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Book cover of The Eye of the World

Anderson W. Frost Author Of Thorns, Feathers & Bones

From my list on fantasy books to get completely lost in.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write stories where consequence comes first. I grew up immersed in Greek/Egyptian mythology and fairy tales, but I was always more drawn to the parts they left out. I wanted to know what daily life looked like for someone like Hercules, not just the story beats. Or what happens when the moral of the story isn’t learned. My passion lies in exploring the cost of power, the wounds we carry (that are often excluded from stories), and the myths we create to justify them. I believe the best fantasy doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us to look at ours differently.

Anderson's book list on fantasy books to get completely lost in

Anderson W. Frost Why Anderson loves this book

I can’t remember if I read WOT or GOT first… but this book was one of my entries into epic fantasy.

It begins with normal people trying to figure out something they can’t fully understand, and fearing being powerless in the face of what’s coming. Jordon really takes his time to slowly build the world, but even then, it feels like it is already established, and it is the reader who is new here.

What made it memorable was the way it balanced massive stakes with human fragility. It explores the theme that power isn’t always just a gift or a curse; it can be a burden that costs the wielders and those who are in orbit of it.

By Robert Jordan ,

Why should I read it?

21 authors picked The Eye of the World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master's enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al'Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light .

Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel…


Book cover of The City We Became

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From Ian's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Unknown Author Why Ian loves this book

I'm a homesick New Yorker and everything about the aesthetic spoke to me.

By N. K. Jemisin ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The City We Became as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'A glorious fantasy, set in that most imaginary of cities, New York' Neil Gaiman on THE CITY WE BECAME

'The most celebrated science fiction and fantasy writer of her generation. . .Jemisin seems able to do just about everything'
NEW YORK TIMES

'Jemisin is now a pillar of speculative fiction, breathtakingly imaginative and narratively bold'
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Five New Yorkers must band together to defend their city in the first book of a stunning new series by Hugo award-winning and New York Times bestselling author N. K. Jemisin.

Every city has a soul. Some are as ancient as myths, and…


Book cover of Disney After Dark

Richard W. Kelly Author Of The Psi-Chotic Adventures of Drew Darby

From my list on fantasy more fun than just dragons and sorcery.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I write in many genres, fantasy was my first love in reading. I fell in love with the possibilities of a boundless world. And as the years went on, I realized that fantasy could be more than just dragons and sorcery. Fantasy was this big umbrella that housed all the impossible dreams. So, I gravitated toward the genre. I also have an affinity for fun things. I don’t like to be sad, so I prefer movies, music, games, and books that revolve around fun and humor.

Richard's book list on fantasy more fun than just dragons and sorcery

Richard W. Kelly Why Richard loves this book

If there is something I love outside of writing it is Disney. I won’t try and convince anyone these are great works of literature, but they do an amazing job of making the Disney magic come to life.  

Ever since I went to Disney World for the first time I imagined what it would be like to work there. To see the park at night with no one in it. To be alone in all that magic. So, when I read Disney After Dark I felt like a little kid having his ideas put to paper.  

By Ridley Pearson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Disney After Dark as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Five young teens tapped as models for theme park “guides” (using a new hologram technology developed by the Disney Imagineers) find themselves pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world outside its walls. Featuring a new cover design and additional content!


Book cover of Inuyasha, Vol. 1

Janelle McCurdy Author Of The Lightcasters

From my list on for gamers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been a gamer, even now that passion burns bright. My favourite genres being FPS, Horror, Fighting, and adventure games. There's nothing like delving into a new game and feeling the adrenaline that comes with slaying beasts and leveling up, or getting emotional during a cinematic movie-like horror game. I've been gaming since I was a child all the way up until today. Gaming has always had my heart, which has led to me writing books inspired by gaming as well as being a gaming content creator, posting reviews on my website and social media. I love the fast-paced feeling you get whilst gaming and wanted to echo that in my storytelling.

Janelle's book list on for gamers

Janelle McCurdy Why Janelle loves this book

One of the first manga books I ever read and one of the reasons I fell in love with the fantasy genre as a whole which then spread into gaming.

Set in Feudal Japan, a school girl named Kagome one day falls in a well and finds herself in a completely different timezone, where there are demons, priestess, and a particular dog eared half demon named Inuyasha...

It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions and heart, and this one I actually wished had been turned into a game as it would have been so much fun.

By Rumiko Takahashi ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Inuyasha, Vol. 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Rumiko Takahashi's manga epic in its original format - historical action and romance from one of Japan's most beloved creators.

