When I was younger, some of my favorite stories were filled with talking animals, magical quests and the inevitable battle between good and evil. There is something so intrinsically wonderful about getting thrown down the rabbit hole of a great fantasy or science-fiction novel. Anything can happen in a world with uniquely diverse characters, magical storylines and the exploration of lore. These are my top recommendations for the reader who loves fantasy novels.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

This epic fantasy is one you will not want to miss. Though it is a massive 800-plus pages, the story of a world divided, danger lurking and dark forces looming will captivate you. If you are waiting for the new Game of Thrones season to start, may I suggest diving into this incredible story to help you make it through your withdrawal.


Slayer by Kiersten White

Into every generation, a Slayer is born… Yes. I just wrote it. Slayer is the first book in a duology about the newest Chosen One. In this book, White brings her signature style from her And I Darken series, which I fell in love with, but still pays homage to the classic Buffy lore.


The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

How lucky we all are that Roshani Chokshi has given us another world to fall in love with. This author’s lyrical and eloquent writing is only made better through her multilayered storytelling. Paris is given a new breath of life as we join in the journey of Séverin Montagnet-Alarie and his gang to hunt down an ancient artifact in The Gilded Wolves.


White Stag by Kara Barbieri

This debut novel by Kara Barbieri is a coming-of-age story like no other. The reader meets Janneke, a young girl who finds herself becoming more monster than human. Readers follow along as she seeks to uncover dangerous truths about who she is and the place that has become her home. It is captivating and an amazing beginning to the Permafrost series.


The Dysasters by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

This book is the first in what I hope will be a multi-book series. It is part fantasy and part science fiction with a hint of superhero origin stories on the side. As soon as I started reading, I instantly became invested in the characters’ lives. They are in the stages of discovering who they are and what they are truly capable of. It is quite the ride. Though I will say, in the end, we are left hanging, so don’t expect to have everything tied up neatly with a bow for you.


The Afterward by E.K. Johnston

For those of you interested in a bit more romance with your fantasy, Johnston’s new book may just be the ticket. In this tale, the main characters will fight to maintain their newfound independence and to find their way back to each other.


Finale by Stephanie Garber

If you are looking for books to truly get swept away in, the Caraval series is one of the best out there. Finale is the final book in the trilogy which is bittersweet for me. I have devoured the previous novels and am anxiously awaiting this final installment. In this story, though Caraval is over, perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. With lives, empires and hearts all at stake, there are no spectators this time: only those who will win… and those who will lose everything.


Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff

Raise your hand if you have been waiting for this one. This book is the epic conclusion of the internationally bestselling Nevernight Chronicles from the master himself, Jay Kristoff. Those of us who have followed Mia Corvere’s bloody journey through Nevernight and Godsgrave are awaiting her fate. All I have to say is this is going to be epic people… prepare for the bloodbath and the fight of Mia’s life.


Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Finally! I am really excited to read the latest book from The Night Circus author, Erin Morgenstern. It seems like we have waited forever to be sucked back into a world created by her. The book is a timeless love story set in a secret underground world which is a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars and ships that sail upon a starless sea.


Midnight Beauties by Megan Shepherd

This summer we will all get to go back into Shepherd’s world of witches, beasties, goblins and Royals as they return to the page in this spellbinding conclusion. There is not much out about this book, but should Grim Lovelies be any indication, we are in for a treat.


Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The author who brought us the Wicked trilogy, the Lux series and The Dark Elements series, now has a new novel set in a world of gargoyle protectors, rising demons and one girl with an explosive secret. I first heard about it a month ago and cannot wait to dive into this book.


The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu

I cannot talk about fantasy novels without mentioning the queen of all things Shadowhunters, Cassandra Clare. The author has two new books coming, The Red Scrolls of Magic and Chain of Gold. When I heard about both of these books, I squealed in glee. The Red Scrolls of Magic is the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War. And if that isn’t enough… Chain of Gold is the first novel in a brand-new trilogy where evil hides in plain sight and the only thing more dangerous than fighting demons is falling in love. Shadowhunter Army, it is time to get ready.

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