Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Paranormal and urban fantasy books are a popular genre among readers who enjoy a mix of supernatural and contemporary elements. These books often feature vampires, werewolves, witches, and other mystical creatures, set in modern-day cities or towns. Readers can expect a blend of romance, action, and suspense, as well as imaginative world-building and unique supernatural powers. Popular titles include the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, and the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure or a steamy romance, paranormal and urban fantasy books have something for everyone.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

A Court of Thorns and Roses Cover #TOP 1
A Court of Thorns and Roses
ftb score rating icon 9.9
A Court of Mist and Fury Cover #TOP 2
A Court of Mist and Fury
ftb score rating icon 9.8
A Court of Wings and Ruin Cover #TOP 3
A Court of Wings and Ruin
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Books

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Maas, Sarah J.
Bloomsbury Publishing
Jun 2, 2020
A Court of Thorns and Roses Cover
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is a breathtaking blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore that follows the story of Feyre, a huntress who is dragged to a magical land ruled by lethal faeries. As she adapts to her new home, Feyre's feelings for her captor, Tamlin, transform from hostility to passion. However, an ancient and wicked shadow is growing in the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it before it dooms Tamlin and his world forever. Maas has created a dazzling world, complex characters, and sizzling romance in this seductive and action-packed fairytale.

A Court of Mist and Fury

Maas, Sarah J.
Bloomsbury Publishing
Jun 2, 2020
A Court of Mist and Fury Cover
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2)

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas is a seductive and stunning sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses. The story follows Feyre as she struggles with the aftermath of her trials and her upcoming marriage to Tamlin, all while navigating a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power. As a greater evil looms, Feyre must decide how to harness her harrowing gifts and heal her fractured soul to shape the future of a world in turmoil. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this action-packed series to new heights. The book is fiercely romantic, irresistibly sexy, and hypnotically magical, making it a must-read for fans of dark, lush, sexy fantasy.

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Maas, Sarah J.
Bloomsbury Publishing
Jun 2, 2020
A Court of Wings and Ruin Cover
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 3)

A Court of Wings and Ruin is the third novel in the Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. The story follows Feyre as she returns to the Spring Court to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn about the invading king threatening her land. She must play a deadly game of deceit and balance her struggle to master her powers and political game while fighting for her court and family. This book is a true page-turner with suspense, romance, intrigue, and action. Maas creates a complex world with alluring characters that will leave readers wanting more.

A Court of Frost and Starlight

Maas, Sarah J.
Bloomsbury Publishing
Jun 2, 2020
A Court of Frost and Starlight Cover
A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 4)

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas is a tender addition to the Court of Thorns and Roses series. The book bridges the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin and upcoming books. Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are trying to recover from the war and rebuild the Night Court. As Winter Solstice approaches, the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. Feyre's concern for those dearest to her deepens, and scars from the war have far-reaching effects on their court. A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the fierce love between friends and the effects of a devastating war. This book is perfect for fans of dark, lush, sexy fantasy.

#TOP 5

House of Flame and Shadow

Maas, Sarah J.
Jan 30, 2024
House of Flame and Shadow Cover
House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City, 3)

The stunning third book in the sexy, action-packed Crescent City series, following the global bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath.. Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.. Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.. In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt's world is brought to the brink of collapse-with its future resting on their shoulders.

Maas, Sarah J.
Feb 15, 2022
House of Sky and Breath Cover
House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City)

The House of Sky and Breath is the second installment in the Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas. The story follows Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar as they try to return to their normal lives. However, the Asteri's power is being challenged by the rebels, and Bryce and Hunt have to make a choice - stay silent or fight for what's right. The book is full of action, romance, and a captivating plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Maas has once again delivered a masterpiece that fantasy lovers will thoroughly enjoy.

Maas, Sarah J.
Bloomsbury Publishing
Mar 2, 2021
House of Earth and Blood Cover
House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City)

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas is a contemporary fantasy novel that follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae and half-human seeking revenge after a demon murders her closest friends. As she investigates the crimes, she teams up with Hunt Athalar, a notorious Fallen angel enslaved to the Archangels. Together, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear. The book's emotional depth and stunning twist make it an exciting read for fans of epic fantasy books. House of Earth and Blood is a richly inventive and imaginative tale that explores the heartache of loss, the price of freedom, and the power of love.

Klune, TJ
Tor
Dec 29, 2020
House in the Cerulean Sea Cover
House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heartwarming fantasy tale that follows Linus Baker, a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, who is given a highly classified assignment to travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage to oversee six dangerous children. As Linus grows closer to their charming caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, secrets are revealed, and Linus must make a choice. TJ Klune's enchanting storytelling and unique characters make this LGBT fantasy fiction book a must-read. It's no wonder it's a New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post bestseller and an Alex Award winner.

#TOP 9

Throne of Glass

Maas, Sarah J.
Feb 14, 2023
Throne of Glass Cover
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, 1)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is the first book in the #1 bestselling series, which takes readers on a thrilling adventure in a land without magic. The story follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin who is summoned to the castle and offered her freedom if she wins a competition against other murderers, thieves, and warriors to become the King's Champion. However, things take a dark turn when her competitors start dying mysteriously. The book is action-packed, with an epic hero and a fascinating world. Overall, Throne of Glass is a must-read for epic fantasy fans and those who enjoy strong female protagonists.

#TOP 10

Inheritance: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1

Roberts, Nora
Nov 21, 2023
Inheritance: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1 Cover
Inheritance: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1

Inheritance: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1 is a haunting ghost story written by Nora Roberts. The novel follows Sonya MacTavish, a graphic designer, who inherits a Victorian mansion on the Maine coast from her late uncle, Collin Poole. However, Sonya soon discovers that she has also inherited a curse that has plagued her family for centuries. As she delves deeper into her family's history, she uncovers the mystery of her father's long-lost twin and the tragic fate of his bride, Astrid. With a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and paranormal activity, Inheritance: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1 is a must-read for fans of ghost fiction.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between urban fantasy and paranormal?

For some, the critical difference is setting. Most agree urban fantasy must take place in a city, but the setting can be historical, modern, or even futuristic. The key is that it's in an urban environment. Paranormal romance does not dictate any particular setting.

2. What is the difference between paranormal and fantasy books?

Shortly put, the difference between urban fantasy and paranormal is that urban fantasy is very much tied to the setting of a city and to our current time period. Paranormal can be anywhere and in any kind of time period as long as it has things that are beyond a normal scientific explanation.

3. What are some examples of urban fantasy?

The pantheon of iconic urban fantasy works includes:. The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher (2000)American Gods by Neil Gaiman (2001)The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch (2011)The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (2007)The October Daye series by Seanan McGuire (2009)

4. What makes a book urban fantasy?

Urban fantasy is a genre of literature encompassing novels, novellas, and short stories in which fantastical characters and concepts are placed in a real world urban setting, often in the present day. Urban fantasy novels have devoted followings and they have spawned many film and TV adaptations.

Editor's Notes

During our paranormal & urban fantasy book research, we found 1,200+ paranormal & urban fantasy book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 533,961 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paranormal & urban fantasy books list. We found that most customers choose paranormal & urban fantasy books with an average price of $14.76.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.