From Swords to Swoons: 15 Epic Fantasy + Romantasy Books on Kindle Unlimited to Add to Your TBR
A couple years ago, I finally decided to try out Kindle Unlimited. They usually have some pretty great free trials for first time subscribers, so I figured there was nothing to lose. While there are a plethora of what I lovingly refer to as ‘junk food reads’ that require very little brain power to consume (we all need those kinds of reads once-in-a-while, right?), there’s sometimes a misconception in the book community that KU is only full of wattpad-esque reads riddled with typos and no plot. While you have to dig a bit to find the right recs for you, there are so many incredible reads from amazingly talented indie authors, and I’ve had a great time finding hidden gems as well as some Booktok favorites! I’ll save my recommendations of books I’ve already read from KU for another post, but I wanted to share the books I’m super excited to read that are saved to my ‘Kindle Unlimited TBR’ list. Yes, I keep a list. If you’re a Fantasy lover, and especially a Fantasy Romance/Romantasy fan, you might find some great potential reads on this list as well. Now, these ‘recs’ come with a caveat: I have not read them yet, so they might be terrible. BUT they intrigued me enough by their cover, description, or were recommended by friends on Booktok and Bookstagram. And if you’ve already read any of these, tell me which one to read first in the comments!
The Serpent and the Wings of Night + The Ashes and the Star Cursed King by Carrisa Broadbent
I have always loved vampire stories—maybe because I grew up watching Underworld and I loved The Originals. And if you’ve spent time on Booktok and Bookstagram, you’ll know 2023 was the year of Carissa Broadbent! Her books have been everywhere, including this series. I started out reading her other series, The War of Lost Hearts (and you read my full reviews of book one, two, and three). I really enjoyed that trilogy overall, so I’m excited to read this one. I’m slightly worried this one might be too spicy or heavy on the romance for me, but we’ll see!
Synopsis of book one: “Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.
The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.
But winning won’t be easy against the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.
Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.
But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone—but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.”
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizel
The first in a duology, We Hunt the Flame was a Booktok darling in the early days of the Booktok community forming. Seemingly everywhere, and I can’t believe I haven’t read it yet. I know this is a lot of people’s fave when it comes to YA Fantasy.
Publisher Synopsis: “Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the sultan. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways. Both Zafira and Nasir are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.
War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the sultan on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine.”
Little Fire by Hollee Mands
This one’s for the Fantasy Romance girlies + guys. I have one mutual on Booktok who cannot stop singing this book’s praises. The author just recently redid the cover, so if this title looks familiar, but you can’t place it, it’s probably the new cover throwing you off (there was previously a handsome guy in armor). It is part of a duology, but can be read on its own according to the author.
Synopsis + Content Warnings: “She’s broken from a past she can’t remember. He’s scarred from a past he can’t forget.
Declan can kill with a blink of his eye. Jaded and cold, he rules his kingdom the same way he does his heart—with ruthless pragmatism. So why does he risk all to protect a little mortal during a slave-trade uprising? Now stranded in the demon realm, the loss of his powers is the least of his troubles. The woman may have a frustratingly tender heart, but she has enough fire in her soul to thaw the ice in his veins.
He could take her by right, but he wants more than acceptance. He wants her willing surrender...
Evangeline is chained by a past she can’t remember. Her fractured memories keep her shy and single. When she is thrust into a savage world in the arms of a deadly archmage, he becomes her only chance of survival. But soon she realizes her unnerving protector may not be as callous as he appears, and her heart may be as much at risk as her life.
His desire for her is no secret, but she wants more than scalding lust. She wants his icy heart...
Can they survive the nightmarish realm long enough to break down each other’s walls?
Author's Note: Little Fire is Book 1 in The Warriors of the Five Realms adult fantasy romance series. This book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and sexual content. Intended for readers aged 18+.”
Of Deeds Most Valiant by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Synopsis: “Eleven paladins walk into a monastery. Only one knows it’s a trap.
When Victoriana Greenmantle is summoned to represent her paladin order in an unusual quest, the timing couldn’t be worse. Having just witnessed the horrific death of her mentor, she is barely a paladin at all. The summoning requires Victoriana to journey to the newly revealed Aching Monastery and there to search for and recover the fabled Cup of Tears on behalf of her order.
