suspense, A House With Good Bones explores the dark, twisted roots lurking just beneath the veneer of a perfect home and family.

"Mom seems off."

Her brother's words echo in Sam Montgomery's ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.

She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam's excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mysteryā€¦


Book cover of Ink Blood Sister Scribe

Wendy Palmer Author Of The Uses of Illicit Art

From Wendy's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Wendy's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Wendy Palmer Why did Wendy love this book?

Despite loving reading, I don't always warm to books about books, but I was enthralled by this one straight away. It opens in an unusual setting (the Antarctic), though it doesn't stay there, and the characters are immediately real and relatable. The writing is excellent, and the plot with its inter-related mysteries flies along. I usually prefer a standalone fantasy to a series, but I finished this one and immediately wanted more in this world.

By Emma Tƶrzs,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Ink Blood Sister Scribe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Not all books should be opened.

In this thrilling fantasy debut, meet the family tasked with guarding a trove of magical but deadly books, and the shadowy organisation that will do anything to get them back.

* The instant Sunday Times bestseller *
* Good Morning America's June book club pick *

'A bold, new novel from an extraordinary new voice.' Marlon James
'Simply a delight from start to finish.' New York Times
'A spectacularly spellbinding debut ... sumptuously bleeds magic from every page.' The Fantasy Hive
'A magnificent debut.' The Bookseller
'A fantastic magical adventure, not to be missed.'ā€¦


Book cover of Johnny Lycan and the Last Witchfinder

Kurt D. Springs Author Of Legacy of Valor

From Kurt's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Teacher Cook Barista Guardian

Kurt's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Kurt D. Springs Why did Kurt love this book?

Wayne Turmelā€™s tongue-in-cheek storytelling style and the noir feeling always make The Werewolf PI series a fun read.

By Wayne Turmel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Johnny Lycan and the Last Witchfinder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

ā€œA wildly original wolf-noir. This is Raymond Chandler...with fangs!ā€ ā€“David Buzan, award-winning author of In the Lair of Legends

A mysterious figure stalks Chicagoā€™s Paranormal community, and the only person who can stop it is Johnny Lupul, the Werewolf PI.

First, he must cope with a 400-year-old witchfinder, rampaging demons, and a journalist threatening to reveal Johnnys dark, hairy secret.

As if that's not enough, his boss has been kidnapped and the clock is ticking.

Packed with non-stop action, humor and twists, Johnny Lycan & the Last Witchfinder will keep you on the edge of your seat from start toā€¦


Book cover of The Shabti

Del Blackwater Author Of Dead Egyptians

From my list on books about Egyptology.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a novelist and travel writer specializing in Egyptology. My research has taken me to Egypt many times, and I write both fiction and nonfiction related to my studies. Like all Egyptologists, I understood from a young age that ā€˜They that drink of the Nile always return.ā€™ When not hopping across continents, I can be found in Wisconsin, enjoying something I call porch time. 

Del's book list on books about Egyptology

Del Blackwater Why did Del love this book?

The might of Ancient Egypt, even in the form of one little Shabti, should never be questioned. This book charmed me on so many levels. The haunted artifact in the museum's collection is a force to be reckoned with and provides more than enough intrigue to carry the adventure forward. The two protagonists, Dashiel and Hermann, are flawed, past their prime, and used to living on the fringes of society. I fell in love with both of them, as I did with the larger cast of charactersā€“flim flam or otherwise.

The emotional story is very sweet, which suits the characters perfectly and which is still with me. The setting (greater Chicagoland in the 1930s) is expertly recreated down to the regional and period dialect, which is always delightful. I would absolutely relish a sequel, and this hardcover will never leave my shelf.

By Megaera C. Lorenz,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Shabti as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Can you flimflam a ghost?

It's 1934. Former medium Dashiel Quicke travels the country debunking spiritualism and false mediums while struggling to stay ahead of his ex-business partner and lover who wants him back at any cost. During a demonstration at a college campus, Dashiel meets Hermann Goschalk, an Egyptologist who's convinced that he has a genuine haunted artifact on his hands. Certain there is a rational explanation for whatever is going on with Hermann's relics, Dashiel would rather skip town, but soon finds himself falling for Hermann. He agrees to take a look after all and learns that somethingā€¦


Book cover of The Book of Doors

Kerry Lonsdale Author Of Find Me in California

From Kerry's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kerry's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Kerry Lonsdale Why did Kerry love this book?