Kagome is a modern Japanese high school girl. Never the type to believe in myths and legends, her world view dramatically changes when, one day, she's pulled out of her own time and into another! There, in Japan's ancient past, Kagome discovers more than a few of those dusty old legends are true, and that her destiny is linked to one legendary creature in particular - he dog like half-demon called Inuyasha! That same trick of fate also ties them…


Book cover of The Darkest Night

L. S. Bethel Author Of The King's Seer

From my list on romance with supernatural worldbuilding.

Why am I passionate about this?

Give me all the supernatural and fantasy intrigue with love on the side. Sometimes this world of ours is too much to deal with and it’s nice to visit other worlds. To read and write about the justice, love, and magic of other things that may be lacking in your life can be cathartic and gives us something to look forward to and strive for. While some of the more supernatural aspects might be out of reach, the beauty of unbreakable bonds forged in love and trust, people willing to sacrifice for what they believe in, and seeing justice prevail also gives me the hope that it's not unreachable if you believe it. 

L. S.'s book list on romance with supernatural worldbuilding

L. S. Bethel Why L. S. loves this book

The first and my favorite of this series that sets up a world beyond our own with interesting and multiple interesting and tortured characters all trapped in their own personal hell and I was here for it. This book focuses on one particular members of this poor group and how one person can come in change absolutely everything with love and faith. There is a setup for the multiple books in the series that do not take away from the main story or characters and will have you wanting to know more. Heavy on not just the romance but the action and violence had me flying through the pages to feed my need for more. Entertaining, fun, tense, and never giving a dull moment, I recommend this for a fun night or nights of reading. 

By Gena Showalter ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Darkest Night as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive—and unimaginably powerful… Don't miss a single book in this stunning paranormal series from New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter!

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member—a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their torments…and ignites an irresistible…


Book cover of Serafina and the Black Cloak

Jodee Patel Author Of The Lady in White: Based on the Legend of

From my list on fantasy books from dragons to ghosts.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since I was a child I have viewed the world differently. I dreamed of magical worlds, and I always was curious to find answers to questions that were hard to find. When I began to question a local legend about the Lady in White, I had to know more. I spent countless days researching to find anything about this mystery lady. Unfortunately, I never did find out who the Lady in White was, but I did find information on every one of her so-called victims. With a handful of real-life events, and a lot of imagination, my Lady in White series was born. 

Jodee's book list on fantasy books from dragons to ghosts

Jodee Patel Why Jodee loves this book

This story brought me back in time to 1899. It didn’t take long for me to gather emotional ties with the main character, Serafina.

She had a very hard childhood that any parent would wish they could protect their child from. I was soon thrown into magic and mystery, suspense, and intrigue. I love that this book shows that we are not all created or grow up the same way, but our differences when used together will only make us stronger.

This book had me on the edge of my seat guessing what could possibly happen next!

By Robert Beatty ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Serafina and the Black Cloak as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?



A brave and unusual girl named Serafina lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age. Serafina's pa, the estate's maintenance man, has warned her to keep herself hidden from the fancy folk who live on the floors above, but when children at the estate start disappearing, Serafina and her friend Braeden Vanderbilt must work together to solve a dark and dangerous mystery. This page-turning thriller from Disney-Hyperion is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, has been on the bestsellers list for more than 50 weeks, and is already being taught in…


Book cover of The Epic of Marindel: Chosen

Brae Wyckoff Author Of The Orb of Truth

From my list on epic fantasy that are under the radar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up playing Dungeons & Dragons. I’m always on the hunt for not just good but great stories. One of the most profound things I have done revolving around fantasy writing was walk the same streets as the legends walked. Oxford, UK is a magical location and the place where Narnia and The Hobbits were born. I visited CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien gravesites. I visited their homes where they wrote their works. Adventure is around every corner in life. If we choose it. Here is a dwarven proverb from my book series, “May your light shine bright and blind your enemies.”

Brae's book list on epic fantasy that are under the radar

Brae Wyckoff Why Brae loves this book

I am in pursuit of stories that affect my thinking and change my heart. I absolutely loved how the author wove Samurai and fantasy together.

The story of Marindel is shown brilliantly in a way that doesn't overwhelm you. You will quickly embrace the characters and ultimately the hardest part I found in this book was when I reached the end and needed to decide which character I liked most. Thank God, book two is coming out soon.

By Nathan Keys ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Epic of Marindel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every person has a story.

Every story is a part of something Greater.

Long ago, the elven Kingdom of Marindel governed the realm of Tyrizah from its place on the back of a giant sea turtle. But when a great evil was unleashed, the Era of Peace came to a tragic end. Thousands of years passed, and Marindel was all but forgotten.

