Fantasy novels: the ultimate escape

What should you read next? A curated guide of fantasy book favorites

JESSICA MILLS / CONTRIBUTOR / THE USD VISTA

The immersive new worlds that are embedded in fantasy novels allow for an engaging break between classes, homework assignments, and countless hours of studying. 

While cult classics like “Harry Potter,” “Twilight,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Narnia” will always be cherished, fantasy is an ever-evolving genre, with new concepts on magic, politics, love, and even free-will. 

It offers a deep dive into the unthinkable for day-dreamers and creative minds alike. 

Fantasy authors continuously turn up the heat, providing incredible titles for a whimsical break in dense textbook reading. 

So, if you’re looking for the ultimate escape from reality, here is a guide to navigate the fantasy reading world. 

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas

A page-turner full of intricate world-building, dark romance, plot twists, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with, this unfinished series follows Feyre Archeron, a young huntress and her journey through love, politics, and adventure in the faerie world of Pyrinthian. 

Sarah J. Maas’ characters are able to do the unthinkable, from manipulating the elements, shapeshifting, healing, and even flying. 

This is a passionate story for the hopeless romantic who can’t help but fall for the morally dark villain. 

“Bone Shard Daughter” by Andrea Stewert

Andrea Stewart’s chilling unfinished trilogy follows five different points of view in an empire drowning from an emperor full of secrets. Opening with the line, “father told me I’m broken,” readers are introduced to Lin, daughter of the emperor, who vows to master the forbidden art of bone shard magic to save herself and her kingdom. The bold storylines are intricately set up through layered world-building, unique backstories, and a balance between the known and unknown. Readers are pulled into a world where animal-like creatures are brought to life through ancient bone-shard magic, sourced from the empire’s citizens. Andrea Stewart creates an unfinished puzzle with plot twists, an introspective look at one’s self, and a valuable lesson in the distrust of power. The second book, “The Drowning Emperor,” is set to come out Nov. 23. 

“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black

“The Cruel Prince” series follows Jude Durate, a girl who despises her mortality and lack of power. The story is packed with betrayal, rising and falling of political stations, and a look into the cruel romance between Jude and the prince of Elfhame. Each page is written as if the reader can taste the richness of faerie fruit, see the array of glamorous fabrics, and feel the overwhelming thirst for revenge. Holly Black provides a diverse pool of creatures while exploring different identities and sexualities. For readers who enjoy a plot with less romance and more politics, “The Cruel Prince” will not be a letdown.

“Fledgling” by Octavia Butler

Octavia Butler fuses together a fantasy and science fiction take on vampires in “Fledgling.” Unlike “Twilight,” these vampires do not turn humans into vampires, nor are they portrayed as ruthless and intimidating predators. Shori Matthews is a genetically modified vampire, whose dark skin allows her to survive in daylight. She belongs to the Ina species, a group of nocturnal creatures that survive off blood. In this fast-paced plot, Butler challenges society’s preconceived notions on race, sexuality, and survival. 

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune

A stand-alone about the enchanting experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place. Linus Baker is a caseworker for a government organization that manages orphanages with magical children. Baker is sent to assess a special orphanage on the island of Marsyas, where six dangerous children reside. Through this assignment, Baker’s strict daily routine unravels while his comfort zone is continuously tested. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” is a warm story with lively and compelling characters readers can’t help but root for. 

Whether you’re already a lover of fantasy novels or new to the genre entirely, there’s a story here for everyone. 

Through plots that illustrate the unthinkable, these new worlds create an infinite potential for any needed escape from reality.