Who Published The Best Reads Of 2016 In Fantasy Genre?

As a lifelong fantasy enthusiast, I've spent countless hours immersed in magical worlds, and I firmly believe that Tor Books stands out as a publisher that consistently delivers top-tier fantasy. They've brought us masterpieces like Brandon Sanderson's 'The Stormlight Archive' and Robert Jordan's 'The Wheel of Time', both of which have redefined epic fantasy. Tor isn't afraid to take risks on unique voices, which is how we got gems like N.K. Jemisin's 'The Broken Earth' trilogy, a groundbreaking work that blends fantasy with deep social commentary. Another publisher worth mentioning is Orbit Books, responsible for publishing Joe Abercrombie's gritty 'First Law' series and the wildly popular 'The Blade Itself'. Their catalog is filled with diverse subgenres, from high fantasy to grimdark. For those who prefer more classic fantasy, Del Rey has been the home of George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire', proving their knack for spotting timeless stories. Each of these publishers brings something special to the table, making them go-to sources for the best fantasy books.

2015 was a standout year for the genre. The crown jewel was undoubtedly 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin, published by Orbit Books. This masterpiece redefined epic fantasy with its intricate world-building and raw emotional power. Tor Books also had a stellar year, releasing 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik, a spellbinding tale that felt like a dark fairy tale come to life. Harper Voyager delivered 'The Aeronaut’s Windlass' by Jim Butcher, a steampunk adventure with impeccable pacing. Smaller presses like Angry Robot also made waves with 'The Library at Mount Char' by Scott Hawkins, a bizarre and brilliant cosmic horror-fantasy hybrid. Each publisher brought something unique to the table, but Orbit and Tor stood out for their bold choices and consistently high quality. If you missed these gems, now’s the perfect time to dive in.

I’ve been diving deep into fantasy novels for years, and 2016 was a standout year for the genre. 'The Obelisk Gate' by N.K. Jemisin blew me away with its intricate world-building and emotional depth. It’s the second book in 'The Broken Earth' trilogy, and it manages to surpass the first in every way. Another gem is 'The Wheel of Osheim' by Mark Lawrence, which wraps up his 'Red Queen’s War' trilogy with a mix of dark humor and brutal action. For those who love epic fantasy, 'The Blood Mirror' by Brent Weeks delivered a gripping continuation of the 'Lightbringer' series. If you’re into something lighter but still packed with magic, 'The Invisible Library' by Genevieve Cogman is a fun, fast-paced adventure. These books kept me up way past my bedtime, and I still think about them years later.

