10 Fantasy Novels That Will Transport You to Another World: ‘Throne of Glass,’ ‘The Cruel Prince’ and More

Day-to-day life can be exhausting. It’s no wonder Alice wanted to leave her mundane experience behind for fun tea parties, wacky characters and thrilling adventures in the epic fantasy. And while any book can take you away, fantasy novels are particularly good escapes. Filled with imaginative worlds and innovative magic systems, they’re practically guaranteed to help you put your worries behind you!

We’ve gathered our favorite fantasy novels, from stories about stealthy assassins to lyrical mythological retellings. If you’re looking to get lost in a series, start with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. When you don’t want to commit to a long reading time, go for Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, a sweeping saga by Charlie N. Holmberg. Continue scrolling to see our recommendations for fantasy novels that will help you escape. Happy reading!

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Get whisked away in this love story set in an underground society filled with pirates, painters and of course, ships among a starless sea. Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont. While he’s in the library he comes across a mysterious book hidden among the shelves. He finds wild tales inside, but what’s even stranger is a recording of his childhood. Soon he uncovers clues that lead him to a secret club where he hopes he can gain some insight. Will Zachary find the answers he’s looking for and understand his purpose?

What readers are saying: “No book has stuck with me quite like this one,” says Courtney Shapiro, Woman’s World Digital Associate Editor. “From the lyrical writing to the captivating world, I truly was hooked from the first page. There’s something so special about these characters, and I always go back to the story when I want something whimsical.”

Babel by R.F. Kuang

A satisfying blend of historical fiction, fantasy and nonfiction, Babel is perfect for nerdy, language-loving readers who gravitate toward dark academia settings. Set in 1828, the story follows Robin Swift as he journeys to London under the tutelage of Professor Lovell. While there, he studies in preparation for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel. Knowledge is power, but Robin finds himself caught between serving Babel and staying loyal to his homeland. What will he decide?

What readers are saying: “Kuang has such an intrinsic grasp on the ‘dark academia’ genre that reading Babel was truly transformative,” says Sienna Sullivan, Woman’s World Editorial Assistant.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

This thrilling tale follows Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s greatest assassin. After being sentenced to life in prison, she gets the chance of a lifetime: to compete against 23 other murderers, thieves and warriors in a deadly competition. The prize? Her freedom, unimaginable riches and a chance to serve as the King’s Champion. But when an outside force even more deadly turns up, Celaena must decide what truly matters.

What readers are saying: “Celaena’s wit, humor and strength had me cheering for her from the get-go,” says Carey Ostergard, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “Plus, it’s the first of a series — I can’t wait to read more!”

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

This magical novel begins in 1791 in a London apothecary shop, where a poisonous mistake is made. In the present day, Caroline Parcewell’s life collides with the apothecary when she finds a clue to old unsolved murders.

What readers are saying: “I LOVED this book! Well written and artful, I didn’t see the twist coming. It was so cleverly woven into the storyline. The characters were also well-drawn, with great use of individual voice and tone. Plus, it had the added benefit of not having to travel to London to feel like I was already there! The imagery was just excellent. Highly recommend this book.”

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

Filled with dynamic characters and heart-pounding action, this unique modern-day fantasy is set in the Big Apple as five New Yorkers find themselves connected to their city in a way they never imagined…each one representing the “human form” of each of the five boroughs. Now, a prehistoric evil force lurks beneath the surface of the earth, and they must come together to protect their city and home before it’s too late.

What readers are saying: “What a trip! Far more fantasy than science fiction, suspenseful but not terrifying, and often funny, N.K. Jemisin literally embodies today’s New York City in her characters. I grew up in the NYC suburbs, with frequent trips to the city to visit family and friends or enjoy plays, concerts, fireworks and more. The city has, of course, changed over the years, but this book brought its current incarnation alive for me and made me realize how much I miss it.”

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare

Enter the city-state of Castellane in the first adult novel from the author of the bestselling YA series Shadowhunter Chronicles. In Castellane, we meet Kel, the sword catcher, or body double, for Prince Conor Aurelian and Lin Caster, a physician who lives behind the city walls. When mysterious events bring Kel and Lin together, they’re thrown into the underworld of the city and find themselves entangled with the Ragpicker King. Secrets come to light and the two must decide whether betrayal is worth it or if their discoveries will cause a war. 

What readers are saying: “I was nervous to read a book outside of the Shadowhunter world, but I shouldn’t have been because this was brilliant,” says Courtney Shapiro, Woman’s World Digital Associate Editor. I absolutely loved the new world she created and I thought it was great to see multiple POVs because the characters were so complex. Highly recommend this one!”

Cruel Prince by Holly Black

 

A captivating and magical adventure unfolds in this novel by bestselling author Holly Black. Jude was 7 years old when she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite being human. But the fey don’t like humans…especially Prince Cardan, the smart, wicked son of the High King. Will Jude ever be able to find her place in the High Court of Faerie? To win a place in the court, she has no choice but to defy Cardan…and face the consequences.

What readers are saying: “This book has touched me in a way that very few books have in my life. This is the type of book that reminds me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. This is the type of book that makes me believe words have the most powerful healing magic of anything in this world. I just know that The Cruel Prince is a once in a lifetime series, because this first installment was everything I have ever wanted in a book.”

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg

Travel back to 1846 in this saga filled with love, magic and danger. When Merritt Fernsby inherits a remote estate in Narragansett Bay, he’s excited to call it home. But upon entering, the doors lock behind him. With the help of Hulda Larkin, who is trained in the dangers of haunted houses, Merritt soon learns the home has dark secrets.

What readers are saying: “I do enjoy a good fantasy novel and this one did not disappoint. An abused child who becomes an evil wizard. A woman who thinks of herself as competent and committed to the spinster life. An author disowned by his family and completely taken by surprise by inheriting an enchanted house. Holmberg takes these three and constructs a novel that is not only a satisfying read but both light and dark in all the right places.”

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

A whimsical, adventure-filled fantasy begins in 19th century Buenos Aires. When Inez Olivera receives word of her parents’ deaths, she inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian. Seeking answers, she sails to Cairo with a golden ring her father had sent her before he passed. As she arrives, the magic connected to the ring leads her to uncover secrets and the truth about her parents’ disappearance. What the River Knows is the first book in the Secrets of the Nile duology.

What readers are saying: “What’s not to like? I was engrossed in this novel from the start: uncovering the mystery while journeying with Inez across the ocean to Egypt and into ancient places. Uncertain familial relationships, a budding romance and forbidden love kept me reading fastidiously. Highly recommend!”

The Night Ends With Fire by K.X. Song

Inspired by the legend of Mulan, this spellbinding story provides magic and adventure. When Meilin discovers her father’s plans to sell her for her dowry, she takes matters into her own hands. Disguising herself as a boy, she enlists in the imperial draft in her father’s place. She soon forms a bond with a prince named Sky, who trains with her. Now, she must decide who she can really trust as she fights for her kingdom. 

What readers are saying: “If you like Mulan and also like fantasy, this book does a great job mixing the two together. I enjoyed the characters, the magic, the conflicts the main characters had to go through and the action in the book. The author’s writing was very smooth and the book was fast-paced. I’m looking forward to her next book.”

For more book recommendations:

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The 20 Best Books Adapted Into Movies and TV Shows, Plus Where to Stream Them