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Standalone Fantasy Reads
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
5 of 5 starsI had never read anything by Liggett and I was surprised by how much I liked this book!
The Grace Year presents a haunting tale, where the forbidden Grace Year looms over every young girl's life. In this society, girls are taught that they possess a dangerous power - able to seduce men and incite jealousy in women with their mere presence. At sixteen, they are banished to the wilderness to release their magic, but not all will survive. 👀
Tierney James, a sixteen-year-old with dreams of a fairer world, faces the harsh reality of her approaching Grace Year. Beyond the elements and lurking poachers, Tierney discovers that the true danger may lie within their own ranks - amidst the girls themselves. 💅
With its sharp writing and gritty realism, The Grace Year dives deep into the tangled relationships between girls, the women they grow into, and the tough choices they face in between. Think survival of the fittest meets Mean Girls, The Hunger Games, and The Handmaid’s Tale, but with an even more dark and twisted twist. 😈
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Bride by Ali Hazelwood
5 of 5 starsI think this is my first five star read of 2024!
I believe this is Ali's first venture into the paranormal romance genre, as it is usually contemporary romance. I think Bride encapsulates her usual romance style and fantastic writing skills with the added paranormal element coming through perfectly.
I loved the characters in this book, including their back stories! My favourite thing would have to be Misery's addiction to peanut butter despite her being a vampire. By the way, I need to say that I strangely love the name Misery... 😅 Lowes is a fantastic character who loves his little sister and put his whole life on hold to protect and lead his pack. How can you not love this? The side characters are cool, especially Lowe's little sister Ana, Misery's brother, Owen, and Alex, the frightened werewolf tech guy. They're all great!
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My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
4 of 5 starsTrue love gets a hilarious paranormal twist in this debut rom-com where modern city living meets Regency-era manners! 😍
Cassie Greenberg is a struggling artist about to lose her apartment - so when she stumbles on an insanely affordable room in a nice neighbourhood, she doesn’t hesitate (well, maybe a little). Sure, her new roommate Frederick J. Fitzwilliam might seem a little... different.👀 He sleeps all day, leaves her handwritten letters with Mr. Darcy vibes, and is seriously out of touch with modern life - but when she discovers blood bags in the fridge, her suspicions aren’t that far off anymore. ⚰️🩸🧛♂️
This laugh-out-loud paranormal romance has it all: a quirky heroine, a cinnamon-roll vampire with a heart of gold, and all the awkward tension of two unlikely roommates catching feelings. It reminded me of a cross between What We Do in the Shadows and The Flatshare. The chemistry between Cassie and Frederick is palpable, especially through their old-fashioned love notes and hilariously awkward situations.😆
Reginald, Frederick’s vampire friend, is awesome with his laugh-out-loud text exchanges that bring so much life to the story in a different and interesting way! And while the plot didn’t break new ground (the third act conflict resolved fast), it’s still a light, fun escape perfect for fans of rom-coms with a paranormal twist Halloween read.🎃
If you’re a fan of light-hearted paranormal rom-coms, My Roommate is a Vampire will totally charm you!
Would you move in with a vampire if he had major Colin Firth vibes? 😆💌
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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
4 of 5 starsWhat a magical journey! 🌙🎩
This book transported me to a world of enchantment and wonder. The intricate storytelling and vivid descriptions painted such a captivating picture of the mysterious circus and its enchanting performers. 🎪🔮
However, I did find the pacing a bit slow at times, which made it challenging to stay fully engaged. Despite that, the overall experience was truly enchanting! ✨
If you love atmospheric settings, unexpected twists, and a touch of romance without spice, this is a must-read! 📖
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Eve: The Awakening by Jenna Moreci
3 of 5 starsOh boy, this one’s a toughie to review. 😅 I’m a huge fan of Jenna Moreci - she’s got that perfect mix of humour and wisdom in her videos, so naturally, I HAD to pick up Eve: The Awakening to support her.🥰 But here’s the thing: I went in with sky-high expectations (rookie mistake), and while this book had its moments, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.😢
The Good:
Eve herself is a compelling character. After everything she’s been through, she’s still a fighter, and that really tugged at my heartstrings. Her friends? Total badasses - quirky, diverse, and the kind of squad that would help you bury a body if needed. Plus, the action? It’s there in spades, especially at the end. If you love plot twists, this one’s got a few curveballs you won’t see coming! 😲
The Not-So-Good:
But let’s be real, the story felt like a mash-up of Mean Girls meets sci-fi, and not in the best way.🫤 It’s supposed to be New Adult, but it reads very YA, with a heaping dose of angst and some serious pacing issues (this book could’ve been way shorter). And Eve? For all her strength, I just wanted her to stand up for herself more often - she lets people walk all over her, and it drives me nuts! The whole chimaera vs. human hatred also didn’t make much sense to me, and don’t get me started on the stereotypical characters and the insta-love romance… 🙄
By the end, I was left feeling a bit let down, but I still have mad respect for Jenna Moreci. If you’re into action-packed, angst-filled sci-fi, give it a shot, but keep those expectations in check!
