Fantasy is one of the broadest genres out there! There are so many different kinds and flavors and genres, and it can be hard to try out different styles once you find what you like. Recently, I’ve read quite a few books in quite a few genres, so here are a few books recs based on some of the most popular sub-genres of fantasy!
Sci-Fi
Gideon the Ninth was my choice for the LGBTQ series of books for our book club. The pitch I was given by an old coworker was “lesbian necromancers in space.” Sold.
This book was fun, witty, and had a wonderful adventure with memorable characters and an engaging plot. I will amend here that the first book isn’t overly science fictious and space faring, but the further I’ve read into the series, more space travel and galactic politics have come up. It’s a unique take on the genre, with a good mixture of magic and sci-fi. It almost is more science fantasy (a distinction that I love debating), but I’m including it here because I want to.
I’m currently part way through the second book in the series, and while it reads a bit differently from the first, it’s definitely upping the stakes and building the tension well. Lots of starships and talk of space travel. If you need a good fresh take on sci-fi, try this one out!
Other sci-fi recs: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, Hyperion by Dan Simmons, Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Steampunk
Just last month I read The Aeronaut’s Windlass, by Jim Butcher, and it was the perfect steampunk adventure. It gave me major Treasure Planet vibes, with sky-faring ships, privateers, and cool laser weapons. The steampunk vibes are really strong here, with crystals powering the 18th century styled technology.
The crystal technology was actually really well developed, with discussions about their scientific and technological uses, as well as their ability to be channeled and used by Etherialists, who are individuals trained to harness the energy waves in the air, which are then stored in the crystals. I promise Butcher explains it better than I do.
The setting was also really unique, with the vast majority of the population living in vertical spires that have been hollowed out, and really only the aeronauts venture beyond them. I imagine the second book will see a lot more sky-faring, as the world is opening up. I’m excited to see other spires!
I sadly don’t have any other steampunk recs, so just watch Treasure Planet.
Fantasy Western
Is this the official title of this genre? I have no idea. But! If you want gun-toting adventurers solving mysteries and saving damsels, while aided by magical abilities, check out The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson.
Call me controversial, but I think this book works just fine as a stand-alone. I know many of you out there have read the whole Mistborn series, but this book works well as it’s own perfect slice of the world. In fact, it was originally written as a standalone. And while it spoils a decent amount from the original Mistborn trilogy, that’s not a problem for many readers. In fact, some of you, like my boyfriend, may not have enjoyed the originals, but likely would enjoy TAoL.
This book uses the magic system established in the first book, where certain people known as Allomancers can harness inert magic stored in various metals, while combining it with late 19th century technological advancements. It works so well, combining western, steampunk, and fantasy elements into one wonderful combination. This is honestly one of Sanderson’s best books, and the one I think would be adapted best (more on that next week…). Seriously, check this one out!
Other fantasy western recs: The Dark Tower by Stephen King (on my TBR!)
Romantasy
I already talked about Wooing the Witch Queen a few weeks ago, but I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about it again here, because the romance is actually pretty damn good.
I’m decently critical of most of the big names in romantasy (*cough cough* ACOTAR and Empyrean), so I wanted to pick something a little off the beaten path, but still on the romantasy radar. As the first book in the Queens of Villainy series, it’s shaping up to be a wonderful romantic trilogy, with actual good politics and well written characters, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the release of the next book.
What I think this book does best is play with troupes without being cliche or repetitive. We all know the classic romance plotline, where one of the couple’s secrets is revealed, usually a secret about their identity, and the other person FREAKS OUT and leaves them to go be moody and depressed. Then, in a moment of danger, they return to save the day, having miraculously forgiven the other for hiding a secret they thought to be heinous just mere moments ago. Ugh. So overplayed.
In WtWQ, you know something like this is coming. The male love interest has a secret about his identity, and it needs to be revealed for the plot to progress, but in a fresh take, the female love interest doesn’t kick him out or totally freak on him. She actually takes time to think and understand why he kept his identity secret. Then they work together to save the day! And I loved it! Plus, they have really good chemistry, and both leads have something to offer. Mysterious and intelligent wizard with a mysterious past? Strong, independent witch who is fighting to protect her kingdom? Yes to both, please!
In short, if you want some good romance with good politics and well written characters, read this book! It deserves the attention.
Other romantasy recs: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Urban Fantasy
I have been a HUGE fab of the Dresden Files, ever since I started the series in 2021. And I promise that I didn’t go into this list intending to have two Jim Butcher books on here, but that’s just how it goes sometimes!
If you’ve ever wanted a monster of the week style adventure starring Chicago’s one and only wizard for hire, this series is for you. Harry Dresden is a fantastic character, who runs around Chicago land solving mysteries, fighting foes, and keeping the average citizen safe from what goes bump in the night.
This series has it all. Werewolves, vampires, fae courts, Chicago gangs, rival wizards, and even bigfoot. Each book is it’s own mystery, with an over-arching plot that keeps raising the stakes. Plus, the next book in the series is about to come out in January, so now is the perfect time to begin this series that’s like no other.
