Reader's Corner: Fantasy
Looking for a good book to read but don't know where to start? This guide covers popular, award-winning, and just plain great nonfiction and fiction genres and books.
Staff Picks
The World We Make by
Four-time Hugo Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author N.K. Jemisin crafts "a glorious fantasy" (Neil Gaiman) -- a story of culture, identity, magic, and myths in contemporary New York City, in the final book of the Great Cities Duology. Every great city has a soul. A human avatar that embodies their city's heart and wields its magic. New York? She's got six. But all is not well in the city that never sleeps. Though Brooklyn, Manny, Bronca, Venezia, Padmini, and Neek have temporarily managed to stop the Woman in White from invading--and destroying the entire universe in the process--the mysterious capital "E" Enemy has more subtle powers at her disposal. A new candidate for mayor wielding the populist rhetoric of gentrification, xenophobia, and "law and order" may have what it takes to change the very nature of New York itself and take it down from the inside. In order to defeat him, and the Enemy who holds his purse strings, the avatars will have to join together with the other Great Cities of the world in order to bring her down for good and protect their world from complete destruction. The Great Cities Duology The City We Became The World We Make
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY JEMISIN NPublication Date: 2022-11-01
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by
The acclaimed national and international bestseller "Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish."--Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series "An all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense."--BookPage, starred review A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e, in which a young woman's quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm. Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin's magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind. Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince. To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream--striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos. Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic, of loss and sacrifice--where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY TAN SPublication Date: 2022-01-11
Juniper and Thorn by
From highly acclaimed, bestselling author Ava Reid comes a gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree, set in another time and place within the world of The Wolf and the Woodsman, where a young witch seeks to discover her identity and escape the domination of her abusive wizard father, perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson and Catherynne M. Valente. A gruesome curse. A city in upheaval. A monster with unquenchable appetites. Marlinchen and her two sisters live with their wizard father in a city shifting from magic to industry. As Oblya's last true witches, she and her sisters are little more than a tourist trap as they treat their clients with archaic remedies and beguile them with nostalgic charm. Marlinchen spends her days divining secrets in exchange for rubles and trying to placate her tyrannical, xenophobic father, who keeps his daughters sequestered from the outside world. But at night, Marlinchen and her sisters sneak out to enjoy the city's amenities and revel in its thrills, particularly the recently established ballet theater, where Marlinchen meets a dancer who quickly captures her heart. As Marlinchen's late-night trysts grow more fervent and frequent, so does the threat of her father's rage and magic. And while Oblya flourishes with culture and bustles with enterprise, a monster lurks in its midst, borne of intolerance and resentment and suffused with old-world power. Caught between history and progress and blood and desire, Marlinchen must draw upon her own magic to keep her city safe and find her place within it.
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY REID APublication Date: 2022-06-21
Moon Witch, Spider King by
From Marlon James, author of the bestselling National Book Award finalist Black Leopard, Red Wolf, the second book in the Dark Star trilogy, his African Game of Thrones. Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Sogolon the Moon Witch proved a worthy adversary to Tracker as they clashed across a mythical African landscape in search of a mysterious boy who disappeared. In Moon Witch, Spider King, Sogolon takes center stage and gives her own account of what happened to the boy, and how she plotted and fought, triumphed and failed as she looked for him. It's also the story of a century-long feud--seen through the eyes of a 177-year-old witch--that Sogolon had with the Aesi, chancellor to the king. It is said that Aesi works so closely with the king that together they are like the eight limbs of one spider. Aesi's power is considerable--and deadly. It takes brains and courage to challenge him, which Sogolon does for reasons of her own. Both a brilliant narrative device--seeing the story told in Black Leopard, Red Wolf from the perspective of an adversary and a woman--as well as a fascinating battle between different versions of empire, Moon Witch, Spider King delves into Sogolon's world as she fights to tell her own story. Part adventure tale, part chronicle of an indomitable woman who bows to no man, it is a fascinating novel that explores power, personality, and the places where they overlap.
