Adult Fantasy Books Guide

97

The Emperor's Edge

By Lindsay Buroker

Rated 4.08 out of 5 stars, based on 16,094 reviews. 4.08 · 16,094 reviews

The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker introduces Amaranthe Lokdon, an imperial law enforcer whose practical skills and stubborn sense of duty are tested when mutilated corpses appear along the waterfront and a suspicious fire masks evidence of ritual…

The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker introduces Amaranthe Lokdon, an imperial law enforcer whose practical skills and stubborn sense of duty are tested when mutilated corpses appear along the waterfront and a suspicious fire masks evidence of ritual killings. As she traces the links between these crimes and a powerful commercial alliance plotting against the emperor, she is ordered to pursue Sicarius, the empire’s most feared assassin, who seems entangled in the same conspiracy. Forced to question her superiors’ motives and her own survival odds, Amaranthe navigates a steampunk-flavored imperial city where magic, political intrigue, and covert warfare intersect. The tone blends fast-paced adventure, mystery, and slow-building romantic tension within an adult fantasy setting.

Book 1 of The Emperor's Edge series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Romance Science Fiction Urban Fantasy Mystery Political Intrigue Assassins Female Protagonist Steampunk Suspense Strong Female Lead

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98

The Great and Secret Show

By Clive Barker

Rated 4.08 out of 5 stars, based on 31,460 reviews. 4.08 · 31,460 reviews

The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker blends dark fantasy, supernatural horror, and psychological suspense in a story where reality and dreamlike realms overlap. When a murder in an Omaha dead letter office triggers strange events, including an i…

The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker blends dark fantasy, supernatural horror, and psychological suspense in a story where reality and dreamlike realms overlap. When a murder in an Omaha dead letter office triggers strange events, including an impossible lake appearing over the California town of Palomo Grove, hidden forces and godlike powers begin to shape an apocalyptic conflict. As ordinary lives intersect with cosmic designs, young love and human desire unfold against a backdrop of looming war and the breakdown of the familiar world. This first volume in The Art sequence explores the dangerous allure of power, the instability of memory and prophecy, and the thin boundary between the everyday and the mythic.

Book 1 of Book of the Art series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction Gods Urban Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Supernatural Horror Thriller Apocalyptic Suspense Psychological

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99

Angels' Blood

By Nalini Singh

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 98,392 reviews. 4.07 · 98,392 reviews

In Angels' Blood, Nalini Singh opens an urban fantasy world where powerful angels rule over vampires and enforce their own brutal order. Elena Deveraux, a highly skilled vampire hunter, is contracted by the archangel Raphael to track one of his own k…

In Angels' Blood, Nalini Singh opens an urban fantasy world where powerful angels rule over vampires and enforce their own brutal order. Elena Deveraux, a highly skilled vampire hunter, is contracted by the archangel Raphael to track one of his own kind who has turned rogue, drawing her into a series of violent, supernatural crimes. As Elena navigates lethal angelic politics and escalating bloodshed, she must balance her professional instincts with an intense, dangerous attraction to Raphael. The novel blends adult romance, paranormal suspense, and action, anchored by a strong female protagonist confronting both external threats and the cost of surviving among immortals.

Book 1 of Guild Hunter series

Fantasy Action Adult Romance Urban Fantasy Vampires Paranormal Angels Female Protagonist Suspense Violence Strong Female Lead

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100

Garden Spells

By Sarah Addison Allen

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 108,791 reviews. 4.07 · 108,791 reviews

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen blends contemporary small-town life with understated magic and family drama. In Bascom, North Carolina, the Waverley women live with an apple tree said to reveal the future and a garden whose plants subtly influen…

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen blends contemporary small-town life with understated magic and family drama. In Bascom, North Carolina, the Waverley women live with an apple tree said to reveal the future and a garden whose plants subtly influence emotions and choices. Claire Waverley channels this quiet magic into her catering business, while her cousin Evanelle’s inexplicable gifts arrive just when they are needed. When Claire’s estranged sister Sydney returns with her young daughter, old wounds resurface, forcing the sisters to confront their shared legacy, their uneasy place in the town, and the possibility of romance and belonging amid the garden’s persistent influence.

