Every year, I read (and listen to) as much fantasy and sci-fi as I can get my hands on, from epic fantasies to cozy comfort reads, and not enough sci-fi. Looking back at what I read last year, I came up with this list of the best fantasy and sci-fi books of 2025. These are the stories that stood out to me from either the world, heroes and heroines, or just all-around fantastic storytelling. If you’re looking for your next great fantasy or sci-fi read, you’ll find plenty of recommendations here.
Best Audio Book
My poor audio books didn’t stand a chance as soon as the husband and I started listening to The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien read by Andy Serkis. That man doesn’t just play Gollum! He can do dwarves, orcs, wizards, elves, anything. I bet he could do the sea dragons in my short story collection. 😄
Best Fantasy World
Ooh. This one’s hard because I enjoyed all the magical plants in The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst and the enchanting wintery world of Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar. But the award has to go to Roshar in the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. It’s so layered and well-developed, and there’s always another secret!
Best Hero
This award has to go to Wayne in The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson. Wayne’s one of my favorite characters Sanderson has created; he’s silly/goofy, yet has a a serious, kind side. In this book, he learns what a true hero is and makes the ultimate sacrifice to save those he cares about. Good job, Wayne!
Best Heroine
El is not the average heroine: she doesn’t seem to care about people, she’s sassy, and everyone thinks she’s going to turn into some dark sorceress. I love El becomes she tries so hard not to be an evil sorceress, though it would be much easier to give in. And, spoiler alert: she succeeds!
Best (Scariest) Villain
A lot of the books I read in 2025 didn’t have very wicked or evil antagonists. But Midnight in Everwood did; King Milan keeps the main character as basically a tool to entertain his guests. But even more frightening is Dr. Drosselmeier, in part because he’s so charming and powerful. His magic, cleverness, and desire are a dangerous combination.
Best Magical Creature
Out of the fantasy & sci-fi books I read in 2025 with magical creatures, I was torn between the winged cats in The Spellshop/The Enchanted Greenhouse and the larkin in Dawnshard. The cat in The Enchanted Greenhouse, however, won me over. He’s so sweet and cuddly and perfect for this cozy fantasy!
Best Brandon Sanderson Book
I read eight Sanderson books this year! Including some of his novellas. My favorite was probably The Way of Kings. Starting a new epic fantasy is always exciting, like going on a trip somewhere new. It’s daunting too, because of all those names, places, and how the world works (you can do what with light?!). But mostly exciting. Also, I love Kaladin in this book and really empathized with him and enjoyed watching him grow. Now if he would only remember what he’s learned in the next books!
Confused by all these Brandon Sanderson books? Check out this post to help you decide which Sanderson book to start with or to read next.
Best Indie-Published Book
I didn’t read many indie-published books in 2025. It’s hard when they’re not at the library. Echo Nova by Clint Hall was a fun one about a time travel film star. Yes, you read that right! Now go read the book. The audio version is delightful.
Best Middle Grade Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book
If you want a light-hearted book about a magical castle, then look no further! Tuesdays at the Castle is filled with family, humor, and secrets. Great for any age (that can read 😄).
Best YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book
I was excited, and a little leery, to dive into another Hunger Games book. They’re so emotionally intense, and I wasn’t a huge fan of Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I needn’t have worried; Sunrise on the Reaping was just as emotionally ripping as I expected (though I didn’t cry!) and more of what I expected than Ballad. I highly recommend if you’re a fan of The Hunger Games books (just have a box of tissues at the ready)!
Best Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book
2025 was filled with more adult books than YA books; I guess I’m finally growing up! 😄 It was hard to narrow down my favorite, and I picked this one more because of its cleverness and uniqueness than because it was my all-time favorite. The primness of these Victorian ladies contrasted with their ability to use firearms and adeptness at thievery was fascinating and hilarious. (Be warned, it does have some heat/spice.)
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Reread
I typically reread a few books each year. There’s just something so familiar and comforting about it, like hanging out with old friends. This year, I reread the Narnia series, The Fellowship of the Ring, the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik, Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, and Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Besides listening to Andy Serkis read The Fellowship of the Ring, I enjoyed Princess Academy the most. I have good memories about this childhood favorite, and it’s also just a delightful story with a cozy, wintery vibe.
Best Sci-Fi Book
I only read three of these books in 2025. Whoops! I hope to read more this year. My favorite wasn’t even that strongly sci-fi; it was basically just dragons in space. But it was so fun and had no romance or annoying teen drama! Just dragon-planets, spaceships, and epic battles. 🙌
Want sci-fi books without all the science? Check out this list of 25 books!
Best Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book by a New (to me) Author
This was a close tie between The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis and Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao. They’re both so different. The former is a funny, snarky story about a woman’s family who’s thrown into a magical school when her daughter’s bit by a werewolf. Water Moon is a dreamy, magical realism book about a pawn-broker’s daughter on a search for her parents. I’ll definitely read works by these authors again!
Best Non-Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book
I do try to read other genres throughout the years. I don’t typically read romances, but this Christmas, I was craving something sweet and Christmas-y. This book popped up on my searches, and it has no spice, which is such a rare thing these days! It was everything I was looking for.
Best Nonfiction Book
My dad gave me this book last Christmas, and I thoroughly enjoyed thumbing through the beautifully illustrated pages and learning about our national parks. And dreaming about which ones to visit next!
What were some of your favorite books of 2025?
