Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing Books of 2025

Forge Your Dragon World: A Wings of Fire Creative Guide is an exciting and interactive book that allows its readers to design their characters and create their fantasy world. With examples from the Wings of Fire graphic artist, Mike Holmes, Tui T. Sutherland guides the readers through the #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series. This book is perfect for children who love to draw, write, and have their very own dragon stories to tell. The book is unique in its ability to engage its readers in a more interactive way than ever before, making it a must-read for young artists and writers.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a modern classic that has sold more than two million copies worldwide. The book tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a journey in search of a worldly treasure. Along the way, he discovers treasures that teach him the essential wisdom of listening to his heart, learning to read the omens of life, and following his dreams. The book has received high praise from several famous personalities, including Pharrell Williams and Neil Patrick Harris. This gift edition of The Alchemist, with illustrations by James Noel Smith, is a beautiful addition to any book collection.

The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments Box Set is a must-have for fans of Margaret Atwood's dystopian novels. The box set includes The Handmaid's Tale, which depicts a totalitarian regime that enslaves fertile women, and The Testaments, set more than fifteen years after the events of the first novel. The books follow the lives of women in a society where they are stripped of their rights and treated as property. Atwood's writing is captivating, and the box set's design is beautiful. This set is perfect for those who want to delve into a world of political fiction and explore the struggles of women living in oppressive societies.

On Writing and Worldbuilding: Volume I is a valuable resource for writers seeking specific and applicable ideas to improve their craft. With over 35,000 copies sold, this book covers a range of topics, from delivering exposition and foreshadowing effectively to exploring the fall of empires. Volume II, a sequel with new topics, is also available. The author, Tim, has a passion for education, and this book is the culmination of two years of work creating educational content for YouTube viewers. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to hone their writing skills in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Wonderbook (Revised and Expanded): The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff VanderMeer is a must-read for every speculative fiction writer. It offers an accessible, example-rich, and illustrated approach to writing science fiction and fantasy, emphasizing the importance of playfulness and pragmatism. The book features sidebars and essays from some of the biggest names working in the field today, making it a true objet d’art. For the fifth anniversary of its original publication, the author has added an additional 50 pages of diagrams, illustrations, and writing exercises, creating the ultimate volume of inspiring advice that is also a stunning and inspiring object. This handy how-to guide deserves a spot on every writer's bookshelf.

5,000 Writing Prompts by Bryn Donovan is a comprehensive resource for writers of all genres, from novelists to bloggers. The book includes 150 plot ideas for various genres, such as fantasy, science fiction, and romance, as well as hundreds of other master plots from classic fiction and mythology. It also provides prompts for dialogue, character, and setting, along with poetry exercises and personal writing prompts. With its vast array of ideas, this book is perfect for those experiencing writer's block, as well as those looking to improve their writing skills. Overall, 5,000 Writing Prompts is an excellent reference book for any writer looking to spark their imagination and enhance their creativity.

Black Swans: Stories is a collection of nine stories by Eve Babitz that reflects on the 1980s and early 1990s. Babitz's writing style is elevated yet slangy, bright, bouncy, and cheerfully hedonistic. Her discursive nature of short stories allows her narratives to move in tandem with the sociopolitical issues she addresses effectively. The book is a model for writing fiction that addresses politics that feels neither didactic nor preachy but natural. This reissue further celebrates the phenomenon of Eve Babitz and cements her reputation as the voice of a generation.

Ray Bradbury's "Zen in the Art of Writing" is a must-read for anyone who loves to write or wants to be a writer. Part memoir, part masterclass, this book offers a vivid and exuberant insight into the craft of writing. Bradbury shares his wisdom, experience, and excitement of a lifetime of writing, and reveals how writers can find their own unique path to developing their voice and style. This HarperVoyager book is a celebration of the act of writing that will inspire and delight writers of all levels.

How to Build a Culture is an essential guidebook for authors looking to create immersive and authentic worlds. The book provides easy-to-follow steps to build diverse societies that feel organic and ingrained. The prompts within the book help authors to create social structures, increase tension, and create an immersive experience for readers. Available in both ebook and paperback formats, How to Build a Culture is a must-have for any author looking to elevate their worldbuilding and create cultures that deeply impact their characters and story.

Gail Carriger's "The Heroine's Journey" offers a refreshing take on storytelling, encouraging writers to embrace a new narrative structure that celebrates female protagonists. The book presents an insightful analysis of the heroine's journey, its basic characters, tropes, and archetypes, and how it differs from the traditional hero's journey. Carriger uses her experience as a bestselling author to provide a step-by-step guide on how to successfully write this journey. The book is a must-read for writers, readers, and fans of pop culture who want to broaden their understanding of storytelling. Overall, "The Heroine's Journey" is an engaging and informative read that challenges the status quo of storytelling and celebrates the power of female characters.