Think fantasy books aren’t for you? We’re here to change your mind! Our list of 10 fantasy books for non-fantasy readers is handpicked to charm lovers of thrillers, romance, horror, and literary fiction. Prepare to be surprised by the universal appeal of these imaginative tales!
10 Fantasy Books for Non-Fantasy Readers | Discover Your New Favorite Genre
Love thrillers, romance, or even horror? It turns out that there are fantasy books for non-fantasy readers, too! These aren’t your typical tales of elves and dragons. They’re gripping stories filled with suspense, heart-wrenching romance, or even a chilling touch of darkness. Let these ten books be your gateway into the magical world of fantasy.
Dark Fantasies for Horror Aficionados: Where Fear Meets Fantasy
Love a good scare? You don’t have to leave the realm of fantasy to find it. Dark fantasy blends the imaginative worlds of fantasy with the chilling thrills of horror. These tales delve into the shadowy corners of magic, where monstrous creatures lurk, ancient evils awaken, and heroes grapple with their deepest fears. If you’re a horror fan and are curious about dipping your toes into fantasy, these dark fantasy books offer a thrilling bridge between the genres.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
If you love gothic horror with a twist, Gideon the Ninth will be your new obsession. Imagine a haunted house but in space. Gideon, a sword-wielding badass, gets stuck with her necromancer rival, Harrowhark, on a crumbling, creepy space station. Their mission? Figure out why everyone is dying.
Except, this isn’t your grandma’s haunted house. Expect sword duels, bone magic, and enough snark to raise the dead (literally). Plus, there’s an unexpected emotional depth that’ll leave you wanting more. So, if you like your horror with a side of humor and a dash of the macabre, Gideon the Ninth is the perfect fantasy book for you.
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
If you love historical fiction with a creepy twist, The Year of the Witching might become your new favorite. It’s set in a Puritan-like community, where the rules are strict and women are oppressed. Our main character, Immanuelle, is an outcast who doesn’t quite fit in.
However, she wanders into the forbidden woods and discovers dark secrets about her family and town. The atmosphere is tense, the writing is gorgeous, and the story is chilling. If you’re looking for a fantasy book that feels like a classic horror novel with a dash of social commentary, this one’s for you.
If you find yourself craving even more dark fantasy after devouring these tales, don’t worry! The genre has endless depths to explore. Feel free to drop a comment below, and I’ll gladly share more recommendations tailored to your specific tastes.
Enchanted Romances: Fantasy Books for Lovers of Heartfelt Stories
Looking for love stories that transcend the ordinary? These fantasy romances weave enchanting tales of love, loss, and longing amidst magical worlds. Whether you’re swooning over forbidden love or rooting for star-crossed lovers, these stories will capture your heart and transport you to fantastical realms where anything is possible.
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
“A Deal with the Elf King” by Elise Kova is a must-read fantasy book for non-fantasy readers who love romance! When human woman Luella accidentally crosses into the Elf King’s realm, she agrees to marry him to save her life. However, their relationship is far from perfect.
With lush world-building, sizzling chemistry, and a gripping plot, this book is a perfect gateway fantasy for romance lovers. Kova’s engaging and emotionally charged writing will keep you turning pages late into the night.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Romance lovers, don’t let the fantasy setting scare you away from A Court of Thorns and Roses! This Beauty and the Beast retelling will sweep you off your feet and into the enchanting faerie realm of Prythian. You’ll meet Feyre, a huntress forced to live with a High Fae named Tamlin after killing a wolf.
While there’s an undeniable spark between them, a dark secret lurks. Ancient evils threaten to destroy everything Feyre has come to love, and she must fight for her happily ever after. With twists and turns you won’t see coming, this fantasy novel is perfect for romance fans.
If you love this blend of fantasy and romance, or romantasy, as they call it, be sure to check out my other blog posts for more swoon-worthy recommendations!
Mysteries and Thrills in Fantasy: For Lovers of Suspense and Intrigue
Mystery and thriller fans, don’t dismiss fantasy just yet! These magical realms hold secrets waiting to be uncovered and thrilling intrigues to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
Mystery lovers, Magic Bites is your gateway to urban fantasy detective fiction! Meet Kate Daniels, a tough mercenary navigating a world where magic randomly replaces technology. When her guardian is murdered, Kate’s investigation plunges her into a shadowy underworld of power struggles and supernatural threats.
It’s not just about catching a killer, though. Kate must decipher cryptic clues, outsmart cunning enemies, and survive magical showdowns. If you crave a mystery with a fantastical twist, Kate Daniels will keep you guessing until the very end.
Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
Mystery fans, meet Ivy Gamble, your cynical, non-magical private investigator in a world where magic exists. She gets tangled up in a murder at the fancy magic school where her estranged twin sister teaches. This case isn’t just about solving a crime, though. It’s about confronting past hurts and those what-if questions about the life she could have had.
