The Best Science Fiction Fantasy Books of 2024
Each page holds a new adventure that will not only inspire your imagination but also ignite personal growth.
The Best 2024 Science Fiction Fantasy Books To Add To Your TBR
Dive into the remarkable universe of the best science fiction fantasy books of 2024, where every page turn catapults you into worlds beyond your wildest dreams! This year’s selection is a thrilling mix that blurs the lines between the conceivable and the unimaginable, merging science fiction books with the magic of fantasy books to create an unmatched escape. So let’s venture together into the world of science fiction fantasy, with some of the best books of 2024, where every narrative is a new opportunity to explore the limitless potential of imagination and spirit.
The 27 Best Science Fiction Fantasy Books
Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares
In 16th-century New Spain, a new vigilante, Pantera, emerges using magic and swordplay to defy Spanish rule. Hidden behind a mask, she faces a choice when an ancient prophecy looms: reveal her identity or fight till the end. With a tragic destiny foreseen, Pantera’s true origins unleash a determination that transcends death.
You can get a copy of Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
During World War I, Laura Iven, a combat nurse, searches for her brother Freddie, who is believed to be dead in the trenches. However, mysterious signs suggest otherwise. As Laura digs deeper, she uncovers haunting secrets in Belgium, leading to a journey of truth and redemption amidst the chaos of war.
You can get a copy of The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler
When Moscow resurrects the mammoth, more is needed than just DNA. Dr. Damira, an expert in elephant behavior, has her consciousness merged with a mammoth to protect them from poachers. Can she save the species from a new extinction, or will Moscow’s hidden agenda prevail?
You can get a copy of The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler on Amazon or Bookshop.
Twice Lived by Joma West
A troubled teen, torn between two families and two lives, must confront the loss of half their world. Canna and Lily, the same person in parallel worlds, struggle with their split psyche that forces them to shift between lives. As they face their final shift, they must prepare both families for their disappearance forever in “Twice Lived,” a novel exploring family, friendships, loss, acceptance, and the randomness of life.
You can get a copy of Twice Lived by Joma West on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
Cassie Andrews, a New York City bookstore worker, inherits the mysterious Book of Doors after the death of a beloved customer. This enchanted book, promising that any door is every door, leads her into a world of rare volumes and a dangerous quest to protect them from evil forces. With the help of a peculiar librarian named Drummond Fox, Cassie must navigate a treacherous path to safeguard the powerful books from those who seek to exploit their secrets.
You can get a copy of The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Projections by S. E. Porter
Love endures, but so does rejection in this dark historical fantasy. A tale of vengeance, obsession, and unrequited love unfolds as a young woman seeks justice against a sorcerer who couldn’t have her. Sarah Porter’s adult debut weaves a gothic journey through strange worlds, exploring themes of misogyny and the dark side of love.
You can get a copy of The Projections S. E. Porter on Amazon or Bookshop.
Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner
Return to the world of Godkiller in this thrilling sequel as gods forbidden in Middren start to stir, hinting at war. Godkiller Kissen’s sacrifice to defeat the fire god Hseth is threatened by Hseth’s return with greater power. Inara and Skedi seek the truth about their bond, while Elogast faces a harrowing task. Secrets emerge that could shape the impending war as alliances shift and dangers escalate.
You can get a copy of Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner on Amazon or Bookshop.
A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene
Set in a world of perilous magic and moonlit forests, this romantic fantasy follows a changeling, Fia, on a mission to save her cursed sister from a dangerous fae lord. With the help of her childhood friend, Prince Rogan, Fia navigates through a realm where illusions are deadly and unexpected attractions arise. As she questions her mission and unravels secrets, Fia races against time to break her sister’s curse and protect all she holds dear.
You can get a copy of A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai
Hadeer Elsbai concludes her Alamaxa Duology with a tale of magic, war, betrayal, sisterhood, and love in The Daughters of Izdihar. Amid political turmoil and elemental magic, Nehal and Giorgina must reunite to rally against the Zirani threat. Facing challenges and insurgents, they fight for Alamaxa with magic and blood.
You can get a copy of The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai on Amazon or Bookshop.
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
This sci-fi novel follows Carl, the dedicated manager of the Grand Abeona Hotel, a luxurious space hotel with mysteries aplenty. As secrets unravel and intrigues surface, Carl must navigate through a web of enigmas while deciding when to release his hold on the only home he’s ever known.
