As I’m writing this, it’s December 2019 and the new year is around the corner. Given that, what great new fantasy novels is 2020 bringing us and which ones are coming out the soonest?
Here are five exciting new fantasy books coming out in early 2020:
- The Black Leviathan by Bernd Perplies
- Blood Brothers: Dragon Wars by Craig Halloran
- Valdor: Birth of the Imperium by Chris Wraight
- Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim
- The Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin
Since these fantasy novels haven’t been released yet, several don’t have reviews. However, readers who’ve received copies in advance have provided ratings to help us get a sense of what they thought about the books.
I’ve included the ratings as well as when each fantasy book is releasing. For a quick view, here’s a chart comparing them as well.
The Black Leviathan by Bernd Perplies
Description
Beware! A shadow will cover you, larger than that cast by any other dragon of this world. Black as the lightless chasm from whence it was born at the beginning of time.
In the coastal city Skargakar, residents make a living from hunting dragons and use them for everything from clothing to food, while airborne ships hunt them in the white expanse of a cloud sea, the Cloudmere.
Lian does his part carving the kyrillian crystals that power the ships through the Cloudmere, but when he makes an enemy of a dangerous man, Lian ships out on the next vessel available as a drachenjager, or dragon hunter.
He chooses the wrong ship. A fanatic captain, hunts more than just any dragon. His goal is the Firstborn Gargantuan — and Adaron is prepared to sacrifice everything for revenge.
What Do Pre-Release Reviewers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.00
Most Common Rating: 4
Release Date: February 25th, 2020
Blood Brothers: Dragon Wars by Craig Halloran
Description
A fearless pair of brothers who always seem to find trouble…
After years of hiding from a terrible past, Grey Cloak and Dyphestive abandon their duties and search for something new. Unaware of the powerful bloodline coursing through their veins, they set out to uncover their own fortune.
But misfortune finds them first…
Battling thieves, hermits, and dragons is only the beginning as a company of notorious adventurers led by a mysterious wizard threatens to tear them apart.
Relying on their wits, wiles, and each other, the brothers fight for survival in the middle of a brewing dragon war. But will an unknown and perilous calamity destroy them before they can save themselves and the rest of the world?
What Do Pre-Release Reviewers Say?
Goodreads Rating: TBA
Most Common Rating: TBA
Release Date: January 30th, 2020
Valdor: Birth of the Imperium by Chris Wraight
Description
Constantin Valdor. It is a name that brings forth images of heroism, honour and peerless duty. For it is he who commands the will of the Legio Custodes that most esteemed and dedicated cadre of elite warriors.
He is the Emperor’s sword, His shield, His banner and he knows no equal. Clad in shining auramite, his fist clenched around the haft of his Guardian Spear, he is the bulwark against all enemies of the throne, within or without.
Nearing the end of the wars of Unity, Valdor’s courage and purpose is put to the test as never before. The petty warlords and tyrants of Old Earth have been all but vanquished, and the Emperor’s armies are triumphant.
What now for the nascent Imperium and what fate its forgotten soldiers, its Thunder Warriors and armies of Unity? A new force is rising, one which shall eclipse all others and open the way to the stars.
But change on Terra is seldom bloodless and for progress to be ensured, darker deeds are necessary.
What Do Pre-Release Reviewers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.83
Most Common Rating: 5
Release Date: February 4th, 2020
Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim
Description
Packed with high-stakes adventure, romance, and dueling identities, this gender-swapped retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo is the first novel in an epic YA fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo.
When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence on the debtor ship where she’s been held captive for years.
Instead, the man she saved offers her unimaginable riches and a new identity, setting Amaya on a perilous course through the coastal city-state of Moray, where old-world opulence and desperate gamblers collide.
Amaya wants one thing: revenge against the man who ruined her family and stole the life she once had. But the more entangled she becomes in this game of deception — and as her path intertwines with the son of the man she’s plotting to bring down — the more she uncovers about the truth of her past.
And the more she realizes she must trust no one…
What Do Pre-Release Reviewers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.90
Most Common Rating: 5
Release Date: January 7th, 2020
Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin
Description
One girl must make a name for herself – or die trying – in this royal fantasy where an unknown peasant becomes the ultimate ruler. But how long can she keep the crown if everyone wants her dead?
Everyone expected the king’s daughter would inherit the throne. No one expected me.
It shouldn’t even be possible. I’m Nameless, a class of citizens so disrespected, we don’t even get names. Heck, dozens of us have been going missing for months and no one seems to care.
But there’s no denying the tattoo emblazoned on my arm. I am queen. In a palace where the corridors are more dangerous the streets, though, how could I possibly rule? And what will become of the Nameless if I don’t?
What Do Pre-Release Reviewers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.79
Most Common Rating: 5
Release Date: January 7th, 2020
New Fantasy Books Coming Out in Early 2020
How Do These Fantasy Novels Compare?
Top 5 New Fantasy Books Coming Out in Early 2020
- The Black Leviathan by Bernd Perplies
- Blood Brothers: Dragon Wars by Craig Halloran
- Valdor: Birth of the Imperium by Chris Wraight
- Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim
- The Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin
Related: New fantasy books coming out in 2020
