Fae Fantasy Books

If you've ever found yourself completely enchanted by stories of otherworldly beings with pointed ears, magical powers, and complex relationships with mortals, then you've probably fallen under the spell of fae fantasy books.

These captivating tales transport us into realms where ancient magic still thrives, where beautiful and dangerous creatures dance between light and shadow, and where love often comes with a price that's both thrilling and terrifying. The world of fae literature has exploded in popularity over the past decade, giving us some absolutely incredible stories that'll keep you turning pages well into the night.

Here we look at the seven best-selling fae fantasy books.

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Fae Fantasy Books 

What makes fae fantasy books so irresistible? Well, it's that perfect blend of danger and allure that these mythical beings represent. The fae aren't your typical fantasy creatures – they're complex, morally ambiguous, and bound by ancient laws and customs that often put them at odds with the human world.

Whether they're portrayed as elegant High Fae ruling over glittering courts or wild, untamed creatures of the forest, they always bring an element of unpredictability that keeps readers on their toes. Plus, let's be honest, there's something undeniably attractive about immortal beings with otherworldly beauty and power.

The beauty of this genre lies in its incredible diversity. You'll find everything from young adult coming-of-age stories to steamy adult fantasy romance novels that'll make your heart race. Some books focus on epic battles between different fae courts, while others dive deep into the intimate relationships between fae and mortals.

The common thread? They all explore themes of power, sacrifice, love, and the price of magic in ways that feel both fantastical and surprisingly relatable.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

by Sarah J. Maas

Now, let's dive into the cream of the crop – the seven best-selling fae fantasy books that have captured readers' hearts worldwide. First up is "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, which has become the gold standard for modern fae romance novels. This book follows Feyre, a mortal huntress who kills a faerie wolf and is subsequently dragged into the magical realm of Prythian as punishment. There, she becomes entangled with Tamlin, a powerful High Fae lord, and discovers that her actions have far-reaching consequences for both the mortal and fae worlds.

What makes Feyre such a compelling protagonist is her journey from a desperate, starving girl trying to keep her family alive to a powerful woman who learns to navigate the dangerous politics of the fae courts. The relationship dynamics are complex and sometimes controversial, but that's what makes them so engaging.

Tamlin starts as the love interest but evolves into something more complicated, while Rhysand emerges as a character who challenges everything Feyre thought she knew about good and evil. The book masterfully weaves together elements of Beauty and the Beast with original mythology, creating something entirely fresh.

You can purchase this book here on Amazon.

A Court of Mist and Fury

Another good book by Sarah J. Maas is "A Court of Mist and Fury". Described as seductive and stunning, you can read more and purchase this book here.

The Cruel Prince

by Holly Black

The second must-read is "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black, the first book in the Folk of the Air trilogy. This story centers around Jude, a mortal girl who was taken to live in the High Court of Faerie as a child after her parents were murdered by a fae general.

Now a teenager, Jude desperately wants to belong in this world that both fascinates and terrifies her, but she faces constant discrimination and cruelty from the fae, particularly from Prince Cardan, the youngest and most wicked of the king's sons.

What sets this book apart is its exploration of power dynamics and the lengths someone will go to gain control over their own destiny. Jude isn't looking for love – she's looking for power and respect in a world that sees her as less than nothing. Her relationship with Cardan is deliciously antagonistic, built on mutual hatred that slowly transforms into something much more complex. Holly Black doesn't shy away from showing the darker aspects of fae nature, making this one of the more morally gray entries in the genre.

Click here to buy The Cruel Prince.

Fae Fantasy Books

Hunt on Dark Waters

by Katee Robert

Third on our list is "Hunt on Dark Waters" by Katee Robert, which brings a fresh pirate twist to fae fantasy books. The story follows Evelyn, a witch who accidentally kills a man with her magic and finds herself teleported onto a vampire pirate ship captained by Bowen, a telekinetic vampire with his own agenda. While not traditional fae, the book incorporates supernatural elements and otherworldly beings that fans of fae fantasy will absolutely love.

Evelyn is running from a life she never wanted, while Bowen is bound by a curse that keeps him sailing the supernatural seas. Their relationship develops against a backdrop of magical battles, political intrigue, and the constant threat of supernatural enemies.

The book combines the adventure of pirate stories with the romantic tension that makes adult fantasy romance so addictive. Robert's writing brings a modern sensibility to classic fantasy tropes, creating characters who feel real despite their magical circumstances.

You can purchase this book here on Amazon.

From Blood and Ash

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Fourth is "From Blood and Ash" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, which follows Poppy, a girl chosen from birth to bring about a new age of peace, but only if she remains pure and untouched until her Ascension. Her life changes dramatically when she meets Hawke, a guard assigned to protect her who challenges everything she's been taught to believe about her destiny and herself.

