Will One of These Books Be Your Next Favorite?
Saying 2024 was the year of reading would be an understatement. From BookTok propelling indie authors to new heights, to well-known authors breaking sales records, this year has been perfect for tackling that endless “to be read” pile! Whether you're diving into fantasy worlds filled with magic and dragons or falling for the town grump with a hidden soft side, there's something for everyone. Let’s find out if one of my top picks will become your next favorite! Here are ten books to add to your never-ending TBR!
1. Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
It’s been exactly a year since I first picked up the ‘Throne of Glass series, and a few months since I finished it—but not a day goes by that I don’t think about these characters. There are plenty of suggested reading orders to maximize the emotional impact. In my opinion, the only “wrong” way is to not read the series at all. I chose to start with ‘The Assassin's Blade’ because it’s a prequel novella. Honestly, reading this series shouldn’t be complicated—the only thing you really need to know is to read ‘The Assassin’s Blade’ before ‘Queen of Shadows’ to understand the returning characters.
My obsession with this series even led me to hunt down the original out-of-print covers to proudly display my love on my bookshelf. If you haven’t read Throne of Glass yet, do yourself a favor and dive into this unforgettable adventure.
One of the best parts of this series is watching the characters grow, experiencing their journeys from beginning to end. Out of all of Sarah J. Maas's works, this one resonated with me the most. My favorite theme is how small acts of kindness can truly change the world. One of the most powerful quotes, "The world will be saved and remade by dreamers" (Queen of Shadows), perfectly captures the heart of this story. The characters’ willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good is both inspiring and heartbreaking. I also love how art, music, and books are used as forms of resistance against a corrupt government—a beautiful reminder of the power of creativity and hope.
2. The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis
The Curse of Saints by Kate Dramis is a masterfully crafted epic fantasy that balances political intrigue, forbidden magic, and a gripping enemies-to-lovers romance. At its heart, the story explores destiny, power, and sacrifice, set against a richly built world of kingdoms on the brink of war.
Dramis’ world-building is intricate and immersive, filled with ancient prophecies, complex magic systems, and political alliances that shape the characters’ every move. The narrative explores the burden of power and destiny, particularly as Aya grapples with her identity as the “second saint”—a role that could either save or doom her world. With unexpected twists and moral dilemmas, the plot keeps readers on edge, questioning who can truly be trusted. Their dynamic shifts from rivals to reluctant allies, and back to enemies, as they journey across continents in search of answers. Their witty banter and simmering tension create a complex relationship, making the romance feel earned and emotional.
Reminiscent of Throne of Glass but with its own unique mythology, The Curse of Saints captivates with powerful character arcs and rich lore. It strikes a perfect balance of action, romance, and intrigue, delivering a story of courage, betrayal, and hope. If you’re drawn to epic fantasies with morally complex characters, intricate political plots, and slow-burn romance, this is a must-read that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment.
3. Whatsoever is Just by Augusta Ren
Augusta Ren’s debut novel, ‘Whatsoever is Just’, immediately immerses readers in a thrilling political fantasy. From the very first chapter, we’re thrown into a world filled with mystery and danger—starting with a barn, once a secret lover’s meeting spot, now the site of a suspicious fire with only one survivor. The story unfolds in a society where the government is shrouded in secrecy. They are hiding the truth about what lies beyond its borders and its involvement in dark human experiments. When Wes stumbles upon a journal from her deceased lover, she discovers an urgent plea to stop the unfolding horrors. She must navigate a treacherous path to figure out who she can trust.
4. Winter Gods & Serpents by Wendy Heiss
If you're looking for an atmospheric fantasy that will pull you in, Winter Gods and Serpents by Wendy Heiss is a must-read. This captivating story blends intricate world-building with morally gray characters, set in a world that feels both ancient and alive with magic. Heiss masterfully mixes mythology and magic, creating a rich backdrop for Snowlin’s revenge plot against her father, the Isjordian King, or her future husband, the Adriata’s Night King.
