Another year draws to a close, and 2021 was another great year for genre fiction. Although we loved so many magical novels this year, we had to narrow it down to a top 10 list consisting of the best fantasy novels of 2021.

The fantasy genre is slowly shifting and evolving into something new and more inclusive. Many of the novels that make the list for the top 10 fantasy novels of 2021 include debut novels from women and authors of color. The chosen one trope is still alive and well, along with many heros journeys. However, these new authors are also changing the game by bringing in non-western cultures and mythologies to bring their worlds to life. Lets take a look at the top 10 fantasy novels of 2021, in no particular order.

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The first book in theRadiant Emperor series, and the debut novel from Shelley Parker-Chan. She Who Became The Sun is ahistorical epic takes place in ancient China, and subverts familiar figures and mythology. A young girl escapes famine and death to become a monk, hiding her identity from her brothers. She struggles with her own identity, as well as the rising tide of war and conflict that looms inevitable. A beautifully written story with complicated protagonists and a touch of the supernatural. This novel also features themes of LGBTQIA identity, and a trans hero whose complicated gender identity makes up much of the internal conflict of the novel.

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The first novel in a new fantasy trilogy by Suyi Davies Okungbowa author of David Mogo Godhunter. This story draws from African culture and folklore to create a vivid world of magic and politics. The unique magical systems are fascinating to study, but this is another highly character-driven story. Every character is unique and deeply realized, with understandable fears and motivations.Son of the Storm is also a fast-paced adventure story that reveals more about the world with every step taken by the characters.

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Based on Norse mythology,The Witchs Heart tells the story of Angrboda. She is an ancient witch who was burned by Odin for refusing to reveal the darkest secrets of her magic. After her heart is ripped out by the gods, it is returned to her by an unlikely trickster. Angrboda becomes the wife of Loki and mother to his unusual children. But she is a powerful character in her own right, who stands tall amongst the storied gods of legend. An unexpected story that twists and turns every which way to wrench your heart out of your chest and leave you wanting more of this strange magic. Perfect for fans ofCirce orAssassins Creed: Valhalla, this is undeniably one of the best fantasy novels of 2021.

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One of the most highly acclaimed fantasy novels of the year,The Chosen and the Beautiful is a queer fantastical reimagining ofThe Great Gatsby. The glittering opulence of the Jazz Age is tinged with demonic power and the supernatural. Familiar characters are all here. But they are deepened by Vos shimmering prose and sharp eye in regards to human nature. The characters come to life vividly on the page, marked by longing and love while also corrupted by decadence and greed. In many ways, this story transcends the original while also paying homage to a literary classic.

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Brian Stavely is an established voice in the fantasy genre, and withThe Empires Ruin he returns to the world he established in hisChronicles of the Unhewn Throne trilogy. Multiple POV characters show us the state of the world now, and the new conflicts that are arising. This series is full gods, magic, and mystery.The Empires Ruin is a classic epic fantasy novel that deepens the complexity of the world Stavely has built.

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The Mask of Mirrors is a new fantasy novel set in a glittering world of noble houses competing for power, and a dark underbelly of poverty and crime. Nightmares stalk the streets, stealing away children who return unable to sleep and die shortly after. Amidst all of this is a young woman who has returned to the city of her birth, set to con one of the noble houses.

Along the way she discovers mysteries and magic that go far deeper than she imagined. Into the dreams of the city, and into her own heart. This a great action-adventure story, with mysterious vigilantes that fight for justice, prophecies delivered via Tarot, and secret gods waiting underground. The second novel The Liars Knot is also out now, and this series just keeps getting better as it goes along.

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Tasha Suri has already established herself as an excellent fantasy author who draws from Indian culture and mythology in her previous work likeEmpire of Sand. In her newest novel The Jasmine Throne she takes inspiration from Indian epics to create a unique world. The story follows two women of very different backgrounds a princess and a maid who must learn to trust one another and work together to change the world and their own lives.

In a society where impure women are burned alive, these two struggle to survive the powerful forces set against them and empower themselves. A carefully constructed world with a simmering queer romance, and magical bonds. The story also delves into deep philosophy on the nature of Imperialism and the hierarchies we trap ourselves in.The Jasmine Throne is undeniably one of the best fantasy novels of 2021, and establishes Suri as an author in command of her own culture and voice.

Cover Art for A Dead Djinn In Cairo | Image via Tor/Forge

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The debut novel from Namina Forna has been highly anticipated for several years, and it does not disappoint.The Gilded Ones tells the story of Deka, a young woman with uncanny abilities raised in a society that fears them. She must undergo a ritual to prove that she is worthy of joining the village fully. But when the day comes her blood runs gold and reveals the truth of her magical nature. Deka finds a higher calling and a new purpose to fight for the emperor alongside others like her. This is a story about oppression, and how these characters survive and learn to thrive in a system designed to keep them in their place.

Image via Orbit Books

I have a soft spot for fairy-tale retellings and this year Hannah Whitten delivered on that front with her luminous novelFor The Wolf. On the surface this story takes on the familiar story of Red Riding Hood. However, it takes the basic concept and builds a whole world out of it. In a kingdom bordering an ancient forest, second daughters are given up to the Wolf in order to ensure protection.

In the vein of similar fairy-tale retellings like Uprooted andThe Bear and the Nightingale, the Wolf is no creature of darkness but a man who must sacrifice everything to stave off dark terrors. This magical story is full of twisted trees, bloody ritual, and deep magic. But the relationships are what make this story shine. Not only the simmering romance that pays off but also the relationship between the two sisters at the heart of the story. Their bond enriches both characters, and provides motivation and heartbreak for all involved. A beautifully reimagined fairy-tale full of heart and soul.

(Featured imageby Brandi Redd via Unsplash)

Emily O'Donnell is a writer and photographer with roots in some of the earliest online fandoms. She cut her genre teeth on the Wizard of Oz books at the tender age of 6 years old, and was reading epic adult fantasy novels by the age of 10. Decades later, she still consumes genre fiction like there is no tomorrow. She is delighted to be living through the golden age of sci-fi and fantasy popularity. She is unashamed of the amount of fanfiction that still lingers online under her name.

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