15 most magical fantasy books, from adventure filled love tales to enemies to lover’s stories with a dash of romance.
Fantasy novels remain the most read genre according to Goodreads for reasons we all know. Unique worlds, magic, dragons-had to get that in there-and mythical creatures, but also contain sweet or spicy romance plot intertwined with breath-taking adventures through magical forest and hunted palaces.
From Goodreads favourites, to Tiktok loves, accompanying award winning titles and bestsellers, I have collected 20 best fantasy books. So whether you are hooked on bandits and dragons, looking for a sprinkle of romance in a fae battle, or swoon worthy romance laced with adventure and magic, here are the best fantasy novels to read before the year ends.
Fall of ruin and wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure. Living in a place teeming with monsters, royalty and danger, main character Calista (Lis) was born with the gift of intuition.
Within these wicked walls by Lauren Blackwood
Abandoned by her mentor and guardian, Andromeda is recruited by Magnus to cleanse the house he inherited from his father. Only he is the evil eye host, and the job is slowly becoming more than she bargained for.
A thousand years to wait by L. Ryan Storms
Moreina believes in medicine, not magic, even while possessing a second sight she can’t explain. Until she is chosen to awaken an ancient magic and end a war.
Zhara by S. Jae-Jone
With a mysterious plague turning magicians into monsters, Zhara is tasked to restore peace and harmony, and to do so she must discover the elemental warrior within.
A study in drowning by Ava Reid
Hunted by the visions of the fairy king, young architect, Effy arrives at Hiraeth with hopes to redesign her favourite author’s house. Together with a scholar, they begin to unravel the sinister secrets the crumbling manor hides.
Shadow and bone by Leigh Bardugo
Orphaned Alina unexpectedly harness a power she never knew she had, and becomes a target of both intrigue and violence.
The hanging city by Charlie N. Holmberg
On the run from her abusive father, with no sanctuary among the dwindling human civilization, Lark seeks a place in the city of Trolls, Cagmar. With nothing but the power of fear she wield, she tries to survive.
The girl who fell beneath the sea by Axie Oh
The sea God is unresponsive. Deadly storms ravaged Mina homeland for generation, and in an attempt to please the God, the people thrown the most beautiful girl into the sea. To save her brother, whose beloved is to be sacrificed, Mina throws herself into the sea. With the help of a mysterious man named Shin, Mina tries to wake the sea God from his enchanted slumber.
The unfortunate side effects of magic and heartbreak by Breanne Randall
Each Member of the Revelare family is blessed with magic, but their magic comes with a curse. Sadie is curse states that after four heartbreaks, she will lose her magic entirely. But when her grandmother grows sicker by the day and Sadie faces the last of her heartbreak, she has to decide. Love or family.
The poppy war by R. F. Kuang
When Rin is accepted into Sinegard Academy, she discovers she has a mysterious power and becomes a shaman to the vengeful phoenix God. When war breaks out, Rin has to decide how to use her powers.
If only you can see the sun by Ann Lian
When turning invisible adds to the list of Alice problems, she decides to use it to her advantage and with the help of Henry Li, her academic rival, and Chanel, her roommate and friend, she becomes the face behind Beijing Ghost.
From blood and ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poppy life has never been her own. Chosen as the maiden to ascend on her 19th birthday for the sake of her kingdom is all she has ever known. Until she meets Hawke, a golden eyed guard whose duty is to protect her and ensure her ascension.
A deadly education by Naomi Novik
Half-welsh and half-Indian sorceress El, must survive till graduation while controlling her destructive abilities at a school of magic.
That dark infinity by Kate Pentecost
Saved following the destruction of her home, handmaiden Flora meets Ankou, an immortal monster hunter cursed with the circle of resurrection.
The phoenix king by Aparna Verna
After her coronation, Elena is determined to do whatever she can to prove she is worthy successor, even though she is the only ravence who can’t control command eternal fire. Yassen finds himself installed as a member of Elena guards, after a mission that went wrong and with a chance to start a new life. When their country is on the brink of war and rebellion, the two team up to stop it.
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