Transport Yourself with 10 Phenomenal Literary Fantasy Books
Book RaiderWho needs a pricey plane ticket or a teleportation device when there's a far more accessible way to explore different worlds—books. More specifically, fantasy books. That’s right. One minute you’re cozied up in your favorite chair in pajamas, and the next, you’re dueling with dragons, hobnobbing with hobbits, or chilling with some chatty ghosts.
There's something magical about losing yourself in a kaleidoscope realm beaded together by words, enchantingly threaded into storylines that reveal lands both charming and chilling. Fantasy fiction carries the unique ability to whisk us away from the monotony of the everyday and plunge us headfirst into the phenomenal. So let's take a deep breath, step on the gas, and take a spin around the wondrous worlds these literary fantasy books have to offer.
The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
Why The Starless Sea is on this list: This book is a spectacular ticket to a world brimming with stories. You slip between its pages as you would through a magical portal, into a realm where nothing is as it seems, making it an absolutely on-point choice for our list.
The Starless Sea takes you on a wonderful journey with Zachary Ezra Rawlins. Zachary is an avid reader who discovers a mysterious book containing a story about his own life. The pages lead him to a secret library, hidden far beneath the earth. This library teems with temptations, enchantments, and dangerous secrets that will lure you in deeper with each turning page.
What readers like: Readers adore this book for Morgenstern's ridiculously beautiful and immersive writing. They love getting lost in the winding labyrinth of stories within stories. It is the kind of book you don't just read, but live and breathe, tempting you to linger in Morgenstern's world a little longer. 10 out of 10 for anyone liking their literature sprinkled with a healthy dose of fantasy.
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A Darker Shade of Magic
by V.E. Schwab
Why A Darker Shade of Magic is on this list: If you want to be transported, look no further than this. Imagine being able to flit between different versions of London - red, grey, white, and the forbidden black - each with its own level of magic. This book is your ticket to a wild ride
Our main man, Kell, is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare knack to travel between parallel London’s. Life's a bit tricky, though. He's got a bit of a rebellious streak and does some forbidden magical smuggling on the side. This leads him to an accidental, and quite perilous, adventure globetrotting through various London’s with a pretty gutsy thief named Delilah Bard.
What readers like: Readers have been sucked into the vivid world building, the intricate magic system, and the roller-coaster of a plot. The characters are so real, it's tough not to crush on them. Schwab knows how to create suspense and her imagery is positively cinematic. Pack your bags, because this book is your portal to magic-infused London's.
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House of Earth and Blood
by Sarah J. Maas
Why House of Earth and Blood is on this list: In the heart of a different universe tucked in the pages of this book, Sarah J. Maas intricately weaves fantasy and adventure in a way that's bound to transport you off your comfy and bubble baths. Hopping onto this journey is like boarding a cosmic locomotive, so buckle up.
Often described as 'Game of Thrones' meets 'Shadowhunters,' 'House of Earth and Blood' is the opening salvo in the Crescent City series. The story lives up to this tagline, it’s an epic urban fantasy revolving around Bryce, an audacious half-fae-half-human, and Hunt, a fallen angel. They’re trapped together in a treacherous world, trying to solve a convoluted murder case, their paths intertwined with lingering secrets, forbidden love and dark magic. It’s a dunce-cap-free zone for boredom.
What readers like: Readers who gravitate towards this book usually appreciate vivid world-building and multifaceted characters. They're the kind who cancel Friday plans to dive into a tumultuous sea of ill-fated alliances, vengeance quests and ‘wow, didn’t-see-that-coming’ twists. You know, the people who get all gleeful with a nice, juicy plot to sink their teeth into.
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The Ocean at the End of the Lane
by Neil Gaiman
Why The Ocean at the End of the Lane is on this list: If you're after a trip into a universe where reality is as fluid as water and the mundane world collides with the extraordinary, Gaiman's 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' is your ticket to ride.
This enthralling parable might seem like a nuanced memory capsule at first glance, but it transcends swiftly into a profound universe of fantasy and magic. It’s the story of a man who returns to his hometown and meanders back to the old farmhouse where he once encountered mysterious, terrifying and magnificent happenings.
What readers like: Every Gaiman enthusiast appreciates how he blends the archaic with the contemporary, and let's be honest, everyone loves a cat with inter-dimensional know-how. Also, for those seeking out a book with haunting yet playful illustrations, this one hits the mark.
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The Empire's Ruin
by Brian Staveley
Why The Empire's Ruin is on this list: Ready to leap into an adventure wrapped in magic, majesty, and mayhem? The Empire's Ruin will take you on a journey far from your cozy armchair, landing you smack-dab in the middle of an empire teetering on the brink of chaos. Just the right dash of literary flair and fantasy we're looking for.
This fantasy epic introduces Ashoan Khet, a once common soldier now an annihilating force of nature, driven by revenge against the crumbling Annurian Empire. On his quest, Ashoan navigates a world rife with hybrid animal-race Kettral, power-wielding monks, and monstrous creatures birthed of darkest magics. Throughout the hefty tome, expect the unexpected as the road to retribution is threaded with twisted alliance, perilous battles, and of course, a delicious sprinkle of fate playing its cards.
