My Top 10 Fantasy Books

Step into a realm of enchantment, fantastical creatures, and epic battles with these 10 mesmerizing fantasy books. Spoiler Free!

Fantasy Reads

As an avid fantasy reader, I know the joy of being whisked away into a world brimming with captivating plot lines, endearing characters, and enchanting landscapes. In this post, I am excited to share my personal Top 10 Fantasy Reads (so far) – books that have captured my heart and sparked my imagination. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy lover or just dipping your toes into this genre, these books are must-reads.

10. Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone Trilogy is a must-read for fans of atmospheric fantasy.  What truly sets this trilogy apart is its strong female protagonist and gripping plot. As a reader, you can't help but root for the resilient Alina Starkov as she navigates a world of deceit and betrayal. And the romance tropes in this book? They're perfectly executed. But don't be mistaken, this is no simple love story - it's an epic adventure that will leave you breathless and eagerly turning the pages.

I read this series in my mid-twenties and truly enjoyed it.  Highly recommend for high school age and above.

9. Vampire Chronicles

Looking for the perfect Halloween read? Look no further than the irresistible Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. Fall simply wouldn't be complete without me picking up the next installment of this addictive series. There are a lot of books in this series, and I try to read one per year.  They are heavier reads and not easy to binge… but they really set the tone for spooky season.

My favorite character, Lestat, is a testament to Anne Rice's unparalleled ability to bring vampires to life on the page. Her mastery of character development will have you feeling deeply and pondering the concept of eternity. The gothic and romantic vibes are undeniably alluring but be warned – Rice's descriptive writing style is not for everyone.  Be prepared for paragraphs of descriptions.  And for those who prefer audio books, you're in luck – the Vampire Chronicles are some of my favorite audio books.

While this series is shelved as horror – I didn’t find them “scary”.  Just know that they are very dark and eerie.  

8. Game of Thrones

While the books are undeniably better than the show, they can be very intimidating for beginners.  Don’t get me wrong the show was amazing!  With a sprawling cast of characters and complex plotlines, it's easy to feel overwhelmed while reading. There is no “handholding” in this series.  Be prepared to be introduced to like thirty characters in the first chapter, with little to no indication of who’s important and who’s not.  

A helpful tip for those wanting to dive into the books: watch one season of the show first. Trust me, it's a game-changer. By familiarizing yourself with the characters and locations through the visual adaptation, you'll have a much smoother reading experience. And let me tell you, the books are truly a step above the show.  I’m not sure I could have read this series, at the time that I did in my reading journey, without the adaptation.

The show and the books take different paths, so even if you're a die-hard fan of the series, there are still surprises in store for you. And with promised alternate endings, it's worth delving into the books. I highly recommend it if you enjoy epic adventure, world building, strong political plot, adult themes, and dragons. Ages 18+.

And here's the best part - reading this epic fantasy series helps prepare you for other epic fantasies. Once I had conquered Game of Thrones, l felt more confident in tackling other complex reads.

7. Crave

I must confess my love for this series. While it may not have the most stunning writing or the most intricate plot, and the characters may not be the most well-developed, there's just something about it that keeps me coming back for more. It's like indulging in a delicious pumpkin spice latte on a cool autumn day while binge-watching the Vampire Diaries - a perfect blend of supernatural drama and high school chaos that will leave you craving (see what I did there) for more. It's like someone took all the best elements from Vampire Diaries, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, and every high school drama and combined them into one, resulting in the irresistible and addictive world of Crave.

Tropes I love in this series:  Brother’s Girl, Love Triangle, Vampires, Magic School, Fated Mates.

Best for ages 14+.

6. Harry Potter

What is a top 10 list without the beloved Harry Potter? As a lifelong fantasy reader, I couldn't agree more. Growing up, I devoured this series, but I must admit, it didn't quite make my top 5. Before you gasp in shock, let me explain.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix proved to be my personal Mount Everest, it took me not one, not two, but seven attempts to conquer it. Despite this hurdle, I still hold a special place in my heart for the magic of Hogwarts.  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire had all my favorite characters, plus dragons, and mermaids making it my favorite in the series. The Half Blood Prince is a close second.

