As a fantasy writer, I’ve always got at least a couple of fantasy books on my shelf ready for me to read. I like a whole range of books, but fantasy is the genre of my heart. I love exploring fantastical worlds full of daring adventures, courageous characters, possibly dragons, and maybe even a touch of magic. Plus, there’s something about reading this type of book that fills my creative well like no other books can. Currently, my reading stack is fairly fantasy heavy with books that I’m absolutely itching to get started reading, so today I thought I’d share four of my most highly anticipated fantasy reads. Let me know if any of these books are on your reading list too!
The Starless Sea – Erin Morgenstern
Far beneath the surface of the earth, upon the shores of the Starless Sea, there is a labyrinthine collection of tunnels and rooms filled with stories. The entryways that lead to this sanctuary are often hidden, sometimes on forest floors, sometimes in private homes, sometimes in plain sight. But those who seek will find. Their doors have been waiting for them.
I haven’t yet made my way through The Night Circus, which I absolutely intend on reading at some point in the near future as well, but I’m super excited to read this one. My mum bought me a copy of this as a gift after seeing how excited I got when I discovered it in my local bookshop. According to the blurb, it’s all about stories and libraries and adventure, which are all obviously right up my alley. Who couldn’t love a book that’s so bound up with stories?
The Other Side Of The Sky – Amie Kaufman/Meagan Spooner
Prince North’s home is in the sky, in a gleaming city held aloft by intricate engines, powered by technology. Nimh is the living goddess of her people on the Surface, responsible for providing answers, direction—hope.
North’s and Nimh’s lives are entwined—though their hearts can never be. Linked by a terrifying prophecy and caught between duty and fate, they must choose between saving their people or succumbing to the bond that is forbidden between them.
I am a huge fan of Kaufman and Spooner’s Starbound trilogy. I inhaled all three books in less than two days which, considering my reading pace at the moment is pretty amazing. This was a spur of the moment buy for me, but as soon as I saw it on the shelf, I knew I needed to treat myself to it. Initially I actually thought it was sci-fi, like their previous series, but Goodreads assures me that it’s fantasy, so I’m really intrigued to see what they do in this genre.
House Of Dragons – Jessica Cluess
Five royal houses will hear the call to compete in the Trial for the dragon throne. A liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief, and a murderer will answer it. Who will win?
When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call…
I’m a sucker for a book with some form of a life or death competition, which is probably a very good reason why I need to read The Hunger Games one of these days, and I especially like it when there’s a motley bunch of characters to boot. I’m super intrigued about the fact that this weird group of people are vying to become emperor. I mean, the possibility of a thief taking the throne? Colour me interested. Plus, the title suggests that there could be dragons, and I really, really like dragons.
The Kingdom Of Back – Marie Lu
Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish: to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she’ll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in eighteenth-century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age—her tyrannical father has made that much clear.
As Nannerl’s hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true—but his help may cost her everything.
I remember learning about Nannerl Mozart when I was studying for music exams several years ago, and I was always intrigued by the idea of Wolfgang and his sister travelling around playing music together, so the concept for this book grabbed me right away. Plus then there was that mention of magic, and a historical fiction with touches of fantasy and magic? That sounds right up my alley. Not sure just how fantasy this book gets, but I’m excited to find out.
Those are the top four fantasy novels on my reading list just at the moment. I’m super excited to dive into all of these books. But I’d love to hear from you. Are any of these books on your TBR pile? What fantasy novels have you been reading lately? Got any good recommendations for me? Let’s chat!
If you like the sound of these books, and you’re looking for a good fantasy novel to add to your reading list at the moment, might I recommend my Song Magic duology? Two books of YA fantasy goodness about sisters, magic, music, epic quests, and heartbreaking sacrifices. Check them out on Goodreads and Amazon now!
