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Thriller & Fantasy Book Recommendations
21
items If you love high-stakes adventures, magical worlds, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this reading list is for you. These are my favourite book recommendations that deliver compelling stories, rich characters, and plenty of unexpected twists.
Sections
5
Royalty
Circus-Themed
Fantasy
Historical
Thriller
Royalty
Love royalty stories and then you make it queer-coded. Chef's kiss!
Red, White & Royal Blue: Collector's Edition
Randomly found this on goodreads while browsing for royalty-based books. Actually enjoyed reading this. It was able to combine comedy, fantasy, & history. The TV Series had great potential to expand on the lore but it got cancelled.
My Lady Jane (The Lady Janies, #1) by Cynthia Hand
A diverse royal family, female friendship, and queer relationship in a futuristic Victorian era. It started out slow but the second part got better that left me wanting more. I liked the ending. Its cute and at the same time sad since it tackles the ...
That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston
This was actually so sweet and inspiring. I have to admit, this is the best royal romance novel I have read. The faith message was well developed and not too preachy. And yes, Prince Nathaniel was amazing. He cares about Susanna's heart and treats he...
Royal Wedding Series by Rachel Hauck
Charming royalty meets a commoner story. Romance is incredibly sweet & explores the obstacles about marrying into the royal family.
The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne
Circus-Themed
iirc this was one of the first books I've read about a magical circus & got curious so I researched other related books. Anyway, I love Erin's prose. It was just entrancing & got immersed enjoying the atmosphere.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
From what I remember, I love how the author described the circus atmosphere and then you combine it with magic.
Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber
traveling circus + illusions and magic + murder mystery.
I'm such a sucker for these types of books. Anyway, definitely enjoyed reading this book. I was so consumed on finding out who the killer is and felt sad whenever an illusion (her family members) died.
I'm such a sucker for these types of books. Anyway, definitely enjoyed reading this book. I was so consumed on finding out who the killer is and felt sad whenever an illusion (her family members) died.
Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody
Fantasy
I read the book & watched the film adaptation. This book was not easy to read, as the narrative alternates between different time periods across centuries. The novel is a set of interconnected stories that explore themes such as power, greed, sla...
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
iirc this series explores how London was divided into four different planes of existence: Red, Grey, White, and destroyed Black. Schwab describes an intricate magical world.
Shades of Magic Series by V.E. Schwab
Book 1: THIS BOOK IS GLORIOUS! It has everything I want. The world building was amazing. The setting is very detailed and is explained very thoroughly. The magic was incredibly well crafted and it blends well into the story – from tradition, lifestyl...
Book 3: Everyone was saying book 2 was slow but this book was spectacular. There is court intrigue with a mixture of a murder mystery. Amidst the deadly competition for the throne, Corene develops a strong relationship with the rival princesses from ...
Book 3: Everyone was saying book 2 was slow but this book was spectacular. There is court intrigue with a mixture of a murder mystery. Amidst the deadly competition for the throne, Corene develops a strong relationship with the rival princesses from ...
Elemental Blessings Series by Sharon Shinn
Virtual reality game + Spies + Tokyo. Great sc-fi & action novel. Reminded me of some Black Mirror episodes.
Warcross (Warcross, #1) by Marie Lu
There is magic, time travel, badass thief, and more. Always enjoy a great magical adventure novel.
The Last Magician #1 - Lisa Maxwell
Historical
Book 1: This book was really super amazing. The world building was incredible and Goodman was able to combine the paranormal and Regency era perfectly. The setting felt so real that I actually learned a lot of things here. I loved the main character ...
Book 2: My heart is in pieces, Lord Carlston! This novel was definitely better than its predecessor. There were more action and romance unlike in book one. Lady Helen’s character development was the best thing that happened in this book. We finally s...
Book 2: My heart is in pieces, Lord Carlston! This novel was definitely better than its predecessor. There were more action and romance unlike in book one. Lady Helen’s character development was the best thing that happened in this book. We finally s...
Lady Helen Series by Alison Goodman
From what I remember, this book was fascinating & surreal. The narrator was Death, the Grim Reaper, & the story was set in Nazi Germany during WWII. He encounters a book thief & gets fascinated by this human.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The novel weaves between past & present, where the lives of 2 women become entwined. Great combination of historical & suspense plot.
Time's Echo by Pamela Hartshorne
Love Jane Austen! One of the best must-read classics.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Thriller
Sherlock Holmes + supernatural. I always enjoy a good mystery novel & you combine it with a supernatural twist. This series was a fun read.
Jackaby Series by William Ritter
Great suspense book! The protagonist here loses their memory after sleeping so you get curious what's going to happen next.
Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson
Suspenseful story about parents trusting strangers to care for their children.
Playdate by Louise Millar
Fascinating short story about a murder that happened in Heaven. It combines my favourite genres: mystery + supernatural.
Murder Mysteries by Neil Gaiman