Just like with the other Butcher book, I don’t have any urban fantasy recs. I’ve heard Patricia Briggs is good? Plus she lives like, right next to my hometown so that’s cool.
High Fantasy
What’s a fantasy list without a Brandon Sanderson book? Honestly, any of his Cosmere books would fit in well here, but today I’m going to be talking about one of his relatively newer books, Tress of the Emerald Sea.
This book is wonderful.
For many, diving into Sanderson’s world can feel daunting and impossible, but this book is anything but. If you’ve been wanting to check his works out, this is a fantastic place to start. It teases plenty of things from the world (The mysterious Iriali people, Elantrian magic, talk of the Shards) without being too overwhelming. And if you don’t care for the Cosmere, this book still reads well on its own.
This book has accurately been described as The Princess Bride, but if Buttercup became the pirate instead of Wesley. The book stars Tress, a girl on a rock in the middle of an ocean made of spores, who sneaks aboard a ship to go after her love Charlie. Tress must deal with pirates, learn to harness the magical spores that cover her world, and unlock the mystery of what happened to Charlie. This book has heart, humor, and dragons. What more do you need?
Other high fantasy recs: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Dystopian Fantasy
I have to put a King book on here, considering he’s my most-read author of the year. This spot goes to The Long Walk, which was written under his alter-author-ego of Richard Bachman. This is maybe more fiction than fantasy, but I make the rules here and this one makes the list, okay?
This book is heavy, so be warned. Think Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies, but with more gruesome deaths. King does not hold back here.
The main character, Ray Garraty, is one of 100 boys who enters the annual competition known as The Long Walk, where the boys continue to walk, nonstop, until just one of them is left. They must maintain a pace of 4 mph. If they get three warnings, they’re out of the competition. And not to go back home.
The novel is tragic and wonderfully written, as the boys can’t help but confide in one another, share in the others dreams, and discuss the harsh truths of the dystopic totalitarian America they live in. It’s gross and gut-wrenching and dreadful, so discretion is advised.
Plus, the movie adaptation came out a few months ago, and it was good. Just as visceral as the book, with it’s own twists and endings, while still keeping with the King version.
Other dystopian fantasy recs: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, World War Z by Max Brooks
Historical Fantasy
The Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett is one I’ve talked about before, but once again, I can’t help myself. I enjoyed this series thoroughly, which follows Cambridge professor of Dryadology, Emily Wilde, as she embarks on one of her scholarly adventures. The narrative style of this book is so fun, with lots of scholarly anecdotes and even footnotes present. The book is posited as Emily’s personal journal, separate from her research, where she describes the events that transpire.
As someone who is a big fan of folklore and faery mythology, this series tickles the itch perfectly by using real world locations and mythos. Emily travels to various places in Europe and deals with the different kinds of fae present, like brownies, changelings, and much more.
The characters are well written. Emily is anti-social and typically curmudgeonly, and she is juxtaposed against fellow professor Wendell Bambleby, who is flirtatious, pretentious, and dashing. Somehow, they work well together, and the romance that sparks between the two is as amusing as it is endearing.
While the series is admittedly more about the fae than it is about history, the way it blends the two together feels both natural and magical. It makes me so mad that I can’t go to school and become a dryadologist myself.
Other historical fantasy recs: The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
Fairy Tale
One of my favorite books so far this year is Upon a Starlit Tide, which is a wonderful story that combines elements from both Cinderella and The Little Mermaid. I’ve always loved mermaid stories, and this is one of the best that I’ve read.
The main character is Luce, the adopted daughter of a wealthy French merchant. One morning, Luce saves a shipwrecked sailor, who becomes stricken with her, wanting to court her and captain one of her father’s ships. She’s surprised but begins accepting his advances.
At the same time, Luce and her smuggler friend Samuel begin to uncover the mystery behind the sinking of the ship, as well as Luce’s origins. Truths behind her father’s success are also revealed, getting them closer to both the truth, and to trouble.
I really just enjoyed this book! I thought the romance was sweet, and even the love triangle was done well. It was fun to watch everything come together. And while it took a little too long for Luce’s identity as a mermaid to become revealed, it was worth the wait and paid off well. This is one of the best fairy tail re-imaginings that I’ve read.
Other fairy tale recs: Cinder by Marissa Meyer, In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune, A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Wow, thasalotta books! Sorry for having two repeat authors on there, but I can’t help but plug my favs. Hopefully, if you’re in the market to try out something new, this helps you out! I’m pretty sure all of these books have 4+ stars from me, and many are beloved by other readers, as well.
Do you have any recommendations for these genres? What about other sub-genres? Let me know! As always, thank you for reading, and stay tuned for some exciting stuff coming up in just a few weeks (follow my Insta @saige_writes_stuff for sneak peaks)! Until next time, dear readers!
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