I know not everyone has time off over Christmas, but for those who do and are looking to spend the time with a good book, I have some recommendations for you. These are five fantasy books that would be perfect to spend the Christmas with.
The Poppy War, R. F. Kuang
Read my review here
This fantasy blew me away, I thought it would slump me but neigh, I LOVED THE THING! This was an exciting tale of magic and adventure, following Rin a young girl desperate to break free of the life chosen from her. The sequel The Dragon Republic is also out now so you don’t need to wait long to continue the story either.
Themes: fantasy, historical fiction, warfare, magic, adult for the full list of my indicated trigger warnings for these books, please read my review.
Strange the Dreamer, Laini Taylor
Read my review here
If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know I adored this duology by Laini Taylor, Lazlo Strange and the city of Weep are just so fascinating. Lazlo has been intrigued by Weep his whole life so when he is invited along to explore this potential fictional city, he jumps at the chance and is shocked by what he finds there. A perfect fantasy to explore over the Christmas break!
Themes: magic, romance, historical, young adult
The Starless Sea, Erin Morgenstern
This is a magical tale that feels like falling into a dream and I adore it. This book will captivate you as you join Zachary in his discovery of the world linking him to a very important book. This is the perfect read for any book lovers that want to be swept away with a fantasy over the Christmas break.
Themes: magic, books, lgbtqia+, literature, nonsense, adult
The Priory of the Orange Tree, Samantha Shannon
Okay so this one may take you a little longer than just the Christmas break to read, but I promise you won’t regret it. This is an epic tale of a Queendom and battles for power with such a range of characters and settings and dragons! I want to reread this book and it’s barely been a year since I’ve finished it.
Themes: monarchy, fantasy, lgbtqia+, feminisms, dragons, battles, adult
Master of Sorrows, Justin Travis Call
This is a book for fans of The Poppy War for sure, it’s about Annev who has the burden of forbidden magic and goes to a school that would surely kill him if he found out. It is about his battle for survival and a place to belong. I loved this book, it was exciting and fast paced and left me wanting more, it would be the perfect fantasy to read over Christmas!
Themes: forbidden magic, school, romance, young adult
Let me know if you have any more books to add to these suggestions!
I am currently reading the Starless sea and i am almost done with it. I love it its so magical
I would highly recommend The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, the books are not chunky but the series is long and highly addicting and engaging
I just took Strange the Dreamer out from the library this week! I’ve heard such good things about it that I couldn’t walk past and not check it out.
Yes, Strange the Dreamer is the perfect sweep-you-away story for Christmas time – I loved that book a lot more than I expected to. I’m hoping to read The Priory of the Orange Tree over Christmas this year, and I need to cross The Poppy War off my TBR, too.
I love Laini Taylor so will defo be checking out strange the dreamer. The priory of the orange tree was an epic book and took my ages to read lol, but I did really enjoy it. Great recommendations x
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I’m reading The Starless Sea right now and it’s SO good! It’s a long one like The Night Circus but so enjoyable.
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Great list, Strange the Dreamer is the perfect read for this time of year and I really need to pick up The Starless Sea 💜☃️
Great list!
Lovely post, Beth!! <3 I really want to read Strange the Dreamer and the Poppy War soon! I've heard such wonderful things about both fantasy books and am sure they'd both be my cup of tea! I just haven't found the courage to tackle those large tomes yet! Haha!