Favorite Fantasy Books I Read This Month

This month, I fully immersed myself in the world of fantasy - and let me tell you, it was pure magic. From sprawling kingdoms and ancient prophecies to morally gray heroes and creatures I’d never even imagined, my reading list took me on some unforgettable journeys. Fantasy has always been a favorite genre of mine, but something about this month made each book feel especially transportive.

I found myself drawn to richly built worlds, layered characters, and stories that blurred the lines between good and evil. Whether I was flipping pages late into the night or daydreaming about plot twists long after I closed the book, these reads definitely left their mark. So, I thought it’d be fun to share the standout fantasy books I read this month - ones that sparked my imagination, tugged at my emotions, and reminded me why I love this genre so much.

Let’s dive into the magic.

Book 1 - The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

This book had been on my radar for a while, and I finally decided to dive in - and wow, it absolutely delivered. The Priory of the Orange Tree is a sweeping epic set in a beautifully diverse world teetering on the edge of war and rebirth. From the first chapter, I was pulled into its intricate lore, political intrigue, and fierce female leads. It’s the kind of story that takes its time building a vast, interconnected world, but the payoff is so worth it.

What stood out the most to me was the balance Shannon strikes between high-stakes adventure and emotional depth. The story alternates perspectives across different regions, and each one brought something fresh to the narrative. Ead, in particular, was a standout - her inner strength, loyalty, and quiet power kept me hooked. And can we talk about the dragons? Majestic, terrifying, and symbolic in all the best ways. The worldbuilding here was phenomenal, but it never felt overwhelming.

One of my favorite moments (no spoilers, I promise) was a subtle yet powerful exchange between two characters about duty versus desire - it hit me harder than some of the action scenes. If you’re into epic fantasy with complex characters, slow-burn romance, and a dash of political intrigue, this one’s definitely worth your time.

Book 2 - Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

After the intense, high-stakes adventure of my last read, Legends & Lattes was the perfect cozy follow-up. This book is like a warm hug in novel form - a slice-of-life fantasy that trades in sword fights and war councils for fresh pastries, friendship, and second chances. The premise is delightfully unexpected: Viv, an orc barbarian, retires from adventuring to open a coffee shop in a city where no one’s even heard of coffee. And yes, it’s just as charming as it sounds.

What I adored most about this book was how it leaned into gentleness and warmth while still delivering an emotionally satisfying story. The stakes are smaller, more personal - building a life, earning trust, creating something meaningful. Viv’s journey of self-discovery and reinvention hit me harder than I expected. Her interactions with the quirky cast of characters - especially Cal, Tandri, and Thimble - were heartwarming and at times hilarious.

The setting also deserves a shoutout: the cozy café, with its aroma of fresh brews and pastries, was described so vividly I could almost smell it. There’s a quiet kind of magic here, not just in the fantasy elements, but in the way the story celebrates kindness, community, and the courage it takes to start anew. If you’re looking for a low-conflict, feel-good fantasy with serious heart, Legends & Lattes is one to savor.

Book 3 - The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah

The Stardust Thief swept me away from the very first page. Inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, this book is packed with magic, mystery, and an atmosphere so rich it felt like I could taste the desert air. It follows Loulie al-Nazari, a cunning relic seller known as the Midnight Merchant, who finds herself entangled in a royal quest to locate a powerful artifact. What follows is a perilous journey through enchanted sands, dangerous ruins, and shifting alliances.

What I loved most was how seamlessly Abdullah wove folklore and mythology into the narrative. The world felt ancient and alive, full of jinn, cursed relics, and age-old secrets. Loulie was a compelling protagonist - resourceful, guarded, and layered. But it was the dynamic between her and her companions, especially her mysterious bodyguard Qadir and the incognito prince Mazen, that gave the story emotional depth and momentum.

The writing itself was lyrical without being heavy, and the plot struck a great balance between action, humor, and introspection. I also appreciated how the book explored themes of identity, storytelling, and power - how stories are told, who gets to tell them, and what truths are buried beneath them. It’s the kind of book that feels both epic and intimate, adventurous yet thoughtful. If you’re craving a fantasy that feels fresh and steeped in myth, The Stardust Thief is a treasure.

Honorable Mentions

While a few books stole the spotlight this month, there were several other fantasy reads that definitely deserve a shoutout.

1. A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

This one took me by surprise with its lyrical prose and quiet, atmospheric magic. Set on an island where songs hold power and spirits roam freely, it’s a slower-paced fantasy that felt deeply rooted in folklore. I didn’t expect to get so attached to the characters, but their emotional arcs really pulled me in.

2. The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart

Such a unique magic system! The concept of bone shard magic was unlike anything I’ve read, and the shifting perspectives made for an immersive experience. While the pacing dipped a bit in the middle, the ending definitely hooked me into wanting to continue the trilogy.

3. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

This was a whimsical adventure with a fairytale tone and a strong emotional undercurrent. Sanderson’s worldbuilding is always top-tier, and Tress’s character arc - from naive island girl to clever, determined adventurer - was incredibly satisfying to follow.

Each of these books added a different flavor to my reading month - whether it was lush worldbuilding, inventive magic, or simply strong vibes. They might not have cracked my top three, but I’d still recommend them to fellow fantasy lovers without hesitation.

What’s Next on My Fantasy TBR

As much as I loved everything I read this month, my TBR pile is still towering - and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something exciting about looking ahead to new worlds, new magic systems, and new characters to fall in love with. I’ve already lined up a few fantasy books I’m eager to dive into next.

At the top of the list is The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang. I’ve heard nothing but praise about its emotional depth and powerful fight scenes, and I’m especially intrigued by the blend of Eastern-inspired fantasy and family drama. I’ve also got She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan on deck - another one that’s been highly recommended for its rich historical setting and complex themes of power and identity.

I’m planning to revisit a classic too: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It’s a reread, but one I’ve been meaning to get to for ages. There’s something comforting about returning to a familiar story, especially one as beautifully written and immersive as Kvothe’s.

And of course, I’m always on the lookout for fresh fantasy voices - whether that’s through debut authors, indie gems, or underrated series that deserve more love. If you’ve got any recommendations, I’d love to hear them! My reading list is never truly full.

Conclusion

This month’s fantasy reading journey was exactly what I needed - an escape, a spark of wonder, and a reminder of why I fell in love with this genre in the first place. From sweeping epics to quiet, character-driven stories, each book offered something different, yet all of them transported me in the way only great fantasy can. Whether I was battling ancient evils, sipping imaginary lattes in a cozy café, or chasing relics through enchanted deserts, I was completely swept away.

What I love most about fantasy is how limitless it is - how every story has the potential to reshape the world, challenge expectations, or offer something entirely new. This month delivered on all fronts, and I can’t wait to see what next month brings.

Now it’s your turn - what fantasy books have you read recently that blew you away? Got any underrated gems or must-read series you think I’d love? Drop your recs in the comments or tag me on social. Let’s keep the magic going.

Until next time, happy reading - and may your next adventure be just a page away.