I have re-read the entire series multiple times, and proudly declare my allegiance to Slytherin.  I would love to someday visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.  Riding the Hogwarts Express and eating a chocolate frog, are experiences I need to have in my life.

So, while it may not have made my top 5, Harry Potter still holds a significant place in my heart and book collection.

5. Divergent

Divergent is the book series that I probably recommend the most.  It is a must-read series for all book lovers. From its thrilling plot and thought-provoking themes that will captivate readers from start to finish. In this dystopian world, the struggles for power and identity will leave you questioning what it truly means to be human. Whether you're a fan of romance, action, or just great storytelling, this series has it all.

This is another book series that had a movie adaptation, and the books are very different from the films. The second and third books/movies took a very different approach to the storyline.  I love them both for different reasons. 

Perfect for readers of all ages.  The romance plot is there, but it is minimal.  No spice in this series, completely closed door.

4. Twilight

This is the series that got me hooked on reading. I re-read them every Fall.  I am team firmly team vampire.  Though Jacob Black has grown on me over the years.  I went to every movie on opening night.  According to my Goodreads I have read this series over 8 times, but I know it is more than that! 

Do not judge this series off the movies!  There are tons of characters that were left out in the movies.  The Cullen siblings are very much missing in the movies, compared to the books. I’d be willing to claim that this was the first Romantasy.  Look how much this sub-genre has grown!

Recommend for readers 14+.  Tropes I love in this series, stalker romance, love triangle, vampires.

3. Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing is the best blend of Divergent, dragons, and an extra dash of spice. But trust me, that only scratches the surface of why this book lives in my mind rent free. It's the epitome of my fantasy lover's dream come true. From politically driven plots to romance and trials, Fourth Wing has it all. And of course, let's not forget the awe-inspiring presence of Dragons. But even if you were to take away the romance, Fourth Wing would still hold its place as a top-tier fantasy. The plot is simply that exceptional.

Due to the spice and violence in this book I would recommend it for ages 16+. 

Next book in the series comes out in January of 2025.  I can’t wait!

2. Throne of Glass

If you loved Game of Thrones you have to read Throne of Glass.  There is not one thing in GOT that isn’t in TOG.  We have political plot, dragons, witches, magic, thrones, kings, incredible strong female characters, brothels, assassins, and the very best world building!!  What makes Throne of Glass better?  It is so easy to follow!! Sarah J Maas happily holds your hand throughout this series.  Making it simple to follow along, while still having complex magic systems and characters. 

Just like Game of Thrones, while this series features couples and romance and many romantic sub-plots, at it’s core it is an epic fantasy.  Some choose to label this Romantasy… but it heavily leans more towards Fantasy.

It is one of the most popular series on BookTok.  With a never-ending feud of which order to read this series in.  This is the order that I always recommend – Publication order!  Start with Throne of Glass and read Assassins Blade after Heir of Fire.  Assassins Blade is FULL of spoilers!!! It also introduces more characters into the series and explains part of the cliff hanger at the end of Heir of Fire.  In the newer editions of the books Assassins Blade is listed first (because chronologically in the series it happens first), I blame that for the bulk of the confusion.

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses

Is there a single day that goes by where I am not completely consumed by thoughts of A Court of Thorns and Roses? Absolutely not. It's safe to say that no other series will ever capture me in the same way. The world-building is unparalleled, the characters are perfection. What begins as a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast quickly twists into something entirely new.  Sarah J Maas will tear you apart and put you back together time and time again throughout the series.

And here's the thing - every time I pick up the books for another round, I discover even more hidden clues that I missed before. This series is far from over, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installments. Out of all the books I've read, A Court of Mist and Fury is by far the best. Trust me, I don't make that claim lightly. I could read it a hundred times and never tire of it. Right now, I'm on my eleventh reread and still counting.