Credit: Courtesy of publishers
Books
7 of the best fantasy book series by women to help you escape reality for a while
By Sarah Best
3 months ago
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4 min read
There’s no mistaking the rising popularity of fantasy books over the last few years, from historical fantasy and magical realism to romantasy. We’ve picked seven of the best fantasy book series that will help you to escape from reality for a while.
The popularity of fantasy books has grown exponentially due to the rise of BookTok and Bookstagram, with many readers getting into the genre through the likes of Fourth Wing (Rebecca Yarros) and A Court Of Thorns And Roses (Sarah J Maas), which are among the best romantasy novels out there.
The beauty of fantasy books is their ability to pull you out of the real world and let you escape into another, even if that other world is full of dragons, sword-fighting, spells and betrayal.
We’ve curated a list of the best fantasy books by women that are part of a series because we know all too well what it’s like to want to remain in a favourite fantasy world and continue experiencing the magic for as long as possible. Plus, all of these series revolve around a strong female character. What’s not to love?
Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
The first book of the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy follows Evangeline Fox as she strikes a deal with the wicked Prince of Hearts in order to stop the love of her life from marrying another. His help costs her three kisses to be given when the Prince of Hearts chooses. Evangeline quickly learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game.
An enchanting story filled with equal parts mystery and romance.
Shop Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber (Hodder & Stoughton) at Bookshop.org, £9.99
The Poppy War by RF Kuang
When Rin aces the Keju – the test to find the best students in the Empire – it’s a shock to everyone. The fact that she got into Sinegard, the most elite military school in Nikan, was even more surprising. But surprises aren’t always good, and being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. As she fights the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a deathly power, and mastering it might mean more than just surviving school. And the Third Poppy War is just a spark away.
The Poppy War trilogy is an imaginative military fantasy inspired by the history of 20th century China.
Shop The Poppy War by RF Kuang (HarperCollins) at Bookshop.org, £9.99
The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
A world on the brink of war with dragons and a queendom without an heir. Queen Sabran, still unwed, must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction. Ead secretly protects Sabran using forbidden magic. Tané, a dragonrider, is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, an ancient enemy returns.
A brilliant and daring tale following the women who must lead the fight to save their world. The third instalment, Among The Burning Flowers, is set to be released later this year.
Shop The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (Bloomsbury) at Bookshop.org, £10.99
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Alex Stern was the sole survivor of a horrific and unsolved crime. Hoping for a fresh start, she joins Yale’s freshman class, but it comes with a catch. She has been tasked with monitoring the mysterious activities of Yale’s secret societies, which are far more sinister than anyone ever imagined.
A paranormal masterpiece with a spellbinding academic setting. Ninth House is currently a duology with Hell Bent, but a third and final book has been confirmed.
Shop Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Orion) at Bookshop.org, £9.99
When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker
Raeve, an assassin for the rebellion, must complete orders and never get caught. She finds herself captured by a group of powerful fae. Kaan, crushed by the loss of the love of his great love, is on a tireless quest into the capital’s high-security prison where he stumbles upon the imprisoned Raeve. Together, they seek truths that threaten to unravel everything they knew about their world – and each other.
A fast-paced fantasy romance with an immersive fantasy world. The highly anticipated sequel, The Ballad Of Falling Dragons, is expected later this year.
Shop When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker (HarperCollins) at Bookshop.org, £20.00
Lightlark by Alex Aster
Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. It is their final chance to break the curses that have plagued them and their realms for centuries. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die. Lightlark follows Isla Crown, a young ruler of Wildling, who must lie and cheat to survive.
A gripping Young Adult fantasy with curses, betrayal and love that complicates everything. Lightlark is currently a trilogy with a fourth book in the works.
Shop Lightlark by Alex Aster (Abrams) at Bookshop.org, £9.99
Throne Of Glass by Sarah J Maas
For fans of A Court Of Thorns And Roses, Throne Of Glass follows Celeana, an impressive assassin, as she is called to compete for her freedom. But her freedom comes at a price: if she wins and defeats 23 warriors, she’ll serve as the King’s champion. As her competitors start dying one by one, Celeana knows that something evil lurks in the castle. Her fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival for her and those she loves.
Part of an epic eight-book series with a fierce and deadly female main character.
Shop Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas (Bloomsbury) at Bookshop.org, £8.99
Images: courtesy of publishers
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