Book 1 of Waverley Family series

Fantasy Magic Adult Romance Paranormal Contemporary Drama Female Protagonist Small Town Strong Female Lead

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101

Swordheart

By T. Kingfisher

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 47,333 reviews. 4.07 · 47,333 reviews

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher follows Halla, a practical housekeeper whose quiet life unravels when she unexpectedly inherits her great-uncle’s estate and attracts the hostility of his surviving relatives. Her situation grows stranger when she unsheath…

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher follows Halla, a practical housekeeper whose quiet life unravels when she unexpectedly inherits her great-uncle’s estate and attracts the hostility of his surviving relatives. Her situation grows stranger when she unsheathes an old sword and releases Sarkis, an immortal warrior bound to the blade by powerful magic. As Halla and Sarkis travel together, they face bandits, inquisitors, and the increasingly dangerous will of the enchanted sword, all while negotiating an uneasy partnership that edges into romance. Blending fantasy adventure with dry humor and a cozy, character-focused tone, the novel centers on a capable female protagonist who must decide what to risk to claim her own future.

Book 1 of Swordheart series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Adult Romance Cozy Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead

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102

Dragon Bound

By Thea Harrison

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 53,309 reviews. 4.07 · 53,309 reviews

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison introduces Pia Giovanni, a half-human, half-Wyr woman who has survived by staying unnoticed in a world of dragons, shapeshifters, and ancient magic. When blackmail forces her to steal a single coin from the hoard of Drag…

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison introduces Pia Giovanni, a half-human, half-Wyr woman who has survived by staying unnoticed in a world of dragons, shapeshifters, and ancient magic. When blackmail forces her to steal a single coin from the hoard of Dragos Cuelebre, the most feared dragon of the Wyrkind, she triggers a violent pursuit that pulls her into supernatural politics and the long-standing tensions with the Dark Fae. Dragos’s fury turns to fascination once he captures her, and their uneasy alliance blends enemies-to-lovers romance with urban fantasy intrigue. The novel balances sensual, adult relationships with power struggles, dangerous magic, and a strong focus on consent and autonomy as Pia refuses to surrender her independence.

Book 1 of Elder Races series

Fantasy Magic Adult Romance Dragons Urban Fantasy Shapeshifters Supernatural Fae Paranormal Enemies To Lovers Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Violence

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103

The Goblin Emperor

By Katherine Addison

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 55,799 reviews. 4.07 · 55,799 reviews

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison follows Maia, a half-goblin prince raised in isolation who is abruptly elevated to the throne after a fatal airship disaster wipes out the rest of the imperial heirs. Thrust into an elaborate Elven court he bar…

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison follows Maia, a half-goblin prince raised in isolation who is abruptly elevated to the throne after a fatal airship disaster wipes out the rest of the imperial heirs. Thrust into an elaborate Elven court he barely understands, Maia must navigate rigid protocol, political factions, and subtle technologies in a setting that blends high fantasy with hints of steampunk. As he faces covert schemes, pressure to secure a strategic marriage, and the unresolved mystery behind the so-called accident, his inexperience becomes both a vulnerability and an unexpected strength. The novel focuses less on warfare and more on character, governance, and the ethics of power within a richly detailed secondary world.

Book 1 of The Chronicles of Osreth series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction High Fantasy Mystery Steampunk Short Stories

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104

A River Enchanted

By Rebecca Ross

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 94,096 reviews. 4.07 · 94,096 reviews

In A River Enchanted, Rebecca Ross sets her fantasy on the isle of Cadence, where elemental spirits shape daily life and old songs hold real power. Jack Tamerlaine, a bard who has spent a decade on the mainland, is called back when young girls begin…

In A River Enchanted, Rebecca Ross sets her fantasy on the isle of Cadence, where elemental spirits shape daily life and old songs hold real power. Jack Tamerlaine, a bard who has spent a decade on the mainland, is called back when young girls begin to vanish, and only his music can draw the spirits out. Forced into alliance with Adaira, the sharp-willed heiress who was once his rival, Jack navigates political tensions, island lore, and a reluctant attraction as they investigate the disappearances. As their search deepens, they uncover a more sinister disturbance in the magic of Cadence and a buried history that threatens both their fragile partnership and the island’s uneasy balance.

