15 Fantasy Books Hitting Shelves in August 2023

Zhara by S. Jae-Jones: August 1, 2023

Forbidden magic. Looming monsters. One girl’s destiny.

In the realm of Morning, Jin Zhara carries secrets—hidden magic, a blind sister, and a cruel stepmother. Rumors of monsters resurface, leading her to the enigmatic Guardians of Dawn. A plague corrupts magicians, and the Guardians suspect a demonic force.

To restore harmony, Zhara must embrace her inner elemental warrior and confront the chaos.

Sailor Moon meets Cinder in this mesmerizing fantasy series by S. Jae-Jones, the New York Times bestselling author of Wintersong.

Inanna by Emily H. Wilson: August 1, 2023

An enthralling fantasy re-telling of The Epic of Gilgamesh awaits.

Inanna, the first full Anunnaki born on Earth, is destined for greatness as the goddess of love. But war divides the immortal Anunnaki, threatening the world. Forced into a dangerous marriage, she struggles for survival.

Gilgamesh, a mortal human son of the Anunnaki, is captured and given a final chance to prove himself. Ninshubar, a powerful warrior woman, seeks acceptance after being cast out by her tribe.

Their journeys converge, and their fates intertwine as they discover the power to change the world forever.

Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin: August 1, 2023

A lush romantic fantasy filled with forbidden love and powerful choices.

Tana Fairchild’s life is predestined: to marry the governor’s son, Landon, and secure an alliance between witches and mainlanders. Her coven has appeased their fearful counterparts by releasing magic into the ocean until a fatal mistake changes everything.

Desperate for help, Tana meets Wolfe, claiming to be from a coven of dark magic practitioners. He offers forbidden magic that awakens her true power. As the sea grows more violent, Tana faces a heart-wrenching decision between love and duty, loyalty to her people, and loyalty to her heart.

Don’t miss this captivating tale of duty, desire, and the pull of destiny.

Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun: August 8, 2023

Inspired by Nigerian mythology, a spellbinding debut novel by Ehigbor Okosun takes you on a thrilling journey filled with magic and emotion.

Amid a tyrannical regime, Dèmi fights for survival in her ancestral homeland, Ife. As a darker-skinned, magic-wielding Oluso, she seeks vengeance for her mother’s murder and the spilled blood of her people. But the stakes grow higher when her quest for revenge entangles her with the Aje prince, Jonas, and a forbidden attraction blooms.

With the help of her childhood friend Colin, Dèmi embarks on a daring mission to save her people and find her place in a society designed to silence them. However, navigating a world of deadly secrets and uncertain magic puts everything at risk.

Prepare for a tale of rebellion, redemption, and forbidden love as Dèmi’s epic fantasy unfolds in a world brought to life by an enthusiastic, emerging voice.

Labyrinth’s Heart by M A Carrick: August 15, 2023

A city at risk. A web of secrets. The final showdown.

In the enchanting conclusion to the Rook & Rose trilogy, Ren, the con artist, becomes Renata, the noble Traementis heir, and the mysterious vigilante known as the Black Rose. Alongside Grey Serrado and Derossi Vargo, they fight an ancient dark magic threatening Nadežra.

As the masks multiply and the city’s fabric unravels, the trio must confront the consequences of their actions before everything they’ve built collapses.

Discover the thrilling world of Labyrinth’s Heart, where magic and deception intertwine in a tale of epic fantasy and queer adventures.

The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman: August 15, 2023

Discover love, self-discovery, and the magic of books in Alice Hoffman’s enchanting novel, The Invisible Hour.

On a brilliant June day, Mia Jacob finds solace in The Scarlet Letter, a tale of her mother’s life inside an oppressive cult. Through heartbreak and time, Mia learns the power of books and the fluidity of love.

As Mia falls in love with a brilliant writer and embarks on a journey through time, she questions what if this love story never existed?

Explore the profound impact of dreams and literature in this captivating tale.

The Midnight Kingdom by Tara Simms: August 22, 2023

Dive into the sweeping dark fantasy world of Tara Sim’s The Midnight Kingdom, where divine powers clash, and the world’s fate hangs in the balance.

After a cataclysmic battle leaves the four noble heirs scattered across different realms, they must face the challenges that lie ahead.

Old friends and new enemies await them all in this enthralling sequel as they fight to restore balance and survive the growing power of the gods.

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang: August 22, 2023

Prepare to be captivated by S. L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws, a martial arts-inspired tale of ruthless bandits challenging an oppressive empire.

Meet Lin Chong, a skilled arms instructor dedicated to training the Emperor’s soldiers. Yet, when a vengeful man tears apart her carefully crafted life, she becomes a criminal on the run, pursued by an unyielding Imperial Marshall.

Her path is changed as she joins forces with the Bandits of Liangshan, a group of outlaws who believe in justice for the oppressed and progressive thinkers. Although they may be considered murderers, thieves, and cutthroats, their unity and strength could spell the downfall of an entire empire.

