Best New Adult & College Fantasy Books of 2025

Hell Bent: A Novel (Alex Stern, 2) is a sequel to the smash New York Times bestseller Ninth House from #1 bestselling author Leigh Bardugo. The book follows Galaxy “Alex” Stern as she attempts to break Darlington out of purgatory, even if it costs her a future at Lethe and at Yale. Together with a team of dubious allies, they navigate a maze of arcane texts and bizarre artifacts to uncover the societies’ most closely guarded secrets. Bardugo’s signature twists and intricate world-building make Hell Bent a page-turner. Overall, this occult fiction book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark fantasy and magic-themed stories.

Six Scorched Roses by Aantnara is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series. The story follows Lilith, who strikes a bargain with a vampire named Vale to save her town from a god-cursed illness by offering him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood. But as their transaction becomes something more, Lilith realizes the danger of falling in love with a vampire. This dark and romantic tale with bite is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout. Overall, Six Scorched Roses is an intriguing and unique addition to the New Adult & College Fantasy Books category.

Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House is a spellbinding tale of magic, power, and privilege among Yale's elite. Alex Stern, the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class, is given a second chance to attend one of the world's most prestigious universities. However, she is tasked with monitoring the activities of Yale's secret societies, which are more sinister and extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive. Bardugo's long-awaited adult debut is a must-read for fans of literary fantasy writing. Ninth House is a unique and captivating addition to the occult fiction genre.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries: Book One of the Emily Wilde Series is a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series that follows Cambridge professor Emily Wilde's journey to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore. Emily is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people. But as she gets closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? The book is a beautifully written and vividly enchanting story that is perfect for fans of fantasy action and adventure books.

Out of the Silent Planet is the first book in C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, following Dr. Ransom's journey to Mars after being abducted by a physicist and his accomplice. With epic battles between light and dark forces, it has been described by The New York Times as having "real splendor" and "compelling moments." Lewis's storytelling is both enchanting and instructive, making it a timeless classic. This book is a must-read for fans of classic science fiction and those interested in moral concerns.

That Hideous Strength is the final book of C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, which follows Dr. Ransom's adventures against dark forces that threaten the planet Earth. The story involves a sinister technocratic organization and the return of the mighty wizard Merlin, who holds the key to ultimate power. Lewis's polished prose creates an elaborate satiric picture of a war between morality and devilry. The book is a timeless parable that has become beloved by succeeding generations for its sheer wonder of storytelling and the significance of its moral concerns.

Winterset Hollow is a dark fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world where fiction and reality collide. The story follows a group of friends who visit the place that inspired their favorite book, only to discover that the truth behind their beloved story is much darker and more dangerous than they ever imagined. Author Jonathan Edward Durham delivers complex, indelible characters and pulse-pounding action as the story races towards an unforgettable climax. Winterset Hollow is a uniquely original story filled with unexpected twists and turns that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

The second book in C. S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, Perelandra, takes readers on a thrilling interplanetary adventure as Dr. Ransom battles temptation and evil on a new planet. The fate of Perelandra hangs in the balance as it faces destruction from a malevolent being seeking to create a new world order. Will the planet succumb to corruption or achieve spiritual perfection? Lewis's writing is of the highest order, making this a must-read for fans of classic literature and science fiction.

The highly anticipated second installment of The Halfling Saga, "A Shadow Crown", picks up where the first book left off. Keera is the king's Blade, a feared assassin, and spy, but in the shadows, she works with Prince Killian and his Shadow, Riven, to plot the assassination of a tyrant king. Keera's past crimes follow her to the Faeland, where she finds herself the top suspect in a traitor's midst. With stunning world-building and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, this high fantasy novel is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas's "Throne of Glass" series. Melissa Blair's diverse cast of characters will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

Aeternum (Vincula Realm) is the second and final book in the Vincula Realm duology and must be read after The Umbra King. The story follows Rory, who finds herself in Erdikoa with no memory of the last three months and orders to keep her release a secret. As she tries to acclimate to her new life, she can't shake the feeling that something or someone is missing. The book is filled with mystery, romance, and twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Overall, Aeternum is a unique and captivating fantasy romance book that is not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to mature language and situations.