10 Adult Contemporary Fantasy Books
Contemporary fantasy merges the magic of myth and legend with the buzz of modern life. Picture ancient sorcerers who frequent coffee shops, or enchanted realms lurking just behind sleek skyscrapers. These ten captivating reads whisk you into magical worlds filled with fierce heroines, dark secrets, and heart-racing adventures. Ready to dive in?
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
🎪 Step into a world of glittering enchantments and forbidden love.
The Night Circus appears without warning—a carnival of wonder that’s open only after sunset. Amidst dazzling illusions, magicians Celia and Marco are bound in a duel where only one can survive. But fate has other plans, and their dangerous game turns into a mesmerizing love story.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Morgenstern’s poetic prose creates a sensory feast that immerses you in a world where magic and romance twine like silk ribbons.
2. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
🇺🇸 Old gods vs. new gods in a battle for modern faith.
When Shadow Moon is released from prison, he meets the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday, who ropes him into a bizarre road trip across America. As gods from ancient myth clash with modern deities, Shadow grapples with his place in a magical war.
💭 Why it’s compelling: Gaiman’s vivid storytelling explores the shifting sands of belief while offering a thrilling ride through a richly imagined contemporary landscape.
3. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
🧙♀️ A spellbinding tale of forbidden love and ancient secrets.
Diana Bishop, a scholar and reluctant witch, discovers a mysterious alchemical manuscript at Oxford’s Bodleian Library. When the dangerously alluring vampire Matthew Clairmont enters her life, she’s thrust into a world of magic, intrigue, and forbidden passion.
💭 Why you’ll swoon: Diana and Matthew’s sizzling chemistry is as intoxicating as the ancient secrets they unravel together.
4. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
USA TODAY BESTSELLER
NATIONAL INDIE BESTSELLER
THE WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER
Recommended by Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, NPR, Slate, and Oprah Magazine
#1 Library Reads Pick—October 2020
#1 Indie Next Pick—October 2020
BOOK OF THE YEAR (2020) FINALIST—Book of The Month Club
🌙 A haunting story of immortality and love.
In 18th-century France, Addie makes a Faustian bargain to live forever—at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets. Centuries later, she encounters a man who remembers her, setting the stage for an unforgettable romance.
💭 Why it tugs at your heart: Schwab crafts a timeless story of love, longing, and resilience that resonates across lifetimes.
5. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
🏙️ When cities come alive, heroes rise.
New York City is on the brink of destruction, and five diverse avatars must come together to defend it from a sinister, otherworldly threat. With pulse-pounding action and vibrant characters, Jemisin delivers a fresh take on urban fantasy.
💭 Why it’s brilliant: Jemisin masterfully weaves social commentary with magical realism, creating a story as dynamic as the city itself.
6. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
🌸 Sisterhood, curses, and a love that defies destiny.
The Owens sisters come from a long line of witches, but their family is cursed when it comes to love. As they navigate heartbreak, magic, and unexpected romance, they discover the power of love and family bonds.
💭 Why it enchants: Hoffman’s lyrical prose and unforgettable characters make this a spellbinding tale of resilience and magic.
7. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
🔮 A dystopian London where clairvoyants are hunted.
Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld, using her clairvoyant abilities to gather intelligence. When she’s captured and sent to a brutal penal colony, she uncovers a hidden world of rebellion and forbidden love.
💭 Why it’s thrilling: Shannon’s intricate world-building and fierce heroine will have you on the edge of your seat.
8. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
10th Anniversary Edition of Midnight Riot by #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Aaronovitch, the first book in the international bestselling Rivers of London series!
Restored to its original British title Rivers of London, this Author’s Preferred Edition includes revised text never before seen by US readers and a new introduction by the author.
🚔 A magical detective story with a charming twist.
Peter Grant, a rookie cop in London, discovers he has a knack for magic and becomes an apprentice to a seasoned wizard-detective. Together, they investigate supernatural crimes across the city.
💭 Why it’s delightful: Witty banter, gripping mysteries, and a richly imagined magical London make this series addictive.
9. Half-Resurrection Blues by Daniel José Older
💀 Supernatural noir with a heart of gold.
Carlos Delacruz is a half-dead agent working for a secret organization that polices supernatural activity in New York City. When a dangerous plot threatens both the living and the dead, Carlos must navigate magic, danger, and love.
💭 Why it stands out: Older’s gritty, fast-paced storytelling is infused with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters.
10. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
🏠 A heartwarming fantasy with a touch of magic.
Linus Baker is a by-the-book caseworker for magical orphans. When he’s sent to a remote island to evaluate a mysterious group of children and their enigmatic caretaker, his life is forever changed.
💭 Why it fills your soul: This whimsical, heartwarming tale reminds us that love and acceptance are the most powerful forms of magic.
Your Turn: Share the Magic
These spellbinding books are just the tip of the wand when it comes to contemporary fantasy. Which enchanting tales have captured your heart? Share your favorites below—because there’s always room for more magic on our shelves! ✨📚
