The Best Top 12 Riveting, Must-Read Fantasy Books of 2023
Fantasy is one of my favorite genres to read if not my #1. There is just something about diving into a new world full of colorful characters and beautiful, unique places.
Not only is fantasy a favorite of mine, but it is one of the most popular genres in the world. I guess a lot of us love to escape the real world and immerse ourselves in other realms every now and then.
As we are making our way through 2024, I decided to shine some light on the favorite fantasy reads of last year… Cheers to our never-ending TBR lists!
Table of Contents
These were some of the top trending fantasy books of 2023. *Book summaries from Barnes and Noble – Check out some of my favorite books that I read in January 2024!
Popular Fantasy Books of 2023
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame
Rebecca Yarros – Empyrean Series
A young scribe is thrust into an elite war college for dragon riders where the only rule is graduate or perish. An addictive fantasy with epic levels of spice and world-building.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.
Hell Bent
Leigh Bardugo – Ninth House Series
Our favorite member of Lethe is back in another tale of murder, monsters and dark magic set among the Ivy League elite. Bardugo’s follow-up to Ninth House doubles down on all the sinister intrigue and atmospheric chills that make this mesmerizing dark academia series impossible to put down.
The Fragile Threads of Power
V.E. Schwab – Threads of Power Series
Schwab’s long-awaited return to the Shades of Magic series weaves a gripping tale of old heroes and new enemies. A captivating new installment in a dazzling world of thieves, travelers, magical battles and epic adventures.
A Day of Fallen Night
Samantha Shannon – Prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree
The Priory of the Orange Tree — 848 epic pages of dragons, magic and lore — was a surprise hit for some (but not all). In this prequel to the bestselling fantasy, Samantha Shannon brings us back into a world we didn’t want to leave.
Starling House
Alix E. Harrow
Opal has been obsessed with The Underland since she was a child. When she gets the chance to step inside Starling House—and make some extra cash for her brother’s escape fund—she can’t resist.
But sinister forces are digging deeper into the buried secrets of Starling House, and Arthur’s own nightmares have become far too real. Welcome to Starling House: enter, if you dare.
Tress of The Emerald Sea
Brandon Sanderson – The Cosmere Universe
The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?
Assistant To The Villain
Hannah Nicole Maehrer – The Assitant and The Villain Series
This book ticks a great many boxes—humor, horror, fantasy, romance. And it manages to fully embrace all of its elements, delivering a compelling narrative oozing with hilarious personality and with no lack of emotional resonance. It’s great for fans of Legends & Lattes and The House in the Cerulean Sea.
The Hurricane Wars
Thea Guanzon – The Hurricane Wars Series
A remarkable debut fantasy inspired by Southeast Asian mythology, Hurricane Wars features an enemies-to-lovers romance, incredible world-building and a unique magic system. It’s everything you love about Romantasy in one delectable package.
Throne of The Fallen
Kerri Maniscalco – Prince of Sin Series
Kerri Maniscalco makes her adult debut with this New York Times bestselling sensation, a “hot” new standalone fantasy romance (Jennifer L. Armentrout) about a dark prince battling an impossible curse—and the artist who might be the only one who can set him free.
Sword Catcher
Cassandra Clare – Sword Catcher Series
A new epic fantasy series from Cassandra Clare? Yes please. Only this time, it’s adult, allowing for an even greater indulgence of yearning romance and thrilling action. It’s all the things you love from Clare, yet like never before.
Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series.
The Will of The Many
James Islington – Hierarchy Series
The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything.
I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society ….. I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.
But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.
Atalanta
Jennifer Saint
Atalanta is a new mythological retelling from Jennifer Saint, the author of Elektra and Ariadne. This story of a female warrior who must prove herself among men — and who finds herself falling in love, even against a goddess’ warning that marriage may be her downfall — is sure to delight Saint’s many fans while also elevating Atalanta’s heroic journey to the heights it deserves.
Full of joy, passion, and adventure, Atalanta is the story of a woman who refuses to be contained. Jennifer Saint places Atalanta in the pantheon of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology, where she belongs.
Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments!!
ADMIN
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i am going to check these books out
Fantastic list! I’ve been looking for new fantasy books to dive into, and this compilation is just perfect. ‘The Will of The Many’ and ‘A Day of Fallen Night’ have definitely caught my eye. Thanks for sharing these recommendations!
Such an awesome list fantasy books. The Will of the Many sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for sharing!
omg these are awesome!!! I LOVE THE LIST…THANK YOU SO MUCH…I love fantasy books and can’t get enough of them.
You’ve given me so many great options to add to my never-ending TBR pile. Can’t wait to start exploring these magical worlds!
I delved into the mystical realms of fantasy books last year, their pages alive with dragons, sorcery, and destiny. From enchanted forests to forgotten prophecies, I lost myself in tales that blurred the line between reality and imagination. As I closed each book, I carried a piece of magic within. A passport to otherworldly adventures.
What a fantastic list of fantasty books! I really need to read more. I love the sound of The Hurricane Wars Series.
These sound wonderful! And honestly, if I were to read a book by it’s cover, I would be attracted to these in a book store. Some fun choices to add to my list!
Your blog post captures the magic and allure of the fantasy genre beautifully! Your enthusiasm for diving into fantastical worlds with colorful characters and unique places is truly infectious. Highlighting the popularity of fantasy and its ability to offer a delightful escape resonates with many readers. It’s exciting to see your spotlight on favorite fantasy reads from the past year, and I’m sure it will inspire many to expand their TBR lists. Cheers to endless adventures in the realms of fantasy!
Great selection of books. I’m always looking for a good read especially during the summer season. My first read would be the STARLING HOUSE.
This is such a great list! I’ve reread the same fantasy novels over and over for too long. It’s time for me to try some new ones.
A Day of Fallen Night is first on my list. I’m a sucker for anything with dragons!