By Gareth Brown,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Book of Doors as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

** A FINAL ROUND NOMINEE FOR READERS' FAVOURITE FANTASY NOVEL AND READERS' FAVOURITE DEBUT NOVEL IN THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS 2024 **

**THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING DEBUT AND ONE OF THE BBC'S BEST DEBUTS OF 2024 **

'Joyful, exuberant, and crackling with adventure.' STUART TURTON

'A truly magical book: exciting, intricately plotted and emotionally compelling.' THE GUARDIAN

'A clever and beautiful novel about the power of books.' SUNYI DEAN

'Full of magic, wonder and heart.' ANITA FRANK

'A magical, mesmerising adventure from the very first page.' A. J. WEST

'A stunning fever dream of a story.' LEE CHILD

'A beautiful,ā€¦


Book cover of Hell Bent

Jeffrey Jay Levin Author Of Watching: Volume 1, The Garden Museum Heist

From my list on ordinary people in extraordinary situations.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve narrowed down my fascination with time travel to an event that occurred in my late teens. Hitchhiking in California with a friend, we accepted a ride in a Volkswagen Beetle. My friend and I silently acknowledged a strange energy from the driver. Serial killer energy. After a few miles, we told the driver to let us out, which, thankfully, he did. Over the years Iā€™ve wished I could travel back in time to discover if he was in fact a serial killer.  If you read my novel, Watching, A Different Type of Time Travel, Volume 1: The Garden Museum Heist, you'll find aspects of my reading (sci-fi), movie (Hitchcock), and life experiences reflected in the story.

Jeffrey's book list on ordinary people in extraordinary situations

Jeffrey Jay Levin Why did Jeffrey love this book?

Wealth, Power, Murder, Magic. It sounded like a great combination, and it was. 

The main protagonist, Alex Stern, is a very troubled young woman with a very troubled past. Yet, her loyalty to her fellow purveyors of magic, all members of one of the many secret societies that abound in this part of the world, leads her to risk her very soul to save her mentor, who is half-trapped in hell. 

Set in the Ivy League of Yale, this story weaves reality (as we know it), myth, and legend into an intriguing tale of possible redemption.

By Leigh Bardugo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hell Bent as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Wealth. Power. Murder. Magic. Alex Stern is back and the Ivy League is going straight to hell.

Find a gateway to the underworld. Steal a soul out of hell. A simple plan, except people who make this particular journey rarely come back. But Galaxy "Alex" Stern is determined to break Darlington out of purgatory?even if it costs her a future at Lethe and at Yale.

Forbidden from attempting a rescue, Alex and Dawes can't call on the Ninth House for help, so they assemble a team of dubious allies to save the gentleman of Lethe. Together, they will have toā€¦


Book cover of Mister Magic

Darcy Marks Author Of The Afterlife of the Party

From Darcy's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Book lover Fangirl Mom

Darcy's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Darcy Marks Why did Darcy love this book?

This reminds me of a TikTok sketch called Not Your Normal Childrenā€™s Show. The sketch is bright and sunny and creepy and full of demons and darkness, I loved it, and Mister Magic has similar vibes.

Itā€™s 30 years since a childrenā€™s show has stopped airing. The only problem is that there are no recordings or images, and Val doesnā€™t exactly remember being on it. But everyone knows it happened, and Mr. Magic was definitely there and beloved. Maybe.

Filled with twists, creepy imagery, and religious trauma, Mister Magic is compelling and impossible to put down. Kiersten White writes amazing MG horror, but this one is definitely for the grown-ups.

By Kiersten White,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mister Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Who is Mister Magic? Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show - and discover the secret of its enigmatic host - in this dark supernatural thriller from the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide.

Thirty years after a tragic accident shut down production of the classic children's program Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members have done their best to move on. But just as generations of cultishly devoted fans still cling to the lessons they learned from the show, the cast, known as the Circle of Friends, have spent their livesā€¦


Book cover of Good Girls Don't Die

KC Grifant Author Of Shrouded Horror: Tales of the Uncanny

From my list on creepiest modern short story collections by women.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an award-winning writer based in Southern California who creates internationally published horror, fantasy, science fiction, and weird West stories. Dozens of my short stories have appeared in podcasts, magazines, games, and Stoker-nominated anthologies, and Iā€™ve authored several books. I am the co-chair and founder of the Horror Writers Association San Diego chapter, a short story instructor, co-creator of the Monster Gunslingers game, and member of writing organizations, including the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. I find speculative horror a fascinating lens by which to view challenges faced by underrepresented groups and women. I hope you enjoy these tales.