Book 1 of Elements of Cadence series

Fantasy Magic Adult Romance Epic Fantasy Young Adult Mystery Enemies To Lovers Political Intrigue Male Protagonist Strong Female Lead

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105

The Bone Ships

By R.J. Barker

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 12,203 reviews. 4.06 · 12,203 reviews

The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker introduces an adult epic fantasy world where rival maritime nations wage unending war in fleets built from the bones of long-dead dragons. In the Hundred Isles, political power and military strength depend on these rare…

The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker introduces an adult epic fantasy world where rival maritime nations wage unending war in fleets built from the bones of long-dead dragons. In the Hundred Isles, political power and military strength depend on these rare bone ships, and the sudden sighting of the first living dragon in centuries threatens to overturn the balance between them. As both sides race across dangerous seas to claim this creature, naval strategy, shifting loyalties, and the ambitions of the ruling class collide. The novel blends high fantasy, military fiction, and seafaring adventure with a focus on war, power, and the brutal costs of supremacy.

Book 1 of The Tide Child series

Fantasy Adventure Adult Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Military Fiction Ruling Class Male Protagonist Pirates

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106

On the Edge

By Ilona Andrews

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 48,012 reviews. 4.06 · 48,012 reviews

On the Edge by Ilona Andrews introduces Rose Drayton, a young woman scraping by on the borderland between two realities: the magic-poor Broken and the power-ruled Weird. As an Edger, Rose can cross between worlds, but her unusual abilities have broug…

On the Edge by Ilona Andrews introduces Rose Drayton, a young woman scraping by on the borderland between two realities: the magic-poor Broken and the power-ruled Weird. As an Edger, Rose can cross between worlds, but her unusual abilities have brought her only low-wage work and unwanted attention. When Declan Camarine, an aristocratic warrior from the Weird, arrives intent on claiming both her and her rare magic, Rose is forced into an uneasy alliance. Together they confront a wave of monstrous predators spilling across the boundary, in a story that blends urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and survival against escalating supernatural war.

Book 1 of The Edge series

Fantasy Magic Adult Romance Monsters Urban Fantasy Shapeshifters War Paranormal Survival Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead

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107

Traitor's Blade

By Sebastien de Castell

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 26,347 reviews. 4.06 · 26,347 reviews

Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell follows Falcio val Mond, once the first Cantor of the Greatcoats, an elite order of travelling magistrates trained in both swordplay and the intricate laws of Tristia. After the Dukes overthrow the king and sei…

Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell follows Falcio val Mond, once the first Cantor of the Greatcoats, an elite order of travelling magistrates trained in both swordplay and the intricate laws of Tristia. After the Dukes overthrow the king and seize power, the kingdom fractures into warring factions, the Greatcoats are disbanded and disgraced, and Falcio becomes a hunted man in a land sliding toward ruin. Bound by an oath to their executed king, Falcio and his scattered comrades cling to a final, secret mission that could reshape Tristia’s future. Blending epic and high fantasy with political intrigue, war, and rebellion, the novel centers on loyalty under pressure, the cost of justice, and a hardened protagonist forced to choose between survival and the ideals he once served.

Book 1 of Greatcoats series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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108

The Darkest Night

By Gena Showalter

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 86,125 reviews. 4.06 · 86,125 reviews

In The Darkest Night, Gena Showalter opens her Lords of the Underworld series with a dark urban fantasy romance set in contemporary Budapest. Ashlyn Darrow, plagued since childhood by relentless echoes of past conversations, seeks out a reclusive ban…

In The Darkest Night, Gena Showalter opens her Lords of the Underworld series with a dark urban fantasy romance set in contemporary Budapest. Ashlyn Darrow, plagued since childhood by relentless echoes of past conversations, seeks out a reclusive band of immortal warriors rumored to wield supernatural powers. Among them is Maddox, a violent, cursed fighter bound to a nightly death and resurrection, whose presence unexpectedly quiets Ashlyn’s torment. As their attraction deepens, both must confront demonic forces, vengeful gods, and the brutal terms of Maddox’s curse, blending paranormal mythology with an intense, adult love story marked by danger and violence.

