The need to set on an escapist voyage from time to time is a basic human tendency. When the reality of everything gets overwhelming, it’s natural to look for portals to transport ourselves to the land of fantasy and fiction. That’s where fantasy books come to our rescue! If you are in the habit of reading fiction, you already know how a good book has the power to take you to an alternate reality, a place where you can let your imagination run free. Whether you are new to the genre or want to experiment with some new titles, our list of the best fantasy books is loaded with some cool suggestions to get you started!
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Romance Fantasy Books
A little bit of romance in fantasy books only makes it more interesting. Below are some amazing romance fantasy books that are worth reading. (Pssst…you might also wanna check out the best romance books, if you’re a fan of the genre).
Radiance by Grace Draven
Radiance revolves around Ildiko and Brishen who are about to get married to secure an alliance for their respective kingdoms. What begins as a marriage of convenience, soon turns into a beautiful relationship that changes their lives. However, the powers of a hostile kingdom threaten to tear them apart.
A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker
A Fate Of Wrath And Flame by K. A. Tucker was released last year and is among the best romance fantasy books out there. It revolves around a thief in NYC named Romeria, who is tricked by a mysterious woman to take on a job to steal a stone from Islor’s sacred garden without her true identity being revealed. Romeria finds herself in a parallel universe of warring kingdoms and fantastical creatures and has assumed the identity of the captured Ybarisan princess who poisoned the king and queen of Islor.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
After unknowingly killing a faerie, Feyre is whisked away to a magical kingdom where she will live the rest of her days as punishment. She discovers that her captor, whose face is always obscured by a jeweled mask, is hiding more than meets the eye. While she is held captive, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion. This romance fantasy book has been touted as a retelling of Beauty And The Beast, and makes for a fun and exciting read.
Best Fantasy Book Series
You know that feeling after finishing a good book? The one where you wish it hadn’t ended? Most fantasy books just leave you wanting more! If you’re an avid reader who prefers to read a whole series instead of just standalone books, we’ve got something for you too! Below are some of the best fantasy book series that’ll keep you hooked.
The Lord Of The Rings series by J.R.R Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in the fantasy book series written by J.R.R Tolkien that is renowned worldwide by the name ‘The Lord of The Rings’. Froddo Baggins has been entrusted by his cousin Bilbo Baggins to take a ring to Cracks of Doom and destroy it. What makes the ring special? The ring was forged under the instructions of the Dark Lord who filled it with his own power and rule the world with it. Having lost the ring, the Dark Lord has been searching for it ever since. Will Bilbo be able to destroy the ring before the Dark Lord gets to it?
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
What can be said about the Harry Potter series that hasn’t already been said? This fantasy book series by J. K Rowling has love, friendship, and ‘good vs evil’ plot at its core, and revolves around an orphaned boy Harry who discovers he is a wizard, and becomes a student at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he befriends Hermione and Ron. Together, they attempt to defeat Lord Voldemort, a powerful and dangerous dark wizard who intends to become immortal. This fantasy book series left a whole generation of people obsessed with it, and if you haven’t read the books already, what are you waiting for?
Six Of Crows Series by Leigh Bardugo
If you loved Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha trilogy, you’re definitely gonna love The Six of Crows series! This action-packed young adult fantasy book series is set in the same world as the Grishaverse, and revolves around Kaz Brekker and his crew, setting out to pull off a deadly heist.
Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
This young adult fantasy book series by Jonathan Stroud is a must-read for lovers of fantasy fiction. It is set in alternate London where the government is run by magicians. The story revolves around Bartimaeus an ancient djinni, and Nathaniel, a young apprentice magician who must save the world from an evil sorcerer.
Fantasy Books For Teens
There are some incredible fantasy books for teens and young adults with gripping storylines and will keep you engaged until the very end. Check out these amazing fantasy books for teens that you’ll have a great time reading!
Prince of Thorns – Mark Lawrence
Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath has lived a life of privilege in his ivory tower, raised by a loving mother who instilled within him all the qualities to become a morally sound man. After witnessing his mother and his brother killed in front of his own eyes, Jorg turned his back on the kingdom and become part of a bloodthirsty street gang. However, when the world around him descends into anarchy, Jorg must overcome his fears and reclaim the throne.
