Okay, can we talk about how incredible fantasy books have been this year? I've been absolutely devouring them, and I just have to share my favorites with you. Grab your tea (or coffee, I don't judge), and let's dive into the magical goodness that 2024 has blessed us with.
Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page
Picture this: you're a royal physician just trying to keep your queen alive and stop the king from running around naked (yes, really), when suddenly your best friend turns up murdered. That's what our girl Isabel has to deal with, and it only gets wilder from there. She ends up going undercover in an enemy kingdom, where she has to cozy up to this stupidly attractive guy named Erik who can do illusion magic. The catch? She's supposed to be stealing state secrets, not falling for him.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Listen, if you're into cozy fantasy that feels like a warm hug, you need this book in your life. Our heroine Kiela is just trying to make it work after her library gets torched, and all she's got is her spider plant (who talks!) and some very illegal spell books. She opens this adorable little jam shop in her hometown, but guess who's there? Her childhood bestie Larran, who apparently got really attractive while she was gone (isn't that always the way?). The whole thing is just delightful, and I may have stayed up way too late reading "just one more chapter."
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy
Oh my gosh, you know those books that just get you? This is one of them. Sebastian and Leovander are literally stuck together because of a spell gone wrong, and it's hilarious and heartbreaking and perfect. Like, imagine being magically bound to someone you can't stand - except maybe you actually can stand them, and maybe you like them a lot? If you're into D&D or any tabletop games, you're going to love all the little references sprinkled throughout. This is book one of a trilogy, and I'm already dying for the next one.
Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse
Alright, get ready for some FEELINGS. This is the last book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, and wow, Roanhorse really said "you want drama? I'll give you drama!" We've got Serapio trying to handle being the Carrion King (spoiler: it's not going great), Naranpa dealing with this super ominous prophecy, and poor Xiala just trying to stay alive while everything goes to chaos. The way this book draws from pre-Columbian American mythology is just *chef's kiss* - it's so refreshing to see fantasy that breaks away from the usual medieval European vibes.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Fair warning: you might need some tissues for this one. It's about Cordelia, whose mom is basically the worst - we're talking magical abuse here, folks. But then there's Hester, this amazing woman who sees what's happening and decides "nope, not on my watch." It's got that signature Kingfisher mix of cozy moments and darker themes that just hits different. Plus, there's this whole found family element that had me ugly crying in the best way possible.
Real Talk Time
I know I'm gushing, but seriously, 2024 has been DELIVERING on the fantasy front. What I love most is how these books aren't just about big epic battles (though those are cool too!). They're about relationships, finding your place, and figuring out who you are - just with some magic thrown in to make it extra spicy.
Whether you're in the mood for political schemes and swoony romance (Illusion of Stars, I'm looking at you), cozy vibes with a side of forbidden magic (The Spellshop!), or something that's going to rip your heart out and put it back together (hello, Mirrored Heavens), there's definitely something here for you.
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