Ivy’s witty observations and sharp deductions will keep you turning pages as she navigates magical secrets, messy relationships, and a murder mystery that hits close to home. This grounded story of jealousy, grief, and sisterhood will resonate even if you’re not into fantasy.
If these thrilling tales have you hooked on the magic of fantasy, check out my other blog posts for even more captivating recommendations that will transport you to extraordinary realms.
Literary Fantasy: Complex Characters and Rich Narratives for the Thoughtful Reader
If you usually reach for literary fiction, don’t let the “fantasy” label deter you. These books offer the same rich character development and thought-provoking themes you love, just with a touch of magic woven in.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
Literary fiction fans, get ready to be swept away by the timeless story of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Addie makes a fateful deal with a dark god for immortality, but there’s a catch: she’s cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. The novel spans centuries, following Addie’s extraordinary journey through history and art.
However, a flicker of hope emerges when, after 300 years, she meets someone who remembers her name. This beautifully written tale explores themes of love, loss, memory, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Even without dragons or magic swords, this fantasy novel will leave you pondering life’s big questions long after the last page.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Literary fiction lovers, if you crave atmosphere and enchanting prose, step into the mesmerizing world of The Night Circus. This isn’t your average fantasy novel; it’s a love letter to storytelling and the magic of the unknown. The story unfolds around Le Cirque des Rêves, a mysterious circus that appears without warning and vanishes just as quickly.
However, behind the enchanting illusions and captivating performances lies a deeper game. Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are bound by a dangerous competition neither fully understands. Their fates intertwined with the circus itself; they must navigate a delicate dance of love, rivalry, and magic. Trust me, this beautifully written novel will linger in your thoughts long after you leave the circus tents behind.
If you’re ready to explore more literary fantasy that will transport you to extraordinary worlds and challenge your perspectives, be sure to check out my other blog posts for even more captivating recommendations.
Past and Magic Intertwined: Fantasy Books for Historical Fiction Enthusiasts
History buffs, fantasy isn’t just about far-off lands and mythical creatures. These captivating tales blend historical settings with magical elements, creating a unique reading experience that will transport you to another time and place while still satisfying your thirst for imaginative storytelling.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
History buffs, get ready to have your mind blown by Babel, a dark academia fantasy set in 1800s Oxford. It follows Robin Swift, a Chinese boy brought to England to study at the Royal Institute of Translation, also known as Babel. Here, they harness the power of language to fuel the British Empire’s magic.
However, Robin soon discovers that Babel’s magic comes at a steep cost to his homeland. He grapples with his loyalty to the institution that raised him and his growing anger at its exploitation of his people. This thought-provoking novel blends historical fiction with linguistic magic, exploring themes of colonialism, power, and the cost of knowledge. Even if you’re not a fantasy fan, this book will challenge your assumptions and spark important conversations.
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
A Natural History of Dragons” by Marie Brennan is the perfect fantasy book for historical fiction fans! Written as a memoir, it follows Lady Isabella Trent, a pioneering dragon naturalist in a world reminiscent of Victorian England. As Isabella pursues her passion and makes groundbreaking discoveries, readers are treated to thrilling adventures and rich, detailed world-building.
Brennan’s engaging narrative voice makes this fantasy accessible and enjoyable for non-fantasy readers. With a blend of scientific curiosity, adventure, and mystery, this book is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the fantasy genre through a familiar historical lens.
If you’re eager to uncover more hidden histories and magical secrets, delve into my other blog posts for a curated selection of fantasy novels that will enchant history enthusiasts and transport you to extraordinary eras.
Discover the Magic of Fantasy Books, Even If You’re Not a Fantasy Fan
If you’ve hesitated to explore the fantasy genre, these ten fantasy books for non-fantasy readers are the perfect place to start. From spellbinding horror to enchanting romance and magical mysteries to thought-provoking literary tales and immersive historical adventures, there’s a fantasy book for every type of reader. These carefully selected titles offer a gateway into the rich and imaginative world of fantasy literature, showcasing the genre’s incredible diversity and appeal.
By delving into these fantasy books, non-fantasy readers can discover the magic, excitement, and depth that the genre has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of spine-chilling thrills, sweeping love stories, intriguing whodunits, profound literary works, or captivating historical narratives, these fantasy books prove that the genre has something for everyone.
Each title on this list combines the best elements of its respective genre with the unique charm and wonder of fantasy, creating an unforgettable reading experience.
So, if you’ve been curious about fantasy but haven’t known where to start, give one of these amazing fantasy books for non-fantasy readers a try. You might just find yourself falling in love with a whole new genre and eager to explore even more of the incredible stories that fantasy literature has to offer. Don’t let preconceptions hold you back – embrace the magic and discover a world of imagination, adventure, and endlessly fascinating possibilities.
If you like my writing, check out my other blogs, The Coffee Mom (for surviving motherhood) and The Mom Side Hustle (for making it work!) and my newest site, Nerdy Girl Trends (for all things anime, gaming, and manga)!.
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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