One of the great benefits of the fantasy novel is that the setting can be, quite literally, anywhere at all. Stories can be told in any world the author can imagine, unbound by geography or history or even the pesky time-space continuum.
 
With this collection, we’re spotlighting speculative fiction since 2020—on both adult and YA shelves—that reflects this hyper-global approach. Fantasy has evolved beyond its traditional medieval European roots, thank the demigods. Here you’ll find stories inspired by the folklore of South America, the mythology of Arabia and Africa, and the legends of ancient China.
 
For some of these books, “the real world” serves as a vague reference point. We’ve got magical alt-history in 1893 Boston, alchemy in 1912 Cairo, or ghosts (and romance) in modern-day Los Angeles. You can go back in time to discover nascent settlements along the spice roads. Or you can go for broke and read about multiple sentient cities around the world.
 
The books collected below are divided into adult and YA fantasy (although you’ll find some inevitable crossover titles). We’ve also included promising upcoming fantasy titles at the end of each category listing.  
 
Click through the book cover images below for more details on each individual title, and feel free to add anything interesting to your Want to Read shelf.
 

Want to Read saving… Want to Read Currently Reading Read

Want to Read saving…

Want to Read saving…