6 Fantasy Books on my TBR
Sometimes it feels like the fantasy genre has taken over. You can’t spit without hitting a book where dragons reign or magic has some new complicated rule no one understands. It’s overwhelming at times and makes me want to never ever read fantasy. Especially since spice has entered the chat and the dragons are now just backdrops to sexy scenes—or worse, part of the sexy scene. Anyway, all of that to say, I’m not really a fantasy kinda gal. I totally think it’s necessary and fun as a genre, but, like I said, it feels like it’s gotten slightly out of hand as of late. But then again…I’m perusing my TBR and find that there are a number of fantasy books that have caught my eye.
6 Fantasy Books on my TBR
There are far more than 6, but I don’t envision all of them making it into my Library or shopping cart, so I’ve plucked the 6 most intriguing from the Goodreads shelf.
Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare
Despite my apparent aversion to fantasy, I read and loved City of Bones in high school (Simon <3) so it makes sense that this list starts with a Cassandra Clare book. Sword Catcher got me with its promise of an underworld that is explored, light magic, and themes of sacrifice as well as turning the tides despite your fate being written in stone.
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner
I’m not sure if I’ve talked about this here, but if you know me in person then you know how much I LOVE The Great British Bake Off. It’s one of the most wonderful and cozy shows so when you float a book inspired by it in front of my face, odds are I’m going to want to read it. A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic promises a Bake Off setting and cozy, lighthearted fantasy. What could be better?
Secrets of the Sand and Sea by Clara Sutton
This one has a hint of The Mummy about it. Need I say more? Archeology, hidden and dangerous artifacts, and a demigoddess’s tomb all make me want to read Secrets of the Sand and Sea so badly! Plus it has an enemies to lovers storyline which, when done well, is one of my favorite tropes!
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
I’m not sure what drew me to Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, but I think part of it was the adventure to the far north. So few books are set in the Nordic countries and I love everything about their culture, so it’s probably what grabbed me. Additionally, the main character seems relatable, and the introduction and study of faeries in the book without it being set in a complicated fantasy world is fun.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The Scorpio Races seem to promise some mythology, but more just competition, maybe some enemies-to-lovers vibes, and just an interesting story in general. The description leaves a lot to the imagination, which is probably what really caught my attention.
Curse of the Nautilus by Ralynn Kimie
This retelling of a Hawaiian tale is not really along the lines of what I would typically go for. But I’m determined to branch out a bit and do love a good folklore-inspired story. Battling ocean gods and lots at stake, the story itself sounded intense and twisty. And it’s also hard not to be drawn in by a trigger warning about “aquatic animal violence”. Sounds like wild times.
Though I’m not much for fantasy, I am very excited to dive into these and hopefully enjoy some really good storytelling.
Any fantasy favorites? Let me know!
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