KC's book list on creepiest modern short story collections by women

KC Grifant Why did KC love this book?

This was a true page-turnerā€”I could not put it down. From the first few pages, I was immediately pulled into the mystery and charactersā€™ plights. I loved how the author kept a fast pace, keeping the action and tension high throughout.

Technically, this book is not comprised of short stories; it features segments of shorter narratives that gradually weave together to reveal a larger picture. The author skillfully played with tropes in the mystery and horror genres, presenting a thoughtful commentary on issues women face.

Imaginative and deftly told, this clever and satisfying book had me nodding along in grim recognition.

By Christina Henry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Good Girls Don't Die as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A sharp-edged, supremely twisty thriller about three women who find themselves trapped inside stories they know arenā€™t their own, from the author of Alice and Near the Bone.

Celia wakes up in a house thatā€™s supposed to be hers. Thereā€™s a little girl who claims to be her daughter and a man who claims to be her husband, but Celia knows this familyā€”and this lifeā€”is not hersā€¦

Allie is supposed to be on a fun weekend tripā€”but then her friendā€™s boyfriend unexpectedly invites the group to a remote cabin in the woods. No one else believes Allie, but she isā€¦


Book cover of Welcome to Dead Town Raven McKay

Carolyn Ward Author Of Bella Bright and the Ghost Game

From my list on spooky Halloween books for children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a childrenā€™s horror author, editor, and mentor who has been writing and reading about the genre for ten years. I love seeing how my fellow authors take quite terrifying themes and content and creatively develop them into fun and creepy stories suitable for the youngest readers. It is a thrilling responsibility, and I hope we all bring something slightly different to the table for those who love the dark!

Carolyn's book list on spooky Halloween books for children

Carolyn Ward Why did Carolyn love this book?

This is a gorgeous, lyrical, very different kind of horror story for children. Aimed at middle grade, so ages 9-12, it tells the tale of young Raven, who is put into foster care in a very spooky town where half of the inhabitants are dead.

The illustrations are detailed and gothic and among the most beautiful ones Iā€™ve ever seenā€“Iā€™d like them framed! What I love most about this book is the sheer range of ghostly charactersā€“they are magnificent. If you love ghosts and creepiness generally in your stories, give this new Irish author a try.

By Eibhlis Carcione,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Welcome to Dead Town Raven McKay as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

On her first day in Grave's Pass, Raven McKay spotted a pooka horses chasing goblins in a vacant lot, three banshees on a bus, a zombie in ripped jeans staring in the window of a phone shop, a bogeyman walking a labradoodle, a ghost on a ladder cleaning windows, a ghoul sipping coffee at an outdoor cafe. This is Dead Town- this is Raven's new home. But will Raven find her parents who have mysteriously disappeared? And who in Dead Town Can she trust? All her parents have left her is a suit case with a black butterfly and aā€¦


Book cover of Our Hideous Progeny

Angie Spoto Author Of The Grief Nurse

From my list on gothic set in Scotland.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I first visited Scotland, I drove north from Edinburgh, driving through much of the country to catch a ferry to Orkney. This northern archipelago is certainly one of the most magical places Iā€™ve ever been to; the steep sea cliffs and standing stones, windblown grasses, and violent waves put me in a gothic state of mind. I moved to Scotland a few years later to live by the sea. Since that first visit to Orkney, Iā€™ve written my own Scottish gothic novels, as well as presented research on the gothic at various academic conferences. Itā€™s a topic that Iā€™m certain will compel me for a long time to come. 

Angie's book list on gothic set in Scotland

Angie Spoto Why did Angie love this book?

This book is such a smart novel. It draws its inspiration from Frankenstein, and although it is very different from the original (with its likable lesbian protagonist), it loses none of the original novelā€™s gothic themes and atmosphere.

The story moves quickly yet manages to convey rich language and explore complex themes. 

By Charlie McGill,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Our Hideous Progeny as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A gothic adventure story, a classic tale with a feminist twist, a story of ambition and obsession, forbidden love and sabotage...

'It is not the monster you must fear, but the monster it makes of men...'

Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn't know why or how...

The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind andā€¦


Book cover of A House with Good Bones
Book cover of Ink Blood Sister Scribe
Book cover of Johnny Lycan and the Last Witchfinder

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