The unveiling of a new epic fantasy book is a momentous occasion, for it represents the birth of a new world, full of endless possibilities and untold stories. As we turn the pages and journey through the words of the author, we are transported to a realm beyond our own, filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters.
Nothing beats modern fantasy these days. In fact, it looks like one of the most appreciated trends, and unsurprisingly for many, top releases often make it to the cinema industry as well. Fantasy novels go in more directions, though, and may float towards romance, action, or perhaps mystery, just to name a few.
What Are Some New Trends Among Epic Fantasy Novels?
Epic fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that typically involves a sprawling narrative and complex world-building, and often centers around a quest or struggle against a great evil. It is a diverse genre with many different sub-themes and approaches, so it can be difficult to identify specific trends. That said, here are some fresh trends from the very recent years:
- The inclusion of diverse and inclusive representation in epic fantasy novels. This can take the form of characters from underrepresented groups, or it can involve reinterpretations of traditional fantasy tropes and themes from a fresh perspective.
- Focusing on character-driven stories and deeper exploration of psychological themes. Rather than focusing solely on external conflicts and world-building, these novels delve into the inner lives and motivations of their characters.
- Darker, grittier epic fantasy, with a greater emphasis on moral ambiguity and the costs of power. These novels often explore the consequences of violence and the corrupting influence of absolute power.
- Some authors have been experimenting with unconventional structures and formats in their epic fantasy novels, such as using non-linear timelines or multiple viewpoints.
It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other trends and approaches to epic fantasy being explored by authors.
With these thoughts in mind, here are some of the best new epic fantasy books for 2023, some of the top rated options to start your year in style, as well as my best recommendations for fans of the genre.
What Are The Best New Epic Fantasy Novels For 2023?
The Founders Effect, by A.A. Mbanaso (2022)
Disguised into an adventurous story, this is the type of book that will hook you in, but also give you a few lessons of life, such as trust or friendship. Reena, Mayzor, Cristus, and Leonnis established a new world order about 3,000 years ago. They are the main founders. The world has been through numerous generations since then. Everyone knows they used the Solar Stone to fulfill their mission and create the new world, but no one has bothered about it.
Old debt is never forgotten, and when queen Rhea decides to question Crissus about a debt involving king Narlyn, the monarch decides to increase taxes in order to pay. A messenger is sent over to the people to let them know about the new taxing system. The queen sends her own trusted soldier too, Ava.
Ava soon realizes that everything around her is not really based on trust. Unlike her expectations, it seems deceit is the most common issue around her. She ends up trying to survive in a world where women are not given too much consideration. As if all these were not enough, the other edge of the world is exposed to a danger that could destroy everything.
I think that this book is a great read for anyone who enjoys exciting and adventurous stories. I deeply believe in the importance of values, and this book touches on important themes of trust, friendship, and survival, making it an exceptional read.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi, by Shannon Chakraborty (2023)
If you have read The City of Brass before, chances are you will fall in love with this book. It is one of my favorites, and trust me, it will give you plenty of adventure. This is only the first book in a trilogy boosting adventure, mayhem, and chaos.
From sorcerers and pirates to ancient mysteries and long lost artifacts, there is a bit of everything.
But the book revolves around a woman and her last chance to find the glory she has always wanted. She is a pirate. She is known by everyone, and she has a terrible reputation. But her scandalous profile will not make her quit.
Amina Al-Sirafi has been through everything and has survived one danger after another. She has had a few husbands, and she was targeted by princes and backstabbed by everyone around her. She has even survived a demon, and she only wants to retire peacefully, close to her family.
Until she is offered a job. This is when things get really interesting, and adventure kicks in. This is her final adventure. She gathers everyone up for a mission that will secure everyone’s future.
But the deeper she digs, the more dangers she is exposed to. And she is not aware of it yet, but this could be her ending too.
I will stop giving spoilers now, but I believe my description gives you all the details you need to join the infamous captain on an adventure no one could refuse.
Untethered Sky, by Fonda Lee (2023)
I have been through quite a few books from Fonda Lee. After all, the author is an award winning fantasy writer, so this new release is definitely worth some attention, by far one of the best new epic fantasy books 2023.
