Escape Reality with 11 Top-Rated Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Books
Book RaiderIn the circus of life, sometimes we all wish for a trapdoor; a portal to worlds unseen, where dragons leap through lavender skies and kingdoms rise under the force of a single, whispered spell. Contemporary fantasy fiction is our delightfully crafted trapdoor, inviting us into realms where reality takes a backseat and where the extraordinary becomes our new normal.
For those of us seeking a vacation from reality's harsh fluorescent lighting and endless queues, the fantasy genre invites us to step into the shadows of the enchanted forests, overlook cities steeped in magic from soaring towers and converse with creatures of the lore. So get comfy, put reality on hold, and let's dive into the fascinating landscapes these top-rated contemporary fantasies offer.
The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
Why The Starless Sea is on this list: Who wouldn't want to escape into a world where hidden underground harbors exist with endless stories filled to the brim? That's exactly what The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern offers. A contemporary piece that takes you on a journey so far from reality, you'll honestly forget that you have a dentist's appointment on Tuesday.
The Starless Sea follows Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a university student, who discovers a mysterious book filled with strange stories and secrets. But what twists his reality is that he finds a story from his very own childhood in that book. This sends him on an adventure that is nothing short of fantastical. The Starless Sea is a world full of tales and myth, a crescendo of storytelling that will have readers wanting to uncover the secrets Zachary is determined to solve.
What readers like: Readers grew fond of Morgenstern's imaginative writing style – she paints such a vivid and rich picture of Zachary's world that you'll feel like you're exploring the secret harbors with him. The book is cherished for its romanticism, vast interwoven narratives and the enchanting suspense that leaves readers feeling an entrancing blend of warmth, curiosity, and awe.
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Ninth House
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Ninth House is on this list: When it comes to drifting away from dreary reality into contemporary fantasy, 'Ninth House' is a true page-turner. Making Yale's secret societies a backdrop for a dark, magical world makes it a perfect fit for our list.
Our protagonist, Alex Stern, is the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class. But she's been given a second chance, to monitor Yale's secret societies, which are more sinister and extraordinary than any could imagine. In her quest, she unveils societies obsessed with rituals and supernatural powers.
What readers like: Fans rave about Bardugo's knack for building magical worlds that are simultaneously fantastic and horrifying. They love the gripping plot, the intricate character development of Alex, and how the story uses the realities of our world as a launching pad for its fantasy elements.
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Providence
by Max Barry
Why Providence is on this list: The moments you find yourself wishing for an interstellar getaway, Providence by Max Barry is your spaceship. This contemporary fantasy novel is a ride of its own kind, trading the humdrum reality for a gripping yet thoughtful adventure in uncharted space.
The tale unfolds around a band of four astronauts aboard the warship Providence, built to hunt and remove danger in the form of alien 'salamanders'. As they journey through the expanse of space, it tests their resolve, questioning the truth of their mission and the nature of war. Let's just say, it's kind of like 'Star Trek' meets existential crisis, with a generous helping of dark humor thrown in for good measure.
What readers like: Readers are magnetically drawn by Barry's vivid imagination and knack for storytelling. The fast-paced plot, steeped in speculative fiction and underpinned by philosophical undertones, creates ample room for reflection. Fans also enjoy the dark wit and nuanced characters, all interacting within a setting that feels unsettlingly believable. It's one of those reads that delivers an entertaining tale while also giving your brain a good workout.
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Interior Chinatown
by Charles Yu
Why Interior Chinatown is on this list: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu is not your typical fantasy book. This is not about wizards or dragons, it's all about escaping into the surreal, slightly off-kilter world of Hollywood, seen from an Asian-American perspective. It merges reality and fantasy until you're not quite sure which is which, ideal for a reality break.
This novel tells the story of Willis Wu, a background actor in a cop show who dreams of being Kung Fu Guy. The novel is structured as a screenplay, smoothly introducing elements of satire and existentialism. As he grapples with the confines of his reality, the borders between Willis's life and the show blur, taking you on a fantastical exploration of identity and stereotype.
What readers like: Readers rave about Yu's innovative narrative style that uses a screenplay format, creating a cinematic reading experience. This inventive approach, along with the book's humorous yet insightful exploration of identity and stereotypes, makes it more than just a read. Instead, it's a thought-provoking journey into a fantasy version of Hollywood sprinkled with relatable truths.
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This Is How You Lose the Time War
by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Why This Is How You Lose the Time War is on this list: Who needs the laws of time and space when you could lose yourself in the world of this contemporary fantasy fiction? It's the ultimate way to escape from reality - by literally going beyond time as we know it.
This beauty of a book is a sci-fi fantasy love story with an extraordinary concept. It follows two enemies named Red and Blue, who are agents from rival sides of a time war. They start exchanging letters across time and space, a relationship begins to form, and things get seriously complicated. It all sounds pretty out-there, right? But this is as intriguing as it is mind-bending, filled with rich, poetic prose and deep, emotional insights.
What readers like: Readers rave about the poignant emotions, vivid settings, and the challenging (in a good way) nature of the narrative. And let’s not forget about the love story which isn’t your typical boy-meets-girl rom-com. It’s a unique and elegant dance across time and space that leaves readers hooked and thoughtful. No need for a time machine when you have this, just sit back, flip open the book and you're time-traveling.
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Exhalation
by Ted Chiang
Why Exhalation is on this list: It's a contemporary fiction fantasy that transports you to different worlds, giving you an ideal escape from your everyday life.
