The fantasy genre is overwhelmingly made up of series, with standalones seemingly rare (particularly in young adult).
But I know a lot of readers, like myself, sometimes prefer a well-crafted standalone.
Sometimes the excitement of a series can dwindle, and they tend to drag by the second or third installment. Not to mention having to wait a year or more for the next one while hoping not to forget all the important details.
Standalones offer us that quick-win feeling of fulfillment.
So I put together this list of awesome book recommendations (both adult and young adult fantasy) based on your favorite tropes and sub-genres.
If you love the fantasy genre, but prefer the rare standalone, this one is for you!
Young Adult
Modern Mythology:
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Published: 2021
Pages: 480
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the Hunger Games of Greek mythology and I loved every minute of it. It is at times dark and brutal in ways that have you feeling with the characters. I loved Lore and found her very relatable. The relationships built in the story were strong and evocative. The plot was action-packed and kept me engaged throughout. The world-building and mythology of this story was a unique and fresh perspective that I was totally immersed in. This one deserved all the hype and attention it received. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Necromancy:
The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Published: 2019
Pages: 352
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was first introduced to this author after being gifted with an advanced copy of The Drowned Woods, set to release in August, 2022. After thoroughly enjoying that one, I immediately went to get this book. It is set in the same world as this book but in a different time and with different characters. The author has a profound ability to capture characters, their personalities, how they think and feel, and just the human experience in general. I love the atypical main characters in this story – a tomboy girl hero with a boyish figure, and a boy who has to rely on intelligence rather than physical strength. They bond through their unique experiences with loss and tragedy. The adventure they embark on is action-packed and I couldn’t put this one down.
Quest to Save the Kingdom:
Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston
Published: 2020
Pages: 352
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
The epitome of epic quests, reluctant hero, and wild, unpredictable magic. The characters are endearing and you will be rooting for them throughout the entire thrilling adventure. The relationships are cute, sweet, and give you all the feel-good vibes. Although it is nothing groundbreaking in this genre, it is still a fun, fast read and I recommend it to any young adult fantasy lover.
Ancient Evil Spirits:
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
Published: 2021
Pages: 400
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is a new obsession – how the author can make my fall in love with an ancient, evil, demon spirit. She has a remarkable capability of personifying something that essentially has no corporeal form of its own. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns and the tension builds to the ultimate crescendo. This is an exceptional standalone but I so wish I could spend more time in this complex, intriguing world. I will forever read anything this author creates.
Male Protagonist:
Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier
Published: 2021
Pages: 336
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a fun, fast read! I loved the characters and the plot was exciting. I also really appreciated this book as a standalone. It told everything it needed to and was satisfyingly complete. I also really enjoyed that the main character was male, another seemingly rare occurrence in YA fantasy. The mysterious were intriguing and kept me guessing. I do wish it had a little more depth into the paranormal aspects, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment and experience with story. I highly recommend this one to readers that love kingdoms, quests, brutal action, as well as some light-hearted romantic undercurrents.
Forbidden Magic:
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Published: 2019
Pages: 456
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, another recommendation from this author – because she is the queen of YA fantasy standalones. I have yet to read her first one (An Enchantment of Ravens), but it is definitely on my list. This is an exciting adventure full of sentient grimoires and hidden libraries. If you love a bold female protagonist and a flirty, witty relationship, then this one is definitely for you. I can’t say enough good things about this masterpiece and this author – whose books I could reread over and over again.
Elemental Magic:
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
Published: 2021
Pages: 384
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everything about the way this book is structured is methodical, purposeful, and cyclical. The author has really crafted something special. I loved Clara and felt for everything she goes through. The writing is absolutely enchanting, with everything flowing like the seasonal themes in this story. This is a truly unique experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a magical story with a deeper meaning behind it.
Creepy Horror:
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Published: 2021
Pages: 304
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was a tad slow and repetitive at the beginning, but if you hang in there for a moment you wont regret it because once this book picks up it doesn’t stop. It will hook you in and not let you go until you’ve read every last page. This story is dark and creepy; it was everything weird and haunting in all the best ways. The sisters are fun and quirky and will have you rooting for them the entire time. The plot throws curves you never expected and will keep you wanting to know the truth. This story is emotionally charged and will have you sad and laughing in the same page. I highly recommend this book to fans of sinister fairytale vibes – this one won’t disappoint.
Adult
Victorian-Era Romance:
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Published: 2021
Pages: 320
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Although this isn’t my typical go-to kind of book, surprisingly I really enjoyed it. I will say that the magical aspects somewhat took a back seat in the plot but I still enjoyed the ups and downs of these characters’ relationship. And, of course, who doesn’t love a happy ending? If you like historical fantasy with a splash of magical realism, you’ll enjoy this one.
Historical Retelling:
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Published: 2021
Pages: 320
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a fabulous debut! I can’t wait to pick up her newest book, Elektra. I love mythical retellings and this one definitely lived up to the hype. It is equal parts tragic and triumphant, as one would expect from a story of these characters. I enjoyed the fresh, feminine perspective of tales that typically revolve around the male hero instead. This is not a story for the faint of heart, but if you like the one’s that make you think deeply, then you will enjoy this book.
Secrets and Mystery:
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Published: 2011
Pages: 387
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book wasn’t exactly what I expected it to be, but nonetheless, I was absolutely captivated. Even through some of the slower moments, the writing is lyrically beautiful. The atmosphere is richly woven into the plot and will transport you. She has also published another standalone fantasy, The Starless Sea, which is definitely on my list to read.
Pagan Outcasts:
The Wolf and The Woodsman by Ava Reid
Published: 2021
Pages: 448
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Definitely one of my new favorite book couples – slow-burn enemies to lovers at its finest. The world-building is rich in cultural, political, and religious tension. There are some content warnings, just to be aware, but there is nothing extreme or distasteful – only the raw and gritty nature of this story. Hard to believe this incredible work is a debut! She has a new book releasing in June, 2022 (another standalone), called Juniper & Thorn, which I was blessed with an advanced copy of – it is absolutely phenomenal and I can’t wait to share more about it with y’all!
Is there another standalone fantasy book you want to add to this list?
Let us know in the comments below!
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