Book 1 of Lords of the Underworld series

Fantasy Demons Adult Romance Gods Urban Fantasy Supernatural Paranormal Mythology Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Male Protagonist Violence

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109

A Hunger Like No Other

By Kresley Cole

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 93,563 reviews. 4.06 · 93,563 reviews

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole follows Lachlain MacRieve, a brutal Lykae clan leader scarred by years of imprisonment and torture at the hands of vampires. His long-awaited fated mate turns out to be Emmaline Troy, a timid, sheltered woman wh…

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole follows Lachlain MacRieve, a brutal Lykae clan leader scarred by years of imprisonment and torture at the hands of vampires. His long-awaited fated mate turns out to be Emmaline Troy, a timid, sheltered woman who is half Valkyrie and half vampire, challenging everything he believes about his enemies. As Lachlain drags Emmaline to his ancestral Scottish home, their forced proximity shifts from hostility to an intense paranormal romance marked by power struggles, desire, and uneasy trust. When a deadly figure from Emmaline’s past emerges, both must confront old traumas and supernatural politics in an urban fantasy world of werewolves, vampires, and immortal rivalries.

Book 1 of Immortals After Dark series

Adult Romance Shapeshifters Vampires Paranormal Enemies To Lovers Werewolves Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Spicy

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110

Fire & Blood

By George R.R. Martin, Doug Wheatley

Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 148,260 reviews. 4.05 · 148,260 reviews

Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, illustrated by Doug Wheatley, presents a detailed fictional history of House Targaryen in Westeros, written as an in-world chronicle by a Citadel maester. Beginning with Aegon the Conqueror and the forging of the I…

Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, illustrated by Doug Wheatley, presents a detailed fictional history of House Targaryen in Westeros, written as an in-world chronicle by a Citadel maester. Beginning with Aegon the Conqueror and the forging of the Iron Throne, the book follows successive Targaryen rulers as they expand and defend their rule with dragons, armies, and political maneuvering. The narrative moves through wars of succession, including the devastating Dance of the Dragons, and explores key mysteries of Valyria and the Targaryen legacy. Structured like a historical record rather than a traditional novel, Fire & Blood emphasizes dynastic conflict, court intrigue, and violent power struggles within a high fantasy setting.

Book 1 of A Targaryen History series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Historical Fiction Ruling Class Political Intrigue Violence

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111

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

By Megan Bannen

Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 50,110 reviews. 4.05 · 50,110 reviews

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen blends small-town fantasy with a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. Hart, a weary marshal patrolling the demon-haunted borders of Tanria, and Mercy, an overworked undertaker determined to keep her…

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen blends small-town fantasy with a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. Hart, a weary marshal patrolling the demon-haunted borders of Tanria, and Mercy, an overworked undertaker determined to keep her family business alive, clash constantly in person while unknowingly confiding in each other through anonymous letters. As their secret correspondence deepens into genuine affection, the threats from Tanria edge closer to their quirky community, forcing both to confront duty, desire, and long-held resentments. The novel balances paranormal danger with cozy details, focusing on two strong protagonists whose emotional lives are as central as the magic and demigods that shape their world.

Book 1 of Hart and Mercy series

Fantasy Demons Adult Romance Cozy Paranormal Enemies To Lovers Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Male Protagonist Small Town

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112

Paladin's Grace

By T. Kingfisher

Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 57,004 reviews. 4.05 · 57,004 reviews

Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher follows Stephen, a former holy warrior whose god has died, leaving him adrift and clinging to duty as his only purpose. When he crosses paths with Grace, a woman on the run, he is pulled into a failed assassination th…

Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher follows Stephen, a former holy warrior whose god has died, leaving him adrift and clinging to duty as his only purpose. When he crosses paths with Grace, a woman on the run, he is pulled into a failed assassination that exposes a tangle of political intrigue, hidden loyalties, and magical threats. As spies, poisoners, and an elusive murderer close in, Stephen and Grace must decide how much to trust each other while navigating both danger and an unexpected romantic connection. This adult fantasy blends high-stakes mystery, divine magic, and a strong male protagonist wrestling with grief, faith, and the possibility of new hope.

Book 1 of The Saint of Steel series

Fantasy Magic Adult Romance Gods High Fantasy Mystery Assassins Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Suspense

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113

Daughter of the Blood

By Anne Bishop

Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 44,225 reviews. 4.04 · 44,225 reviews

In Daughter of the Blood, Anne Bishop introduces a dark fantasy world where an ancient prophecy foretells the rise of a Queen whose magic will eclipse that of the High Lord of Hell. This Witch is still a young girl, powerful yet vulnerable, and every…

In Daughter of the Blood, Anne Bishop introduces a dark fantasy world where an ancient prophecy foretells the rise of a Queen whose magic will eclipse that of the High Lord of Hell. This Witch is still a young girl, powerful yet vulnerable, and every faction in the realm understands that shaping her loyalties means shaping the future of the Blood. As three bitter rivals maneuver through political intrigue, seduction, and violence to gain influence over her, alliances shift and old hatreds resurface. The novel blends high fantasy, paranormal elements, and psychological tension as it follows a strong female protagonist whose choices may transform or destroy her world.