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Dahlia's Kiss by Candace Adams
4 of 5 starsSuccubi need to feed from their lovers to stay alive. Of course, this already tells you that spicy scenes are very much present in this story! 👀
A succubus finds not one but three incubbi mates, something that has never happened before. Each character has extremely different personalities, one of which I don't really like. Sterling isn't my cup of tea, personality-wise 😬
On the other hand, I love Damien and Cole. As well as being a spicy romance, there is a dark mystery incorporated which kept me reading way later than I anticipated, as all good books do.
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Ditching the Dragon by Becca Fogg
4 of 5 starsIf you like possessive MMCs, you will love this book! I happen to like this type of MMC too.
From steamy encounters to intense romantic tension, Annie’s struggle with Wickham - the dragon convinced she’s his mate - is equal parts thrilling and heartwarming. This story combines supernatural romance with a reluctant, on-the-run heroine and a possessive dragon who falls first.
One thing I really enjoyed is Wickham’s story arc where he slowly learns about boundaries and releases some of his control that he felt entitled to.
However, one thing I really didn’t like and it is the thing which made me drop a star is how frustrating Annie as a character is… I don’t even know why she keeps running over and over again! It was too repetitive, especially because it is iterated throughout how much she wants to be with Wickham.
Another thing I would love to have read more about is the mysterious app that brought them together! This led me to realise that this book is actually a part of a novella series, Fate Dates, completed with other authors. To be clear, they are all individual standalone books and I will definitely be reading more of them!
Overall, if you love intense, supernatural love stories where the MMC goes all in, this one’s for you. 🔥🐉💖
Thank you to BookSirens and Becca Fogg for allowing me an advanced reader copy of this before release, I appreciate it greatly.
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Revelations by Rebecca Rathe
4 of 5 starsDiya Steele, a succubus, is a monster to those around her and has a lonely life as an assassin, always on the move to avoid capture. The Dzhavo, a fearsome team of three elite demons have been tracking her for years, never able to catch her. This story has a basic but good plot with the main focus being the spice really!
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Fantasy Series Reads
The Shepherd King Series by Rachel Gillig
4 of 5 starsI finished The Shepherd King duology, and I was in full-blown book hangover mode. 😩 This series is something truly special - a rare gem in a sea of predictable tropes. From the first page, I was completely captivated by Rachel Gillig’s hauntingly beautiful prose and the rich, immersive worldbuilding.
My personal favourite aspect of these books are the use of poetry to move the stoy along and provide foreshadowing! ✨👀
Elspeth and Ravyn’s story is packed with intense romance, original magic, and nonstop suspense.🔥 The character-driven plot had me hooked - my heart broke, soared, and broke again with every twist and turn.
And let’s talk about that magic system! It’s so unique and consistent, unlike anything I’ve read before. The blend of Gothic elements added that extra layer of eerie perfection.
The second book? Absolute perfection! How did Rachel Gillig write a sequel that not only holds up but knocks it out of the park? 🤯
I literally couldn’t put it down. Even while sick and barely able to keep my eyes open (the last picture is proof of my near death experience 😭), I binged through it like a madwoman.