Connor, a young farmer with a wild imagination, always longed for adventure. When bizarre events cause him to realize his role in the greatest story of all, Connor embarks on a quest to defend the Great King's daughter…


Book cover of Dragon Sword and Wind Child

Alina Lee Author Of Paper Crane Memories

From my list on the history, folklore, and mythology of Japan.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, I was introduced to Japanese culture and history through anime. But I decided to dig a little deeper, reading history books and looking up more and more information. I was fascinated by what was presented of “Old Japan,” both the misconceptions that were spread by pop culture and by the surprising details that it gets right that no one would believe. This fascination is one of the most consistent things about me through the years, and the idea of delving into works of my own that merged samurai drama with lesbian relationships has been a recurring desire of mine for years.

Alina's book list on the history, folklore, and mythology of Japan

Alina Lee Why Alina loves this book

While it feels a little slow to start, this novel is the kind of thing that takes typical fantasy tropes, puts them in a bucket, and dumps it upside down. The story is fantastical and doesn't shy away from that fact, but it is also deeply influenced by Japan's folklore, mythology, and spiritual traditions.

By Noriko Ogiwara , Cathy Hirano (translator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dragon Sword and Wind Child as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

The forces of the God of Light and the Goddess of Darkness have waged a ruthless war across the land of Toyoashihara for generations. But for 15-year-old Saya, the war is far away and unimportant--until the day she discovers that she is the reincarnation of the Water Maiden and a princess of the Children of the Dark. Raised to love the Light and detest the Dark, Saya must come to terms with her heritage even as she tumbles into the very heart of the conflict that is destroying her country. The armies of the Light and Dark both seek to…


Book cover of Nettle & Bone

Melissa Addey Author Of From the Ashes

From Melissa's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Traveler History obsessed Romantic

Melissa's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Melissa Addey Why Melissa loves this book

This one, as a Terry Pratchett fan, was an interesting read as the tone and style reminded me a lot of him, but written by a woman. It's fantasy, but gives domesticity status, so even when our band of heroes are on a quest, there are still farmyard animals and sleeping arrangements to consider, which grounds it and gives it a realism which I liked. I'd have liked this to have been longer so that we could stay with the characters beyond their initial quest, but I enjoyed it a lot and so did my bookclub.

By T. Kingfisher ,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked Nettle & Bone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An Instant USA Today & Indie Bestseller
An Oprah Daily Top 25 Fantasy Book of 2022
An NPR Best Sci Fi, Fantasy, & Speculative Fiction Book of 2022
A Goodreads Best Fantasy Choice Award Nominee

From Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes an original and subversive fantasy adventure.

*A very special hardcover edition, featuring gold foil stamp on the casing and custom endpapers illustrated by the author.*

This isn't the kind of fairytale where the princess marries a prince.
It's the one where she kills him.

Marra never wanted to be a hero.

As the shy, convent-raised,…


Book cover of Dragons Walk Among Us

Susie Black Author Of The Case of the Croaked Coach

From my list on ordinary teens doing extraordinary things.

Why am I passionate about this?

Before writing cozy mysteries, I was a ladies’ apparel sales exec. To be a successful, humorous, cozy mystery author, character development is the key. Fortunately for my writing gig, salespeople are also students of human nature. I've been fascinated by what makes people tick all my life and have taken all I have learned and applied it to my writing. How characters react in life and death situations makes my casts imperfect but believable, accents their individuality, and lets their personalities come alive so that readers can’t help but invest in them.

Susie's book list on ordinary teens doing extraordinary things

Susie Black Why Susie loves this book

I love a story that features flawed characters who stand up for themselves and fight for what they believe in when it counts the most. Part science-fiction, part fantasy, part nail-biting thriller, part teenage angst.

This book is a heart-pounding fight of good versus evil that throws the protagonist and her friends into a baptism-by-fire situation and fight for survival. This beauty is one of the most imaginative tales I ever read. If you start out reading this book doubting the existence of dragons and parallel universes, you’ll change your tune by the time you finish the story.   

By Dan Rice ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dragons Walk Among Us as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Shutterbug Allison Lee is trying to survive high school while suffering the popular girl's abuse. Her life is often abysmal, but at least her green hair is savage. Her talent for photography is recognized by the school paper and the judges of a photo contest. While visiting her friend Joe, a homeless vet, Allison's life irrevocably changes after an attack leaves her blind. All her dreams as a photojournalist are dashed as she realizes she'll never see again. Despair sets in until she is offered an experimental procedure to restore her vision. But there are side effects, or are they…