2026 could only be described as the year of fantasy books with countless highly anticipated novels being released. Sarah J. Maas confirmed two more books would be coming in her A Court of Thorns and Roses series (one in October 2026 and the other in January 2027) Cassandra Clare’s first book in her final Shadowhunters series is to hit shelves in November, after eight years, V.E Schwab’s Villains series becomes a trilogy and that’s not even mentioning the likes of The Poison Daughter, Alchemised and every other trending fantasy book.
But for every magical fable that has a million readers and becomes an Instagram obsession, there are several novels that fly under the radar. Get your Goodreads app open and start adding these titles to your ‘TBR LIST.’
Trust us, their worth the read.
Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor
“Hatred boils within my veins, heating my skin as I think about how I’d punish the men who did this to him. They’d beg for death before I was through with them.”
Fae magic, a ferocious, funny female lead, a villain you love to hate and a morally grey love interest; what more you could you want from a fantasy book? Ivy Pomeroy is a fae assassin who is sworn to protect the ruthless King Baylor, when she is assigned the task of recovering a secret weapon she meets the deliciously dark reaper, Thorne.
Dark romantasy tropes thrive in Heir of Illusion with enemies to lovers, “who did this to you?” and forced proximity all featured and yet the way Taylor incorporates them into story makes them feel brand new.
An urban fantasy with quick wit, strong world-building and an original magic system, Heir of Illusion warrants the right to be your latest obsession.
For fans of Crescent City and A Darker Shade of Magic.
Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan
“Magic is a conversation. One asks the stone to rebuild the wall, and the stone listens for the price of your energy. It is all compromise.”
Thistlemarsh is a historical fantasy set in post word-war one Britain that follows Mouse Dunne as she inherits the dilapidated family estate of Thistlemarsh Hall. Entrusted with the task of bringing life back to the manor house, Mouse turns to the world of faerie for some help but nothing ever comes for free, and Mouse will soon find out just how high of a cost she must pay.
Although a charming fairytale with that will have you dreaming of forbidden forests and secret pacts, Thistlemarsh also tackles with the feeling of loss and grief in a way that feels both raw and genuine. Still, a warm and whimsical fantasy book, Thistlemarsh is cozy stand-alone that deserves much more hype.
For fans of Cruel Prince and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Tides of Fortune by Lauryn Hamilton Murray
“I steal through empty hallways, ears pricked for the slightest sounds – hushed voices emanating from any of the opulent chambers, a clandestine setting of traitors Eyes.”
Tides of Fortune is the sequel to Lauryn Hamilton Murray’s debut novel, Heir of Storms. If you haven’t already picked up the first book, what are you doing still reading this?
The second book follows Blaze as she ventures into the Wildlands to hunt for the Eye of the Soul. With her brother Flint at her side and the treacherous King Balen on her tail, Blaze finds an unlikely alliance in the form of a certain earth adoring troublemaker.
It’s a mystery how Lauryn Hamilton Murray’s YA fantasy series isn’t as popular as the likes of Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games books. An enthralling elemental magic aspect, laugh out loud dialogue, and a roster of original and contrasting characters, Tides of Fortune is the perfect sequel.
You could say that the characters are where the story thrives but the arcane within the Storm Weaver world is layered and intriguing without being complicated or overworked. Not forgetting the imagery created around the physical world that is both vivid and authentic- it’s almost enough to ignore the unimaginative character names.
For fans of Shatter Me and The Prison Healer
Emily xo
