Dark fantasy is all the rage these ... generally regarded as disappointing by book fans. The books are just that good. Some of the richest characters ever written journey across these pages.

With a panel of leading fantasy authors—N.K. Jemisin, Neil Gaiman, Sabaa Tahir, Tomi Adeyemi, Diana Gabaldon, George R.R. Martin, Cassandra Clare and Marlon James—TIME presents the most ...