But her order is not the only one seeking this relic. And her rivals are stronger, smarter, more experienced and just as motivated as she is. Will this cynical paladin have the faith to find the truth?
This adult romantic epic fantasy stand-alone novel features paladins in all their aspects and is perfect for lovers of T. Kingfisher, Tamsyn Muir and Danielle L. Jensen. Though this book is a part of a collection of books linked by the same world it is a complete story in itself and does not bleed out into the other books in the series.”
Ascendant by Michael R. Miller
A dragon rider epic fantasy novel. Need I say more? I pretty much always say yes to dragons.
Synopsis: “Holt Cook was never meant to be a dragon rider. He has always served the Order Hall of the Crag dutifully, keeping their kitchen pots clean.
Until he discovers a dark secret: dragons do not tolerate weakness among their kin, killing the young they deem flawed. Moved by pity, Holt defies the Order, rescues a doomed egg and vows to protect the blind dragon within.
But the Scourge is rising. Undead hordes roam the land, spreading the blight and leaving destruction in their wake. The dragon riders are being slaughtered and betrayal lurks in the shadows.
Holt has one chance to survive. He must cultivate the mysterious power of his dragon's magical core. A unique energy which may tip the balance in the battles to come, and prove to the world that a servant is worthy after all.”
A Flame of Hurt and Harrow by T.S. Howard
This one’s been sitting on my Kindle for a long time. A morally gray, reluctant hero trying to save his sister from the immortals? Sold.
Synopsis: “Some men kill for coin, others for glory, but Faron is worse. Pressured by the ever-present threat of his criminal lord, Faron kills for a few weeks more to live--a blood price to keep him alive a little longer--but the longer he lives…the less he wants to.
Whispers of his sister and the truth surrounding her death threaten to topple Faron's balance of survival because after everything that's happened--the fire, the white-haired man, and the wolves--there's some small chance that she's still alive. Pursued by his master's assassin, Faron must flee his violent enslavement to find her trail and race against time and the flames of his past to uncover the secrets of a forgotten city and the bloody society of immortals that took her.”
A Tale of Stars and Shadow by Lisa Cassidy
Synopsis: “A broken warrior. A shadowy criminal. A partnership that could ignite a revolution.
Talyn Dynan, an elite warrior haunted by her past, was once the finest fighter of her generation. When she is sent on a dangerous mission to the divided country of Mithranar to hunt a notorious thief known as the Shadowhawk, she finds herself forced to confront the thing she fears most … failure.
The Shadowhawk thrives in the darkest of nights. Fighting for oppressed human folk of Mithranar, he haunts the streets, stealing from those who have everything. The arrival of a foreign warrior brings him closer than ever before to being unmasked and executed. But is she truly his enemy, or an unwitting pawn in a game being played by the powerful ruling Acondor family?
Vengeance stalks Mithranar, and a darker battle is coming. Could Talyn Dynan be the spark the sets the Shadowhawk’s hope alight … or the one who snuffs it out forever?
A Tale of Stars and Shadow is the first book in an adult epic fantasy series for readers who love: political intrigue, found family, rich characters and a strong female lead.”
An Heir Comes to Rise by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Another Romantasy that’s been on my TBR for ages. And there’s currently five books out in this series! I’ve followed Chloe since she first started her Booktok, and it’s been amazing to see this series get so much love in the community. Can’t wait to finally read it!
Synopsis: “In a clash of steel, a mortal body may fall. But in a clash of dreams, a powerful heir may rise.
A SWORD…
In the impoverished outer town of a kingdom where fae outrank humans, Faythe, an orphan with a talent for swordplay, knows the importance of keeping her head down around the fae patrol. She and best friend Jakon long for a better life, and her desire to swing her sword in combat may bring the purpose and coin she’s yearned for.
A DREAM…
When she draws the attention of royal guard Nik, she soon learns that her mortal nature isn’t the only reason to remain out of sight. Nik is a Nightwalker, a silent assassin of the mind with the power to enter others’ dreams, and whether she trusts him or not, he’s about to awaken abilities in Faythe that shouldn’t exist in a human. Nightmarish abilities. Deadly abilities. Abilities that will teach Faythe blood really does run thicker than water…and if she doesn’t trust in higher powers soon, blood will run indeed.