You can get a copy of Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
A captivating queer sci-fi novel follows the unexpected marriage between a Mars politician and an Earth refugee, blending politics, romance, and intrigue on the terraformed colony of Tharsis. As their relationship deepens, they face political turmoil and a looming threat, testing their resolve and loyalty in a divided society.
You can get a copy of The Mars House by Natasha Pulley on Amazon or Bookshop.
A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Aubry Tourvel discovers a curse that forces her to keep moving to stay alive. Her journey spans the globe, from the Calashino Sand Sea to the Himalayas, seeking a place to call home while learning the true meaning of survival and life. A Short Walk Through a Wide World is a captivating tale of endurance, hope, and the quest for belonging.
You can get a copy of A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Luzia Cotado, a servant in Madrid, discovers her talent for miracles, caught between her mistress’s demands and a dangerous intrigue involving Spain’s disgraced king’s secretary. As she navigates a world of magic and deception, her Jewish heritage puts her at risk of the Inquisition. With wit and help from Guillén Santángel, an immortal familiar, she strives to survive the perilous circumstances.
You can get a copy of The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo on Amazon or Bookshop.
A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
A captivating tale set in an underwater world featuring magical academia and a heartwarming penpal romance. As E. and Henerey delve into a deep mystery, their correspondence leads to unexpected events, leaving their siblings to uncover the truth. This immersive and heartfelt story explores the limits of imagination in a magical sea realm.
You can get a copy of A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall on Amazon or Bookshop.
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The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton
A captivating debut blending space odyssey and sapphic rom-com. Cleo and her friends accidentally steal a spaceship while investigating a 20-year-old mystery. As they head to Proxima Centauri, they’re guided by a sassy hologram of the missing captain, Billie. Cleo’s lifelong dream of space travel turns into an unexpected adventure as they face twisted physics, old secrets, and deepening bonds. This near-future tale explores dark matter, alternate dimensions, and the transformative power of love.
You can get a copy of The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton on Amazon or Bookshop.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
In a contemporary fantasy setting in Korea, the notorious nine-tailed fox, Kim Hani, teams up with Seokga, a trickster god-turned-detective, to track down a dangerous demon threatening the mortal world. Hani, now living a quieter life and working in a coffee shop, and Seokga, seeking redemption to regain his godhood, find themselves entangled in a complex mission filled with mayhem, violence, and an unexpected bond. As they navigate their case, the pair must balance their growing attraction with the need to keep their secrets and prevent an apocalypse.
You can get a copy of The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei
“The Stardust Grail” follows Maya Hoshimoto, a former artifact thief now interning at Princeton, and her partner Auncle, who searches for a grail to save xyr race. When Maya finds a crucial field notebook, she joins Auncle on a thrilling quest across galaxies, pursued by Earth’s military and academic rivals. They navigate cultural divides, ethical dilemmas, and the meaning of humanity, all while chasing the legacy of a long-lost explorer. This gripping adventure is a perfect science fiction and fantasy beach read of 2024 because it offers a blend of high-stakes action, thought-provoking themes, and richly developed characters.
You can get a copy of The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
“The Bright Sword” follows Collum of the Out Isles, who dreams of becoming a knight of the Round Table. Upon arriving in Camelot, he discovers it nearly deserted after King Arthur and most of his knights have died in battle. Collum, along with the remaining knights and the sorceress Nimue, embarks on a quest to find a successor to Arthur. On their journey, they face rivals, including Morgan le Fay, while exploring post-Arthurian Britain. This novel is a great science fiction and fantasy beach read for 2024 because it offers a fresh take on classic Arthurian legends. It is also packed with adventure, intriguing characters, and a blend of mythology and modern reinterpretation that keeps the reader engaged and entertained.
You can get a copy of The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
“The Lost Story” tells the tale of best friends Rafe and Jeremy, who disappeared in the West Virginia woods for six months as teenagers. Fifteen years later, Rafe lives reclusively while Jeremy uses his supernatural ability to find lost people. They reunite when Emilie Wendell seeks Jeremy’s help to find her half-sister Shannon, who vanished in the same woods. The ensuing adventure is filled with sword fights, romance, and dark revelations. This book is a perfect science fiction and fantasy beach read for 2024 because of its blend of adventure, romance, and fantasy, making it easy to get lost while relaxing by the waves.
