As summer begins to draw to a (not quite quick enough) close, I find myself gravitating towards heavier fantasy reads. There is something deeply autumnal about the rich complexity of fantasy novels, something that invites one to pull on a heavy knit sweater and wrap one’s hands around a favorite mug, 1000 page book propped open… something heavy-lidded and drowsy that allows for the deep spiraling downwards into intricate tales of adventure and enchantment.
Perhaps the chill autumn air carries with it a touch of magic.
In honor of my favorite season, let’s discuss my all-time favorite fantasy series. This list, as most book-related lists are, was difficult to narrow down, but I gave it my best shot. I hope that one of these series is new to you and will blanket you in spellwork, causing you to lose hours… days… weeks… in its depths.
1. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Blood-soaked revenge, delivered by the underhanded blades of a sixteen-year-old female assassin. A school of young mercenaries. Blood magic. Blood ties. Backstabbing, both figurative and literal. Mia, the protagonist of Jay Kristoff’s series is, hands down, the most badass, sardonic character I have ever had the pleasure of living vicariously through. Mr. Kindly, her shadow cat companion, has a dry, macabre humor that carries the book. The plot is constantly intense, the world huge, the political system well-developed, and the characterization executed with graceful perfection. Ten out of five stars. I have an effusive YouTube review, if you want to hear more gushing: https://youtu.be/QEOhKqd5pkQ
2. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Four parallel Londons, a boy with a single black eye who can travel between them, darkness unleashed, a female thief who will do anything for a life of adventure, a princeling who would do anything for a touch of the magic that his subjects effortlessly wield, a man who has known nothing but bondage, a sea captain cast out of his city, and two sibling rulers, desperate for more power. I am now convinced that Victoria Schwab is a magical being who breathes words as naturally as air. The characters in this book are all destined to become beloved, as each one is fully flushed out and real. The struggles and conflict are unique to this fascinating world that Schwab has created and never feels forced. This series reminded me how fun it is to read.
3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Patrick Rothfuss’ writing style has a lush, lyrical cadence that demands to be savored, each sentence a bite of melting chocolate truffle on the tip of one’s tongue. This series chronicles the wending path that led from an orphaned travelling troupe boy to become the most powerful, renowned magic-wielder ever known; it is the legend of the rise of Kvothe. Though I enjoy the characters and setting, it is the form of Rothfuss’ writing that really sticks. This feels like an epic tale, something ancient yet enduring. It will not soon be forgotten, both in my own memory and in the larger canon of fantasy literature.
4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
This is one of my absolute favorite Young Adult fantasy series (take it from someone who has practically read them all). Our protagonist is a badass, young, female assassin (Wait. Maybe I should be assessing why this appeals to me so much…). Though the first book is relatively focused in scope, Maas successfully expands the world, bringing in broader conflicts and additional main characters as the series progresses. It starts out as a series about magical competition and expands into a centuries old conflict between kingdoms, the struggle for the power of thrones, and the intersection of worlds, human and fae. This series is guaranteed fun, no questions asked. I would also recommend her ACOTAR books.
5. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
While on the surface, this series is about a war between angels and chimaera, it has deep, pulsing undertones of racial conflict and the brutality that often accompanies hateful discrimination. I came for the writing, a flowing, yet rich syncopation of words, and stayed for the story. The love interest in this story is to die for, the sidekick is snarky, and the message has never been more relevant. Go, I implore you, lose yourself in the fantastical musings of Laini Taylor. Anything she writes is spun gold.
I’m off to go snuggle up and search for my newest obsession… perhaps The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty, promised to be a lush Egyptian fantasy, will do the trick? Some others on my fantasy TBR are the Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson and The Black Prism series by Brent Weeks. What fantasy series makes you feel all warm and cozy?
Love,
Lola
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