10 Adult High Fantasy Books That Will Make You Believe in Magic Again

Remember those epic fantasies you loved as a kid? Well, “Black Sun” takes that feeling and amps it up for adults. Imagine a world inspired by ancient civilizations, where prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic clash. It’s intense!

The story follows multiple characters whose destinies intertwine on the day of a rare solar eclipse. You’ll meet a powerful priestess, a skilled sea captain with a magical voice, and a young man marked for greatness. If you’re looking for a sweeping adult high fantasy book with captivating characters and a unique setting, this one might be your next obsession.

Get ready for a gritty and exciting fantasy adventure! “Mistborn” by Brandon Sanderson drops you into a world where ash falls from the sky and magic exists. But it’s not your typical fairytale magic – it’s a complex system of metal-based powers called Allomancy.

The story follows Vin, a street urchin who discovers she’s a Mistborn, someone with the rare ability to use all the Allomantic powers. She joins a charismatic rebel leader named Kelsier in a daring plan to overthrow the tyrannical Lord Ruler. This adult high fantasy has it all: political intrigue, heists, rebellion, and a touch of romance. If you want a book that’ll keep you turning pages late into the night, this one’s for you. And if you love it, you can dive into Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe next!

Imagine a world where everything has a spirit, from trees to rivers, but those spirits can turn deadly. That’s the backdrop of “Queen of Blood,” a captivating adult high fantasy. It’s perfect if you loved magical worlds growing up and want something a little more mature now.

The story follows two characters: Daleina, a quiet young woman training to be queen, and Ven, a disgraced warrior. They’re both fighting to protect their land from the vengeful spirits. However, their methods clash, and they must learn to trust each other to survive. This book has a unique magic system, strong female characters, and plenty of action. If you’re looking for a fresh new fantasy world to explore, give “Queen of Blood” a try!

If you devoured fantasy novels as a kid, “Assassin’s Apprentice” is your gateway back to that sense of wonder, but with a grown-up twist. This adult high fantasy follows Fitz, a royal bastard raised in a castle full of secrets and intrigue.

Despite his lowly status, Fitz possesses a rare magical ability and is secretly trained as an assassin to protect the kingdom. However, he’s torn between duty and his own moral compass. It’s a coming-of-age story filled with courtly drama, political machinations, and magical battles. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in Fitz’s world, rooting for him every step of the way.

If you’re looking to dive back into the magic of fantasy as an adult, “The Jasmine Throne” is a great pick. It’s a lush, Indian-inspired adult high fantasy that transports you to a world of forbidden magic and political intrigue.

This book follows a captive princess and a maidservant with a hidden power. They form an unlikely alliance to challenge a cruel empire. Their journeys of self-discovery and resistance are absolutely captivating. Plus, the slow-burn romance adds another layer of depth. “The Jasmine Throne” is a perfect choice if you want a fantasy novel with diverse characters, rich world-building, and a touch of forbidden love.

If you’re looking for an adult high fantasy that will blow your mind, “The Fifth Season” is it. N.K. Jemisin crafts a world where catastrophic “seasons” ravage the land, and people with earth-controlling powers are both feared and exploited.

The story unfolds through three different timelines and perspectives, each more gripping than the last. You’ll meet Essun, a mother searching for her missing daughter amidst a devastating season. Damaya, a young girl discovering her dangerous powers. And Syenite, an apprentice learning to navigate a harsh society. The writing is powerful, the characters complex, and the world-building breathtaking. Trust me, this book will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

If you’re craving a truly epic adult high fantasy adventure, look no further than “The Priory of the Orange Tree.” It’s a sprawling tale of magic, dragons, political intrigue, and strong female characters. Think Game of Thrones but with dragons, and way more feminist.

The story unfolds across different continents, following multiple characters with interconnected fates. You’ll meet a queen under threat, a secret mage sworn to protect her, a dragonrider with a dangerous secret, and a young woman who forms a bond with a water dragon. If you love complex plots, diverse characters, and a world steeped in history and mythology, this book will transport you to a whole new realm.

Remember those enchanting tales of English magic you read as a kid? Well, “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” takes that nostalgia and elevates it to a whole new level. This adult high fantasy novel transports you to 19th-century England, where magic is real but long forgotten.

Two very different magicians emerge to revive it: the scholarly and reserved Mr. Norrell, and the bold, charismatic Jonathan Strange. But their approaches clash, and their rivalry threatens to unravel everything. This book isn’t your typical fast-paced fantasy. It’s a slow burn, full of historical detail, witty dialogue, and a unique magic system rooted in English folklore. If you’re up for a literary adventure that feels like stepping back in time, this is the book for you.

If you enjoyed epic fantasies growing up but crave something grittier, “The Poppy War” is a must-read. This adult high fantasy novel draws inspiration from Chinese history and mythology, weaving a tale of war, magic, and vengeance. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart!

Our protagonist, Rin, is a war orphan determined to escape her bleak future. She claws her way into an elite military academy but soon discovers she possesses a rare and dangerous power. When war breaks out, Rin’s abilities become crucial to her country’s survival. However, her power comes at a steep price. This book is dark, violent, and emotionally intense, but it’s also incredibly well-written and thought-provoking. If you’re ready for a fantasy that challenges you, “The Poppy War” will leave a lasting impression.

If you’re craving a unique adult high fantasy with a blend of magic and martial arts, “Jade City” is a must-read. Imagine a world where jade grants superhuman abilities to those who can wear it. The story takes place in Kekon, an island ruled by two powerful Green Bone clans, each with their own traditions and ambitions.

The Kaul family, leaders of the No Peak clan, struggle to maintain peace and honor amid rising tensions with their rivals. When conflict erupts, they must fight to protect their legacy and the future of their city. Think “The Godfather” with martial arts magic! This book has it all: complex family dynamics, political intrigue, heart-pounding action, and a fascinating magic system.