Nine Princes in Amber – Roger Zelazny
There exists a world called Amber of which even the planet Earth is just a mere shadow. In an isolated hospital in New York, Carl Corey regains consciousness and is diagnosed with amnesia. Struggling to learn about his identity, Corey breaks out of the hospital in search of some answers. His quest leads him to realize that he is Prince Corwin, heir to the throne of Amber. The path to the crown isn’t easy as 8 other princes are also in contention. This is a must-read fantasy book for young adults!
The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments is a fantasy book series for young adults, written by Casandra Clare. It revolves around the protagonist Clarissa ‘Clary’ Fray, who finds out she isn’t just an ordinary teenage girl, but rather a Shadowhunter, like her mom. Shadowhunters are tasked with protecting the world of ‘mundanes’- a term for ordinary humans- from dark forces.
Fantasy Books About Magic
There’s a famous quote by Roald Dahl- “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” We agree! Magic and fantasy can make reading a whole lot fun, and can allow you to imagine and visualize a world much different from the real world. Below are some fantasy books about magic that you’ve gotta check out!
The Thousand Eyes – A.K Larkwood
Set as a sequel to “The Unspoken Name,” this fantasy book follows the aftermath of Csorwe and Shuthmili defeating Belthandros Sethennai and stealing his gauntlets. Shuthmili feels invincible from the power the gauntlets have given her but sooner starts to feel their wrath too. In the search for knowledge on how to use the gauntlets properly, Csorwe along with Shuthmili set on a journey to a land far away, where they are faced with enemies of the past.
Witchshadow – Susan Dennard
Witchshadow is the fourth installment of the fantasy series ‘Witchlands,’ written by Susan Dennard. The story continues with Iseult being reunited briefly with Safi, before quickly leaving for Cartorra and leaving Safi in Witchlands. The battle this time is much more gruesome than ever before which compels Iseult to conjure the strongest defense against the magic. All this while Vivia is denied her right to be crowned the Queen of Nubrevna. This fast-paced adventure fantasy book is extremely riveting!
Assassin’s Apprentice – Robin Hobb
Published in 1995, the Assassin’s Apprentice is the first book in the Farseer Trilogy. Unknown to many of the Farseer family, Chivalry Farseer has an illegitimate son by the name of Fitz who hasn’t been accepted by Royalty and therefore has been forced to live life as an outcast. Fitz is kept company by animals, who he seems to develop a magical link with. After being finally accepted by the royal family, he must leave the life of solitude behind and begin his training to become a stealthy and deadly assassin.
The Name Of The Wind – Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is a treat for all readers of fantasy books! Kote, an ordinary innkeeper, has lived the life of a hero. This book is narrated from the POV of Kote himself as he recalls his life as Kvothe, the infamous magician. Kvothe recalls his beginnings in a crime-ridden city and the adventures he had with his traveling group. His life changes when he gets accepted at the legendary school of magic, after which he gains the reputation of being the most gifted young wizard the world has ever seen.
Fiction Fantasy Books
Still haven’t found a fantasy book that you might be interested in reading? Below are some more fiction fantasy books that you might enjoy!
The Atlas Six – Olivie Blake
If the existence of secret societies like the Illuminati or The Molly Maguires interests you, The Atlas Six will be right up your alley! The story of this fantasy book revolves around ‘The Alexandrian Society,’ a group of magic academics who safeguard the knowledge acquired from great civilizations of the past. They meet every 10 years to induct new aspiring members who must prove themselves to be worthy by undergoing a series of fatal missions. Atlas Blakely has been awarded the responsibility to vet the prodigious new candidates this time, how many of them will survive?
Fury Of A Demon – Brian Naslund
Fury Of A Demon is the final installment in a fantastic series written by Brian Naslund. Assasin Bershad and Witch Queen Ashlyn are losing the war against Osyrus Ward. While Ashlyn is trying to unlock her dragon cord to defeat the enemy, Bershad contemplates his existence as a human. This fantasy book series is a delight for fans of heroic fantasy!
The Empire’s Ruin- Brian Staveley
The Empire’s Ruin is the gateway to the enthralling trilogy ‘Ashes of the Unhewn Throne’, written by Brian Staveley. The fierce army of elite soldiers called the Kettrals were once the pride of the Annurian Empire. The Empire now being pushed into turmoil needs its elite soldiers to get at their best again, but they are unable to do so. Gwenna Sharpe, one of the Kettral soldiers is tasked to travel beyond the edge of the world and regenerate the Kettrals to revive the kingdom.
Which of these fantasy books will you be reading?
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Featured Image: Bloomsbury.com
