It’s the gift-giving time of year, and I love nothing more than giving books as gifts. As such, I’ve decided that I should take advantage of the season and give some recommendations of excellent books that you can share with your friends and families. To start the season off, I’m recommending some of my favorite fantasy novels.

fantasy book recommendations

1. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

I loved this book. It’s the first in a trilogy, with the last novel coming out in February. See my review of it here. And see my review of its sequel, A Gathering of Shadows, here.

2. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker 

This was an unexpectedly lovely story about a golem (a clay figure who has been brought to life by magic) in a Jewish community and a middle-eastern jinni (or, genie) who meet each other in New York City in the late 1800s. These two form a unique relationship that gives life to a completely beautiful story.

3. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

This book is for the fairy-tale lover in your life. It is a retelling of the The Six Swans fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, and it is executed so well. This novel was one of my favorite books read of 2016.

fantasy book recommendations

4. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Shannon has created a super cool, underground world of clairvoyance set in a not-so-distant future London. This is just the first of 7 novels. The second novel, The Mime Order, is already out, and the third, The Song Rising, is set to come out in March 2017. I am obsessed with this series. See why I think you should read The Bone Season.

5. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This is the first in a trilogy of all things fantasy: witches, vampires, daemons, magic, time-travel and more! It’s such a fun and engrossing story as you follow Diana, a smart and independent witch who tries to deny her powers, and Matthew, a temperamental vampire who falls in love with her. You get action, romance, suspense, and thrills all wrapped into one excellent series. Bonus? All three books are already out, so there’s no waiting!

chime in
What are some of your favorite fantasy novels that you recommend to your friends and family? Comment below so other people can browse your recommendations as well!