The multiple POVs, especially getting more of Elm (my fave!), just added to the richness of the story. The suspense, the action, the race through the misty woods - it was all so intense, I felt like I was right there with them!
This series has everything: deep characters, a mesmerising plot, and a romance that isn’t just about smut or petty fights, but about real, heart-wrenching stakes. I’m just sad it’s over. If you’re looking for something that’ll pull you in and never let go, trust me, you NEED to read this duology. Highly recommend it! 📚💫
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Quicksilver by Callie Hart
5 of 5 starsGritty, swoon-worthy romantasy! 🔥
This book had me hooked from page 1. Magic, danger, a badass FMC, and an irresistible Fae MMC — what more could I ask for?
✨ What to Expect:
🌙 Humans, fae, vampires & gods
🌙 Bargains, oaths & shocking twists
🌙 Hate-to-love + forced proximity
🌙 Delicious tension, witty banter, & top-tier spice
🌙 Found family & a badass heroine
Saeris Fane is scrappy, strong-willed, and refreshingly real. No "Chosen One" nonsense here (not that I’m completely against it…) — just a fierce survivor with a gift that develops naturally. I loved her sass and strength.
And then there's Fisher 😏... powerful, brooding, tattooed shadow daddy who will break your heart and set it on fire. His snark? Superior. His loyalty? Unmatched. Even his name (which I side-eyed at first) made perfect sense by the end.
This story blends romance and plot perfectly with political intrigue, heart-pounding action, and jaw-dropping twists. My only complaint? Waiting for Book 2! 😭
If you love romantasy with complex world-building, unforgettable characters, and SPICE, pick this one up. You won't regret it.
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The Darkest Minds Series by Alexandra Bracken
4 of 5 stars- The Darkest Minds
- Never Fade
- In the Afterlight
- The Darkest Legacy
- Through the Dark (novella collection)
I really enjoyed this series when I was younger and dipping my toes into the YA fantasy/dystopian world.
Follow Ruby as she discovers her extraordinary powers and navigates a world torn apart by fear and prejudice. The characters are complex, the plot is gripping, and the emotional stakes are sky-high.📈
The series can be quite dark and intense for a YA novel, so be prepared for some heavy themes. However, if you enjoy dystopian stories with heart-pounding action and deep emotional depth, this series is a wonderful read!
When I found out it was coming out in a film, I was so excited, especially because Gwendoline Christie is in it 🙂 But it got cancelled after the first one and that sucked 😭
Either way, highly recommend diving into this captivating world. 🥰
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Demigods of San Francisco Series by K.F. Breene
5 of 5 stars- Sin & Chocolate
- Sin & Magic
- Sin & Salvation
- Sin & Spirit
- Sin & Lightning
- Sin & Surrender
The Demigods of San Francisco series follows Lexi, a 25-year-old magical resident of San Francisco's dual zone, struggling to care for her teenage wards, Mordecai and Daisy, while living in poverty.
During a routine errand, Lexi encounters Kieran, the son of San Francisco's magical ruler, Demigod Valens, in a chance encounter that changed her life. Intrigued by Lexi's magic, Kieran becomes determined to uncover her true nature and win her heart. ❤
The first book has quite a slow start, but I’m so glad I pushed on through the first four chapters! Admittedly, Lexi starts off quite immature, and I wanted to jump through the book and tell her to get a grip, but it gets better, so I have to say there was great character development. 🥰
I quickly became attached to this unconventional family, as well as to Kieran and his Six, to Bria, and to the loyal spirits aligned with Lexi. Certain scenes, like the emotional moment between Kieran and his mother or the untimely passing of a character, evoke strong emotions (I cried my eyes out). 😭
My favourite characters in this series are definitely Daisy, Bria, and Jack - in this order.
I think one of my favourite things within this series is the sense of all the characters becoming a real family under Lexi's guidance, which is really heart warming. The biggest twist comes right at the very end which blew my mind tbh! 🤯
I found out the news that a spin-off series centred around Daisy might be in the works, leaving the door wide open for new adventures and I’m desperate for it to come to fruition as soon as possible with her being my favourite character!