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY JAMES MPublication Date: 2022-02-15
The Golden Enclaves by
Saving the world is a test no school of magic can prepare you for in the triumphant conclusion to the New York Times bestselling trilogy that began with A Deadly Education and The Last Graduate. The one thing you never talk about while you're in the Scholomance is what you'll do when you get out. Not even the richest enclaver would tempt fate that way. But it's all we dream about: the hideously slim chance we'll survive to make it out the gates and improbably find ourselves with a life ahead of us, a life outside the Scholomance halls. And now the impossible dream has come true. I'm out, we're all out--and I didn't even have to turn into a monstrous dark witch to make it happen. So much for my great-grandmother's prophecy of doom and destruction. I didn't kill enclavers, I saved them. Me and Orion and our allies. Our graduation plan worked to perfection: We saved everyone and made the world safe for all wizards and brought peace and harmony to all the enclaves everywhere. Ha, only joking! Actually, it's gone all wrong. Someone else has picked up the project of destroying enclaves in my stead, and probably everyone we saved is about to get killed in the brewing enclave war. And the first thing I've got to do now, having miraculously gotten out of the Scholomance, is turn straight around and find a way back in.
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY NOVIK NPublication Date: 2022-09-27
All the Horses of Iceland by
A hypnotic historical fantasy with gorgeous and unusual literary prose, from the captivating author of The Fourth Island. Everyone knows of the horses of Iceland, wild, and small, and free, but few have heard their story. Sarah Tolmie's All the Horses of Iceland weaves their mystical origin into a saga for the modern age. Filled with the magic and darkened whispers of a people on the cusp of major cultural change, All the Horses of Iceland tells the tale of a Norse trader, his travels through Central Asia, and the ghostly magic that followed him home to the land of fire, stone, and ice. His search for riches will take him from Helmgard, through Khazaria, to the steppes of Mongolia, where he will barter for horses and return with much, much more. All the Horses of Iceland is a delve into the secret, imagined history of Iceland's unusual horses, brought to life by an expert storyteller.
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY TOLMIE SPublication Date: 2022-03-01
The Choice by
The conclusion of the epic trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Awakening and The Becoming. Talamh is a land of green hills, high mountains, deep forests, and seas, where magicks thrive. But portals allow for passage in and out--and ultimately, each must choose their place, and choose between good and evil, war and peace, life and death... Breen Siobhan Kelly grew up in the world of Man and was once unaware of her true nature. Now she is in Talamh, trying to heal after a terrible battle and heartbreaking losses. Her grandfather, the dark god Odran, has been defeated in his attempt to rule over Talamh, and over Breen--for now. With the enemy cast out and the portal sealed, this is a time to rest and to prepare. Breen spreads her wings and realizes a power she's never experienced before. It's also a time for celebrations--of her first Christmas in both Talamh and Ireland, of solstice and weddings and births--and daring to find joy again in the wake of sorrow. She rededicates herself to writing her stories, and when his duties as taoiseach permit, she is together with Keegan, who has trained her as a warrior and whom she has grown to love. It's Keegan who's at her side when the enemy's witches, traitorous and power-mad, appear to her in her sleep, practicing black magick, sacrificing the innocent, and plotting a brutal destruction for Breen. And soon, united with him and with all of Talamh, she will seek out those in desperate need of rescue, and confront the darkness with every weapon she has: her sword, her magicks--and her courage...