You can get a copy of The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons
“The Sky on Fire” is a thrilling fantasy novel about Anahrod Amnead, a dragonrider candidate who survives a false accusation and a fall into the Deep, only to be drawn into a heist plot involving the very dragon that had wronged her. The story challenges classic dragonrider tropes, portraying dragons as equal or superior to humans in intelligence and psychic power. You can also expect twists, betrayals, suspenseful heist elements, and a touching romance. This novel redefines the genre while providing an engaging and refreshing read that makes it a perfect science fiction and fantasy beach read of 2024.
You can get a copy of The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark
Set in the fantastical city of Tal Abisi, The Dead Cat Tail Assassins follows Eveen the Eviscerator, a highly skilled and professional assassin from a guild of resurrected killers. Bound by three unbreakable vows, Eveen must navigate a mission during the Festival of the Clockwork King that brings her face-to-face with a forgotten past and a vow she cannot break.
You can get a copy of The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark on Amazon or Bookshop.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
“The Bandit Queens” follows Geeta, a woman in a remote Indian village whose rumored status as a widow—after her husband walked out on her—grants her unexpected freedom and respect. Other women, eager to escape their own marriages, seek her supposed expertise in “husband disposal,” placing Geeta in precarious situations. This gripping novel combines sharp wit, humor, and a vivid portrayal of Indian village life, making it a standout in contemporary literary fiction.
You can get a copy of A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher on Amazon or Bookshop.
Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky follows Professor Arton Daghdev, a political dissident and xeno-ecologist, who is exiled to the planet Kiln—a penal colony shrouded in mystery due to its ancient alien ruins and unique, symbiotic life forms. Tasked with uncovering the secrets of Kiln’s vanished civilization, Arton must navigate the oppressive rule of the camp’s commandant and the planet’s perilous ecosystem, all while grappling with the Mandate’s rigid doctrines that suppress scientific inquiry. Readers can expect a thought-provoking narrative that blends high-concept science fiction with a critique of authoritarianism, exploring themes of survival, the pursuit of knowledge, and the resilience of the human spirit.
You can get a copy of Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky on Amazon or Bookshop.
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
“The City in Glass” by Nghi Vo is a standalone novel about Vitrine, a demon who nurtures the city of Azril into a vibrant place. When angels destroy the city, she captures one angel and binds him with a curse. As Vitrine grieves and rebuilds, her relationship with the angel evolves from hatred to a complex bond, revealing forgotten histories and sparking a transformative journey. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and redemption in a richly textured world.
You can get a copy of The City in Glass by Nghi Vo on Amazon or Bookshop.
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy introduces Leovander Loveage and Sebastian Grimm, two sorcery students at the Fount who, despite their differences, are bound by a miscast control spell compelling Leo to obey Grimm’s commands and remain in close proximity. To break this dangerous enchantment, they embark on a perilous journey into the Unquiet Wood in search of a legendary sorceress renowned for reversing spells. Readers can anticipate a modern magical adventure filled with vibrant characters, slow-burn tension, and a captivating magic system, marking a compelling start to the Wildersongs Trilogy.
You can get a copy of Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo
The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo intertwines the lives of Nena, a teenager in 1943 El Paso who discovers her supernatural abilities, and her great-niece Marta, a present-day lawyer grappling with her own emerging powers. As Nena is transported to colonial Mexico to hone her gifts, Marta balances her legal career, motherhood, and the care of a now ninety-three-year-old Nena, leading them on a quest to find a daughter Nena left in the past. Readers can expect a richly imagined narrative that blends historical fiction with magical realism, exploring themes of family legacy, cultural identity, and the enduring strength of women across generations.
You can get a copy of The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Improvisers by Nicole Glover
The Improvisers by Nicole Glover is a standalone historical fantasy set in 1930s America, following Velma Frye—a pilot, former bootlegger, and wielder of celestial magic—as she investigates dangerous enchanted artifacts causing havoc nationwide. Teaming up with journalist Dillon Harris, Velma uncovers a conspiracy linked to her family’s past, navigating a world where magic intertwines with the era’s societal challenges. Readers can expect a fast-paced adventure blending mystery, magic, and historical elements, featuring a strong, multifaceted protagonist and a richly imagined setting.
You can get a copy of The Improvisers by Nicole Glover on Amazon or Bookshop.
What do you think about this list of 2024 science fiction fantasy books?
What do you think about this list of best science fiction books and fantasy books? Have you read any of them? What science fiction fantasy books would you add to this list? Let’s talk all about your favorite science fiction books and fantasy books in the comments below.
