As 2021 begins, new exciting fantasy books are on the horizon. Whether they bring unique worlds, gripping characters, breathtaking action or moving relationships, these stories have something to tantalize every bookworm.
Are you on the look out for your next favorite novel? If so, this list could have just what you need.
Here are 5 new fantasy books coming out in January 2021:
- Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
- Brother Red by Adrian Selby
- Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift
- The Frozen Crown by Greta Kelly
- Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder
I’ve included book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book below. If you’d prefer a quick summary, here’s a comparison chart.
And for more new fantasy books, here’s a collection of the latest ones.
Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Description
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. A brutal war of succession has plunged the court of Kingfountain into a power struggle between a charitable king who took the crown unlawfully and his ambitious rival, Devon Argentine. The balance of power between the two men hinges on the fate of a young boy ensnared in this courtly intrigue. A boy befittingly nicknamed Ransom.
When the Argentine family finally rules, Ransom must make his own way in the world. Opportunities open and shut before him as he journeys along the path to knighthood, blind to a shadowy conspiracy of jealousy and revenge. Securing his place will not be easy, nor will winning the affection of Lady Claire de Murrow, a fiery young heiress from an unpredictably mad kingdom.
Ransom interrupts an abduction plot targeting the Queen of Ceredigion and earns a position in service to her son, the firstborn of the new Argentine dynasty. But conflict and treachery threaten the family, and Ransom must also come to understand and hone his burgeoning powers—abilities that involve more than his mastery with a blade and that make him as much a target as his lord.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.59
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
First on our list of new fantasy books coming out in 2021 is Knight’s Ransom. An Arthurian-inspired tale, this fast-paced, intrigue-filled novel dazzled fans with its legendary elements, heart-pounding action, and appealing protagonist.
These readers described Ransom as an intriguing character who they couldn’t help but admire. In an often cutthroat world, Ransom insists on living out his high moral standards, even as he encounters heartbreaking situations where his knightly code of honor can’t guide him. Fans cared for and rooted for him throughout the book, whether that be through the court intrigues, betrayals or during the battles.
Speaking of which, Knight’s Ransom’s vivid tournaments, suspenseful sword-fights, and more, delighted fans. They described themselves as completely immersed, feeling the adrenaline, viciousness of the fight and fear of death. The book kept them on the edge of their seats and eager to see what would happen next.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Knight’s Ransom, what did they say? For the most part, critics said that they found it difficult to connect with the characters. This is because they didn’t feel they had enough time to get to know them before the plot took off.
Brother Red by Adrian Selby
Description
When the trade caravan Driwna Marghoster was hired to protect is attacked, she discovers a dead body hidden inside a barrel. Born of the powerful but elusive Oskoro people, the body is a rare and priceless find, the centre of a tragic tale and the key to a larger mystery…
For when Driwna investigates who the body was meant for, she will find a trail of deceit and corruption which could bring down a kingdom, and an evil more powerful than she can imagine.
From the author of the critically acclaimed Snakewood and The Winter Road comes a gritty and epic standalone adventure that’s perfect for fans of Mark Lawrence, Joe Abercrombie and Andrzej Sapkowski’s the Witcher.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.01
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
What’s second on our list of new fantasy books coming out in January 2021? It’s a grim-dark story fans praised as a thrilling dark mystery and adventure: Brother Red.
Describing Brother Red as a harrowing and emotional tale, fans said it had a cast of likeable, living-and-breathing characters. Each had a distinct personality, as well as unique personal history and motives. Because of this, fans described themselves as growing more and more attached to them throughout the story. Add to that the multi-layered, authentic relationships and these readers needed to know what would happen to the characters next.
Due to their closeness to the characters, readers found it easy to experience both the beauty and the tragedy in this story. Whether it was the mystery plot, political intrigue, uncovered corruption and brutal action scenes, fans praised the story as atmospheric and intense.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? For the most part, readers focused on the writing style. Some described it as hard to acclimate to it, since they found the characters’ speaking mannerisms confusing or thought the exposition was lengthy.
Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift
Description
Adraa is the royal heir of Belwar, a talented witch on the cusp of taking her royal ceremony test, and a girl who just wants to prove her worth to her people.
Jatin is the royal heir to Naupure, a competitive wizard who’s mastered all nine colors of magic, and a boy anxious to return home for the first time since he was a child.
Together, their arranged marriage will unite two of Wickery’s most powerful kingdoms. But after years of rivalry from afar, Adraa and Jatin only agree on one thing: their reunion will be anything but sweet.
Only, destiny has other plans and with the criminal underbelly of Belwar suddenly making a move for control, their paths cross…and neither realizes who the other is, adopting separate secret identities instead.
Between dodging deathly spells and keeping their true selves hidden, the pair must learn to put their trust in the other if either is to uncover the real threat. Now Wickery’s fate is in the hands of rivals..? Fiancées..? Partners..? Whatever they are, it’s complicated and bound for greatness or destruction.