Exhalation is a collection of nine deeply thoughtful and profoundly human short stories that delve into science, technology, and humanity in unique and breathtaking ways. Each story acts as a portal into an alternate reality, ranging from universes where a digital man can access every kind of knowledge, to a world where feathers allow you to defy gravity.
What readers like: Readers love the intricate storytelling, the philosophical undertones, and the fresh and inventive ways Chiang merges science and fantasy. They appreciate the depth of each story and often find themselves pondering about them long after the last page. If you're keen on devouring a good book that will help you see reality through a different lens, this one's for you.
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The Ten Thousand Doors of January
by Alix E. Harrow
Why The Ten Thousand Doors of January is on this list: This is a spellbinding piece of contemporary fiction that involves not just one, but ten thousand magical doorways. Each door gives you an escape, each promising a world more peculiar than the next.
There's nothing more comforting than the smell of old, dusty books - and this book knows it. Set in the early 1900s, the book follows January Scaller who discovers a strange book filled with tales of secret doorways. As a young girl, she finds one such door that leads her into an otherworldly adventure. As she ages, these doors become more than just an escape but a crucial part in unraveling her own life's mysteries.
What readers like: Readers adore the lyrical prose and the vivid, rich world-building that makes it feel like you’re exploring these fantastical other-worlds alongside January. The plot isn’t all elves and fairy dust either – you get a taste of real-life issues like identity and belonging. If you like a healthy balance of whimsical escapism and emotional depth, you'll likely enjoy swimming in this river of a story.
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Gideon the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir
Why Gideon the Ninth is on this list: If you've ever dreamt of embarking on an adventure involving necromancers, swordsmen, and a whole bunch of mystery, Gideon the Ninth is your ticket out of reality. This highly-rated contemporary fantasy book ticks all the boxes for those needing an escape from the mundane.
In a nutshell, Gideon the Ninth is a bold mix of science fiction and fantasy. Gideon Nav is a cheeky, sharp-tongued swordswoman stuck in a world rife with death and dark magic. She reluctantly joins forces with Harrowhark Nonagesimus, an aloof necromancer, to partake in a deadly cosmic trial. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they must navigate an eerie hall filled with distracted ghosts, deadly knights and a conspiracy that may just bring the universe to its knees. All done with a heaping dose of sass and only the occasional near-death experience, of course.
What readers like: Readers have expressed appreciation for Muir's unique blend of humor, horror, action and sentimentality. The novel's setting offers a captivating backdrop, while the characters steal the show with their quirky traits and banter. Readers also appreciate the plot's unexpected twists and turns, which keep them glued to its pages, eager to uncover what lies at the end of Gideon and Harrow’s eccentric journey.
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Found
by Erin Kinsley
Why Found is on this list: If you are looking to get lost in a world that is not your own, 'Found' is the perfect escape. This book is a contemporary fantasy filled with thrilling elements sprinkled with the magic of everyday life.
'Found' is a riveting tale about a young boy who mysteriously goes missing. The story is a peculiar cocktail of real-life and enchantment as his family, supported by a crew of quirky, lovable characters do everything they can to find him. Alongside, there's a subtle thread of enchantment woven in, creating an intoxicating blend of reality and fantasy. It's a heart wrenching, yet beautifully written tale with twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages.
What readers like: Readers have been raving about how Kinsley manages to blend the harsh reality of a missing child case with elements of fantasy in a seamless manner. Many have expressed that the book captures their hearts with its charming characters, detailed world building and unexpected turns. Plus, they totally love how it's a break from the norm yet so relatable. Not too heavy, not too light, but just the right balance to escape from reality for a bit.
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The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep
by H. G. Parry
Why The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep is on this list: With vast characters from literature leaping off the pages, literally, this book is sure to provides a respite from reality. It is a perfect blend of contemporary and fantasy fiction that will leave its readers eager to escape into its world again and again.
Take a leap of faith with Charley Sutherland, a normal guy with a not-so-normal secret: He can bring characters from books into the real world. Life takes an odd turn when these fictional characters start causing havoc in the real world. Things spiral when Charley's estranged brother, Rob, realizes that Uriah Heep, the creepy villain from David Copperfield, is planning his unlikely escape to wreak havoc. A thrilling tale that shifts between reality and the surreal, it's as much a sibling story as it is a fantastical literary romp.
What readers like: Readers absolutely adore the witty and imaginative writing style of H.G Parry. They love how she seamlessly traverses from contemporary life into the bold folds of classic literature. The familial angle of two brothers also brings a touch of authenticity and warmth into this fantastical tale.
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Spinning Silver
by Naomi Novik
Why Spinning Silver is on this list: Spinning Silver is a dazzling dive into a fantastical world where real-world problems like family tensions and geopolitical conflicts blend with surreal elements and enchanting folklore. It's a fantastic getaway to a different reality, making it a perfect fit for our list.
What happens when a girl named Miryem takes over her family's failing money-lending business? She discovers her own ability to turn silver into gold! This modern take on the classic Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale also explores the lives of six other individuals who ultimately become intertwined in Miryem's narrative. It's like a fantasy version of multi-dimensional chess, complete with frosty elves and arcane fairy-tale contracts.
What readers like: Readers love Naomi's writing style – it's immersive, poetic and beautifully captures the complexities of each character. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives, all unique yet interconnected, like a flowy literary jigsaw puzzle. The clever plot twists, intense adventure, and underlying themes of female empowerment, keep the readers hooked. And the icing on the cake? The compellingly expansive world-building that makes readers wish they could turn silver into gold too. Ok, maybe not. The tax implications alone would be a nightmare.
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