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY ROBERTS NPublication Date: 2022-11-22
The Atlas Six by
An instant New York Times bestseller! The much-acclaimed viral sensation from Olivie Blake, The Atlas Six--now newly revised and edited with additional content. * The tag #theatlassix has millions of views on TikTok * A dark academic debut fantasy with an established cult following that reads like The Secret History meets The Umbrella Academy * The first in an explosive trilogy * Indigo's Top 10 Most Anticipated Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books of 2022 * Tor.com's Most Anticipated SFF of 2022 Each decade, only the six most uniquely talented magicians are selected to earn a place in the Alexandrian Society, the foremost secret society in the world. The chosen will secure a life of power and prestige beyond their wildest dreams. But at what cost? Each of the six newest recruits has their reasons for accepting the Society's elusive invitation. Even if it means growing closer than they could have imagined to their most dangerous enemies-- or risking unforgivable betrayal from their most trusted allies-- they will fight tooth and nail for the right to join the ranks of the Alexandrians. Even if it means they won't all survive the year. "With a cast of complicated hate-to-love-them characters and enough delicious philosophizing to satisfy even the pickiest dark academia heart, this book will drag you into its undertow and refuse to let you go til morning." -- Victoria Lee, author of A Lesson in Vengeance and The Fever King "Compelling, entertaining, and addictive. The Atlas Six is academic Darwinism: survival of the smartest with a healthy dose of magic." -- T.L. Huchu, author of The Library of The Dead "Lethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go. Olivie Blake is a mind-blowing talent."--Chloe Gong, author of the New York Times bestseller These Violent Delights "The Atlas Six will thrill those who love twisted plots, twisted relationships, and morally grey characters ready to kill for knowledge and power. Dark, ambitious, and engaging." -- H.G. Parry, author of A Declaration Of The Rights For Magicians "With a fascinating magic system explored through the lens of philosophy and morality, narrated by dynamic, enthralling characters, the ATLAS SIX is a tour de force. I read this book in two sittings--once I picked it up, I found it almost impossible to put down." -- Christine Lynn Herman, New York Times and indie bestselling author of All of Us Villains " This chilling story of ambition and magic will make you question your own morals as you grow to love (and hate) its fascinating, ruthless cast of characters. I utterly devoured this book." -- Amanda Foody, New York Times and indie bestselling author of All of Us Villains "The Atlas Six is a fantasy novel that understands that what the people want is more dark academia stories with flawless vibes and aesthetics and hot morally fraudulent characters who are constantly on the verge of either killing each other or fucking each other. I'm the people."--chai, viral book reviewer @proyearner
Call Number: SCIFI FANTASY BLAKE OPublication Date: 2022-03-01
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting. In its broadest sense, fantasy comprises themes from ancient myths and legends to many newer fantasy creations embraced by a wide audience today.
For more content on the fantasy genre and its various subgenres take a look at this separate guide.
Fantasy Booklists in the BPL Online Catalog
- Magical Reads for Adult Harry Potter FansOn July 31st, the world celebrates the birthday of everyone's favorite boy wizard! Adult readers who grew up with the series may find themselves longing for the good old days. While Harry Potter is one of a kind, you can embark on a new adventure with these books of witchcraft, wizardry, magical schools, and chosen ones.
- 9 Badass Heroines for Arya Stark FansIt's not exactly a spoiler to admit that Arya Stark is the sword-wielding boss lady we all need in our lives slaying our enemies. Check out one of these titles for more women warriors taking on the patriarchy, one stabbing at a time.
- Dragons and Tigers and Gods, Oh My!: Asian-Inflected Fantasy WorldsAre you bored of reading the same old medieval European knockoff fantasy settings over and over? These novels -- from creators of Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean, and Vietnamese descent -- open up new magical worlds grounded in Asian history, culture, and mythology.
- 7 Books for Adults Who Love Harry PotterHarry's all grown up now and so are you! If you're missing the magic of the world's favorite boy wizard, check out these titles for a sorcerous pick-me-up -- even if you're long past waiting for your Hogwarts letter.
- 11 Epic Fantasy Series that Won't Leave You HangingA selection of great epic fantasy series that have the virtue of being already completed.
- 11 Urban Fantasies for Paranormal Romance FansIs paranormal romance not fully satisfying your need for witches, werewolves, fae and other sexy spooks? Try one of these urban fantasies and open up a whole new genre to explore.
- Firebreathers: Dragons in LiteratureWhether you just love stories about the fantasy genre's favorite creature, or you are gearing up for the season 7 premiere of Game of Thrones on July 16th and want more books about awesome dragons, this list is perfect for you.
- The Top 25 Best Fantasy BooksA list compiled by the website bestfantasybooks.com.
- Queering Fantasy: 21 Novels With LGBTQ+ CharactersA selection of fantasy novels with LGBTQ+ characters.
- If you liked Game of Thrones...If you have enjoyed the "Song of Fire and Ice" series including the first in the series "A Game of Thrones", by George R. R. Martin, try these similar titles.
Check out the complete list of BPL staff booklists here.