The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Susan Dennard, and Mary E. Pearson.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.03
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of new fantasy books coming out in January 2021 is Cast in Firelight. This action-packed mystery story delighted fans with its world and sweet ‘rivals-to-lovers’ romance.
Inspired by India, the story’s world came across to readers as refreshing and tantalizing. Fans were riveted by this setting, as well as the intriguing story elements woven into Cast in Firelight: secret identities, vigilante justice, a pantheon of gods and goddesses, criminal underworlds and more.
Several described the romance between Adraa and Jatin as sweet and touching as well. Filled with banter and conflict, their relationship grew organically from the moment the two met. In particular, fans praised it for not being ‘love at first sight’, and instead focusing on the two gaining more respect and admiration for the other as they slowly learned more about one another.
Negative Comments
For the most part, these readers said that Adraa and Jatin came across as underdeveloped, which made them and their romance difficult to get emotionally invested in. For some, this was because they didn’t get a clear sense of their backstories or motivations, while others said they had little to differentiate them from standard Young Adult protagonists.
The Frozen Crown by Greta Kelly
Description
A princess with a powerful and dangerous secret must find a way to save her country from ruthless invaders in this exciting debut fantasy, the first novel in a thrilling duology packed with heroism, treachery, magic, and war.
Askia became heir to the Frozen Crown of Seravesh because of her devotion to her people. But her realm is facing a threat she cannot defeat by sheer will alone. The mad emperor of the Roven Empire has unleashed a horde of invading soldiers to enslave her lands.
For months, her warriors have waged a valiant, stealth battle, yet they cannot stop the enemy’s advancement. Running out of time, she sets sail for sun-drenched Vishir, the neighboring land to the south, to seek help from its ruler, Emperor Armaan.
A young woman raised in army camps, Askia is ill-equipped to navigate Vishir’s labyrinthine political games. Her every move sinks her deeper into court intrigues which bewilder and repel her, leaving her vulnerable not only to enemies gathering at Vishir’s gates, but to those behind the palace walls.
And in this glittering court, where secrets are worth more than gold, Askia fears that one false step will expose her true nature. For Askia is a witch gifted with magical abilities — knowledge that could destroy not only her life but her people. As her adversaries draw closer, Askia is forced to make an impossible choice — and no matter what she decides, it may not be enough to prevent Seravesh’s fall.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.98
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Dubbed a ‘hidden gem’ by fans, The Frozen Crown is next on our list of new fantasy books coming out in January 2021. Centered on an intelligent, capable princess, this story treated readers to a thrilling tale filled with politics, war and magic.
These readers described themselves as enthralled until The Frozen Crown’s very last page. Seeing Askia, the protagonist, navigate a new culture, experiencing betrayals, and weaving her own web of political intrigue, captivated readers. Whether it was the court drama, conspiracies or unpredictable situations and choices, this story grabbed them.
Moreover, while every character struck fans as engaging and relatable, Askia was a favorite. While strong-willed and brave, she also came across as human and vulnerable, especially when forced to make extraordinarily tough decisions. Readers found themselves rooting for her the entire time.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including The Frozen Crown. What did they say?
Overall, these readers had two reasons. The first were that they found court drama unengaging, though they mentioned that this was because they were readers who didn’t find political intrigue interesting in general.
Others said that they found Askia annoying, particularly in the beginning of the book. Her refusal to understand and work with a new cultural and political system she desperately needed help from – expecting it cater to her instead – came across as bratty.
Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder
Description
Raise. Your. Phantom.
For fans of epic fantasies and sweeping adventures, this ensemble cast will immerse you in a world of unique magic, breathtaking action and unforgettable characters.
In a world on the brink of the next Great Dying, no amount of training can prepare us for what is to come …
A young heir will raise the most powerful phantom in all of Baiseen.
A dangerous High Savant will do anything to control the nine realms.
A mysterious and deadly Mar race will steal children into the sea.
And a handsome guide with far too many secrets will make me fall in love.
My name is Ash. A lowly scribe meant to observe and record. And yet I think I’m destined to surprise us all.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.98
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Bristling with danger, action, and a unique magic system, Crown of Bones is next on our list of fantasy books coming out in January 2021. What did readers say?
First, fans raved over Crown of Bones’ many fascinating and loveable characters. Whether it was the protagonists or the supporting cast, these characters won readers’ hearts and created an authentic sense of friendship and romance in their relationships. Taking the treacherous journey with them through land and sea was a treat, with these characters making it easy to get invested in the story as it unfolded.
On top of that, fans said that the multiple character perspectives and a magic system based on phantoms made the world immersive and fascinating. Many praised the book as impossible to put down, saying they found themselves on the edges of their seats all the way through the book’s explosive finale.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? These readers said that while the beginning of the book grabbed them, they found it difficult to engage with the rest of the book. Some said this was because it didn’t feel like the story had serious consequences for the characters failing. Without this danger, it didn’t convey a sense of suspense or stakes.
5 Best New Fantasy Books Coming Out in January 2021
How Do These Fantasy Novels Compare?
