The realm of fantasy literature is a boundless expanse of imagination, where worlds are conjured from thin air and characters embark on quests that resonate with our deepest desires and fears. In 2025, this landscape is particularly vibrant, with many talented authors shaping the genre. Today, we delve into the works of five prominent fantasy writers who have made significant waves, capturing the hearts and minds of readers and critics alike.
Rebecca Yarros: The Heart of “Romantasy”
Rebecca Yarros has emerged as a powerhouse in the “romantasy” genre with her Empyrean series. In 2025, her novel Onyx Storm, the third installment, became a phenomenon. Continuing the saga of Violet Sorrengail and her dragon, Tairn, Onyx Storm delves into a world of war, political intrigue, and deeply emotional relationships.
A recurring theme in Yarros’s work is resilience. Her characters face overwhelming odds, yet they persevere, finding strength in their bonds and emotional connections. The series also explores love, loyalty, and self-discovery, all within a high-stakes fantasy setting. Yarros’s writing is deeply connected to music, with Taylor Swift’s albums as a significant inspiration. Onyx Storm, in particular, is described as “Rep coded,” aligning with themes from Swift’s Reputation album. Yarros also draws from her experience with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), infusing her characters with a unique perspective on overcoming physical limitations.
While critical reception has been mixed, with some noting pacing issues and reliance on tropes, the series’ immense popularity is undeniable. Yarros’s ability to create emotionally resonant characters and romantic relationships within a fantasy framework has struck a chord with a vast audience.
Suzanne Collins: Returning to Panem
Suzanne Collins, the literary titan behind The Hunger Games, returned to her dystopian world in 2025 with Sunrise on the Reaping. This prequel delves into the 50th Hunger Games and the unexpected reaping of young Haymitch Abernathy. The novel enriches the established lore of Panem, providing deeper insights into its political landscape and the events that shaped Haymitch.
Sunrise on the Reaping explores themes of power dynamics, sacrifice, and resilience. The Capitol’s control over the districts, the tributes’ impossible choices, and Haymitch’s struggle for survival are central to the narrative. Collins’s writing remains engaging and accessible, with vivid imagery and sharp dialogue bringing Panem to life. First-person narration allows readers to connect intimately with Haymitch’s harrowing experiences.
Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Collins for expanding her universe while deepening our understanding of beloved characters. Her exploration of relevant societal issues continues to resonate with contemporary readers.
Joe Abercrombie: The Gritty and the Grimdark
Joe Abercrombie, known for his gritty and morally ambiguous fantasy, introduced a new series in 2025 with The Devils. Set in an alternate medieval Europe infused with magic, the novel follows Brother Diaz and a group of convicted “monsters” on a perilous mission. This unlikely ensemble includes a thief, a cowardly monk, a cursed knight, a pirate, a narcissistic necromancer, an invisible elf, a geriatric vampire, and a werewolf.
A central element of The Devils is the “found family” dynamic. These morally questionable characters are forced to rely on each other, forming unexpected bonds. Abercrombie’s signature dark humor blends with scenes of intense violence, creating a unique reading experience. Key themes include redemption, morally grey characters, and the meaning of the soul.
Critical reception has been positive, with reviewers praising the book’s entertaining tone, even amidst the violence. This new work reinforces Abercrombie’s reputation as a master of “grimdark” fantasy, expanding his storytelling into a more overtly fantastical setting while retaining his core strengths.
T. Kingfisher: Whimsical and Dark Retellings
T. Kingfisher, the pen name of Ursula Vernon, enchanted readers in 2025 with A Sorceress Comes to Call, a dark and whimsical reimagining of “The Goose Girl.” The novel tells the story of Cordelia, the daughter of a manipulative sorceress, and her connection with Hester, a kind but astute woman.
Kingfisher blends fantasy, subtle horror, and a cozy, gothic atmosphere. Strong female characters and the theme of found family are central to the narrative. The novel offers a feminist reimagining of a classic fairy tale, emphasising the agency and resilience of its female characters.
The novel’s wit and dark humor characterise Kingfisher’s writing style. She creates immersive settings with a gothic undertone, enhancing her stories’ eerie yet cozy feel. Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, praising her enchanting storytelling and unique blend of genres.
R.F. Kuang: Intellect and the Underworld
R.F. Kuang, known for her intellectually stimulating works, released Katabasis in 2025. This dark academia novel follows academic rivals Alice Law and Peter Murdoch on a journey through Hell to obtain a recommendation letter. The narrative explores ambition, identity, and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their goals.
Katabasis stands out for exploring different interpretations of Hell, drawing from various religious, mythological, and philosophical traditions. The novel blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, embedding philosophical discussions within its fantastical framework. Kuang’s writing style is dense and filled with literary and mythological references. The non-linear structure reflects the thematic exploration of memory and the fragmented nature of Hell.
Critical reception has been divided, with some noting pacing issues and unlikeable protagonists. However, Kuang’s intellectual depth and creative world-building are widely acknowledged. Katabasis continues her trend of tackling complex subjects and challenging readers.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Fantasy
These five authors showcase a diverse range of narrative styles and storytelling approaches. Yarros and Collins primarily use first-person narration, creating intimacy. Abercrombie, Kingfisher, and Kuang employ third-person narration, allowing for broader perspectives. Thematic resonance varies from resilience and love in Yarros’s work to power and rebellion in Collins’s, found family in Abercrombie’s, feminist retellings in Kingfisher’s, and philosophical explorations in Kuang’s.
Each author has cultivated a distinctive voice and writing process. Yarros’s emotional engagement, Collins’s sharp accessibility, Abercrombie’s gritty humor, Kingfisher’s wit and enchantment, and Kuang’s intellectual density all contribute to their unique appeal.
Their diverse styles, themes, and narrative approaches highlight contemporary fantasy literature’s breadth and richness. Ultimately, fantasy’s enduring power lies in its ability to explore fundamental human experiences within imaginative and compelling worlds that continue to captivate and resonate with readers.
The Original Writers Group 