What readers like: Fans have praised the immersive world that Staveley has woven in this novel. With intriguing characters that jump off the page and a plot that keeps the gears turning in your head, bookworms have been left begging for more. The well-crafted narrative, witty dialogue, and deep lore tug at the heartstrings of the reader, making them part and parcel of the collapsing empire. Readers also rather enjoy how the author bakes in social commentary without over-egging the pudding. Embarking on this book is like buckling up for an unforgettable magic carpet ride.
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Foundryside
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Why Foundryside is on this list: In 'Foundryside', fantasy unravels not through mythical creatures but rather through magic-infused objects. This book is a top notch ticket for a literary journey like no other, transporting you to an alternate universe where the power of 'scriving' defies the laws of physics and keeps you glued till the very end.
'Foundryside' is the thrilling tale of Sancia Grado, a brilliant thief living in the lawless slums of Tevanne, a city run by four merchant houses. She's hired to steal an artifact with an unimaginable power which could revolutionize magic, could level the power imbalance in Tevanne, and could even topple empires. Dark secrets unravel as the story proceeds, keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you're thinking 'Harry Potter meets Oceans Eleven', you're not far off.
What readers like: Readers rave about Bennett's imaginative storytelling; his meticulously crafted world dripping with believable magic increases the pulse of the narrative. The beautifully complex characters, the gripping plot twists and, not to forget, the rich inventiveness pull readers into a figurative maelstrom of fascination.
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Empire of Sand
by Tasha Suri
Why Empire of Sand is on this list: If you're big on getting transported to other realms (without pricey tickets and uncomfortable airplane seats), Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri got you covered. This acclaimed fantasy story has all the magic, mystique, and mayhem you could possibly ask for.
Empire of Sand is set in a world where magic, mythology, and mystery reign. The book follows Mehr, an outcast, born to a noble father and an outcast mother with 'Amrithi' heritage. Mehr is trapped in her father's palace, and her life gets turned around when her ability to manipulate magical dreams draws the attention of the Emperor's mystics. It's a gripping saga of courage, love and, believe it or not, dance.
What readers like: Readers are head over heels for Suri's world-building and her deep, dynamic characters. Many have praised her fusion of Mughal India with a lush array of magic, making the story pulsate with life. Others have noted how the heroine, Mehr, is both strong and vulnerable, fighting against oppressive forces with nothing but her wit, will, and some fancy footwork. And yeah, there's a dash of romance in the mix for all you love-struck readers. So if you're partial to fantasy with depth, diversity, and a whole lot of dazzle, Empire of Sand makes a splendid pick.
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Circe
by Madeline Miller
Why Circe is on this list: Circe allows you to transport yourself into a fantasy world where powerful witches, titans, and Greek gods are at play. It's the literary equivalent of a magic carpet ride, so buckle up.
Circe is about a minor goddess turned powerful witch born into the house of Helios, the sun god. Set in a world of myths and monsters, the narrative follows Circe's journey through the maze of Olympian politics. After she is banished to the island of Aiaia, she hones her witchcraft skills, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with famous mythical beings including the Minotaur, Medea, and Odysseus himself.
What readers like: Readers love the captivating and fresh spin on Greek mythology, mixed with an intriguing set of characters. Despite her divine origins, Circe is a character you can relate to as she battles isolation, love loss, and the struggles of motherhood. The vivid descriptions truly make you feel like you're diving into an ancient mythological world. Plus, Miller's writing style is sort of like having your cake and eating it too, beautifully crafted, yet comfy and easy to devour.
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The Night Tiger
by Yangsze Choo
Why The Night Tiger is on this list: The Night Tiger is a fantastic literary fantasy, weaving together lush depictions of 1930s Malaya with an engrossing plot soaked in Chinese mythology. Not only it will transport you to an extraordinary place and time, but it also opens the door to another reality, one populated by weretigers, eerily humanistic fingers in mason jars, and eerily plausible links between different lives.
An ambitious maid and a trainee doctor find their destinies entwined when they uncover the macabre secrets of a decaying plantation and its missing finger. As the pair delve into ancient superstitions and the haunting stories of weretiger lore, they struggle to unravel the truth before it devours their lives – and the lives of those around them.
What readers like: Readers cherish the depth and vividness of the world Choo creates, her lush descriptions of Malaya, its culture and people, and the way its reality intersects with the fantastical plot. They also enjoy her unforgettable characters, their tangled relationships, and the way she expertly weaves their stories together into an intriguing, page-turning narrative.
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The Bear and the Nightingale
by Katherine Arden
Why The Bear and the Nightingale is on this list: This captivating read by Katherine Arden epitomizes literary fantasy. It's a bewitching ice-kissed adventure that serves as a ticket to a far-off land, full of magic and folklore. It's a well-crafted tale that reminds us of life's simplest yet overlooked magical elements, transporting you to a world that feels gloriously removed from your couch.
It is a bewitching tale set in the icy wilderness of medieval Russia, enveloped in chilling winter and warm hearth fires. The protagonist, a young girl named Vasilia, has the 'otherworldly' ability to see spirits that others cannot. This enthralling tale has her battling a terrifying demon to save her family and village, with a bit of haunting folklore, a dash of romance and lots of snow.
What readers like: Readers relish the rich cultural backdrop, atmospheric storytelling, and the robust cast of characters. Arden's unique writing style, which seamlessly weaves Russian folklore and magic into an adventurous journey, has captured the hearts of many. Moreover, readers love the strong and fiercely independent protagonist, along with the exhilarating climax that makes you clutch the book tighter.
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