AN HEIR…
For this is no battle Faythe can fight with steel. Within the city walls, suspicions are arising, and here in the outer town she has deeper bonds to protect. It seems everyone will die with a dark secret to tell, but what if one unlikely human girl was born harboring the darkest secret of all…?”
The Book of Azrael + The Throne of Broken Gods by Amber Nicole
I’ve been following Amber’s journey of self publishing, and I can’t wait to finish reading her series. I have started book one, but I’ve been told both books have pretty horrific cliffhangers, so it makes me nervous!! Loved the beginning of book one so far, but definitely check trigger warnings on this one—I believe it gets a bit dark.
Synopsis of book one: “World Ender meets Ender of Worlds... A thousand years ago, Dianna gave up her life in the deserts of Eoria to save her dying sister. She called upon anyone who would listen, not expecting a monster far worse than any nightmare to answer. Now she does what Kaden asks, even if that means securing an ancient relic from the very creatures that hunt her.
A King thought long dead and long forgotten. In the old world his name was Samkiel. In the new world it is Liam, but one title remains true throughout time. He is the World Ender, a myth to his enemies, a savior and King to those loyal to him. After the Gods War, he locked himself away, hiding from the world. He denied his crown and responsibilities, leaving the very ones who needed him most to deal with the fallout of the death of their homeworld. Now an attack on those he holds dear sends him back to the one realm he never wished to visit again and into the sights of an enemy he thought imprisoned eons ago.
Now enemies older than time must put aside their differences and work together in hopes of saving both their world and every realm in between.”
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
The cover alone sold me. How insanely stunning is this one?! It reminds me of a fantasy version of The Inheritance Games cover. But then it’s described as The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games? Again, could be totally cringe, or it could be a fun romp of a read. I’m excited to find out.
Synopsis: “Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart.
Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. Her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery she's endured.
When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight as she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.
But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. Not only does she not understand why she was freed, she isn't a citizen of the Sun King's court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is wiped off the gameboard, permanently.
Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be sent back into the hands of the Aurora King.”
Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans (#1 Mages of the Wheel)
This had such a unique cover that we don’t really see on a lot of fantasy novels, and it immediately piqued my interest. Then you add a world where magic is dying out, and what’s looking like a slow-burn romance?! This one’s high on the TBR.
Synopsis: “She is heir to a Sultanate that once ruled the world. He is an unwanted prince with the power to destroy.
She is order and intellect, a woman fit to rule in a man's place. He is chaos and violence and will stop at nothing to protect his people.
His magic answers hers with shadow for light. They need each other, but the cost of balance may be too high a price. Magic is dying and the only way to save it is to enlist mages who wield the forbidden power of death, mages cast out centuries ago in a brutal and bloody war.
Now, a new war is coming. Science and machines to replace magic and old religion.
They must find a way to save their people from annihilation and balance the sacred Wheel—but first, they will have to balance their own forbidden passion. His peace for her tempest, his restlessness for her calm…
Night and day, dusk and dawn, the end, and the beginning.”
Blood and Steel by Helen Scheuerer
Literally the first sentence of the synopsis had me sold (see below). Plus, strong female main character who’s definitely going to be a badass?! I really hope this one’s good. Plus, it’s the start of a new series.
Synopsis: “An epic romantic fantasy with enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn spice, found family, and a sprawling world of magic and monsters.
With her death foretold, Althea Zoltaire only has three years to become what she’s always dreamed of being: a warrior legend.
Women are forbidden to wield blades, so she has trained in secret her entire life. Now racing against the clock, she fights to secure her place in the elite guild charged with the protection of the five kingdoms.
The sparring and hazing of the new trainees border on deadly, but even more dangerous is her growing attraction to Wilder Hawthorne, her unwilling warrior chaperone.
All around them, schemes are afoot and darkness looms.
Will Althea pass the perilous initiation test and take her place as a champion of Thezmarr – or will the invading evil snatch away her dream before it starts?
If you like fierce sword-wielding heroines and brooding, tortured heroes, you will devour this sexy, addictive fantasy adventure.
Blood & Steel is the gripping first book in the heart-pounding, epic romantic fantasy series, The Legends of Thezmarr.”
Tin by Amber R. Duell
Part one of the ‘Faeries of Oz’ series. Retellings can be hit or miss for me, but a new adult romance retelling of the Tin Man in Oz?! It’s either going to be amazing, or so beyond cringe. Who wants to find out with me?
