Author: Emily

Ever since I was a kid, stories about magic and mythical creatures have always fascinated me. From classics like Harry Potter to new favorites like Throne of Glass, Young Adult fantasy has always held a special place in my heart. These recommendations are my secret, absolute favorite books I have read in this genre. Enjoy!

Queens and Wizards

Fantasy cover of complex necklace charm including snakes/dragons

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima might be my favorite YA fantasy book of all time. This book has all the ingredients for an amazing series: would be queens, street gang leaders, and a plot to overthrow the queen. Our Main characters, former gang leader Han Allister and future queen of the realm Raisa ana’Marianna meet in the most unlikely of situations, but curiosity about the other gets shut down quick amidst murder plots and political chaos.The cherry on top? Representation of Indigenous peopele in fantasy and a female-centric government. Sign me up!

Reviews:

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Heist Novel

Image of a flying crow with city silhouette underneath

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is unlike any other fantasy book I have read. It focuses on a ragtag, six person crew of street thieves, spies, and runaways just looking to survive on the streets of Ketterdam, a city modeled after Venice. When they get hired to pull off a heist for a price that would make them as rich as kings, there’s no way they can refuse. Even if the task is impossible, Kaz Brekker will make sure he gets his money at the end of the day.

Reviews:

GoodReads

Faeries and Fey

Golden crown and branches set against black background.

 

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black takes the whimsical things we know about faeries and turns them on their heads. Jude Duarte is a human who grows up in Faerie, wanting to be seen as worthy in their eyes. She trains to take the role of a knight, but after receiving an offer to be a spy for the son favored to take the crown, her path changes. Jude is thrust into balancing the political intrigue and danger of her job, while still protecting herself from fey trying to do her harm, like Prince Cardan. With her hatred for Prince Cardan fueling her, she must prove she is worthy to have a place in the dangerous courts of Faerie.

Reviews:

Goodreads