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FANTASY BOOK RECS
22
items I've read a lot of great books over the years, especially in the fantasy genre—here are some of my favorites!
A hades + persephone retelling but make it more modern. An easy, entertaining series
Rhapsodic (The Bargainer #1) by Laura Thalassa, Paperback
A school based on your zodiac sign with elemental powers??? Say less. I prefer this over the zodiac academy series because it feels a bit more focused. (Reverse Harem FYI)
Dark Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac) - Books
I'm always very surprised that this book doesn't have a ton of hype behind it. A FMC that goes to the fae realm and discovers she's more powerful than she ever thought, with a bunch of very sweet puppy love included. (Reverse Harem FYI)
Destiny Awakened (Destiny Series #1) - CJ Cooke
A smutty version of the little mermaid, but add pirates! This one is a perfect book to read with book clubs because it's just fun and naughty.
A Ship of Bones and Teeth - Books
A small author that you should support! This book made me cry SO hard and I loved how many magical species were in it. It's free on kindle unlimited, but worth purchasing if you don't have that!
The Shackled Serpent by K.M. Lister
Werewolf love story, but without any smut! Sometimes you just need a pallet cleanser, and this series was that for me. It's a really simple, easy read. The story is predictable, but fun!
Hunted: Magiford Supernatural City - Dawn & Destiny 1
This is a novella in the Crowns of Nyasia series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone and is one of most well-written novella's I have ever read.. This story is a tragedy, but somehow felt so homey and calm to read.
Six Scorched Roses: A Crowns of Nyaxia Short Novel
The most unhinged FMC I have ever read, and I LOVE it. If you like a morally grey character, and wish they would lean more to the dark side, Rin will check all your boxes.
The Poppy War (Poppy War Series #1) by R. F. Kuang, Paperback
This one is SMUT y'all. Reverse harem meets beauty and the beast where each beast is affiliated with a different season.
Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen, Paperback
Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy) : If you are someone who loves a YEARNING man - this is the one. It's also a good pick for anyone who likes a romantasy without a bunch of smut. This book gives hunger games vibes if the romance was amplified.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts, Hardcover
The first two books in this series are SO amazing, and the MMC is one of my absolute favorites. The rest of the series gets a bit repetitive and goes down hill, but this one is so good that it's still worth picking up.
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series #1)|Hardcover
You already know Fourth Wing would be on this list. Any book with talking dragons and magic school is an immediate yes.
Fourth Wing Series (The Empyrean)
A truly ADULT fantasy book. This one is mature and well-thought out and explores relationships that are more than just romance. It explores themes of oppression and revolution.
The Fifth Season (Broken Earth Series #1) (Hugo Award Winner)
This series is SO beautifully written. Carissa Broadbent is an absolute genius because every piece of this series draws you in because it feels so raw and real. There's also a very interesting magic system.
Daughter of No Worlds (War of Lost Hearts 1)
My Roman Empire. I honestly think about the final book in this series on a daily basis. It's one of those books where you love every single character.
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, 1) by Maas
We know her, we love her. Everyone and their grandma has heard about this book, and for good reason! I've read this series multiple times and will read it multiple more times, happily. Once you get to the second book you will be hooked!
A Court of Thorns and Roses eBook - Maas
If you love a classic romantasy vibe - this is the one! A brooding dark-haired MMC. A witty, strong FMC. A goofy side character that you love more than both of them. It has all the bits and pieces you want!
Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, 1) by Callie Hart
This one is the sweetest. Definitely more YA friendly with a group of kids that are trying to figure out who they are, but with a mystical, magical setting. They learn how to open up and rely on each other and help each other grow through the weirdne...
The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle Series #1) by Maggie Stiefvater, Paperback
One that I return to over and over!! This book is the best found-family vibes with a really cool storyline with a ton of badass abilities. This is a fated mates story, but keep in mind it is a reverse harem, so if you're not into that, ignore this re...
Broken Bonds by J Bree, Paperback
Everyone who loved Percy Jackson as a kid - this one is for us now that we're all grown up! Plus, who doesn't love Hades as a love interest???
The Games Gods Play (Deluxe Limited Ed.)
My favorite read of 2025 so far! More of a gothic fantasy vibe. Think trials put in place by devils where each trial is focused on one of the 7 deadly sins.
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, Paperback
This is an amazing, unique story unlike any other fantasy you’ve ever read. Think dark, tarot cards, hidden magic, and monsters - with a beautiful dark haired love interest of course.
One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, 1)