If you’re anything like me, then around New Years you start looking at all the new fantasy books you can look forward to in the months to come.
So with that in mind, and without further a do, I give you the most highly anticipated new fantasy books of 2019.
New YA Fantasy Books
New Epic Fantasy Books
New YA Fantasy Books
Evermore by Sara Holland
Release Date: December 31, 2018
This technically isn’t 2019, but I’m going to let it squeak by because you likely won’t be reading it until 2019.
The first book, Everless, is one in which I love the concept, but I’ve heard the execution didn’t live up to the promise. Hopefully that is corrected in Book 2.
The Wicked King by Holly Black
Release Date: January 8, 2019
I’ve not had the pleasure to read the first book, The Cruel Prince, but it comes highly acclaimed and I’m sure I’ll get to it eventually.
I run a Facebook group of 11,000 hungry ya fantasy fans, and they’re all raving about this one.
Slayer by Kiersten White
Release Date: January 8, 2019
This all new series from Kiersten White is a Buffy The Vampire Slayer novel. I thought that show was dead, but apparently not. If you like Vampire books and movies, then this is probably for you. I think I’ll be passing on this one.
You might also be interested in Kiersten’s complete And I Darken series.
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date: January 29, 2019
I love Leigh Bardugo and I was delighted to discover a new series coming out called King of Scars. This is book one of an all new series in the Grishaverse.
For those unfamiliar with the Grishaverse, it all started with Shadow and Bone, then Bardugo wrote a duology called Six of Crows. I can’t say whether either series is required reading, but it certainly can’t hurt to read the earlier books because it will allow you to become familiar with the world and mechanics of magic.
Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers
Release Date: February 5, 2019
I absolutely adored Robin LaFevers’ His Fair Assassin series, starting with Grave Mercy. This first book in a new duology is set in the same world with the same characters.
These books are actually historical fantasy. They take place in the real world in history several hundred years ago with real events, but they’re tweaked in a way that makes them fantastical.
Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian
Release Date: February 5, 2019
To be perfectly honest, the title for this book is really weird to me. I don’t know. I just don’t like it. But that doesn’t mean the book won’t be good. Perhaps it even makes sense to those who have read the first book in Sebastian’s debut series, Ash Princess.
Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard
Release Date: February 12, 2019
Susan Dennard has long been on my radar. Bloodwitch is book 3 in the Truthwitch series.
There is also an illustrated novella available called Sightwitch.
The Blood Spell by C.J. Redwine
Release Date: February 12, 2019
This book is a Cinderella retelling, and the fourth book in a series. The first book, The Shadow Queen, is actually a Snow White retelling, so I have to assume that each book is a separate story and can be read whenever, but don’t quote me on that.
Prism Cloud by Jeff Wheeler
Release Date: March 5, 2019
Jeff Wheeler is an author high on my radar. You might have heard of his most popular series, the Muirwood series, or perhaps you’ve heard of The Queen’s Poisoner.
Prism Cloud is the 4th book in his newest series, Harbinger, with the first book being called Storm Glass. Feel free to check out my spoiler-free review.
The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross
Release Date: March 5, 2019
The Queen’s Resistance is book two in Rebecca Ross’s debut series. If you haven’t read the first, The Queen’s Rising, you might like it if you enjoyed Red Queen and Grave Mercy.
I personally can’t speak to it, but this is another book on my TBR. Really you can’t go wrong with any of the books on this list.
700+ new books will be coming out next year, but I highlight only the most popular.
Deathcaster by Cinda Williams Chima
Release Date: March 5, 2019
Deathcaster is Book 4 of the Shattered Realms series (Flamecaster, Book 1). I haven’t read any books from this series, but I have read all of Chima’s Heir Chronicles books and loved them.
They’re urban ya fantasy and great for fans of Harry Potter.
Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Release Date: March 26, 2019
This one is a debut, so it’s hard to give you any indication of how good it will be, but the description is enough to sell me on including it on this list of new fantasy books.
Sky Without Stars is a Les Miserables retelling. And that cover is gorgeous isn’t it?
Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi
Release Date: April 2, 2019
This is one I’m really looking forward to. I read the first three in the ultra popular Shatter Me series and only recently discovered that the 4th book, Restore Me, had been released.
I loved these books, though I will say they aren’t for everyone. A lot of people complain about the format of the writing. At least in the beginning, the author used the strikethrough repetitively.
The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: April 9, 2019
This is the first of two new Shadowhunter novels and two new series starts for 2019. The second is Chain of Gold, which we’ll talk about later.
Finale by Stephanie Garber
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Stephanie Garber was a breakout debut author in 2017 with her first book in this series, Caraval.
Now with Finale, it is quite obviously coming to a close. With the publication of this book, the series is complete, so if you’ve been holding out, now is the time to jump in.
Kingsbane by Claire LeGrand
Release Date: May 21, 2019
I was very surprised to learn of the title of Claire LeGrand’s sequel to Furyborn. You see, about a year ago, I wrote a book called Kingsbane. I chose the title because it was unique. Guess it’s not anymore! That’ll either help or hurt my visibility, I’m not sure which!
I love the covers for both of Claire’s books.
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Soul of the Sword by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: June 18, 2019
Soul of the Sword is the second book in Julie Kagawa’s Shadow of the Fox series. You might also recognize Kagawa as the author of the Iron Fey series and the Talon series.
Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Release Date: August 6, 2019
I absolutely love Mary E. Pearson’s earlier books in this series, starting with Kiss of Deception. This is definitely a YA epic fantasy at its finest and I don’t think Pearson gets the attention these books really deserve.
I, for one, am really looking forward to this one.
These Divided Shores by Sara Raasch
Release Date: August 27, 2019
These Divided Shores is the sequel to Raasch’s second series, These Rebel Waves.
This series hasn’t been as popular as Raasch’s debut, Snow Like Ashes. You might be interested in the review I wrote in the middle of reading that book. I don’t know why I did that. I guess I thought it was cool to write a “reading update” but I never did go back and write a full review, though I enjoyed the book!
Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff
Release Date: September 3, 2019
I’m told this series is not YA, as there’s way too much risque content, but most websites list it as YA, so I’ve left it here for now.
Darkdawn is the third book in Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight series.
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: November 19, 2019
The first in an all new series, Cassandra Clare continues writing within the Shadowhunter world. Chain of Gold is sure to be a new fantasy book that her fans are eagerly waiting for.
New Epic Fantasy Books
The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan
Release Date: January 22, 2019
Admittedly, I don’t know a lot about this book. It’s a debut by the looks of it, but it came onto my radar through Goodreads and I’ve been seeing a lot of my blogger friends reviewing it.
By all early accounts, this is going to be one to rock the charts, so keep an eye on it.
The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty
Release Date: January 22, 2019
The Kingdom of Copper is book 2 in S.A. Chakraborty’s debut series with City of Brass being book 1.
I absolutely adored these books. You can read both my review for City of Brass and my review for Kingdom of Copper if you’d like.
The Hod King by Josiah Bancroft
Release Date: January 22, 2019
Josiah Bancroft is an indie fantasy author whose book won Mark Lawrence’s SPFBO (more on that later) and ended up with a traditional book deal.
The Hod King is book 3 in the Senlin Ascends series.
Reckoning of Fallen Gods by R.A. Salvatore
Release Date: January 29, 2019
R.A. Salvatore is hands down my absolute favorite fantasy author. I haven’t read the first book in this series, Child of a Mad God, yet, but I have read 30+ of his Drizzt novels.
I do intend to read this series as soon as I can.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
Release Date: February 5, 2019
Another debut, The Ruin of Kings is about a thief who is named, against his will, the son of a treasonous prince. You can imagine what sort of trouble that lands him in.
Oh, and I imagine there are dragons. There’s on on the cover, and the series is called “A Chorus of Dragons.” Who doesn’t love dragons? Be sure to check out this new fantasy book from a new fantasy author.
Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence
Release Date: April 9, 2019
I was first made aware of Mark Lawrence because of the Self Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO) that he hosts. My book, Soul Render, was actually a semi-finalist in 2018. You can check out Kitty G’s review of my book on Goodreads.