When Snowlin attracts the attention of dangerous assassins, the Night King sends two Adriatian bodyguards to ensure the political alliance between their kingdoms runs smoothly. But is she merely a pawn in a larger game? Themes of power, found family, survival, and fate will keep you hooked from the very first page. With twists and turns that will leave you breathless, Winter Gods and Serpents is perfect for fans of dark, epic fantasy with vivid storytelling and deep emotional resonance.
Sucker for Villains Crop Top
24.99 USD
Confession time: who else has a soft spot for the bad guys? If you’re the type who secretly roots for the villain (or falls for their charm every time), this “Sucker for Villains” tee was made for you! Perfect for cozying up with your favorite fantasy read or showing off your love for the dark and misunderstood. Grab yours now and wear your villain-loving heart on your sleeve—literally. Because let’s be honest, heroes are overrated.
5. Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
If you're craving a high-stakes fantasy with intense action and sizzling romance, Bloodguard by Cecy Robson is a must-read.
In a brutal world where survival means fighting in the arena, Leith has defied the odds to become a champion feared by all. Years of battle have hardened him, and he’s sacrificed everything to support his mother and dying sister, never losing sight of his purpose. But when he meets an elven royal, she shatters his guarded heart and exposes the lies of the kingdom.
When Leith is offered a chance to become the disgraced princess’s champion—the next Bloodguard—he faces an impossible decision. Accepting could mean his freedom and a future outside the arena, but it also ties him to the very people who’ve kept him imprisoned. As secrets unfold and political intrigue threatens to destroy them both, Leith must decide if protecting her is worth risking everything.
With a unique magic system, brutal gladiator battles, and a slow-burn romance that feels real and raw, Bloodguard delivers on every level. The chemistry between Leith and the princess is electric, and the stakes get higher with each twist. If you're a fan of political intrigue, forbidden love, and the bodyguard x princess trope, this emotional rollercoaster of loyalty, sacrifice, and hope is the fantasy adventure you’ve been waiting for.
6. Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
If you’re looking for an epic romantasy filled with forbidden magic, dark intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that will leave you breathless, Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden is a must-read.
Captured by the ruthless Shadow King, Arwen is taken to the Kingdom of Onyx—a land of darkness ruled by fear. With a rare healing magic she doesn’t fully understand, Arwen becomes the king’s prisoner, forced to use her powers to save his people while yearning for freedom. But escaping won’t be easy, especially with the Shadow King as both her captor and protector, hiding secrets that could shatter everything she thought she knew.
As Arwen navigates the dangerous court, she uncovers that the darkness consuming the kingdom is not just magic—it’s a curse tied to the king’s own heart. Torn between her desire to escape and the undeniable pull toward him, Arwen must decide if she’s willing to risk everything to break the curse, even if it means giving her heart to the man she should hate.
With jaw-dropping twists, powerful magic, and an enemies-to-lovers romance simmering with tension and passion, Dawn of Onyx is perfect for fans of complex characters and richly built fantasy worlds. If you’re ready for a tale of love, betrayal, and destiny that will keep you up all night, this book is one you won’t want to miss.
7. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
If you’re craving an epic fantasy filled with heart-pounding action, forbidden magic, and a romance that will leave you breathless, House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas is a must-read.
If you’re craving an epic fantasy filled with heart-pounding action, forbidden magic, and a romance that will leave you breathless, House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas is a must-read.
Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—until a brutal murder shattered her world, leaving her devastated and hungry for vengeance. Two years later, still haunted by grief, Bryce is pulled back into the investigation when it becomes clear the killer has returned. Forced to team up with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel known for his deadly power and dark past, Bryce finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and conspiracies that threaten to destroy her city.
As they dig deeper, Bryce and Hunt uncover ancient magic, ruthless enemies, and a darkness that could consume them all. Beneath the danger and deception, an undeniable bond forms between them, sparking a romance that’s as fierce as it is forbidden. With their lives on the line and their hearts at stake, they must decide if love is worth the ultimate sacrifice.