I found myself in this book. To keep it simple, it defines the pursuit of obsession, which is something I do too. Sure, it is not as obvious, but if you look at the big picture once you are done, you will know exactly what I am talking about.
Anyway, back to the action…
Ester’s family has been through hell. Her mother was killed, as well as her baby brother. She was left with her father, who is still in shock and silence. She only has one wish now. She wants to find the ones responsible for the tragedy and kill them.
Supported by a roc known as Zahra, Ester finally finds a purpose for her life. She devotes herself to sacrifice her life for a mission that makes no sense at first.
Stuck in an unusual partnership, she ends up in some of the most dangerous parts of the empire, only to pursue acceptance and obsession.
The Tyranny of Faith (Empire of the Wolf Series Book 2), by Richard Swan (2023)
I recommend this book for an impressive cocktail of magic, intrigue, and mystery. It sounds like everything you need for new epic fantasy books 2023, but trust me, it takes you from one emotion to another like no other book.
The action follows Sir Konrad Vonvalt. He has a mission, and he has to do everything himself. He needs to investigate, make a decision, give a verdict and eventually execute.
The Battle of Galen’s Vale is history now. However, this was only a battle. The war is still ongoing. Konrad is concerned about some rumors, so he gets back to the capital city to find it close to disaster. People seem to go against the emperor, everyone speaks openly about anything…
He knows it is only a matter of time until everyone will go out in a revolt.
Things go even worse when the emperor’s grandson is kidnapped. Konrad must take on this mission. He starts a new quest along with a few allies far south, where he has to face the same issues he found in the capital city.
I will leave spoilers for another time, I am not trying to ruin it for you… This is all you need to know to get engaged into a story with numerous plot twists along the way.
The Jasad Heir, by Sara Hashem (2023)
Sara Hashem’s debut fantasy book takes you back to ancient Egypt. You have a queen, a deal that could win her kingdom back or perhaps destroy everything. In theory, you have everything you need for an action and mystery packed story.
A massacre ruined the Heir of Jasad’s family. Sylvia was only 10 years old back then. Five years later, she killed someone. As years go by, she knows that she needs to take her kingdom back, or whatever is left out of it.
When the current leaders track her down, her quiet life is likely to explode. She is great with magic, but magic has been banned.
When Arin sees her magic in action, Sylvia is given a deal. She needs to compete in a tournament, or she will face prosecution. To succeed in this tournament, she needs to boost her magic skills but without revealing her real identity.
Deep down inside her, Sylvia knows that avoiding prosecution means her kingdom will never experience happiness again.
Sylvia is stuck now, as she has to make the most important decision of her life.
She must choose between her new life, a life that she can actually get if she works hard, and a life that she has left behind. But then, that life equals a rising kingdom.
What path will she choose? This is the kind of book that sends you in the opposite direction as soon as you think you know what is going on.
The Foxglove King, by Hannah Whitten (2023)
Like I said before, fantasy books can go in a wide variety of directions. This one offers a more romantic approach, which is a bit unusual and perhaps what convinced me to recommend it.
The story is pretty simple in theory. A woman wants to raise the dead, but she ends up in an unusual world and has to face the consequences.
Anyway, let me make it clear…
Lore was only 13 years old when she managed to escape a cult. It has been a decade since then. Her life has changed, but she has always had one rule, staying away from that cult.
Morten is one of the most appreciated commodities in her village. Lore manages to survive with a plain job, but her powers are mistakenly revealed later on.
She is taken among some warrior monks, and unlike her expectations, the king gives her a mission instead of killing her. She needs to find out what kills entire villages. If she fails, she dies.
Lore goes through everything in an attempt to navigate her quest. She discovers religion, but she also gets engaged in politics. She even finds the love of her life, or at least this is what she believes.
However, her past will eventually catch up with her…
Final thoughts on New Epic Fantasy Books
These are some of the best new epic fantasy books 2023. I tried to give you just enough info to hook you in, but without revealing any spoilers. If you are into fantasy, you will have plenty of action and mystery, as well as forbidden love and lust.
If you are looking for more books, check out our favorite epic fantasy books.
My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.