Synopsis: “He’s a fae assassin with a heart of stone. She’s the savior of Oz. Together they must defy a heartless curse.
Tin is the most famous fae in Oz for all the wrong reasons. Cursed with a stone heart, he is the perfect assassin: ruthless, efficient, and merciless with thousands of kills to his name. When his old friend, Lion, offers him a small fortune to deliver Dorothy to the South for his lover to wear the girl’s head as her own, Tin doesn’t hesitate to accept the unsavory deal.
Dorothy Gale lost everything—her family to illness, her dog to age, and now her farm to foreclosure. The entire town thought she was crazy for believing in a faerie world called Oz, but even after ten years have passed, she knows she is right. So when an emerald green portal opens in her wheat field, she jumps at the opportunity to return to the only place that ever felt like home.
Tin wasn’t expecting a vivacious, grown woman to step through the portal, just as Dorothy wasn’t expecting Tin to have his stone heart back. But Oz has hidden dangerous lies behind glamour, trapped innocents in curses, and left the land in turmoil—none more so than the South. As Tin and Dorothy travel together for the second time in a decade, their lives begin to make sense again. Soon, they must decide who to give their loyalties to before Lion takes Dorothy’s head and Tin’s cursed heart is forever doomed.”
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
Another indie author I’ve followed on Booktok for quite a while! I have a feeling this set of standalones will be great for cleaning the palette between long epic fantasies when you just want a quick fantasy romance read.
Synopsis of book one: “The elves come for two things: war and wives. In both cases, they come for death.
Three-thousand years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella's village to be their Human Queen.
To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she's dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town's only healer.
That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives... for her.
Everything Luella had thought she'd known about her life, and herself, was a lie. Taken to a land filled with wild magic, Luella is forced to be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. Once there, she learns about a dying world that only she can save.
The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home and people tug on another... but what will truly break her is a passion she never wanted.”
The Compeer by Jamie Applegate Hunter (Royals of Rodina series)
A completed series. YAY! It’s currently a trilogy, and I added it to my KU TBR well over a year ago after seeing it recommended around on Booktok. However, while looking it up to grab the synopsis there’s a new author note, so I’ll share that here as well—apparently it’s going to be going through some big rewrites! I’m kind of excited about this, and may end up waiting to read it until the re-release.
From the author: “This series will be taken down in late 2023 and undergo heavy re-writes, including making them interconnected standalones and dissolving book 2, turning it into two separate books with new love interests for each of the main characters of book 2. It will be republished under a new series name (The Compeer series), and new book titles (Winter's Compeer, Autumn's Compeer, Spring's Compeer, and Summer's Compeer). This was my debut series, and it will be improved tremendously.”
Synopsis: “When the humans destroyed the Earth, the gods were forced to wipe it clean and start anew. They created four immortal kings blessed with elemental powers to keep the peace among the new world and regulate their land’s climate.
Thousands of years later, when corruption among the four kingdoms interrupts the delicate balance, a compeer emerges with an unlikely band of allies to defeat the evil infiltrating their land.
Winnie Hayward lives a double life between working her family’s tavern and training in secret with the kingdom’s most respected general.
Thad is the mysterious Winter King with a broody demeanor, a disdain for royal life, and a romantic chip on his shoulder.
When the two meet by chance under false pretenses, they fall into a steamy, whirlwind romance that eventually launches a war between kingdoms.
The Compeer weaves an adrenaline-filled tale with betrayal, romance, humor, and jaw-dropping twists fans of New Adult fantasy romance will devour.”
Hope this list inspired you to start your own Kindle Unlimited TBR list if you don’t already have one! I definitely have a bunch more, so perhaps I’ll put together a part two if people enjoy this one.
P.S. If you’re not already a Kindle Unlimited member, you can grab a discount here. And while you can use Kindle Unlimited in the Kindle App on your phone (I did for years and years), you can also get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with any new Kindle Paperwhite. I’ve had my Kindle Oasis for almost a year, and totally need to do a review post on it, but so far, I’m obsessed with it.
—
P.S. If you end up getting a copy of any books through an Amazon affiliate link above, you’ll be helping me support this site and newsletter. Thanks in advance for supporting a fellow bookworm! BTW, I will always disclose affiliate links when they’re present. :) Happy reading!