Today’s post combines two of my loves: making lists and reading fantasy. I’m especially excited to share this list with you because it covers some recent and forthcoming books that I highly anticipate. I provide brief descriptions of 10 fantasy books and the reasons why I plan to read them this spring.
I’d love for you to share in the comments below what books you plan to read this spring and whether we share any books in common!
General Fantasy
Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
Empress of Salt and Fortune is described as a “tightly and lushly written narrative about empire, storytelling, and the anger of women” told through the perspective of a handmaiden.
Why I want to read it: It’s an Asian #OwnVoices Novel, and I’m curious how the handmaiden will tell the empress’s tale. Plus, the soldiers ride mammoths.
Legacy of Ash by Matthew Ward
Legacy Trilogy #1
Three heroes scarred by old hatreds must overcome their pasts to save their crumbling Republic from complete destruction.
Why I want to read it: It’s described as perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Brent Weeks, and Brandon Sanderson.
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
The Burning #1
A young, gift-less man fixated on revenge sets out to become the greatest swordsman to ever live and kill the three who betrayed him.
Why I want to read it: It’s described as Game of Thrones meets Gladiators. Plus, it has dragons.
The Ranger of Marzanna by Jon Skovron
The Goddess War #1
When their father is murdered by imperial soldiers, two siblings set out on opposite pathsโone will destroy the Empire forever and the other will save it.
Why I want to read it: It features a complex sibling relationship, and I’m curious whether the Empire can be simultaneously saved and destroyed.
Shorefall by Robert Jackson Bennett
Founders #2
Sancia and the rest of Foundryside must race to understand the origins of scriving before an ancient menace burns their city to the ground.
Why I want to read it: I recently read and loved Founders #1. The world building is phenomenal, the characters relatable.
Teens & Young Adult
The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young
Sky in the Deep #2
When the possibility of war threatens her adopted clan, Tova casts rune stones and sets into motion a series of events that will change the mainland forever.
Why I want to read it: Vikings. I’ve also heard great things about book one.
The Iron Will of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee
The Epic Crush of Genie Lo #2
Genie and other contenders for the Jade Emperor’s throne embark on a Heavenly quest to defeat a mysterious threat to the supernatural order.
Why I want to read it: It’s an Asian #OwnVoices novel. Plus, one of the characters is the mythological Monkey King incarnate.
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra plans to woo, marry, and kill the Shadow King, so she can seize his throne for herself. The problem: she must not to fall for him in the process.
Why I want to read it: It features an ambitious anti-heroine.
Thorn by Intisar Khanani
Dauntless Path #1
En route to marry her betrothed, Alyrra loses her identity as princess to a sorceress. Alyrra starts anew as a goose girl, but with the fate of the kingdom at stake, she must decide who she is and what she stands for.
Why I want to read it: This looks like a goose girl retelling, and I love fairytale retellings.
The Warrior’s Curse by Jennifer A. Nielsen
The Traitor’s Game #3
Though separated, Simon and Kestra both strive to defeat the evil Lord Endrick. Is a common enemy enough to help them surviveโand carry them back to each other?
Why I want to read it: I need to find out what happens to Simon and Kestra!
Let’s Chat
What’s on your Spring 2020 TBR? Do we share any books? Have I convinced you to read any of the books on my TBR list? Based on my TBR list, what books would you recommend?
This post was made as a part of Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
It would mean a ton if youโd take a few seconds to click the box below to share this post:
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Thanks for these recs—I’m especially interested in Thorn!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thorn looks great! I’m especially looking forward to it because it looks like it has some Middle East influences.
Charis @ Charis Rae says
Thanks for these awesome fantasy recs! I haven’t heard of most of these, so I’ll definitely be looking into them at some point. ๐
Crystal (Kester) says
I hope you find new books to love from this list, Charis! ๐
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra says
I’m so excited to read Shorefall this spring. I can’t wait to see where that series goes next!
Crystal (Kester) says
Same! I hope you enjoy Shorefall!
Dini @ dinipandareads says
Great list! The cover of Empress of Salt and Fortune is gorgeous ๐ I’m hoping to pick up Foundryside soon and I’m excited to give it a try! I’ve heard some really great things about it. Hope you enjoy all of these reads!
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, the cover for Empress of Salt and Fortune is gorgeous! I hope you enjoy Foundryside, Dini! ๐
Thanks!
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says
Ahh Thorn sounds like such a good read, thank you so much for putting it on my radar! ๐
I hope you’ll love all of these. Happy reading! ๐
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m glad to hear that, Marie. I hope you enjoy Thorn!
Happy reading! ๐
Cam @ Camillea Reads says
I want to read The Rage of Dragons eventually! It sounds amazing ๐ The Ranger of Marzanna sounds really interesting. I’m very intrigued by the sibling rivalry plot!
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, The Rage of Dragons sounds amazing!
The sibling dynamics in The Ranger of Marzanna also intrigues me. I love books that feature siblings!
Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books) says
I’m not much for fantasy so I haven’t even heard of most of these. I hope you love them all, though!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Susan!
Tracy @ Cornerfolds says
I’ll definitely be coming back to this list because I’m always on the hunt for a new fantasy read! I’ve only read The Shadows Between Us but I’m super interested in Thorn.
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m glad to hear that, Tracy. I hope you find new books to love from this list!
Sammie @ The Writerly Way says
Oh gosh, I want to read so many of these, too! The Ranger of Marzanna looks SO GOOD, and I love that cover. I really enjoyed The Shadows Between Us, and I hope you do, too!
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m so excited for The Ranger of Marzanna! Yes, the cover is amazing!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed The Shadows Between Us. I’ve heard great things about the author, and the premise looks interesting!
Hannah @ Back Shelf Books says
Empress of Salt and Fortune is so good!!! I really loved it.
And Shorefall made my list too!
My TTT!
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed Empress of Salt and Fortune! And that Shorefall made your list too!
Sophia Rose says
Thorn was the only one of the these on my list so far and sadly I’ve only got one fantasy, Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven, and one historical fantasy, Kellynch Dragon by Maria Grace in my spring reads pile. You’ve given me a nice list to look at more and they do look good. Thanks, Crystal!
Crystal (Kester) says
I’ve heard great things about Grace Draven. I’ll have to check out her book and the Maria Grace book. I hope you found some new books to love from this list, Sophia!
Sam@wlabb says
I do not read too much fantasy these days, but I had to finish the Genie Lo duet. I loved Genie, and I was happy with the conclusion. I won’t lie, I hope it was going to be a longer series, but Yee gave me a great story with a nice conclusion. Hope you get to it
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the Genie Lo duet! I look forward to reading it ๐
Lydia says
I hope you enjoy all of these books.
My TTT .
Crystal (Kester) says
Thank you, Lydia!
ShootingStarsMag says
I hadn’t heard of some of these, so thanks for sharing! I’m curious about Foundryside, so I’m glad you enjoyed that and are excited for the sequel.
-Lauren
Crystal (Kester) says
Foundryside is fantastic. I hope you found some new books to love, Lauren!