15+ Fantasy Books I'm Embarrassed I Haven't Read Yet
Think of this as a priority fantasy book TBR list. It’s not exhaustive, as there are so many more to be added, but these are the books sitting patiently on my shelves, waiting. And I am genuinely so excited to read them–mostly because I’ve heard so many amazing things about them from Booktok and Bookstagram reviewers. But for one reason or another, I haven’t gotten around them yet. Most are incredibly popular, and a couple you might not have heard of if you’re not on Romantasy or Folklore Booktok, but when I was putting this list together, yes, I was embarrassed I haven’t read these yet! Are any of them on your TBR? Maybe you’ve already read them? Drop a comment and let me know what I should read first!
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
As Hobb is one of the OG women authors in high fantasy, I’m beyond embarrassed I haven’t read this trilogy yet. I have a feeling they’re going to be full of adventure and dangerous missions, and beautiful world building. Cannot wait to immerse myself into this fantasy world.
The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemison
The amount of times I’ve seen this series on fantasy Booktok. Throws hands. It’s everywhere, and seems very much beloved. I’m going into it completely blind and I’ve managed to thrift copies of all three books (The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky), but somehow the third book is a different size. Sigh. I know book collectors everywhere will lament over this with me. Can’t wait to read this Hugo and Nebula Award-winning series.
Raybearer and Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko
I’ve literally never seen anyone on any platform say a single bad thing about this African-inspired fantasy duology. I picked up the UK editions from Waterstones when I was in the UK last year, and they are stunning (different from what’s pictured above). Hopefully I can make time this fall/winter to finally check these off my list.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
I don’t recall when I first heard about this book/series, but apparently it’s one of those quintessential fantasy series that you simply must read. Plus, how could I say no to this beautiful special edition?!
Brandon Sanderson.
That’s it. All of them. I haven’t read a single one, and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long. Tres tres embarrassed. Per Booktok’s recommendation, I’ll be starting with the Mistborn Trilogy.
We Hunt the Flame + We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal
Yet another Booktok favorite that I haven’t read yet. But I tend to love Middle Eastern fantasy series, so I’m hopeful these will be no exception. I don’t know why I haven’t picked them up yet. They keep getting pushed back on my TBR, even though I know I’ll probably love them, and it’s a complete duology.
The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang
This trilogy has been on my TBR for a couple of years now, and after devouring Babel, I’m now obsessed with Kuang’s writing. Apparently, this trilogy is not for the faint of heart, and will destroy you in the best way. Perfect. Maybe this winter when it’s dark and dreary will be the perfect time to finally pick this up.
Realm Breaker + Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
Pitched to me as a YA Lord of the Rings, I was immediately sold. BUT only the first two books are out, and I struggle with unfinished series. I hate waiting. Maybe it’s the only child in me, but I’ve been wanting to wait until we’re closer to the third book coming out before tackling this. Especially because I keep seeing TikToks of people being gutted by the cliffhanger endings.
An Heir Comes to Rise by Chloe C. Peñaranda
A slow burn, fantasy romance? Sign me up! If you’re on the Romantasy side of Booktok, you may have seen this one, because it has been everywhere. The author has been releasing two books a year and just revealed it’s set up to be a seven book series. But there’s only four out so far…so you can imagine my hesitation in starting yet another unfinished series. But the more I hear about it, the more I want to pick it up.
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