Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together
Happy Tuesday y’all! This week’s topic is “Books You’d be a Fool Not to Read.” This could cover anything from your favorites you think everyone should read to favorite books within a genre, etc. For me, I’m listing my favorite fantasies, in no particular order. As always, covers link to blog review, Goodreads, or Amazon (affiliate).
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: This is one of my all-time favorites. I’ve read it countless times and find something new every time I read it. If you are new to fantasy, this is a good series to start with: easily understood magic system, political intrigue, assassins, adventure, romance.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling: For anyone that enjoys magic, a classic good vs. evil storyline, and an academic setting. This series is a good one for middle school age and up. Also if you enjoy audiobook, Jim Dale is amazing!
The Selection by Kiera Cass: This fantasy is more a dystopian society than a true fantasy and one of my all-time favorites. It features a sweet romance, a Bachelor style competition, and political intrigue in a post-war/post-economic collapse of America.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber: This is a good introduction to darker, gothic style fantasy. Set in a magical game, the competitors lose touch with what is real and what is make-believe.
Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa: One of my all-time favorites from my favorite author. This will introduce you to a steamier new adult, urban fantasy which features a siren and fae.
Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington: For those that are new to fantasy, this series features an urban setting with a lush magic system and a love that’s waited a thousand years. 100% recommend the special ruby editions when you read.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: This fantasy dystopian is set in the aftermath of climate change, in a world trying to kill its inhabitants. It features a sweet romance and some interesting sensory related abilities.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Another fantasy dystopian and a modern-day classic, set in what remains of the United States. The country is divided into districts, and each districts must send a male and female tribute to compete in the Hunger Games, a brutal game to the death, as retribution for their uprising against the Capital.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore: Gorgeous imagery and fantastic world building make this one a must-read fantasy. Features those born with a grace, a magic power unique to them. Strong heroine, political uprising, and a touch of romance.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo: Fantasy at its best! Lush world, civil war, magic, and romance abound. Meet the Darkling and the girl who will bring him down. (and please don’t compare to the Netflix show….this is much better 😅)
Your Turn! What books would you add to my fantasy starter pack? Share below
My spouse loved the Shadow and Bone TV show! I’m glad the book was better.
I’m sad the show was cancelled, but the books are amazing. The first season lined up really well with them, but the second season they went off the rails and changed a lot. I think that’s why it probably failed.
I’ve read 3 of these and own the books for at least 2 more.
Anne- Books of My Heart recently posted…A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett @robertjbennett.bsky.social @robertjbennett #Ballantine @DelReyBooks
Oh there are some really great ones on your list!
My TTT: https://laurieisreading.com/2025/04/01/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-would-have-been-a-fool-to-have-missed/
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The only one on your list that I’ve read is HP. I’m not a huge fan of fantasy, but something about the boy who lived captivated me.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/tongue-in-cheek-book-titles-titles-to-make-you-smile/
Ooh nice topic choice! I of course LOVED Caraval and even have it on my list today! Lol. Shadow and Bone and Under the Never Sky were also amazing! I was actually just looking at Rhapsodic myself!
Here’s my Tuesday Post
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Rhapsodic is amazing! One of my all-time favorite authors.
The Hunger Games made my list too! I want to reread the whole series this year.
Aj @ Read All The Things! recently posted…The Books I Recommend Most Often