Book 1 of The Black Jewels series

Fantasy Magic Adult Romance High Fantasy Dark Fantasy Dark Paranormal Witches Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Violence Psychological

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114

Seven Years

By Dannika Dark

Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 20,526 reviews. 4.04 · 20,526 reviews

Seven Years by Dannika Dark opens with Lexi Knight still grieving her brother’s death seven years later, her life upended again when his former best friend, Austin Cole, returns without warning. Once the boy next door and now a hardened, tattooed Shi…

Seven Years by Dannika Dark opens with Lexi Knight still grieving her brother’s death seven years later, her life upended again when his former best friend, Austin Cole, returns without warning. Once the boy next door and now a hardened, tattooed Shifter, Austin carries secrets about her brother and the supernatural world that force Lexi to reconsider everything she believed about her family. As threats from Austin’s past close in, Lexi, her mother, and her sister are drawn into a dangerous conflict involving werewolves and other paranormal forces. Blending urban fantasy with adult romance, the novel explores second chances, long-standing attraction, and the risks of trusting a man who once walked away but may be the only one who can keep them alive.

Book 1 of Seven series

Adult Romance Shapeshifters Supernatural Werewolves Female Protagonist Friends To Lovers Suspense

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115

A Darker Shade of Magic

By V.E. Schwab, Victoria Schwab

Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 437,122 reviews. 4.03 · 437,122 reviews

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab introduces Kell, a rare magician who can cross between four parallel versions of London, each with its own history and relationship to magic. As the Red Traveler and reluctant smuggler, he moves between Grey Lon…

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab introduces Kell, a rare magician who can cross between four parallel versions of London, each with its own history and relationship to magic. As the Red Traveler and reluctant smuggler, he moves between Grey London without magic, vibrant Red London, brutal White London, and the shadow of the fallen Black London, until one dangerous transaction unleashes forbidden power. When Kell collides with Delilah Bard, a determined thief from Grey London, the two are drawn into a violent struggle involving corrupt rulers, unstable magic, and the threat of war across worlds. The novel blends portal fantasy and urban fantasy with an adventurous tone, focusing on survival, loyalty, and the cost of wielding power.

Book 1 of Shades of Magic series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Urban Fantasy Young Adult War Historical Fiction Portal Fantasy Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Violence

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116

A Kiss of Shadows

By Laurell K. Hamilton

Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 61,340 reviews. 4.03 · 61,340 reviews

In A Kiss of Shadows, Laurell K. Hamilton introduces Meredith “Merry” Gentry, a faerie princess hiding in Los Angeles under an assumed name and working as a private investigator for a firm that specializes in supernatural cases. Three years after fle…

In A Kiss of Shadows, Laurell K. Hamilton introduces Meredith “Merry” Gentry, a faerie princess hiding in Los Angeles under an assumed name and working as a private investigator for a firm that specializes in supernatural cases. Three years after fleeing the deadly intrigues of the Unseelie Court, Merry uses her subtle magic to stay unnoticed in the human world, even as rumors in Faerie claim she is already dead. When assassins and royal enforcers finally track her down, she is forced back into a realm of lethal politics, erotic power struggles, and ancient magic. The novel blends urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and dark court intrigue around a strong female protagonist who must navigate both human law and fae violence to survive.

Book 1 of Merry Gentry series

Fantasy Magic Erotica Adult Romance Urban Fantasy Fae Paranormal Political Intrigue Female Protagonist Detective Violence Strong Female Lead

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117

Kushiel's Dart

By Jacqueline Carey

Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 85,148 reviews. 4.03 · 85,148 reviews

Kushiel's Dart (Phèdre's Trilogy #1) by Jacqueline Carey follows Phédre nó Delaunay, a woman marked by a scarlet mote in her eye and sold into indentured servitude in the nation of Terre d'Ange. Trained as a courtesan and spy, Phédre uncovers a consp…

Kushiel's Dart (Phèdre's Trilogy #1) by Jacqueline Carey follows Phédre nó Delaunay, a woman marked by a scarlet mote in her eye and sold into indentured servitude in the nation of Terre d'Ange. Trained as a courtesan and spy, Phédre uncovers a conspiracy threatening her homeland and is forced into captivity in the hostile northern land of Skaldia. Her subsequent escape and perilous journey back to warn her people set the stage for a complex narrative involving political intrigue, betrayal, and survival. The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice within a richly detailed fantasy world.

Book 1 of Kushiel's Legacy series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Erotica Adult Romance Science Fiction Gods Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Medieval Survival Mythology Ruling Class Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Bdsm Female Protagonist

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118

First Grave on the Right

By Darynda Jones

Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 92,365 reviews. 4.03 · 92,365 reviews

First Grave on the Right introduces Charley Davidson, a sardonic private investigator who also serves as a grim reaper, able to see and talk with the dead. Her unusual clients are murder victims who push her to uncover the truth behind their deaths,…

First Grave on the Right introduces Charley Davidson, a sardonic private investigator who also serves as a grim reaper, able to see and talk with the dead. Her unusual clients are murder victims who push her to uncover the truth behind their deaths, pulling her into dangerous, often darkly comic investigations in a contemporary urban setting. As Charley navigates these supernatural cases, she is increasingly unsettled by vivid, sensual dreams of a mysterious presence that has shadowed her since childhood, an entity that may not be human or dead. Darynda Jones blends paranormal mystery, sharp humor, and slow-burn romance into an urban fantasy centered on a strong, irreverent female lead.

Book 1 of Charley Davidson series

Fantasy Humor Adult Romance Urban Fantasy Mystery Supernatural Paranormal Female Protagonist Ghosts Detective Strong Female Lead

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119

The Spellshop

By Sarah Beth Durst

Rated 4.00 out of 5 stars, based on 159,944 reviews. 4.00 · 159,944 reviews

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst follows Kiela, an introverted librarian who escapes a burning imperial library with her sentient spider plant assistant and a cache of forbidden spellbooks. Hiding on the remote island where she grew up, she tries to…

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst follows Kiela, an introverted librarian who escapes a burning imperial library with her sentient spider plant assistant and a cache of forbidden spellbooks. Hiding on the remote island where she grew up, she tries to rebuild a quiet life, only to be continually interrupted by a persistent, kind neighbor who insists on helping her settle in. To support herself, Kiela turns to making jam and, with cautious use of illicit magic, begins selling discreet enchantments alongside her preserves. This cozy fantasy romance centers on small-town rhythms, gentle supernatural elements, and a reserved but strong female protagonist learning to trust both community and love.

Book 1 of Spellshop series

Fantasy Magic Adult Romance Cozy Supernatural Female Protagonist Small Town Strong Female Lead

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120

Ninth House

By Leigh Bardugo

Rated 4.00 out of 5 stars, based on 409,485 reviews. 4.00 · 409,485 reviews

In Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo shifts to adult dark fantasy with a supernatural mystery set amid Yale’s secret societies. Galaxy “Alex” Stern, a trauma-scarred college freshman with a history of drugs and violence, is recruited to the university under…

In Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo shifts to adult dark fantasy with a supernatural mystery set amid Yale’s secret societies. Galaxy “Alex” Stern, a trauma-scarred college freshman with a history of drugs and violence, is recruited to the university under opaque terms, tasked with overseeing the occult rituals of the elite houses that groom the ruling class. As Alex navigates New Haven’s campus and its hidden “tombs,” she uncovers a network of magical practices tied to power, privilege, and death. The novel blends urban fantasy and horror elements with a focus on class, corruption, and a deeply wary, resilient female protagonist.

Book 1 of Alex Stern series

Fantasy Magic Adult Urban Fantasy Mystery Supernatural Paranormal Horror Ruling Class Female Protagonist Violence Strong Female Lead

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Light Novels, Comics & Manga

LGBTQ+ themes

Protagonist

The Emperor's Edge

The Great and Secret Show

Angels' Blood

Garden Spells

Swordheart

Dragon Bound

The Goblin Emperor

A River Enchanted

The Bone Ships

On the Edge

Traitor's Blade

The Darkest Night

A Hunger Like No Other

Fire & Blood

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

Paladin's Grace

Daughter of the Blood

Seven Years

A Darker Shade of Magic

A Kiss of Shadows

Kushiel's Dart

First Grave on the Right

The Spellshop

Ninth House