When it comes to fantasy, I’ve always been drawn to publishers who consistently deliver stories that transport me to other worlds. Tor Books is a name that stands out in the genre. They’ve been a powerhouse for decades, publishing works that range from epic high fantasy to gritty urban tales. Authors like Brandon Sanderson, with his 'Stormlight Archive' series, and N.K. Jemisin, whose 'Broken Earth' trilogy redefined what fantasy could be, have found a home with Tor. Their ability to nurture both established and emerging voices makes them a go-to for anyone looking for quality fantasy reads. Another publisher I admire is Orbit Books. They’ve built a reputation for releasing accessible yet deeply imaginative fantasy novels. Take Mark Lawrence’s 'Broken Empire' series or V.E. Schwab’s 'Shades of Magic' trilogy—both are examples of how Orbit balances bold storytelling with mass appeal. They’re not afraid to take risks, and that’s something I appreciate as a reader. Their catalog is diverse, offering everything from dark, morally complex tales to lighter, adventure-driven narratives. For those who lean toward more literary or experimental fantasy, Small Beer Press is a gem. They publish works that blur the lines between genres, like Sofia Samatar’s 'A Stranger in Olondria,' which is as much a meditation on storytelling as it is a fantasy novel. Their focus on unique voices and unconventional narratives makes them a standout in a crowded field. Harper Voyager is another publisher worth mentioning. They’ve brought us series like 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang, which combines historical inspiration with fantastical elements in a way that’s both brutal and beautiful. Their ability to spot trends and adapt to the evolving tastes of fantasy readers is impressive. They’re not just publishing books; they’re shaping the genre. Lastly, I have to give a nod to Gollancz, especially for their work in bringing British fantasy to a global audience. Authors like Joe Abercrombie, with his 'First Law' series, have become synonymous with the publisher. Gollancz has a knack for finding stories that are both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly innovative. Their commitment to the genre is evident in the quality of their releases. Each of these publishers brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Tor’s depth of talent, Orbit’s accessibility, Small Beer’s creativity, Harper Voyager’s trendsetting, or Gollancz’s tradition-meets-innovation approach. As a fantasy enthusiast, I’m grateful for the variety and quality they offer, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to dive into.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on 2024’s releases. Tor Books continues to dominate with gems like 'The Tainted Cup' by Robert Jackson Bennett, a brilliant blend of mystery and fantasy that’s already making waves. Orbit Books also delivered big with 'The Hexologists' by Josiah Bancroft, a whimsical yet deeply imaginative tale. DAW Books surprised me with 'The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport' by Samit Basu, a fresh take on sci-fi fantasy fusion. Harper Voyager’s 'A Fire Endless' by Rebecca Ross is another standout, weaving lyrical prose with epic world-building. And let’s not forget Gollancz’s 'The Book of Elsewhere' by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville—yes, that Keanu—which is as bizarre as it is captivating. These publishers are clearly pushing boundaries in 2024.

I remember 2016 being a fantastic year for sci-fi, and one publisher that really stood out was Tor Books. They released some absolute gems like 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch, which blew my mind with its twisty multiverse plot. Tor has this knack for picking stories that blend hard sci-fi with emotional depth, making their catalog a go-to for fans. Another standout was 'Death's End' by Liu Cixin, the final book in the 'Three-Body Problem' trilogy, which Tor also handled. The way they championed diverse voices and innovative ideas that year was impressive. If you were into sci-fi in 2016, Tor was the publisher to watch.

I’ve been obsessed with fantasy books since I was a kid, and hands down, Tor Books is my go-to publisher for epic reads. They’ve given us gems like 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s 'Stormlight Archive.' Their catalog is stacked with immersive worlds and intricate magic systems. I also adore Orbit Books for publishing 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie—dark, gritty, and unforgettable. And let’s not forget Gollancz, the home of 'The Witcher' series. These publishers consistently deliver quality, whether it’s high fantasy, grimdark, or something in between. If you’re into fantasy, their imprints are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Okay, but can we talk about the food in 'Uprooted'? The descriptions of the simple, hearty meals in Agnieszka's village versus the strange, elegant food in the Dragon's tower? It's a small thing, but it does so much worldbuilding. It grounds the magic in a sensory reality. Now I'm hungry, and I want pierogi. Great, thanks a lot, book.

one publisher that consistently blows me away is Tor Books. They have this knack for picking up gems that just stick with you. Take 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss—it's one of those books where the world feels alive, and you can’t help but get lost in it. Tor also publishes Brandon Sanderson’s works, like 'The Way of Kings,' which is epic in every sense. Their catalog is vast, but they maintain this quality that makes every release feel special. If you’re into fantasy, their lineup is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

I have to say that 2021 was an incredible year for the genre. The book that stood out to me the most was 'The Jasmine Throne' by Tasha Suri, published by Orbit Books. This epic fantasy is rich with political intrigue, complex characters, and a lush, immersive world inspired by Indian mythology. Another standout was 'The Shadow of the Gods' by John Gwynne, published by Orbit as well. It’s a Norse-inspired tale with brutal battles and deep lore. For those who prefer darker, more intricate stories, 'The Wisdom of Crowds' by Joe Abercrombie, published by Gollancz, delivered a gripping conclusion to his Age of Madness trilogy. Each of these books brought something unique to the table, making 2021 a memorable year for fantasy lovers.