2026 is already emerging as one of the most exciting years for fantasy and romantasy, with a wave of highly anticipated books from both established authors and rising new voices. From dark academia and gothic fantasy to sweeping romantasy epics and lighter, character-driven adventures, these upcoming titles are set to dominate reading lists and BookTok conversations all year long. Read on for a list of what we think will be the top fantasy and romantasy books releasing in 2026!

What to Watch

These Shattered Spires by Cassidy Ellis Salter — Mar 10 2026

A debut novel already generating serious hype, These Shattered Spires throws you into a rotting kingdom built on bone, blood, stone… and strange botany.

• Expect gothic fantasy + queer vibes — rebellion, dark alliances, and deadly games inside castle towers.
• Fans of grim, twisty tales like Gideon the Ninth and The Atlas Six will want this on their radar.

Deathbringer by Sonia Tagliareni — May 12 2026 (US date at least)

Magic-school gone deadly. Deathbringer follows Viola, a girl haunted by loss, back to the elite — but toxic — Gorhail Institute of Magic, determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance.

• Expect tension, dark academia, mystery and emotional stakes. Great for those who like angst + magical intrigue.

The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee — Jan 13 2026

In the mists of the Scottish highlands lies a university where vampires and humans alike live and study.
But there is one student very different from the rest.

• This is Annie Summerlee’s debut book, and it sounds like a new novel destined to be one of next year’s favorite books for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Ross.

The Faithful Dark by Cate Baumer – February 19th 2026

This queer gothic fantasy is set in a sanctified city where sin is visible on the skin, and where Csilla — a young woman born without a soul — is dispatched by the Church to assassinate a heretic descended from angels. Naturally, nothing goes to plan. What follows is a spiral of forbidden love, political machinations, religious tension, and more than a little murder.

• Early reviewers are calling it “angels, demons, and serial killers in a fantasy Vatican,” which honestly tells you everything you need to know about the vibe.

Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher — Jan 20 2026

A shift from grand scale epic fantasy — Nine Goblins brings a mischievous, low-fantasy vibe. Goblins, mischief, mayhem, and probably a good dose of humour.

If your 2026 reading list is starting to look a little intense (gothic curses, deadly academies, morally grey immortal lovers — you know the drill), Nine Goblins is the perfect chaotic palate cleanser. From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award–winning author T. Kingfisher, this novella brings low fantasy, high mischief, and a whole lot of goblin-shaped trouble.

The Goblin War has been raging for ages, though no one can quite agree on why. When a disastrous run-in with an evil wizard yeets (yes, yeets) a small troop of goblins behind enemy lines, it’s up to Sergeant Nessilka to keep her dysfunctional band alive long enough to get home.

• Expect trademark T. Kingfisher humour: warm, weird, sharp, and delightfully off-beat. Nine Goblins is ideal for readers who love fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, or anyone needing a breather between darker, heavier titles. Think Terry Pratchett meets chaotic gremlin energy in novella form.

2026 looks like the year when fantasy and romantasy fans truly win. Whether you’re craving gothic betrayals, magical academies, forbidden love, or quirky goblin mischief — there’s a 2026 release with your name on it.