40 Best Fantasy Books of 2026: Sci-Fi Worlds and Quests to Discover
A year of varied stories
This year’s books explore a wide range of science fiction and fantasy, from space operas and cyberpunk thrillers to adventures involving gods. Some stories feature assassins facing an alien invasion, while another premise involves a failed attempt to clone the founding fathers.
The list also includes stories about app-based love and artificial intelligence, alongside a wolf bent on killing the human race. The range is intended to suit readers with different interests in the genres.
Familiar authors return
Established writers Jim Butcher and Matt Dinniman have new releases among the selections. Dinniman has two books in the mix, and an upcoming television show is also mentioned.
Emily St. John Mandel, known for Station Eleven, is set to return toward the end of the year with a hopeful futuristic tale.
More books ahead in 2026
As the year progresses, additional releases are expected to add to the choices available to readers. The list is set to be updated as 2026 continues. The books offer an alternative for readers after the year’s major entertainment draws, including The Odyssey and the World Cup, as well as the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three.
Key points
- The picks cover space opera, cyberpunk, artificial intelligence, and fantasy quests.
- Jim Butcher and Matt Dinniman are among the returning authors.
- Emily St. John Mandel has a hopeful futuristic story expected toward year’s end.
- The selections are expected to grow as more books arrive in 2026.