Sometimes there’s nothing better than a book filled with magic, dragons and a world-changing plot, so here are my top five fantasy recommendations for when the world gets a little boring.
By Gemma Mathers
Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
A team of infamous criminals. One impossible heist. And the promises of millions should they succeed.
There aren’t enough words to do Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse justice, but Six of Crows is no doubt the very best of all the books. Following Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows provides endless entertainment, characters that will burrow into your heart and never leave and likely make your head spin from the twists and turns. Leigh Bardugo is a genius and whenever anyone asks me for a recommendation Six of Crows is the first to jump out. Simply put, this duology is wonderfully crafted. Bardugo’s command of narrative and character is heart-wrenching in the best way. The use of “found family” in these books is incredibly touching; Bardugo truly shows that sometimes it’s the family we make that mean the most.
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
by V.E. Schwab
In 1700s France a girl makes a life-altering decision – she sacrifices her soul to a dark god in exchange for the ultimate prize: immortality. But, like all dark promises, Adeline’s sacrifice comes with a curse – to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Addie Larue is a remarkable read from V.E Schwab about the experience of love, loss and the immeasurable desire to leave a mark on the world. The true decadence of this novel is Schwab’s exploration of human nature. The need to be seen. Desired. Loved. The need for revenge when all else fails. Addie’s determination, intellect and charisma make this novel an unforgettable page turner.
An Heir Comes to Rise
by Chloe C. Peñaranda
A newer recommendation from up and coming author Chloe C. Peñaranda, An Heir Comes to Rise is the first novel in Peñaranda’s debut series. First published in 2021, Peñaranda has published five novels in the series with the sixth instalment expected at the end of the year. Clearly Peñaranda has rockets for fingers because five books in two years and a new series published this year is mind-boggling. Promoting her writing on TikTok, Peñaranda has grown from aspiring author to the full-fledged writer of a successful series. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and Shadow and Bone, An Heir Comes to Rise follows the human Faythe as she navigates the world of magical fae, friendship and the painstaking cost of sacrifice.
Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
“In a land without magic, an assassin is summoned to the castle.”
Throne of Glass is a mystical, action packed high-fantasy series following a young assassin as she takes on a deadly competition to win her freedom as the king’s champion.
You know that feeling of getting lost in a book for so long you look at the time and suddenly it’s 4.00 am, birds are chirping and the sun’s up – well Throne of Glass is that type of series. Why read one book when you can read eight? Action packed with brilliant writing, dynamic characters and plot twists that will make your stomach turn; it is a must read. Sarah J. Maas will make you laugh, cry and want to sue her for the tornado of emotional turmoil. In the words of Ron Weasley “You’re going to suffer, but you’re going to be happy about it.”
These Violent Delights
by Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong’s show-stopping debut novel These Violent Delights is a dazzling retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai following the heirs of two feuding families as a sickness plagues the city. The classic tale of enemies to lovers takes a turn with Juliette and Roma who are forced to work together to save Shanghai and confront their tumultuous past-all the while fighting the urge to gun the other down.
Imagine Shakespeare but with guns, flapper dresses, an intoxicating plot and a headstrong leading lady These Violent Delights will have you locked away in the pages for days. Gong’s narrative is loaded with beautiful world building, a powerful love story to rival the original and great representation. This is an unmissable read.