For any book lover who adores a world where magic flows through the air, where fierce heroines rise up, and where forbidden romances tug at your heart, high fantasy novels have the unique ability to transport you to breathtaking worlds full of adventure and intrigue. If you’ve fallen in love with the likes of A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) or Fourth Wing (like me), you’re likely seeking your next epic adventure. Well, you’re in the right place! Below are 10 high fantasy books that not only promise captivating plots but will sweep you away to fantastical realms full of magic, danger, and complex characters.
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1. “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas
For fans of strong, complex heroines and epic, high-stakes fantasy.
Meet Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin with a painful past, chosen to fight in a brutal competition to become the King’s Champion. But there’s more to Celaena than just her ability to wield a sword; beneath her hardened exterior is a woman seeking revenge for her tragic past and justice for her kingdom. This series mixes political intrigue, magical powers, and romance, all with a thrilling twist. If you love strong, fearless women who can both fight and love fiercely, Throne of Glass will pull you in.
Vibes: Strong, independent female protagonist (like Feyre in ACOTAR), intense action, romance, and complex political intrigue.
Similar to: ACOTAR’s fierce heroine and high-stakes adventure.
2. “The Bone Season” by Samantha Shannon
For fans of dystopian worlds with a mix of paranormal and fantasy.
Paige Mahoney lives in a world where clairvoyants are hunted by the government. She’s caught in a dangerous underworld and becomes entangled with the enigmatic Warden, a powerful being from another world. The Bone Season series is a unique blend of paranormal fantasy, featuring a complex and intricate world full of mystery, political schemes, and an evolving, intense relationship that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Vibes: Paranormal fantasy with a darker, dystopian feel, magical powers, and an intriguing mystery.
Similar to: Fourth Wing’s complex, hidden powers and urban fantasy elements, but with a more speculative twist.
3. “Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin
For fans of forbidden love, witches, and enemies-to-lovers romance.
In a world where witches are hunted, Louise le Blanc is a witch hiding in plain sight, forced to live under the constant threat of discovery. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s forced into marriage with Reid Diggory, a witch hunter, in a twist of fate that turns their worlds upside down. As they discover dark secrets, secrets that could change everything, their volatile relationship transforms into something unexpected—romance. This book has the perfect blend of slow-burning tension, magical world-building, and that irresistible enemies-to-lovers trope.
Vibes: Enemies-to-lovers dynamic, forbidden love, magical world.
Similar to: ACOTAR’s romance and magical elements, but with a witch-hunter twist.
4. “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon
For fans of dragons, epic world-building, and fierce heroines.
This standalone fantasy novel is an absolute treat for fans of expansive world-building and epic adventures. The story is set in a world where dragons roam the skies, and four kingdoms stand at the brink of war. At the heart of it all is a group of strong women: Tane, a dragon-rider from the East, Sabran, the queen of a kingdom who must protect her people, and Ead, a dragon-riding sorceress. The novel balances action, political intrigue, and romance, all wrapped up in breathtakingly beautiful prose. This book is perfect for anyone who loves dragons, complex politics, and strong female characters.
Vibes: Strong female characters, dragons, epic political drama, and high fantasy world-building.
Similar to: The expansive world-building and strong women in ACOTAR, but with a much broader scope and a focus on dragons.
5. “The Shadow of What Was Lost” by James Islington
For fans of magic, mystery, and a gripping, fast-paced plot.
The Licanius Trilogy begins with The Shadow of What Was Lost, a story set in a world where magic has been outlawed, and the protagonist, Isiah, is thrust into an impossible situation where he must confront dark forces that threaten to destroy the world. Magic, prophecy, and betrayal all play significant roles as Isiah and his companions navigate a complex world of shifting allegiances and dark secrets. If you love complex magic systems and fast-paced plots, this one is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.
Vibes: Epic fantasy with intricate magic systems, high-stakes tension, and a young hero discovering his hidden powers.
Similar to: The depth of magic and political intrigue you might find in Fourth Wing, though with more of a traditional epic fantasy structure.
