Most Anticipated Fantasy Reads of 2023

Most Anticipated Fantasy Reads of 2023

Here we are again! On the cusp of a brand new year and it’s time to cover some of the most anticipated reads of 2023.

In this list, we’ve got 50+ fantasy and fantasy romance reads all releasing next year! It’s always so hard to anticipate all releases, but these are ones on my radar and others I keep seeing around. From Leigh Bardugo and Shannon Chakraborty and their immersive, epic magical worlds to sizzlin’, heartstopping fantasical romances from Katee Robert and Sarah A. Parker, we’ve got a plethora of new releases to look forward to in the new year.

I hope it helps to grow your neverending TBR!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the most anticipated fantasy and fantasy romance books of 2023!

I’ve organized the releases by genre and then release date. I’ve also denoted whether the release is adult vs. young adult and if it’s a standalone, debut, sequel, or spin-off. Tap on any book cover to be taken to Goodreads to add it to your TBR or to check out the book further (for “also coming” click the title link).

Shop/preorder all books available for purchase at the end of this post!


Blog Contents

Fantasy Releases

January - March 2023

April - June 2023

July - September 2023

October - December 2023

Romantasy Releases

January - December 2023

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Most Anticipated Fantasy Reads of 2023

T H E T I T L ES

January - March 2023

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

An adult paranormal fantasy with thriller elements and sequel to Ninth House, book 1 in the Alex Stern series.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amelie Wen Zhao

Book 1 in a new young adult, high fantasy series with dragons and Asian mythology.

Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim

Book 1 in a new young adult, epic fantasy series set in an Arabian-inspired land for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal and Elizabeth Lim!

Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare

A young adult paranormal and supernatural fantasy set in the Shadowhunter world and book 3 in The Last Hours series.

These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi

Sequal to the epic, romantic fantasy, This Woven Kingdom, based on Persian folklore and mythology.

Stardust in their Veins by Laura Sebastian

The YA sequel to Castles in Their Bones, the story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown.

The Ruined by Renee Ahdieh

The stunning conclusion to the young adult, paranormal quartet that began with The Beautiful.

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

The breathtaking adult debut and a sumptuous, gothic-infused story about a marriage that is unraveled by dark secrets, a friendship cursed to end in tragedy, and the danger of believing in fairy tales.

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

The stunning, standalone prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, an adult, epic sci-fi fantasy series with dragons.

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

A new, adult, epic trilogy of magic and mayhem on the high seas, this tale of pirates and sorcerers, forbidden artifacts and ancient mysteries, is one woman’s determined quest to seize a final chance at glory—and write her own legend.

April - June 2023

DIVINE RIVALS by Rebecca Ross

A new young adult, historical fantasy series where two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection and must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever. Epic enemies-to-lovers filled with hope and heartbreak and the unparalleled power of love.

RULING DESTINY by Alyson Noel

Sequel to the young adult, time travel fantasy novel, Stealing Infinity, The Da Vinci Code meets Riverdale in this next epic installment.

IN THE LIVES OF PUPPETS by T.J. Klune

Venture deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and come along on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts in this standalone, adult sci-fi fantasy.

DRAGONFALL by L.R. Lam

The first in an adult, epic fantasy trilogy with dragons, magic, and gods.

THE STOLEN THRONE by Abigail Owen

The next installment, following The Liar’s Crown, in this sprawling, sexy upper young adult fantasy series, Dominions.

OF LIGHT AND SHADOW by Tanaz Bhathena

Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone, epic, young adult fantasy novel is packed with magic, mayhem, love, and betrayal, political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all? The story of a bandit and a prince who change each other in unexpected ways.

WITCH KING by Martha Wells

A remarkable adult, standalone story of power and friendship, of trust and betrayal, and of the families we choose alongside breathtaking action and adventure, wit and charm, and demons, mages, and magic.

THE INVOCATIONS by Krystal Sutherland

A darkly seductive witchy YA standalone thriller where, though both men and demons lurk in shadows, girls refuse to go quietly into the night.

July - September 2023

HOUSE OF ROOTS AND RUIN by Erin A. Craig

In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed. This classic young adult gothic thriller-fantasy, sequel to House of Salt & Sorrows, is about doomed love, menacing ambition, and the ghosts that haunt us forever.

IMMORTAL LONGINGS by Chloe Gong

In this adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance abound amidst a set of deadly games.

FOXGLOVE by Adalyn Grace

The captivating young adult sequel to the gothic-infused Belladonna, in which Signa and Death face a supernatural foe determined to tear them apart.

SWORD CATCHER by Cassandra Clare

The first book in a new young adult, high fantasy series. This is the tale of a young man raised to be the body double for an unworthy prince, a young woman destined to change the world, and a host of other characters: criminals, princes, magicians, and warriors.


Also coming in August + September:

A CURSE FOR TRUE LOVE by Stephanie Garber

September 12th 2023

Two villains do battle for the heart of one girl in the deadly conclusion to the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy, a young adult high fantasy series.

A TEMPEST OF TEA by Hafsah Faizal

September 26th 2023

First in a young adult, paranormal duology pitched as King Arthur meets Peaky Blinders with vampires. The novel follows a gang of outcasts in a deadly heist to save a tearoom that fronts as an illegal blood house, where local vampires can purchase fresh blood.