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The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black
5 of 5 stars- The Cruel Prince
- The Wicked King
- The Queen of Nothing
🌟 A Captivating Dive into Faerie Realms 🌟
Holly Black's The Folk of the Air Series is a captivating journey into the enchanting and treacherous realms of Faerie.🧚♀️ Across three spellbinding novels, Black intricately weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden love that will leave readers spellbound.✨ From the cunning machinations of the fae courts to the complexities of human emotion, Black's storytelling prowess shines on every page.📖
The protagonist, Jude Duarte, is a formidable presence - fierce, determined, and unyielding in her quest for power and acceptance in a world steeped in deceit. What distinguishes this series is Black's ability to blur the lines between hero and villain, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The tension-filled dynamic between Jude and Cardan, the charming faerie prince, adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers eagerly turning pages to uncover each twist and turn. As the series progresses, secrets are unveiled, alliances tested, and the true nature of power exposed.🤫
Despite its captivating narrative, some readers may find pacing issues in certain parts of the story, where the momentum slows. Additionally, the resolution in the final book may feel rushed to some, leaving unanswered questions and loose ends. 😔
Nevertheless, the series offers an immersive experience, rich with a compelling world, intricate characters, and electrifying plot twists, making it a must-read for fantasy and adventure enthusiasts.
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Fae of Rewyth Series by Emily Blackwood
5 of 5 stars- House of Lies and Sorrow
- Prince of Sins and Shadows
- War of Wrath and Ruin
- Trials of Saints and Glory
- Queen of Fae and Fortune
Okay, let me just say - I am OBSESSED with the Fae of Rewyth series! I devoured the first three books in just 24 hours. Yep, that’s how hooked I was! 😍 If you’re a fan of ACOTAR, this series might feel familiar at first, but trust me, it takes you on a wild ride you won’t see coming.
Let’s talk about the characters - oh my gosh! Not only do we have a morally grey shadow daddy, but we also get a morally grey shadow QUEEN. I am LIVING for Malachi and Jade’s dynamic. Their story is more than just a love story; it’s about accepting each other completely, darkness and all. Plus, the side characters? Emily Blackwood did such a fantastic job with them. They’re strong, memorable, and add so much depth to the story.
The writing? Chef’s kiss. Blackwood’s style made it so easy to get lost in the world she created. There were moments when I had to put the book down just to catch my breath because I felt like my heart was being ripped out. 😭
This series has everything - love, kingdoms, battles, secrets, and did I mention the morally grey characters? If you’re into quick reads that pull you in and refuse to let go, I HIGHLY recommend grabbing this series. Trust me, you won’t regret it! 📚💫
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Elementals Series by Michelle Madow
4 of 5 stars- The Prophecy of Shadows
- The Blood of the Hydra
- The Head of Medusa
- The Portal to Kerberos
- The Hands of Time
- The Wrath of the Fury
This was one of my first fantasy series I read when I was younger, along with The Hunger Games and Twilight! Michelle Madow is great at drawing you into the intricate world she creates!
Follow the journey of five teenagers who discover they have control over the elements—earth, air, fire, and water. As they uncover their powers, they must navigate secrets, danger, and a centuries-old rivalry.
If you love magic, friendship, and thrilling adventures, this series is a must-read!
One thing to note: I found some plot twists predictable, but the characters and their elemental abilities kept me captivated.
I love Madow’s books and other series in her collections are awesome as well, especially The Vampire Wish - my favourite series of hers!
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Kingdom of the Wicked Series by Kerri Maniscalco
3 of 5 starsDark magic, forbidden love, and gothic vibes - this series starts strong with Emilia, a witch in 19th-century Italy, seeking revenge for her twin sister’s murder. Deals with princes of Hell and unravelling family secrets make for an intriguing setup, but the plot becomes rushed and convoluted as the series progresses.
💭 Thoughts:
The atmosphere is stunning (think stormy Sicily and ancient prophecies), and Emilia’s grief is beautifully written. But the twists feel predictable, the romance is a frustrating mix of intoxicating and clunky, and some characters (looking at you, Grandma 👀) are beyond irritating. By the final book, I lost interest and DNF'ed.
⚠️ Note: While marketed for new adults, this leans heavily into adult themes with plenty of tension and spice. 🔥
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