Fantasy is such a diverse genre, there are many different readers with specific niches that dictate what their preferred subgenres are. I am one for trying all – though I have my preferences- I have aimed for a mix of different books in my recommendations. There are standalones, trilogies and series in this list.
Babel
By R.F Kuang
Juxtaposed to his impoverished upbringing, Robin Swift has been brought to England by Professor Lovell and groomed to become a student at Babel. Swift must acclimate to the politics of being one of the few ethnic students, and choose his path accordingly, whilst simultaneously being swayed by conflicting influences.
If you are looking for a historical fiction that features Fantasy, then this book is for you. I was not prepared for Babel, thinking it was an average Fantasy book, I was taken aback the more I read. The Fantasy elements are realistic like ‘magic powering electricity’ opposed to fae fighting each other.
Kuang explores themes of colonization, whitewashing, racialized power dynamics and complicated friendships. The emotions these subjects evoke are strong whether with anger, sadness or understanding.
Be PREPARED for quite a few etymology lessons, at first, I was intrigued… then slowly started skimming. This originally caused me to dislike the book but overtime I have thought back on it and am now interested in etymology and the history of words!
Go into this knowing it will be more informative than relaxing and take breaks when your brain starts hurting. R.F Kuang clearly did methodical research to make this book what it is, which is why I respect her as much as I do.
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Throne Of Glass
By Sarah J. Maas
Summoned by the King to Adarlan – the land without magic – Celaena Sardothien must fight for her freedom, the alternative being life imprisonment. As a skilled Assassin, Celaena must prove herself to become the King’s Champion against all other candidates.
Provoked by The Crown Prince and protected by The Captain of the Guard, Celaena finds herself in some compromising situations, with mysterious deaths trailing behind her.
Throne of Glass is my favourite Fantasy series to date. People who have never read it often judge this, because it is not ‘Mistborn’ or ‘Lord of the Rings’ (nothing wrong with those series), so it is often overlooked.
The world building in this book is sensational, almost everything is accounted for. There are minute comments made in book one that are revisited in book five or six, Maas’ memory is impressive. The character growth, layering and subplots are what really make this series shine. I do not usually re-read series, but I will definitely re-read this one.
My personal favourites are ‘Tower of Dawn’ and ‘Empire of Storms’ (remembering to tandem read!)
I could not recommend this series enough, however, it is nothing like ACOTAR, so please do not go into it thinking that.
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The Prison Healer
By Lynette Noni
Kiva Meridan is imprisoned in the deadly Zalindov prison and has been for ten years, surviving by working as the prison’s healer. When the comatose Rebel Queen is brought in, Kiva is ordered to keep her alive long enough to face the brutal ‘Trial by Ordeal.’ After receiving coded messages instructing her to save the Queen’s life, Kiva is left with no choice but to take the Queen’s place — risking her life for a chance at freedom. Amid a deadly plague and shifting prison politics, she finds help in a mysterious new inmate, but survival will demand more than healing skills.
The Prison Healer series was a pleasant surprise for me, mainly because I unfairly assumed it would be average due to it being Young Adult. The events that unfold, the plot twists and quests are all fascinating and captivating, albeit the characters are a tad flavourless.
The first and third book are superb; I am partial to Blood Traitor but enjoyed Prison Healer as well, Gilded Cage, however, felt like a fluffer. It was necessary for the plot but was average. Do not let it dissuade you though, because the last book makes it all worth it.
I would recommend this book for someone who wants an enjoyable read that involves quests, trials, rebellion and battles. Although Romance was consistent throughout the series, it was not the focal point (for me).
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The Rook
By Daniel O’Malley
Myfanwy Thomas awakens in a park surrounded by bodies, all of which are wearing latex gloves. Upon finding a letter, Myfanwy follows the clues to uncover her former identity.
The letter explains she is a ‘Rook’, a high-ranking member of the Chequy, a secret organization that protects the country from supernatural forces. She also discovers that she, herself, possesses a deadly ability.
The funny thing about this letter is that it was written by her.
Myfanwy must discreetly track down the agent that is/was set on ending her, whilst maintaining the farce that she is the same person she was before amnesia.
I absolutely loved this book and desperately need to finish the series. Daniel O’Malley is an incredible writer; everything was succinct and well-planned. The plot was detailed, perfectly explaining the world he created whilst weaving in some mystery. It can be common for male writers to unintentionally (or intentionally) sexualize female characters, there is none of this in The Rook. Myfanwy is a multifaceted and humorous character that I really enjoyed reading about/ from the POV of. The unique and diverse range of characters was refreshing, and the world-building was incredible.
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone, I was originally a bit sceptical as it is different from my usual read, but I am so glad I read this book.
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The Binding
By Bridget Collins
Working in the fields, Emmett Farmer lives a simple life tending to his family’s farm. One day he is sent a letter offering him an apprenticeship as a Bookbinder – a vocation that is frowned upon within the town he resides. Due to unexpected circumstances his parents have no choice but to send their son to the feared Bookbinders shop.
Bookbinding is a professional that requires the most unlikely of skills, the ability to transfer and trap memories into a book. If Emmett does not learn this craft, it will cost him his sanity.
The books are discreetly hidden behind a vault, the key around the neck of his mentor. One day, he finds himself in the safe and makes the discovery that one of the books, has his name on it.
This is such an underrated book. I always see it at second-hand shops, therefore coming to the conclusion that it is bad. Boy was I wrong, and happy for it. The book is split into three parts, I admit that you have to push through the first halve of part one, but once you do, you won’t regret it.
The character development, plot progression and writing are tremendous. The plot twists are ingenious, and the characters are layered and compelling to read about. I unfortunately cannot say too much as to why I enjoyed it, because it would spoil key components.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like ‘practical fantasy’ but think anyone should read this, one of my unexpected five star reads of the year.
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The Song of Achilles
By Madeline Miller
Patroclus, son of King Menoetius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus due to unfortunate circumstances. Whilst Patroclus is awkward, scrawny and timid, Achilles son of King Peleus, is the perfect Prince who is admired by all who meets him. Achilles and Patroclus find friendship in their differences and form a strong bond, growing together and becoming young men skilled in the art of war – despite the objections and meddling of Thetis, the cruel Sea Goddess and Achilles mother.
Unexpectedly, it is reported that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped and must be rescued. Patroclus for fear of losing his beloved friend, follows Achilles to Troy. What was originally a straightforward plan turns into something much more, where all they hold dear will be tested.
This has to be one of my favourite books of all time, Miller’s writing is beautiful. I felt as though I was Patroclus and became really invested in what happened to him, as if we were one.
I cannot say too much, out of fear of spoiling it, but reading this was a magical experience, not to be cringe.
This book got me into Mythology which I am grateful for and opened me up to a whole new genre. Whilst it is under the category of ‘Fantasy’ it does not read like a Fantasy book.
I recommend everyone read this book, please !
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Honourable Mention
Crescent City
By Sarah J. Maas
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Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.
I loved this series. I would even argue that it is better than ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’, I cannot quite put my finger on why, I just loved the plot and everything that unfolded. I have a lot of critiques and know it is not everyone’s cup of tea, which is why it is not on the official list. Crescent city is a great read if you really want a relaxing but captivating story.
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