HER RADIANT CURSE by Elizabeth Lim

August 29th 2023

October - December 2023

 
 

THE ASHFIRE KING by Chelsea Abdullah

Sequel to The Stardust Theif, an adult fantasy inspired by the stories from One Thousand and One Nights, weaves the gripping tale of a legendary smuggler, a cowardly prince, and a dangerous quest across the desert to find a mythical, magical lamp.

WAR WIDOW by Deborah Falaye

Sequel to Blood Scion, a young adult new fantasy series that follows one girl’s journey of magic, injustice, power, and revenge inspired by Yoruba-Nigerian mythology that will utterly thrill and capture readers. A magnetic combination of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin and Daughter of Smoke and Bone.


Also coming in October:

SILENCE AND SHADOW by Erin Beaty

October 3rd 2023

The sequel to the YA medieval fantasy-thriller Blood and Moonlight, Silence and Shadow is full of swoony romance, dangerous magic, and murder.


Also coming in 2023 (hopefully!):

Threads of Power I by V.E. Schwab

Empire of the Vampire II by Jay Kristoff

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

Dark Rise II by C.S. Pacat

December 5th 2023


Most Anticipated Fantasy Romance Books of 2023

T H E T I T L E S

January - December 2023

CITY OF DARKNESS by Karina Halle

The third book in the Underworld Gods Series, a high heat dark fantasy adult romance series.

RADIANT SIN by Katee Robert

A scorchingly hot modern adult retelling of Apollo and Cassandra that's as sinful as it is sweet. It’s also book 4 in the Dark Olympus Series.

THE FOXGLOVE KING by Hannah Whitten

In this lush, romantic new epic YA fantasy series, The Nightshade Kingdom, a young woman's secret power to raise the dead plunges her into the dangerous and glamorous world of the Sainted King's royal court.

WHAT LURKS BETWEEN THE FATES by Harper L. Woods

This is the third book in the dark new adult fae fantasy series Of Flesh & Bone.

WHEN A MOTH LOVED A BEE by Pepper Winters

A standalone and brand new passionately raw and romantically dangerous adult high fantasy story that’s dark, lusty, addictively spicy and full of high stakes.

GRIM AND BEAR IT by Juliette Cross

A steamy grumpy x sunshine romance, this is book 6 in the adult supernatural series, Stay A Spell, and Clara and Henry’s story!

A CROWN OF IVY AND GLASS by Claire Legrand

A lush, sweeping fantasy romance series and stunning adult debut that's perfect for fans of Bridgerton and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

THIS CURSED LIGHT by Emily Thiede

The highly-anticipated sequel to the epic young adult romance hailed as one of the best fantasies of the year, This Vicious Grace, in 2022.

A FIRE IN THE FLESH by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is the final book in the Flesh and Fire prequel spin off series to the Blood & Ash books. Both adult and spicy fantasy series.

A TOUCH OF CHAOS by Scarlett St. Clair

The final book in the sweeping and romantic Hades x Persephone adult retelling and series.

Also coming in 2023:

TO FLAME A WILD FLOWER by Sarah A Parker

February 28th 2023

Book 3 in the Crystal Bloom Series, a dark Rapunzel reimagining full of immersive imagery and breathtaking angst. One of my forever favorite series!

THE ASHES AND THE STAR-CURSED KING by Carissa Broadbent

March 15 2023

The sequel to The Serpent and the Wings of Night, a world where whether you’re human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

THE GARGOYLE’S CAPTIVE by Katee Robert

March 28th 2023

Monster hunters, demon deals, and a gargoyle’s tender care, this is book 3 in Robert’s A Deal With A Demon a spicy, adult fantasy series.

Gold by Raven Kennedy

June 8th 2023

Discover the heart-stopping finale to the international, bestselling fae fantasy phenomenon The Plated Prisoner Series.

A SOUL OF ASH AND BLOOD by Jennifer L. Armentrout

July 18th 2023

Revisit the first novel in the phenomenal Blood and Ash Series. But this time…it’s Hawke’s turn to tell the story and it’s filled with new scenes, insights, and a few surprises! A must-read for fans of From Blood and Ash and the love story of Poppy and Hawke.

WITH THESE LAST BREATHS by Vanessa Rasanen

August 15h 2023

Book 3 in the Aisling Sea Series, a new adult high seas tale of deceit, legends, and love that delivers a deliciously gray hero, a relatable heroine, and a found family you'll root for. An enemies-to-lovers story with a slow-burn romance

A QUEEN OF THIEVES & CHAOS by K.A. Tucker

September 5th 2023

Book 3 in the Fate and Flame Series, an adult paranormal fantasy story with political intrigue, vampires, witches, elemental magic, and thrilling action and adventure.

BONE ISLAND: Book of Danvers by Nicole Fiorina

2023

The second stand-alone in the Tales of Weeping Hollow Collection, a gothic, new adult paranormal fantasy.

ZODIAC ACADEMY 9 by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

2023

The upcoming sequal in the dark fantasy romance series, Zodiac Academy, with dragon shifters, werewolves, elemental fae, star signs, and dark academia.

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Next Up: The most anticipated thriller and mystery releases as well as romance books coming in 2023!

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I’m Leah. Cozy connoisseur and bountiful book buyer. I have a minor obsession with getting lost in the pages of a good book, guzzling coffee, and thriving at home. Leggings, wine, and essential oils are also my jam. I'm truly just a bookworm and homebody at heart with a knack for content creation & cozy shots. This is my creative space.

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