fantasy
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*Advanced Reader Copy* A world divided by angels and demons, soul bonds that change lives forever, and a knight forced to question everything she has ever believed. The Wretched Divine delivers a rich high fantasy romance filled with forbidden tension, betrayal, political conflict, and emotional bonds that blur the line between good and evil. Slow…
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Spark of the Everflame is an accessible fantasy romance that feels very much like the foundation of something much bigger. While parts of the story are predictable, the political tension, layered world-building, and Diem’s coming-of-age journey left me with more questions than answers — and just enough intrigue to want to continue the series.
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When aliens turn Earth into a live-streamed dungeon survival game, Carl and his gloriously dramatic cat, Princess Donut, are thrown into chaos, carnage, and completely unhinged quests. Brutal, absurd, and laugh-out-loud funny, Dungeon Crawler Carl is a love letter to gamers everywhere — packed with RPG mechanics, savage humour, and a cat who absolutely refuses…
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“A Conspiracy of Truths is a clever slow-burn fantasy told through the wry voice of Chant, an old storyteller imprisoned for witchcraft. Despite the confined setting, the world feels vivid thanks to the many fables and stories woven throughout, and the dynamic between Chant and his young apprentice, Ylfing, keeps the narrative engaging. It’s not…
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Clytemnestra is a sharp, accessible feminist retelling that gives one of Greek mythology’s most notorious women her own voice. I enjoyed how easy it was to read, though the short, punchy sentences sometimes made the story feel a bit rushed. The themes of female rage, power, and trauma come through clearly, especially in the chapter…
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A Marvellous Light is a queer, magical realist novel set in an alternative Edwardian England. It follows Robin Blyth, who unexpectedly finds himself in a new government position that plunges him into a hidden world of magic. After being attacked and cursed, Robin must rely on the help of Edwin Courcey, a prickly and intelligent…
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Last weekend I was lucky enough to go to The Queen’s Reading Room, a literary festival at Chatsworth House. I was so proud to meet seven wonderful authors, including Samantha Shannon. I also attended her talk Fantasy and Dystopia within Fiction, where she was interviewed by the equally incredible Saara El-Arifi. The setting made it…
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On Saturday 20th September, I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Queen’s Reading Room, a remarkable literary festival hosted within the breath-taking grounds of Chatsworth House and Gardens — famously recognised as the cinematic backdrop of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
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The Unmaking of June Farrow is a fantasy/sci-fi novel by Adrienne Young, featuring June, a woman who travels from 2023 to 1951, entangled in a complex timeline involving murder, romance, and a family curse affecting only women. The engaging story highlights gender roles, despite leaving some questions unanswered, and showcases intriguing character relationships.
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A Discovery of Witches follows Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch who discovers a powerful manuscript, plunging her into a magical world. As her powers awaken, she forms a bond with Matthew Clairmont, a vampire. Their relationship, fraught with tension and conflict, drives the narrative, offering a modern twist on supernatural lore.
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Rosie Hewlett’s fantasy novel centres on Medea, a young princess navigating her magical abilities while seeking freedom from her family’s rejection. The engaging story, rich with Greek mythology and strong female characters, offers twists and a deep exploration of love and manipulation, though the rushed ending leaves questions unanswered.
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Tusk Love, inspired by Critical Role, is a romantic fantasy about Guinevere and Oskar, whose chemistry ignites during a perilous journey. The novel combines D&D adventure, humor, and steamy romance, appealing to both fans and newcomers. Its compelling pacing and charming nods to the series make it a must-read for fantasy romance lovers.
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by Michael J.Benton This book isn’t just about dinosaurs and the usual facts and figures we often hear. It’s about how palaeontologists uncovered that information—from 1980 through to 2019. It takes you behind the scenes of museums and expeditions, showing how palaeontology and the work of palaeontologists have evolved. I was motivated to buy this…
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The third and final book in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy follows FitzChivalry as he revives from death, striving to reclaim his identity and seek the rightful king while combating King Regal. Rich in character development and intricate magic, the story culminates in an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion, highlighting the journey and growth of its characters.
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Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb follows Fitz, a royal bastard raised in a castle stable, as he trains to become an assassin for the crown amidst a looming civil war. The character development, especially through Fitz’s unique perspective and relationships, enhances the story. This engaging fantasy book appeals to fans of historical fiction and classic…
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Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb follows Fitz, a royal bastard raised in a castle stable, as he trains to become an assassin for the crown amidst a looming civil war. The character development, especially through Fitz’s unique perspective and relationships, enhances the story. This engaging fantasy book appeals to fans of historical fiction and classic…
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Brandon Sanderson’s “Warbreaker” follows Siri, who is sent to marry a tyrannical God King to preserve peace. While initially captivating, the story drags, particularly in the middle, diminishing engagement. Despite strong character development and Sanderson’s trademark female empowerment, it’s recommended more for dedicated fans than newcomers, who should start with “Mistborn.”
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by Brandon Sanderson After reading the first three Mistborn books, I was instantly hooked on Brandon Sanderson’s writing and couldn’t wait to dive into his Cosmere collection. Starting the Cosmere can be confusing in itself—everyone seems to have a different opinion on the “right” reading order—but honestly, I think you should just pick whichever order…
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by Sarah J.Maas This fantasy romance follows protagonist Fayre, a nineteen-year-old survivor who kills a large wolf in the woods near her home. When a terrifying creature arrives at her family’s door demanding retribution, her life drastically turns. She is thrust into a dangerous, magical, and mesmerising land she only knows from stories, myths, and…
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by Samantha Shannon “The Priory of the Orange Tree” is a captivating fantasy novel set in an Eastern/Western civilization, weaving together an array of diverse characters: a queen, a dragon rider, and a mage, all in a world rife with political intrigue and threatened by an ancient evil poised to return. Blending politics with high…