7 gripping fantasy books trending on #BookTok
From epic adventures to magical realms and gripping tales of heroism.
You’ve probably noticed the growing trend of #BookTok recommendations taking over your TikTok FYP. From spellbinding sagas to enchanting worlds, TikTok is abuzz with readers sharing their latest must-reads.
We’ve sifted through the top titles and compiled a list of what we think are the best fantasy books currently trending on #BookTok. Whether you’re looking for epic adventures, magical realms, or gripping tales of heroism, these reads are sure to capture your imagination and transport you to extraordinary new worlds (if you can stop scrolling long enough to read them).
Powerless
By Lauren Roberts | Originally released: January 31, 2023 | 4.3 Goodreads rating
The first book in a trilogy, Powerless follows the forbidden romance between a powerful prince and an ordinary girl as they try to survive their kingdom’s grueling laws pitting them against each other. Good news: Once you’re hooked on this series, the second book, Reckless, comes out July 2, 2024.
For fans of: Sarah J. Maas, world-building, witty banter, suspense, romance
One Dark Window
By Rachel Gillig | Originally released: September 27, 2022 | 4.3 Goodreads rating
Another first in a series, One Dark Window is a dark, lushly gothic fantasy about a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom — but the monster in her head isn’t the only threat lurking. The followup, Two Twisted Crows, is already out, so binge-read away!
For fans of: Naomi Novik, Hannah Whitten, card-based magic, unique writing, compelling characters
The Serpent and the Wings of Night
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By Carissa Broadbent | Originally released: August 30, 2022 | 4.3 Goodreads rating
Book 1 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series (we break down the series here), The Serpent and the Wings of Night is described as “The Hunger Games meets vampires.” This heart-wrenching, epic fantasy romance of dark magic and bloodthirsty intrigue follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, as she forms an alliance with Raihn, a ruthless killer vampire and enemy to her father’s crown, to win the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.
For fans of: Suzanne Collins, slow burn, strong female characters, world-building
Fourth Wing
By Rebecca Yarros | Originally released: April 5, 2023 | 4.6 Goodreads rating
Does “war college for dragon riders” sound intriguing enough? In Fourth Wing — book 1 of 3 in The Empyrean series — 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail is small, fragile, and set for a quiet life among books and history once she enters the Scribe Quadrant at Basgiath War College… until her mother (the commanding general) orders her to become a dragon rider instead. As the war outside grows more deadly, Violet will need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
For fans of: George R.R. Martin, world-building, mystery, relatable characters
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Lightlark
LightlarkBy Alex Aster | Originally released: August 23, 2022 | 3.8 Goodreads rating
The island of Lightlark hosts its annual deadly Centennial game where the rulers of six realms fight for the chance to break their realms’ centuries-old and uniquely wicked curses. Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling, a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with who are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial. To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray — even as love complicates everything.
For fans of: Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, Leigh Bardugo, romance, page-turning plot twists
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From Blood and Ash
From Blood and AshBy Jennifer L. Armentrout | Originally released: May 25, 2021 | 4.2 Goodreads rating
This first book in a six-book series, From Blood and Ash follows Poppy, a Maiden destined to bring in a new era who has lived a solitary life, forbidden from experiencing basic human interactions. As she awaits her Ascension, her life takes a turn when Hawke, a guard bound to protect her, ignites forbidden desires and questions about her duty. Meanwhile, a forsaken kingdom rises, threatening to unravel her world and challenge everything she has ever known.
For fans of: Sarah J. Maas, Laura Thalassa, romance, high fantasy, page-turning plot twists
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Zodiac Academy: The Awakening
Zodiac Academy: The AwakeningBy Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti | Originally released: July 13, 2019 | 3.9 Goodreads rating
The Awakening kicks off the 12-book Zodiac Academy series. Geminis by nature and heir to a throne they know nothing about, twins Darcy and Tory discover they’re Fae and must prove themselves the most powerful supernaturals in Solaria to claim their birthright. At a perilous school where vampires, werewolves, and sirens run rampant, Darcy and Tory’s elemental magic tied to their star sign becomes crucial for survival. Complicating matters is a Dragon shifter and his friends who aim to make their life hell as they fight to survive and secure their throne.
For fans of: Wednesday, astrology, world-building, extra-long series