Packed with jaw-dropping twists, richly built worlds, and complex characters, House of Earth and Blood delivers an unforgettable story of courage, destiny, and hope. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy and slow-burn romance, this book will have you laughing, crying, and on the edge of your seat.
8. Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
If you’re craving a dark romantasy bursting with forbidden magic, deadly intrigue, and a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco will leave you utterly spellbound.
If you’re craving a dark romantasy bursting with forbidden magic, deadly intrigue, and a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco will leave you utterly spellbound.
Envy—a dangerously gorgeous Prince of Hell—is cursed to walk the mortal realm, trapped in a deadly game of power and deception. When a brutal murder threatens his only chance at breaking free, he’s forced to team up with Camilla, a sharp-tongued, fearless woman who holds the key to ancient magic that could save him—or destroy him. But trusting her could be his undoing, especially as their fiery chemistry becomes impossible to resist.
Full of shocking twists, wicked banter, and heart-pounding tension, Throne of the Fallen is a deliciously dark tale of sin, temptation, and love that defies all odds. Perfect for fans of seductive villains, fierce heroines, and supernatural intrigue, this book will keep you hooked from the first page to the jaw-dropping finale. If you’re ready for a story of magic, passion, and betrayal, dive into this wickedly addictive adventure today.
9. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen is a masterclass in political intrigue, complex character dynamics, and slow-burn romance, making it a standout in the romantasy genre.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen is a masterclass in political intrigue, complex character dynamics, and slow-burn romance, making it a standout in the romantasy genre.
At its heart, the story delves into themes of loyalty, deception, and the blurred lines between enemy and ally. Lara, raised as a weapon by her ruthless father, is sent to marry King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom with one mission: to infiltrate and betray him, ensuring her father's victory in the power struggle over the kingdom's valuable trade routes. Lara’s internal conflict makes her a compelling protagonist, as she begins to question everything she’s been taught while remaining fiercely loyal to her people.
The Bridge Kingdom examines the cost of loyalty and manipulation, questioning whether the end justifies the means. With its layered storytelling and morally complex characters, this romantasy invites readers to challenge perceptions of heroism and villainy. If you’re looking for a story that goes beyond surface-level romance and delves deep into political strategy, ethical dilemmas, and complex emotions, The Bridge Kingdom is a must-read that will stay with you long after the final page.
10. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne is an epic fantasy that immerses you in a world of ancient gods, brutal warfare, and fierce warriors, where every decision could mean life or death. Set in a land once ruled by powerful gods, now plunged into chaos, this novel explores themes of vengeance, fate, and survival through a diverse cast of morally complex characters.
The story follows three main protagonists: Orka, a fierce warrior seeking vengeance for her family's death; Varg, a man fighting to survive after being enslaved and thrust into a violent world; and Elvar, a skilled fighter whose loyalty to her people is tested in unimaginable ways. As their paths cross, they face terrifying monsters, brutal battles, and an escalating power struggle in a world where the gods may be gone, but their influence still lingers.
Gwynne’s world-building is rich and immersive, drawing from Norse-inspired mythology, powerful magic, and a complex political landscape. Every victory feels hard-won, and every loss is gut-wrenching. The action is relentless, filled with sword fights, betrayals, and battles that keep you on the edge of your seat, while the emotional stakes are just as high. Each character is driven by personal loss and a strong sense of justice that complicates their choices.
If you love epic fantasy filled with intricate plots, strong character development, and a world on the brink of destruction, The Shadow of the Gods is a must-read. Gwynne’s storytelling will hook you from the first page and keep you captive until the end. Perfect for fans of grimdark fantasy, powerful heroines, and heart-pounding action, this book will have you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Thank you for checking out my top ten fantasy reads of 2024! I hope these books ignite some excitement and help you find your next favorite read. Whether you're exploring epic worlds, diving into intricate magic systems, or swooning over forbidden romances, there’s something for every fantasy fan. Let me know in the comments which one is making it onto your TBR, or if you've already read any, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s chat all things fantasy!