Poppy's journey from sheltered Maiden to discovering her true power is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying. The book is packed with mystery, as Poppy slowly uncovers the truth about her world, her role in it, and the real nature of the beings she's been taught to fear.

Hawke is the perfect love interest – protective but not controlling, mysterious but not manipulative. The romantic tension builds beautifully throughout the book, and when the truth about both characters is revealed, it completely changes everything you thought you knew about the story.

Purchase this book on Amazon here.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

by V.E. Schwab

Our fifth book is "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab. This haunting tale follows Addie, who makes a desperate bargain with a dark entity to live forever, but the curse ensures that everyone she meets immediately forgets her. For 300 years, she lives this lonely existence until she meets Henry, a young bookseller in New York who, impossibly, remembers her name.

What makes this book special is how it explores the weight of immortality and the human need for connection. Addie's relationship with the dark entity who cursed her (known only as "the darkness" or Luc) is complex and morally ambiguous – he's both her tormentor and the only constant in her long life.

The book jumps between timelines, showing us Addie's life across centuries and how she's learned to survive in a world where she can't form lasting relationships. It's a beautiful meditation on memory, love, and what it means to be truly seen.

Read more about this book and purchase here.

One Dark Window

by Rachel Gillig

Sixth on our list is "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig, the first book in the Shepherd King series. Set in a world where magic comes from mysterious cards, the story follows Elspeth, who has been infected with dark magic that's slowly consuming her. When she encounters a mysterious man named Ravyn who possesses one of the rare Providence Cards, she's drawn into a dangerous quest to collect the remaining cards before the realm falls to darkness.

Elspeth is a fascinating protagonist because she's fighting a battle within herself as much as she's fighting external enemies. The dark magic inside her, which she calls "the Nightmare," gives her power but threatens to destroy her humanity. Ravyn and his group of Providers become her unlikely allies, but trust doesn't come easily when everyone has their own secrets and motivations.

The magic system based on cards is unique and well-developed, and the gothic atmosphere gives the whole story a deliciously dark feel that sets it apart from other fae fantasy books.

Click here to purchase this book on Amazon.

Fae Fantasy Books

The Priory of the Orange Tree

by Samantha Shannon

Our seventh and final must-read is "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon. While not strictly about fae, this epic fantasy incorporates many elements that fans of fae literature will love, including ancient magical beings, complex political intrigue, and multiple strong female protagonists whose fates are intertwined across different kingdoms.

The book follows several characters, including Ead, a woman with secret magical abilities who serves as companion to Queen Sabran; Tané, a dragon rider from the East; and Loth, a nobleman caught up in political machinations. What makes this book stand out is its scope and ambition – Shannon has created a fully realized world with its own history, mythology, and magic systems.

The relationships between characters are complex and well-developed, and the book doesn't shy away from showing the cost of power and the sacrifices required to save the world.

You can purchase this book here on Amazon.

What these seven books have in common is their ability to create immersive worlds where magic feels both wondrous and dangerous. They all feature strong protagonists who must navigate complex relationships with supernatural beings while discovering their own power and agency. The romantic elements in these fae romance novels never overshadow the character development or plot, instead enhancing both by raising the emotional stakes.

If you're new to fae fantasy books, I'd recommend starting with "A Court of Thorns and Roses" or "The Cruel Prince," as they're both excellent entry points into the genre. Both books do a great job of establishing the rules and customs of their respective fae worlds while delivering compelling characters and addictive romance.

Once you've gotten your feet wet, you can dive into the more complex narratives like "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" or "The Priory of the Orange Tree."

For readers who prefer their fantasy with a bit more heat, the adult fantasy romance novels on this list deliver in spades. Books like "Hunt on Dark Waters" and "From Blood and Ash" aren't afraid to explore the passionate side of supernatural romance, while still maintaining strong plots and character development. These aren't just romance novels with fantasy elements thrown in – they're fully realized fantasy worlds where the romantic relationships feel organic and essential to the story.

One thing I love about the current state of fae fantasy books is how diverse the offerings have become. We're seeing more complex morally gray characters, more diverse representation, and more innovative takes on traditional fae mythology.

Authors aren't content to simply retell the same old stories – they're pushing boundaries and exploring new aspects of what it means to be human in a world where magic and immortal beings exist.

Conclusion

Whether you're drawn to epic battles between fae courts, intimate character studies of immortal beings learning to love, or adventures that span centuries and continents, there's a fae fantasy book out there that's perfect for you.

These seven novels represent some of the best the genre has to offer, each bringing something unique to the table while delivering the escapism and emotional satisfaction that keeps us coming back for more. So grab one of these books, find a cozy reading spot, and prepare to lose yourself in worlds where magic is real and love can literally last forever.

Read more here about What are the Fae?

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