If you’re searching for the most anticipated fantasy books coming out in January 2026, you’re in the right place. The start of the new year is bringing a powerful wave of new fantasy releases, packed with epic adventures, romantic fantasy, mythological retellings, and magical realism.
This month’s fantasy book releases span a wide range of subgenres, including epic fantasy, romantasy, YA fantasy, historical fantasy, and cozy fantasy. With both bestselling authors and exciting new voices releasing books, January 2026 offers a strong mix of highly anticipated sequels and standalone fantasy novels perfect for kicking off the year.
Early January (Jan 6–13)
1. Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz – 6th Jan
A tavern-keeper and a cursed prince are magically bound together , with intrigue, danger, and fake-relationship energy.
2. Dragon Cursed by Elise Kova – 6th Jan
Set in a world reshaped by fire and wings, a protagonist faces a slow transformation and deadly secrets alongside a reluctant companion.
3. A War of Wyverns (A Language of Dragons #2) by S. F. Williamson – 6th Jan
The next chapter in this dragon-infused dark academia saga, political intrigue and rebel sparks escalate.
4. A God of Countless Guises by Bradley P. Beaulieu – 6th Jan
A sequel to The Book of the Holt, where imprisoned gods and treasure hunts collide with epic conflict.
5. The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi – 6th Jan
An enchanting fairy-tale-meets-myth adventure with cursed competitions and sea magic.
6. The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman – 6th Jan
A magical realism fantasy where fictional characters leap off the page, booklovers, this one’s for you!
7. 16 Forever by Lance Rubin – 6th Jan
A whimsical, fantastical story kicking off early January releases, ideal if you’re into inventive mythic adventure.
Mid-Month Releases (Jan 13–20)
8. Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez – 13th Jan
A Renaissance-inspired fantasy with hidden magic, family bonds, and dangerous contests.
9. A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang by Lee Onhwa – 13th Jan
Sweet, uplifting fantasy with an enchanted bakery that serves spirits on their final journey.
10. The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee – 13th Jan
Dark romantasy set in a Scottish magical academy with vampires, curses, and forbidden love.
11. The Poet Empress by Shen Tao – 20th Jan
An emotionally sweeping tale of poetry as magic, palace intrigue, and societal rebellion.
12. The Midnight Carousel by Fiza Saeed McLynn – 13th Jan
A mysterious, time-bending fantasy that blends history, wonder, and eerie carnival magic.
13. The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao – 20th Jan
Take a journey on a magical train where lost souls and hidden destinies collide.
Late January (Jan 27–31)
14. Silver and Blood by Jessie Mihalik – 27th Jan
A fairytale-inspired romantasy where a hunt for a beast becomes a bond forever changed.
15. A Spell for Drowning by Rebecca Ferrier – 27th Jan
A historical fantasy debut set against the rugged, superstitious Cornish coast with magic and destiny.
Why January Is Worth Your Reading List
January 2026 isn’t just a fresh calendar page, it’s a launchpad for new fantasy worlds. Whether you’re into steampunk bursts of magic, historical enchantments, YA adventures, or dark romantasy duels, there’s something for every reader this winter.