Get ready to witness history being made—or torn apart—as The Water Outlaws redefine the rules of the jianghu and set forth on an epic journey to fight for justice and freedom.

He Who Drowned the World by Shelly Parker-Chan: August 22, 2023

Power, Revenge, and Betrayal Collide in ‘”He Who Drowned the World”, the sequel to She Who Became the Sun.

Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, seeks to claim the throne and become emperor. But she faces fierce rivals, including the formidable Madam Zhang and the vengeful eunuch General Ouyang. As court intrigues escalate, the contenders will stop at nothing to win the world. In this gripping sequel, ambitions clash, loyalties are tested, and the cost of victory becomes immeasurable.

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace: August 22, 2023

In this enthralling Gothic-infused tale, Adalyn Grace returns with the highly anticipated sequel to “Belladonna.” Signa and Death face a formidable new adversary – Fate, the elusive brother of Death. Seeking vengeance for a long-lost love, Fate becomes hellbent on possessing Signa at any cost. As they unravel mysteries and navigate the perilous world of high society, Signa’s newfound powers tie her to Fate’s enigmatic past, and the cousins must confront a dangerous reality.

Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim: August 29, 2023

Introducing “Her Radiant Curse” – A Captivating Tale of Sisterhood and Sacrifice

From the imaginative mind of New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Lim comes “Her Radiant Curse,” a spellbinding story of two sisters whose fates are entwined in a world of beauty and darkness. Channi, once a normal girl, is cursed by a Demon Witch and transformed into a monster with a serpent’s face. Her sister, Vanna, is the only one who sees past her appearance and loves her unconditionally.

Now, Vanna faces an unsettling betrothal contest, and only Channi can protect her from the vicious suitors. In an epic quest that spans land and sea, Channi must confront her sworn enemies, leading to a heart-rending romance and a decision that will test the very limits of sisterly love.

With echoes of classic tales like “Beauty and the Beast” and inspirations drawn from “The Selection” and “Ember in the Ashes,” Elizabeth Lim masterfully crafts a fantasy that delves into the dark side of beauty and explores the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

House of Marionne by J. Elle: August 29, 2023

Enter the enchanting world of House of Marionne, a modern-day YA romantic fantasy series by acclaimed New York Times bestselling author J. Elle. Follow 17-year-old Quell’s captivating journey as she conceals her deadly magic while navigating the elusive debutante society known as the Order. Tread carefully alongside Quell as she strives to pass their three rites of membership and protect her forbidden magic from discovery, risking certain death.

Amidst ballgowns and betrayal, magic and mystery, and an irresistible romance, House of Marionne weaves a spellbinding tale for readers who crave morally complex characters and an intoxicating, original world. Join Quell as she faces life-altering decisions that could either save her loved ones or seal their fate.

Where Peace is Lost by Valerie Valdes: August 29, 2023

In the exciting lineup of August 2023 fantasy releases, delve into “Where Peace Is Lost” by Valerie Valdes. Follow Kelana Gardavros, a refugee with a hidden past, as she embarks on a perilous road trip with two strangers to stop a reactivated Pale war machine. Together, they must confront dangerous foes, traverse treacherous landscapes, and face Kel’s fear of revealing her secrets. Will they save the planet or plunge it into war? Discover a space fantasy full of action, intrigue, and the search for lasting peace.

Hellfinder by Paula Stokes: August 30, 2023

Embark on a thrilling winter adventure in “Hellfinder” by Paula Stokes. Rory Quinn and her treasure-hunter grandmother journey to Iceland in pursuit of an enchanted artifact—an eerie stone said to lead to the nearest doorway to Hell. The stakes escalate when they discover that a heavy metal band plans to use the stone for a dangerous publicity stunt inside a volcano. Alongside Einar and Gunnar, the band’s twins, they must navigate treacherous landscapes and uncover the stone’s whereabouts. But as Rory grows closer to Gunnar, she senses he harbors deep secrets that could shatter her beliefs forever. Will they retrieve the stone in time, or unleash something malevolent into the Icelandic wilderness?

The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma: August 31, 2023

Step into the captivating world of “The Phoenix King” by Aparna Verma, a mesmerizing fantasy tale brimming with Indian-inspired magic and prophecy. The Ravani kingdom’s destiny is bound to the power of the Eternal Fire, wielded by the Ravence bloodline. Elena Aadya, the heir to the throne, is determined to prove herself despite lacking her family’s extraordinary abilities. When Yassen Knight, a notorious assassin, pledges loyalty to the throne, Elena becomes wary of his true intentions. As war threatens the kingdom, their intricate dance of intrigue and betrayal unfolds, and their choices will shape their world’s fate. Don’t miss this action-packed debut that will keep you on the edge of your seat.