6. “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss
For fans of lyrical prose, a mysterious protagonist, and a journey of self-discovery.
One of the most celebrated high fantasy books in recent years, The Name of the Wind follows Kvothe, a legendary figure in his world, as he recounts his life story, revealing how he rose from a simple child to a powerful and mysterious figure. The book is told in the form of a memoir, with Kvothe recounting his life filled with magic, music, and tragedy. Rothfuss’s storytelling is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a world where the line between myth and reality is beautifully blurred.
Vibes: Lyrical prose, a character-driven story, a focus on magic and mystery.
Similar to: ACOTAR in terms of a character-driven journey but with more of a focus on a single protagonist’s coming-of-age story.
7. “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
For fans of anti-heroes, heists, and complex character dynamics.
Set in the same world as Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows follows a ragtag group of criminals led by Kaz Brekker, who are tasked with pulling off an impossible heist. With a diverse group of characters, each with their own dark pasts and unique talents, this series is filled with twists, tension, and unexpected alliances. Fans of ACOTAR will appreciate the morally gray characters, the high-stakes adventure, and the intense relationships that develop between them.
Vibes: Heists, morally gray characters, and the formation of unlikely alliances.
Similar to: The action-packed, morally complex nature of Fourth Wing, but with a focus on a group dynamic.
8. “The City of Brass” by S.A. Chakraborty
For fans of intricate world-building, political intrigue, and rich history.
Set in a world inspired by Middle Eastern mythology, The City of Brass introduces Nahri, a young woman who unknowingly discovers her magical heritage. As she’s thrust into the world of the Djinn and a city of politics, intrigue, and betrayal, Nahri must navigate the dangerous world she’s stumbled into. With rich world-building and a plot filled with twists and turns, this series will captivate fans of high fantasy and those looking for a fresh, diverse take on the genre.
Vibes: Mystical world-building, political intrigue, magical beings, and a heroine discovering her hidden power.
Similar to: The richly woven world-building in ACOTAR, with a focus on uncovering hidden magic and complex relationships.
9. “The Curse of Chalion” by Lois McMaster Bujold
For fans of epic, character-driven stories and divine intervention.
Cazaril is a broken man, once a courtier, now a lowly servant, but when he is entrusted with the care of the royal family, he becomes embroiled in a web of political intrigue, prophecy, and divine curses. What makes The Curse of Chalion special is its deep focus on character development and the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, making it perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven, thoughtful fantasy with strong theological themes.
Vibes: Political intrigue, divine intervention, and a more slow-burn narrative with deep character exploration.
Similar to: ACOTAR’s character-driven storytelling, but with a focus on theological themes and moral dilemmas.
10. “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik
For fans of fairy-tale inspired fantasy, dark magic, and a slow-burn romance.
Uprooted is a spellbinding stand-alone novel that mixes elements of Eastern European folklore with high fantasy. The story revolves around Agnes, a young woman who is forced to confront the dangerous forest that threatens her village and to learn magic from the enigmatic Dragon, a wizard who seems as harsh as he is powerful. Novik’s lush prose, combined with a gripping plot and a slow-burn romance, makes this book a must-read for fans of darker, fairy-tale-inspired fantasy.
Vibes: A dark, fairy-tale-inspired atmosphere with a magical forest, a strong heroine, and a mysterious romance.
Similar to: Fourth Wing in terms of the darker, more magical tone and a slow-building romance.
Final Thoughts
While these books all share some key elements with ACOTAR and Fourth Wing—whether it’s the intense romance, magical worlds, or richly developed characters—each one offers something uniquely special. If you’re drawn to the thrill of fast-paced action or the tension of deep, evolving relationships, books like Serpent & Dove, Throne of Glass, and Six of Crows are sure to hit the mark.
Each of these high fantasy novels promises an immersive experience, filled with captivating characters, expansive worlds, and epic adventures. Whether you’re craving magical realms, forbidden love, or complex political drama, these books deliver it all.
Ready to lose yourself in a new world? Click on the links provided and start your next great adventure today. Don’t wait—your next favorite book is just a click away!
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