Magic, excitement, and adventure all in one familiar place! Discover fantasy stories where the extraordinary hides in plain sight.
If you’re a lover of the fantasy genre, then you know how enjoyable it is to read about intricate worlds built from mystical scratch. But trust us on this one—sometimes we want our fantasy to unfold in a world that feels familiar, like the one we’re living in! Each book we’re sharing with you today is one of the fantasy genres, and two take place either partly or totally in our world. Happy reading!
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Told from the perspective of Paige Mahoney, a young woman living in London who works for a criminal syndicate, using her clairvoyant abilities to commit illegal acts, The Bone Season is the first book in a planned series.
Paige’s world is turned upside down when she is captured by an otherworldly race called the Rephaim, who have come from another dimension. With control, resistance, and blurred lines between good and evil, this novel blends elements of urban fantasy, dystopia, and supernatural intrigue.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
The first book in the Sevenwaters series, Daughter of the Forest, is a historical fantasy novel set in ancient Ireland. This retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, The Six Swans, follows Sorcha, the youngest child of the powerful and respected family of Sevenwaters.
When Sorcha’s father, Lord Colum, is cursed by a jealous and vengeful sorceress, her six brothers are turned into swans, unable to return to their human forms. To break the curse, Sorcha must remain silent for six years. Throughout the story, she embodies courage and determination while navigating magic, danger, and love.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
A historical fantasy novel set in an alternate 19th-century Britain, Babel follows Robin Swift, an orphan from Canton who is taken to Britain by the mysterious Professor Richard Lovell after his mother dies.
Lovell raises Robin in preparation for entrance into Oxford University’s Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel. After a series of betrayals and violent conflicts, Robin and his friends take drastic action to dismantle Babel’s power.
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
Joan Chang-Hunt is a sixteen-year-old girl spending the summer with her grandmother’s family in London when she discovers that her heritage is full of dark secrets, like the fact that they’re monsters who can steal time from humans to travel through it.
Her powers awaken when the boy she has a crush on reveals himself to be a legendary monster hunter. Ultimately, Joan faces a heartbreaking decision: save the ones she loves or prevent the catastrophic cycle of violence between monsters and hunters.
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
A dark urban fantasy set in a dystopian New York City where humans and supernatural creatures coexist, this story follows Kierse, a skilled and fearless thief navigating a world transformed after monsters emerged over a decade ago, leading to a devastating war.
To maintain peace, a Monster Treaty was established. However, when Kierse accepts a job to steal a ring from the Holly Library, she puts her life at risk, as her intrusion violates the treaty. Throughout her journey, Kierse uncovers hidden truths about her own identity and abilities.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
The Rose Bargain transports readers to reimagined 1840s England, where every citizen is granted one bargain with the immortal fae queen, Moryen. High-society girls often trade personal attributes or even memories for qualities that make them appear more desirable for marriage.
In an attempt to save her sister and restore her family’s honor, Ivy Benton enters a competition where the winner will receive Queen Moryen’s son’s hand in marriage.
North is the Night by Emily Rath
Book one in the Tuonela Duet, a dark fantasy series heavily influenced by Finnish folklore, this novel intertwines the fates of two young women, Siiri and Aina. In the Finnish wilderness, their lives are disrupted by land-hungry Swedes, a zealous Christian priest, and mysterious disappearances.
Eventually, Aina is abducted by a death goddess, and Siiri must embark on a journey to rescue her. If you’re looking for adventure, mythology, and the enduring power of friendship, then look no further.
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
Set in 1920s Shanghai, the city is caught in a bloody feud between the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers. Juliette Cai, the fiery heir to the Scarlet Gang, has returned to reclaim her place, but Roma Montagov, the heir to the White Flowers, harbors a painful past with her.
As tensions rise, a strange contagion begins to spread, leaving victims clawing their own throats out. Juliette and Roma are forced into an uneasy alliance to uncover the source of the deadly disease in this story that blends historical fiction, romance, and fantasy.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
The first book in the Great Cities trilogy, The City We Became is a contemporary fantasy novel set in New York City. After undergoing a magical “birthing” process—a moment when the city awakens and gains a living consciousness through a human avatar—the Primary Avatar becomes the living embodiment of the city. However, he soon falls into a coma, leaving New York vulnerable to attack.
Now, it’s up to five avatars, each representing a borough of New York, to emerge and protect the city from the mysterious Woman in White.
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Victoria Lewis
Victoria is a freelance writer, dog lover, and coffee enthusiast living with her husband and dog in a small town in Kansas. Surrounded by an expansive to-be-read pile, she spends her time either deeply engrossed in a book or listening to one. As a fervent supporter of both bookstores and public libraries, Victoria enjoys sharing her latest reads on social media, connecting with fellow bibliophiles, and diligently updating her Goodreads profile.