Holy Sister is book 3 in his latest series. If you’d like to check out the first book, it’s Red Sister.
Mark is most notable for his book, Prince of Thorns, which is a grimdark novel.
A Time of Blood by John Gwynne
Release Date: April 16, 2016
A Time of Blood is the second book in the Of Blood and Bone series. I’m very surprised this book didn’t end up in the Tomi Adeyemi and Nora Roberts debacle I mentioned earlier considering it uses the same words.
Gwynne is the author of The Faithful and Fallen series.
The Stiehl Assassin by Terry Brooks
Release Date: June 4, 2019
The newest Shannara book is out on the 4th of June. That also happens to be my anniversary. This is book 3 in the Fall of Shannara series.
If you’re like me and you haven’t read any of this series, you might consider starting where it all began at The Sword of Shannara.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. Check out my full spoiler-free review.
Spine of the Dragon by Kevin J. Anderson
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Kevin J. Anderson is a relatively well known name in the SFF world, but he hasn’t written an epic fantasy in quite some time and is most notable (to me anyway) as the co-author of the Dune prequel series and a few Star Wars books.
He returns to the world of epic fantasy with Spine of the Dragon.
Crowfall by Ed McDonald
Release Date: June 13, 2019
I first learned about Ed McDonald on Fantasy Faction. Though I haven’t read the first book, Blackwing, I have heard nothing but good things.
This is probably one of the least popular books on this list of new fantasy books, at least if review counts are to be believed, but I think you should give the series a shot if you’ve not heard of it.
That cover is gorgeous isn’t it?
Dark Age by Pierce Brown
Release Date: July 9, 2019
Dark Age is book 5 in Pierce Brown’s ultra-popular Red Rising series. I imagine this may be on the most highly anticipated new fantasy books this year. I’d put it at the top if I could. But these are all arranged by release date.
I absolutely love these books. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to.
The Age of Legend by Michael J. Sullivan
Release Date: July 9, 2019
I actually know Michael. Well, sort of. I have spoken with him before, and he’s a member of my Facebook group, Indie Fantasy Addicts. We’ve even had him on for a podcast episode, but I doubt he knows my name. Maybe I ‘m wrong.
But I can’t wait for this book, and I know many people who could say the same. Age of Legend is Book 4 of his latest series with Book 1 being Age of Myth.
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
Release Date: August 6, 2019
R.F. Kuang is likely a person that needs no introduction. If you haven’t heard of the first book, The Poppy War, you’re probably hiding under a rock. It’s still an international bestseller and is currently ranked #152 on Amazon in the whole store. That’s pretty impressive.
Book 2, The Dragon Republic, is sure to be as popular as the first and I know many of you will be itching to grab a copy upon release day.
The Burning White by Brent Weeks
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Brent Weeks is no stranger to “highly anticipated new fantasy book” lists. He’s garnered quite a following and I’m sure there are many eager fans for the fifth and final installment in the Lightbringer Series.
I haven’t jumped on the train yet, but I have book 1, The Black Prism, on my kindle and intend to get to it when I have time.
The Light of All that Falls by James Islington
Release Date: December 10, 2019
This might just be the latest release of 2019 that’s on this list of highly anticipated new fantasy books. It’s the first December I’ve seen while writing it. Consequently, it’s also my mother’s birthday! Happy birthday mom!
I’ve seen these covers, but I am unfortunately not familiar with this book to offer any thoughts on it. But, you can grab book 1, The Shadow of What Was Lost, if you need to start at the beginning.
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: TBA
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most highly acclaimed fantasy authors in the YA genre. She has more eager fans than any other author I know, except perhaps Cassandra Clare.
There is a lot of buzz about Sarah’s first “adult” fantasy book. Whether this means more risque content that bumps it out of the YA genre, or whether she is simply writing a more traditional epic fantasy remains to be seen. There is little news on this book as of yet except that it’s expected to publish in 2019 at some point.
Are you looking for more new fantasy books?
They may not be new releases, but perhaps they’re new to you.
Check out my list of Best Indie Fantasy Books or Best YA Fantasy Books for more great reads.