14 of the Best Fantasy Titles

That You Haven't Read Yet

Do you love immersing yourself in magical, otherworldly stories? If you're always on the hunt for the next epic fantasy read, you'll want to check out this list of lesser known releases from recent years. These fourteen titles have garnered a lot of praise and we think they're pretty buzz-worthy.

The Girl From Shadow Springs by Ellie Cypher

This thrilling, atmospheric YA fantasy is like True Grit with a magical twist. Scrappy sisters Jorie and Brenna survive by scavenging what they can from dead treasure hunters in the Flats, a frozen wasteland filled with treachery. But now Brenna's been kidnapped and Jorie must team up with city boy Cody to save her. 

Star Eater by Kerstin Hall 

When a shadowy cabal approaches Elfreda with an offer to escape her reproductive responsibilities, she leaps at the opportunity. As their spy, she gains access to the highest reaches of the Sisterhood and enters a world of opulent parties, subtle deceptions, and unexpected bloodshed.

Cursed by Thomas Wheeler 

Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared. That is, until her Druid village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue's fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people's only hope.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon 

Kammani dreams of becoming a healer like her father before her. When her little sister, Nanaea, is chosen as one of three maidens to join the land's ailing ruler in the afterlife, Kammani schemes her way into the palace to heal the ruler and save her sister. There she discovers more danger than she could have imagined. 

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah 

Set in a future world where humankind have had to move underwater to survive, submersible racer Leyla McQueen has a chance to save her father from imprisonment by winning a prestigious marathon. But the race takes an unexpected turn, forcing Leyla to make an impossible choice.

Mark of the Wicked by Georgia Bowers

All her life, Matilda has been told one thing about her magic: You use only when necessary. But Matilda has her own agenda and it isn't about being a good witch. When a spell goes awry, a new boy at school gets involved. As disturbing things begin to happen all around her, Matilda must decide where she stands.

Trouble the Saints by Alaya Dawn Johnson

The dangerous magic of The Night Circus meets the powerful historical exploration of The Underground Railroad in this timely and unsettling novel. Set against the darkly glamorous backdrop of New York City at the dawn of WWII, a young assassin falls in love and tries to change her fate.

Edie in Between by Laura Sibson

In this modern-day Practical Magic about love and loss, Edie's grief is still fresh over her mother's death, even though her ghost is still around. When her mother's teenage journal crops up, it sends Edie on a scavenger hunt to trace her mother's story and embrace her family's magical legacy.

The Brides of Maracoor by Gregory Maguire

The first in a spin-off series of Maguire's iconic The Wicked Years features Elphaba's granddaughter, the green-skinned Rain. Stranded on the Island outpost of Maracoor, Rain must gain the courage to turn her broom homeward and return to her family and her lover in Oz. 

Girls at the Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson

Set in a world on the edge of an apocalyptic flood, this romantic fantasy debut is for fans of Rachel Hartman and Rae Carson. As the oceans rise, only a privileged few are guaranteed safe passage. With the end of the world looming, two young women can either give into despair . . . or find a new reason to live.

First, Become Ashes by K. M. Szpara

For thirty years, the Fellowship of the Anointed isolated its members, conditioning them to believe that pain is power. But when their leader is arrested, all her teachings come into question. For Lark, the Fellowship isn't over. Before he can begin to discover himself and heal a lifetime of traumas, he has a monster to slay.

Rise of the Mages by Scott Drakeford

Emrael Ire's final exam to be weapons master turns into a bloody insurrection, staged by corrupt nobles and priests, who enslave his brother. Now, with the aid of his War Master tutor, Emrael must embrace not only his abilities as a warrior but also his place as the last of the ancient Mage Kings.

Buffalo Soldier by Maurice Broaddus

This alternate history-steampunk adventure follows former espionage agent Desmond Coke as he assumes responsibility for a mysterious boy named Lij Tafari. To protect him from warring political and religious forces in Jamaica, they must flee their homeland, finding themselves in the American South.

The Shadow War by Lindsay Smith

Inglourious Basterds meets Stranger Things in this dark and thrilling tale of power, shadow, and revenge. World War II is raging. When five teens meet in the forests of Germany, each has their own score to settle as they race against time, war, and enemies from both this world and another.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon