Adventure Fantasy Books: Best Reads

Adventure fantasy focuses on quests, risky expeditions, and journeys through magical realms. These stories suit readers who enjoy bold heroes and high-stakes travel.

Curated by Fabled Tome

202 Books in subgenre
Apr 13, 2026 Last updated
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145 The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl

By

Rated 4.15 out of 5 stars, based on 148,984 reviews.

In The Goose Girl, Shannon Hale expands a classic Grimm fairy tale into a character-focused young adult fantasy about identity, loyalty, and power. Crown Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee of Kildenree grows up more at ease with animals and the secret language of birds than with court politics, a difference that leaves her vulnerable when betrayal strips her of her title on the way to an arranged marriage. Forced into hiding as a lowly goose girl in a foreign kingdom, she must rely on her quiet magic, her bond with the horse Falada, and new friendships to confront those who stole her life. The novel blends adventure, subtle romance, and coming-of-age themes as Ani learns what kind of leader she might become.

Book 1 of The Books of Bayern series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales
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146 The First Step

The First Step

By

Rated 4.15 out of 5 stars, based on 6,858 reviews.

The First Step (A Thousand Li, #1) by Tao Wong follows Wu Ying, a young man from a rural village in historical China, who is unexpectedly conscripted into the army. Presented with the chance to join the Verdant Green Waters Sect, Wu Ying faces a choice between his simple farming life and the demanding path of a cultivator. This fantasy novel explores themes of martial arts training, cultivation, and encounters with spirit beasts within an Asian-inspired setting. The story marks the beginning of Wu Ying’s journey toward immortality in a world shaped by action and adventure.

Book 1 of A Thousand Li series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Monsters Martial Arts War Cultivation Progression Fantasy Zero to Hero Male Protagonist
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147 Unsouled

Unsouled

By

Rated 4.15 out of 5 stars, based on 58,355 reviews.

Unsouled (Cradle, #1) by Will Wight introduces Lindon, a young man born without the ability to practice the sacred arts valued by his clan. Set in a world where individuals harness their souls to manipulate natural forces, Lindon confronts a destiny that challenges his community's strict traditions. The novel explores themes of personal growth and defiance within a richly constructed fantasy setting that blends elements of magic and adventure.

Book 1 of Cradle series

Adventure Magic Monsters Martial Arts War Cultivation Progression Fantasy Strong Protagonist Zero to Hero Male Protagonist
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148 The Shadow of What Was Lost

The Shadow of What Was Lost

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 93,841 reviews.

The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington opens in a realm still shaped by a devastating war, where those born with magical Gifts live under harsh restrictions and deep suspicion. Davian, a struggling student among the Gifted, faces expulsion and disgrace if he fails his final tests, only to uncover a forbidden Augur power that could upend the fragile order imposed by the ruling class. As an ancient northern threat stirs back to life and a nameless young man awakens in a distant forest with no memory and blood on his hands, separate threads of rebellion, prophecy, and war begin to converge. This first volume in an epic fantasy series blends large-scale conflict, intricate magic, and a focus on responsibility and power in the hands of flawed but determined protagonists.

Book 1 of The Licanius Trilogy series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Ruling Class Rebellion Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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149 The City of Brass

The City of Brass

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 157,608 reviews.

The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy, #1) by S.A. Chakraborty follows Nahri, a skilled con artist in eighteenth-century Cairo who unexpectedly summons Dara, a djinn warrior. Their escape leads them to Daevabad, a magical city marked by political intrigue and ancient grudges. Set against a backdrop of Middle Eastern mythology, the novel explores themes of power, identity, and survival within a richly detailed fantasy world.

Book 1 of The Daevabad Trilogy series

Adventure Magic Romance Gods Epic Fantasy Monsters War Mythology Low Fantasy Ruling Class Political Intrigue Female Protagonist
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150 Steelheart

Steelheart

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 197,454 reviews.

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson opens in a near-future, dystopian city where a mysterious event called Calamity has turned a select few into superpowered tyrants known as Epics. David, a young man whose father was murdered by the seemingly invulnerable Epic Steelheart, has devoted his life to understanding these new rulers and uncovering their hidden weaknesses. When he encounters the Reckoners, a clandestine group of human insurgents dedicated to studying and killing Epics, David offers them his most valuable asset: the memory of the one time he saw Steelheart injured. The novel blends science fiction, urban fantasy, and superhero warfare into a fast-paced story of revenge, strategy, and resistance.

Book 1 of The Reckoners series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Dystopia Superheroes Urban Fantasy Young Adult War Revenge Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Violence
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151 Mystic and Rider

Mystic and Rider

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 10,940 reviews.

Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn opens in Gillengaria, a kingdom strained by rising violence against magic users despite the king’s decree of tolerance. Mystic Senneth is sent to travel the realm and gauge the threat of rebellion among the powerful Twelve Houses, accompanied by a small group that includes Tayse, the king’s most trusted Rider, who distrusts mystics and Senneth herself. As they move deeper into the southern provinces, they encounter organized religious extremism determined to eradicate magic entirely, forcing uneasy allies to confront both political conspiracy and holy war. The novel blends epic and high fantasy with adult themes of loyalty, faith, and power, anchored by a capable female protagonist at the center of both romantic tension and looming conflict.

Book 1 of Twelve Houses series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Romance Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Political Intrigue Religious Conflict Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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152 Arrows of the Queen

Arrows of the Queen

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 40,036 reviews.

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey introduces Talia, a young runaway whose life changes when she is chosen by Rolan, a mysterious Companion with extraordinary powers. Taken to the kingdom of Valdemar to train as a Herald, she must learn to control her emerging psychic gifts while navigating court politics and the strict demands of her new role. As plots against the Queen and her vulnerable heir intensify, Talia’s developing abilities and uncertain loyalties place her at the center of a struggle involving magic, assassination, and political intrigue. The novel blends epic and high fantasy with a coming-of-age focus on a complex female protagonist under mounting psychological and moral pressure.

Book 1 of Valdemar: Heralds of Valdemar series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult Coming Of Age Political Intrigue Female Protagonist Psychological Strong Female Lead
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153 The Crystal Cave

The Crystal Cave

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 48,727 reviews.

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart presents a psychologically rich portrait of Merlin’s early life in a Britain fractured by the collapse of Roman rule. Born the illegitimate son of a Welsh princess and kept ignorant of his father’s identity, Merlin grows up navigating court intrigue, political unrest, and the dangers of his emerging prophetic Sight. As invasions, shifting alliances, and civil war reshape the landscape, he is drawn into the power struggles that will lay the groundwork for Arthurian legend. Blending historical fiction with fantasy and mythology, the novel follows Merlin’s coming of age as he learns to understand his abilities and his place in a world on the brink of transformation.

Book 1 of Arthurian Saga series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction War Historical Fiction Classics Mythology Coming Of Age Male Protagonist Psychological Arthurian
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154 The Search for WondLa

The Search for WondLa

By

Rated 4.14 out of 5 stars, based on 14,135 reviews.

The Search for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi follows twelve-year-old Eva Nine, a sheltered girl raised in an underground Sanctuary by her caretaker robot, Muthr. When circumstances force her to the surface of a strange, post-apocalyptic world, Eva discovers landscapes and creatures that challenge everything she has been taught. Her quest to find other humans becomes a survival-driven adventure, as she navigates unfamiliar ecosystems, wary allies, and dangerous enemies. Blending science fiction and fantasy elements, the novel offers a young female protagonist whose perspective remains both vulnerable and determined amid a vividly imagined dystopian setting.

Book 1 of The Search for WondLa series

Fantasy Adventure Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Dystopia Young Adult Survival Childrens Robots Non-human Protagonist Female Protagonist
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155 Nice Dragons Finish Last

Nice Dragons Finish Last

By

Rated 4.13 out of 5 stars, based on 14,468 reviews.

Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron introduces Julius, an unusually polite and conflict-averse young dragon born into the ruthless Heartstriker clan. When his domineering mother traps him in human form and exiles him to the DFZ, a towering urban sprawl built over the ruins of Detroit, he has one month to prove he can act like a proper predator or lose his dragon nature. Navigating a city ruled by modern magic, dangerous spirits, and anti-dragon sentiment, Julius is forced into uneasy alliances with human mages and other supernatural figures. The novel blends urban fantasy, action, and light romance as a reluctant, fundamentally decent male protagonist confronts both external threats and the expectations of his own monstrous family.

Book 1 of Heartstrikers series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Action Romance Science Fiction Dragons Monsters Urban Fantasy Young Adult Paranormal Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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156 Furies of Calderon

Furies of Calderon

By

Rated 4.13 out of 5 stars, based on 114,289 reviews.

Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, #1) by Jim Butcher is set in a world where the people of Alera harness elemental spirits called furies to defend against hostile races. The story follows Tavi, a young boy without the ability to control furies, as political tensions rise with the aging ruler Gaius Sextus lacking an heir. When the Marat, a fierce enemy, threaten the Calderon Valley, Tavi becomes involved in a conflict that tests his courage and resourcefulness. Alongside Amara, a spy sent to uncover traitors, he faces a complex struggle involving loyalty, rebellion, and elemental powers.

Book 1 of Codex Alera series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy Young Adult War Military Fiction Medieval Rebellion Political Intrigue Zero to Hero Male Protagonist
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157 Dark Lord of Derkholm

Dark Lord of Derkholm

By

Rated 4.13 out of 5 stars, based on 18,159 reviews.

Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones is a comic high fantasy novel in which a magical world is exploited as a package-tour destination for visitors seeking staged battles, dragons, and stock “Dark Lord” spectacles. When the ruling University decides the destructive tours must end, the eccentric and seemingly inept wizard Derk is chosen to play the new Dark Lord in hopes that his incompetence will sabotage the operation. As Derk, his unconventional family, and their dragons struggle with demons, political pressure, and logistical chaos, the story blends adventure and satire. The result is a humorous yet pointed look at power, bureaucracy, and the cost of treating a living world as entertainment.

Book 1 of Derkholm series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Comedy Demons Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Political Intrigue Male Protagonist
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158 Touch of Power

Touch of Power

By

Rated 4.13 out of 5 stars, based on 47,441 reviews.

In Touch of Power, Maria V. Snyder introduces Avry of Kazan, a healer who takes on the injuries and illnesses of others, only to be blamed for a devastating plague and forced into hiding. When a group of rogues kidnaps her, they seek not her bounty but her rare magic, insisting she save a prince whose past actions have harmed her own people. As Avry travels with them across the perilous Nine Mountains, facing mercenaries, war-torn factions, and unpredictable magic, she is pushed to reconsider loyalty, justice, and sacrifice. The novel blends high fantasy adventure, paranormal healing magic, and a slow-building romance around a resilient young woman navigating survival in a fractured world.

Book 1 of Healer series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance High Fantasy Young Adult War Paranormal Survival Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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159 Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle

Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle

By

Rated 4.13 out of 5 stars, based on 5,577 reviews.

Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle by Manda Scott opens an epic historical fantasy trilogy about the early life of Breaca, the Eceni chieftain’s daughter who will become Boudica, “Bringer of Victory.” Set in 33 AD tribal Britain, the novel follows her transformation from an aspiring mystical Dreamer into a warrior after avenging her mother’s death, and traces her deep bonds with Caradoc, a gifted war leader, and Ban, her half-brother and exceptional Druidic seer. Scott depicts a landscape where gods, omens, and the natural world shape every decision, balancing large-scale warfare against Rome with intimate scenes of love, loyalty, and spiritual power. The result is a blend of adventure, myth-infused magic, and romance rooted in the tensions between Celtic tradition and imperial conquest.

Book 1 of Boudica series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Gods Epic Fantasy War Historical Fiction Mythology Female Protagonist
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160 Wizard's First Rule

Wizard's First Rule

By

Rated 4.12 out of 5 stars, based on 254,368 reviews.

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind opens with woods guide Richard Cypher reeling from his father’s violent death when he encounters Kahlan Amnell, a fugitive whose presence pulls him into a hidden war. As Richard learns the truth about magic, power, and the ruling class that dominates their world, he is forced to question his beliefs and the purpose of the mysterious sword he carries. Together, Richard and Kahlan navigate dangerous lands, political intrigue, and mounting rebellion, while an intense but perilous attraction grows between them. Blending epic and high fantasy with adult themes of war, loyalty, and moral choice, the novel follows a strong male protagonist pushed to confront both external tyrants and the darker possibilities within himself.

Book 1 of Sword of Truth series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Romance Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Ruling Class Rebellion Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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161 Guardians of the West

Guardians of the West

By

Rated 4.12 out of 5 stars, based on 55,932 reviews.

Guardians of the West by David Eddings opens a new phase in Garion’s life, after he has defeated the god Torak and taken his place as King of Riva. As he adjusts to ruling and to his marriage with Queen Ce’Nedra, the mysterious child Errand grows up in the Vale of Aldur under Polgara and Durnik’s care, occasionally revealing unsettling powers and knowledge. When the Voice of Prophecy warns of an unknown threat named Zandramas, Garion uncovers hidden passages in the Mrin Codex that suggest the Dark Prophecy still contends with the Prophecy of Light. Drawn once more into a large-scale conflict involving gods, magic, and war in the East, he must confront forces that see him as a crucial piece in an ancient struggle.

Book 1 of The Malloreon series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Gods Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Childrens Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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162 The Grey Bastards

The Grey Bastards

By

Rated 4.11 out of 5 stars, based on 9,055 reviews.

The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French follows Jackal, a half-orc rider in a rough outlaw brotherhood tasked with defending the desolate Lot Lands from external threats. As he schemes to overthrow the gang’s brutal founder and claim leadership, a violent encounter exposes buried secrets about their role in the region’s fragile balance of power. Jackal’s search for the truth pulls him into war against invading orcs and centaurs, entangles him in human political intrigue, and forces him to confront sinister magic that reshapes his understanding of loyalty. This dark, adult epic fantasy blends brutal warfare, rebellion, and shifting alliances in a harsh frontier where survival often conflicts with honor.

Book 1 of The Lot Lands series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Dark Rebellion Orcs Political Intrigue Male Protagonist
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163 Winds of Fate

Winds of Fate

By

Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 17,726 reviews.

Winds of Fate by Mercedes Lackey opens a new chapter in Valdemar, a kingdom still recovering from the loss of high magic after Vanyel’s sacrifice. Elspeth, both Herald and heir to the throne, realizes that her emerging mage talent may be the key to defending her realm against future threats. Tasked with finding a teacher beyond Valdemar’s borders, she must navigate foreign powers, political expectations, and her own uncertainty about power and responsibility. Blending epic and high fantasy with elements of adventure, romance, and a strong female protagonist at the center of court and magical intrigue, this novel begins a larger saga about who should wield great power and at what cost.

Book 1 of Valdemar: Mage Winds series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Romance Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult Ruling Class Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Strong Female Lead
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164 Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone

By

Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 253,465 reviews.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi introduces Zélie Adebola, a young woman who grew up in the West African–inspired land of Orïsha before its magic was violently erased by a brutal king. Marked by the massacre of the maji and the loss of her mother, Zélie seizes a rare chance to restore magic, joining forces with a defiant princess while being hunted by a crown prince determined to destroy what remains of the old powers. As they cross a landscape haunted by dangerous creatures and restless spirits, Zélie must navigate war, rebellion, and a forbidden attraction that complicates her loyalties. This young adult high fantasy blends adventure, romance, and political struggle around a strong female protagonist confronting both external enemies and her own volatile abilities.

Book 1 of Legacy of Orïsha series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance High Fantasy Young Adult War Ruling Class Rebellion Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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165 Blood of Elves

Blood of Elves

By ,

Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 251,447 reviews.

Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski, translated by Danusia Stok, opens the main Witcher saga in a world where humans, dwarves, gnomes, and elves slide from fragile coexistence into open conflict. As kingdoms prepare for large-scale war, rumors spread of a child marked by prophecy whose magical potential could reshape the political and magical balance of the Continent. Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter with his own strict code, takes on the dangerous task of shielding this girl from warring factions, mages, and rulers who seek to use or destroy her. The novel blends epic and high fantasy with grounded character work, focusing on power, prejudice, and survival in a violent, unstable realm.

Book 1 of The Witcher series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Elves Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Violence
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166 The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers

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Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 349,129 reviews.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas follows d’Artagnan, an ambitious young nobleman who leaves rural France for Paris in 1625, determined to join the king’s elite musketeers. There he befriends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, expert swordsmen whose loyalty and wit draw him into a world of duels, political maneuvering, and clandestine missions at the court of Louis XIII. As the four allies confront Cardinal Richelieu’s schemes and the dangerous agent Milady, they fight to protect the reputation of the queen and navigate shifting loyalties in a turbulent historical setting. This classic of French literature blends adventure, historical fiction, and courtly drama in a fast-paced narrative that has remained influential since its first publication in 1844.

Book 1 of Trilogie des mousquetaires / Musketeers Trilogy series

Adventure War Historical Fiction Classics Political Intrigue Male Protagonist
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167 The Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid

By

Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 429,350 reviews.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan introduces siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who have grown up on different continents and barely know each other. When their Egyptologist father attempts a risky ritual at the British Museum and vanishes in a violent burst of magic, the two are forced together into a world where ancient Egyptian gods exist alongside modern cities. As they uncover their family’s hidden ties to the House of Life, Carter and Sadie race across contemporary settings to confront the chaos god Set and prevent his destructive plans. Blending urban fantasy, mythology, and young adult adventure, the novel follows both a male and female protagonist learning to wield dangerous magic while redefining what family means.

Book 1 of The Kane Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Gods Urban Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Mythology Female Protagonist Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
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168 Green Rider

Green Rider

By

Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 41,198 reviews.

In Green Rider, Kristen Britain introduces Karigan G'ladheon, a young woman expelled from school for dueling who is abruptly drawn into the dangerous world of the king’s magical messenger corps. After a mortally wounded Green Rider forces a final mission on her, she must carry a warning across a kingdom already threatened by war, political intrigue, and sorcery. Pursued by human and supernatural enemies, aided by emerging magical abilities and the restless ghost of the fallen Rider, Karigan confronts both external dangers and a court reluctant to trust her. The novel blends epic and high fantasy elements with a strong female protagonist at its center, balancing adventure, dark magic, and the looming struggle for the throne.

Book 1 of Green Rider series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Political Intrigue Female Protagonist Ghosts Strong Female Lead
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169 The Warlock in Spite of Himself

The Warlock in Spite of Himself

By

Rated 4.10 out of 5 stars, based on 6,312 reviews.

The Warlock in Spite of Himself by Christopher Stasheff blends classic space opera with light-hearted fantasy as secret agent Rod Gallowglass undertakes a covert mission to the medieval-style planet Gramarye. Tasked with steering the world’s political future for an interstellar government, Rod discovers that its feudal society hides genuine psychic powers and seemingly magical abilities. A skeptic surrounded by witches, warlocks, and would-be revolutionaries, he must navigate court intrigue, looming war, and unexpected romance while clinging to his rational worldview. The novel sets up a long-running series with a mix of adventure, humor, and the tension between advanced technology and authentic magic.

Book 1 of Warlock series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Romance Science Fiction War Space Opera Classics Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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170 Imager

Imager

By

Rated 4.09 out of 5 stars, based on 9,599 reviews.

Imager by L.E. Modesitt Jr. introduces Rhennthyl, a young journeyman artist in the capital city of L’Excelsis whose plans for a quiet artisan’s life end when a fatal accident reveals his rare talent as an imager, able to make what he pictures become real. Forced to leave his merchant family and enter the secluded Collegium of Imagisle, he must adapt to an academy where magic is both a powerful tool and a constant danger, even in sleep. As Rhenn navigates training, political undercurrents in Solidar, and the rigid social order of Terahnar, he uncovers unsettling truths about his world and attracts enemies who see his growing abilities as a threat. The novel blends epic and high fantasy with elements of political intrigue and personal coming-of-age.

Book 1 of Imager Portfolio series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Academy Male Protagonist
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171 Dragonflight

Dragonflight

By

Rated 4.08 out of 5 stars, based on 144,576 reviews.

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey introduces Lessa, a young woman hiding as a servant in Benden Weyr after usurpers destroyed her family and seized her ancestral Hold. When she is chosen by a rare golden Queen dragon, Lessa is drawn into the dwindling ranks of dragonriders whose task is to defend their world from Thread, a deadly, space-borne menace that falls from the sky and consumes all organic matter. As the Queen’s health fails and the number of dragons declines, Lessa must uncover long-forgotten knowledge and risk everything to restore Pern’s defenses. Blending classic science fiction concepts with high fantasy elements, Dragonflight follows a determined female protagonist facing war, survival, and the burden of leadership.

Book 1 of Pern series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Dragons Time Travel High Fantasy Young Adult War Classics Survival Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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172 Poison Study

Poison Study

By

Rated 4.08 out of 5 stars, based on 177,249 reviews.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder follows Yelena, a condemned young woman who avoids execution by agreeing to serve as the Commander of Ixia’s food taster. Trained to detect poisons and bound to the palace by a lethal dose of Butterfly’s Dust that requires a daily antidote, she must navigate court politics, assassination attempts, and the constant threat of death. As unrest grows and rebels move against the regime, Yelena discovers emerging magical abilities that are as dangerous as any toxin. The novel blends high fantasy, political intrigue, and slow-building romance with a focus on survival and a resourceful female protagonist.

Book 1 of Poison Study series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance High Fantasy Young Adult Paranormal Survival Rebellion Political Intrigue Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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173 The Emperor's Edge

The Emperor's Edge

By

Rated 4.08 out of 5 stars, based on 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 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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174 Flashman

Flashman

By

Rated 4.08 out of 5 stars, based on 16,160 reviews.

Flashman by George MacDonald Fraser introduces Sir Harry Paget Flashman, the notorious bully from Tom Brown’s Schooldays, reimagined as the unwilling hero of a mock-memoir. Expelled from Rugby for drunkenness, Flashman gains an officer’s commission in the 11th Dragoons and is dispatched to India, where he marries Elspeth and is dragged into the chaos of the First Anglo-Afghan War. A coward, opportunist, and womanizer, he survives by guile rather than courage, offering a sharply comic perspective on Victorian military life and imperial ambition. Blending historical fiction, war narrative, and dark humor, Fraser uses Flashman’s cynical voice to explore nineteenth-century conflicts with irreverent clarity.

Book 1 of Flashman Papers series

Adventure Humor Comedy War Military Fiction Historical Fiction Classics Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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175 Swordheart

Swordheart

By

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 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 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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176 The Two Princesses of Bamarre

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

By

Rated 4.07 out of 5 stars, based on 74,731 reviews.

In The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Gail Carson Levine sets a classic-style fairy-tale adventure in the troubled kingdom of Bamarre, plagued by gryphons, specters, ogres, and a mysterious illness called the Gray Death. Timid twelve-year-old Princess Addie has always relied on her bold sister Meryl, but when Meryl falls sick, Addie must undertake a dangerous quest to seek a cure. Armed with seven-league boots, a magic spyglass, an enchanted cloak and tablecloth, and the hesitant affection of young sorcerer Rhys, she faces monsters, riddling specters, and a charismatic dragon. The novel blends heroic fantasy, light romance, and coming-of-age themes as a fearful girl grows into an unlikely heroine.

Book 1 of The Two Princesses of Bamarre series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Dragons Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales Quest
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177 Prince of Fools

Prince of Fools

By

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 35,513 reviews.

Prince of Fools (The Red Queen's War, #1) by Mark Lawrence introduces Prince Jalan Kendeth, a self-indulgent royal who can see the deadly presence known as the Painful Sister, invisible to most. Set during the long secret war led by the Red Queen against dark forces threatening the kingdom, Jalan’s reckless lifestyle is disrupted when he is drawn into a dangerous conflict alongside the northern warrior Snorri ver Snagason. Their intertwined fates lead them through perilous challenges as they confront magical threats and political intrigue, revealing that they may be mere pawns in the Red Queen’s larger strategy.

Book 1 of The Red Queen's War series

Adventure Magic Epic Fantasy Monsters War Dark Fantasy Survival Ruling Class Anti-Hero Male Protagonist
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178 The Bone Ships

The Bone Ships

By

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 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 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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179 Graceling

Graceling

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Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 481,902 reviews.

Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore and Kuri Huang follows Katsa, a young woman born with the Grace of killing in a world where certain individuals possess unique talents called Graces. As the king’s niece and enforcer, Katsa struggles with her role until she meets Prince Po, whose combat Grace challenges her perspective. Their alliance leads to revelations about Katsa’s abilities and uncovers a dangerous secret threatening the Seven Kingdoms. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and political intrigue within a fantasy setting.

Book 1 of Graceling Realm series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy Young Adult War Medieval Paranormal Enemies To Lovers Sword and Sorcery Ruling Class Rebellion Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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180 Dragon Keeper

Dragon Keeper

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Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 12,456 reviews.

Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson is a young adult historical fantasy set during the Han Dynasty in ancient China, where dragons are nearly extinct. The story follows a nameless orphan girl who forms a fragile bond with an aging dragon and is entrusted with the care of his enigmatic purple stone. Pursued across the empire by a ruthless dragon hunter and a powerful sorcerer, she must navigate dangerous landscapes, shifting loyalties, and unfamiliar magic. As the journey unfolds, the quiet servant girl confronts her own fears and limitations, gradually accepting her role as a true dragon keeper and emerging as a strong female protagonist in a world that underestimates her.

Book 1 of Dragonkeeper series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Dragons Young Adult Historical Fiction Childrens Coming Of Age Asia Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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181 Another Fine Myth

Another Fine Myth

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Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 24,845 reviews.

Another Fine Myth by Robert Lynn Asprin introduces Skeeve, a novice magician whose training ends abruptly when an assassin kills his mentor. Left with only half-learned magic and the unexpected guidance of Aahz, a sarcastic demon stripped of his powers, Skeeve is pushed into a chaotic world of interdimensional sorcery, dragons, and dubious allies. As he pursues revenge, he must navigate bizarre realms where magic and quasi-scientific forces collide, testing both his nerve and his limited skills. Blending light-hearted comedy with sword-and-sorcery adventure, the novel follows a male protagonist who learns that surviving the magical trade can be as tricky as mastering it.

Book 1 of Myth Adventures series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Humor Comedy Demons Science Fiction Dragons Sword and Sorcery Revenge Male Protagonist
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182 Dragon's Blood

Dragon's Blood

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Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 12,596 reviews.

In Dragon's Blood, Jane Yolen sets a young adult fantasy against a harsh world where dragons are bred and trained for brutal arena combat. Fifteen-year-old Jakkin, a bond servant on a dragon farm, believes that secretly raising his own dragon to victory is his only path to independence. As he navigates dangerous rivalries, the ethics of using intelligent creatures for war, and the constant threat of discovery, Jakkin’s choices shape both his survival and the fate of the dragons he comes to respect. The novel blends adventure, science fiction elements, and high fantasy themes with a focus on resilience and moral complexity.

Book 1 of Pit Dragon Chronicles series

Fantasy Adventure Science Fiction Dragons High Fantasy Young Adult War Survival Childrens Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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183 Traitor's Blade

Traitor's Blade

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Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 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 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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184 The Naming

The Naming

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Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 27,709 reviews.

In The Naming, Alison Croggon introduces Maerad, a young woman enslaved in a harsh settlement after war destroys her family. When Cadvan, a powerful Bard of Lirigon, recognizes her latent magical gift and connection to the School of Pellinor, she is drawn into a larger conflict that reaches far beyond her former life. As teacher and student cross the legendary lands of Annar, they confront dangers shaped by ancient powers and rising darkness. This opening volume of the Books of Pellinor offers an epic, high fantasy narrative focused on survival, war, and the awakening of a reluctant heroine.

Book 1 of The Books of Pellinor series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Survival Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy
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185 Enchantress

Enchantress

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Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 18,020 reviews.

Enchantress by James Maxwell follows Ella, a determined young woman who dreams of mastering magic after seeing an enchanter save her brother’s life. Shut out of the elite Academy of Enchanters by cost and class, she studies obsessively while her brother Miro pursues glory as a swordsman on a distant warfront, wielding enchanted weapons for their embattled nation. As a conquering power advances from the east, Ella meets Killian, a magnetic outsider whose hidden past complicates her loyalties. Blending epic fantasy, academy training, romance, and large-scale conflict, this opening volume of the Evermen Saga centers on how Ella’s choices shape not only her family’s survival but the fate of their world.

Book 1 of Evermen Saga series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Science Fiction Epic Fantasy Young Adult War Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy Heroic Fantasy
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186 Prince of the Blood

Prince of the Blood

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Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 27,542 reviews.

Prince of the Blood by Raymond E. Feist follows twin princes Borric and Erland of the Kingdom of the Isles as their carefree lives end with a sudden elevation to political importance. Named heir to a throne endangered by the lack of a royal son, Borric is sent with Erland on a diplomatic mission to the powerful empire of Kesh, where their presence is meant to preserve a fragile peace. An assassination attempt, an ambush, and Borric’s disappearance split the brothers’ paths: one becomes a hunted fugitive in foreign lands, the other must face intricate court politics and looming war. Blending epic and high fantasy with coming-of-age themes, the novel traces how both men confront power, responsibility, and the cost of maintaining stability in a world ready for conflict.

Book 1 of Krondor's Sons series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Coming Of Age Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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187 Nine Princes in Amber

Nine Princes in Amber

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Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 61,253 reviews.

Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny opens with Corwin, a powerful but amnesiac man who wakes in a modern Earth hospital with only fragments of his identity. As he uncovers his connection to Amber, the one true world from which all others are shadows, he becomes entangled in a brutal struggle among royal siblings for the throne. The novel blends fantasy, science fiction, and political intrigue as Corwin navigates magical realms, shifting realities, and calculated betrayals. With war looming and loyalties uncertain, he must decide how far he is willing to go to claim power in a family where every alliance is provisional and every move may be fatal.

Book 1 of The Chronicles of Amber series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Classics Ruling Class Political Intrigue Male Protagonist
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188 Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot

Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot

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Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 21,807 reviews.

Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer is a Regency-era fantasy told through letters between two cousins, Kate in London and Cecelia in the countryside. As Kate navigates a social season entangled with formal wizardry, she survives an attempted magical poisoning at the Royal College of Wizards, while Cecelia contends with a suspicious man who appears to be following her. Their correspondence uncovers linked plots involving dangerous enchantments, a missing friend transformed into a tree, and an enchanted chocolate pot at the center of the intrigue. Blending comedy, light romance, and mystery, the novel uses its historical setting to frame a magical adventure led by two sharp, resourceful young women.

Book 1 of Cecelia and Kate series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Comedy Romance Young Adult Mystery Supernatural Historical Fiction Female Protagonist Regency
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189 The Amulet of Samarkand

The Amulet of Samarkand

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Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 135,525 reviews.

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud introduces Nathaniel, a gifted young magician-in-training raised within a rigid, magician-ruled Britain after being given up by his parents to serve the state. Humiliated by the ambitious sorcerer Simon Lovelace and abandoned by his own master, Nathaniel secretly immerses himself in forbidden study, determined to claim revenge despite his youth and low status. His decision to summon Bartimaeus, a sharp-tongued djinni thousands of years old, and to steal the politically sensitive Amulet of Samarkand entangles him in a web of magical espionage, government corruption, and demonic power struggles. Blending urban fantasy with dark humor and political intrigue, the novel follows a strong but flawed male protagonist whose choices carry consequences far beyond personal vengeance.

Book 1 of Bartimaeus series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Demons Urban Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Revenge Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist
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190 The Princess and the Goblin

The Princess and the Goblin

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Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 41,885 reviews.

In The Princess and the Goblin, George MacDonald follows Princess Irene, a sheltered child living in a remote mountain residence that is part castle, part farmhouse, while her royal father travels his realm. Beneath the mountain, goblins prepare a secret assault, forcing Irene into an unexpected adventure that draws her into alliance with Curdie, a resourceful miner boy, and a mysterious great-great-grandmother hidden in a tower room whose presence suggests quiet spiritual guidance. Blending fairy-tale motifs, underground monsters, and hints of Christian allegory, this classic children’s fantasy balances danger with wonder. This edition features an introduction by folklore scholar Maria Tatar and bold, folkloric illustrations by Mădălina Andronic.

Book 1 of Princess Irene and Curdie series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Monsters Young Adult Classics Childrens Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy Fairy Tales Christian
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191 Sandry's Book

Sandry's Book

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Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 45,198 reviews.

Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce introduces four young mages whose unusual talents set them apart from the world around them. Noble-born Sandry, whose magic works through thread and light, is taken to Winding Circle, a temple community where she is placed with Briar, a streetwise plant mage, Daja, a trader girl skilled with metal, and Tris, a weather mage feared for her volatile power. As these reluctant companions train in their crafts, they must overcome mistrust, loneliness, and the weight of their pasts. When a devastating natural disaster threatens Winding Circle, Sandry discovers that their survival may depend on whether she can literally and figuratively weave their distinct magics into something stronger.

Book 1 of Circle of Magic series

Fantasy Adventure Magic High Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Coming Of Age Female Protagonist Strong Female Lead
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192 Akata Witch

Akata Witch

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Rated 4.03 out of 5 stars, based on 38,700 reviews.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor follows twelve-year-old Sunny, an American-born girl living in Aba, Nigeria, who struggles with albinism, bullying at school, and feeling out of place. Her life changes when she befriends Orlu and Chichi and discovers she is part of the Leopard People, a hidden magical community that values the very traits she thought were flaws. As Sunny trains in this new world and joins Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha to form the youngest Oha Coven, she must balance everyday concerns like sports and school with dangerous magical responsibilities. Their task to stop Black Hat Otokoto, a criminal targeting children, pushes Sunny into a high-stakes coming-of-age test of courage and power.

Book 1 of The Nsibidi Scripts series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Urban Fantasy Young Adult Childrens Witches Coming Of Age Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist
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