Every voracious reader knows the hunger for a quick read, a book we can consume in a single swift bite. In times like these, I want action, romance, spunky heroines, swoon-worthy love interests, and a devious antagonist all served between the pages of a high fantasy. In the list to come, I recommend books for when you get that hankering for something fast, fun, and satisfying!
1. “Snow Like Ashes” by Sara Raasch
This debut high fantasy by Sara Raasch is set in a world where the four seasons are divided into kingdoms, all vying for magic and power. The story chronicles the journey of a young Winterian orphan named Meira who, determined to overthrow those who have conquered the Kingdom of Winter, goes in search of long-lost magic.
Snow Like Ashes, the first in a trilogy, is a high octane read with nonstop action that kept me engrossed in Raasch’s world until the last page. The complex court politics, an equally complex heroine, alluring princes, and fabulous writing make this a must-read. If you aren’t convinced yet, there is a ballroom scene about halfway through the book and who doesn’t love a good ballroom scene?
2. “City of Bones” by Cassandra Clare
If you haven’t heard of "City of Bones" or "The Shadowhunter Chronicles" than you must have been living under a rock for the past decade! This series, written by Cassandra Clare, takes place in the world of the Shadowhunters, humans who use special abilities given to them by the angel, Raziel to battle demons. There are presently twelve books in the Shadowhunter world right now, but they are broken up into trilogies so that they can be enjoyed separately or as a whole.
"City of Bones" was the first book Cassandra Clare published in this world, and I recommend it to new Shadowhunters. The story focuses on fifteen-year-old Clary Fray, an ordinary girl who gets swept up in a world of demon hunters and goes on an epic journey to save her mom and learn more about her secret lineage. "City of Bones" is a mystery that never fails to keep you guessing, and is filled to the brim with genius wit and memorable characters.
If you carry on with the series, I recommend you read them in the order they were published to get the best experience possible. But there is no order that you have to read the three published trilogies in!
3. “Heartless” by Marissa Meyer
If you are looking for a fairytale retelling than Marissa Meyer is the author for you. "Heartless" is a retelling of the classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" following Catherine, the daughter of Wonderland nobility who would rather open her own bakery than getting married to a suitor of her parents’ choosing. This is an origin story for the notorious Queen of Hearts, in which Meyer weaves a tale of true love, defying expectations, and the rise of a villain.
Unlike the previous two books I have listed, "Heartless" is a standalone fantasy novel. I know every once in a while, I don’t want to invest myself in a series that can span three books or onward. If you are searching for a quick fantasy and don’t feel like committing yourself to a series, definitely pick up "Heartless."
4. “The Wrath and the Dawn” by Renee Ahdieh
Another retelling you may want to reach for is "The Wrath and the Dawn" by Renee Ahdieh which is a reimagining of "1001 Nights," something rarely seen in YA literature! The protagonist, Shahrzad, is taken as a bride for the wicked Caliph of Khorasan named Khalid, who is known for killing his wives the night he weds them. Shahrzad is one of the strongest female characters I have read in YA literature and is by far one of the most captivating. The complex relationship she shares with Khalid and the other characters is completely engrossing and kept me reading late into the night. I definitely recommend the audiobook version if you are in the mood for that format! I found that listening to the book really brings this particular story to life.
5. “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo
"Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo is one of those stories that grabs you by the collar from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very last word. Bardugo doesn’t wait for a second to get the reader into the action, and watching the story unravel is a thrill ride! Set in a fantasy version of Russia,"Shadow and Bone" is about the Grisha, people who can wield special powers, and our protagonist, Alina Starkov who unexpectedly gets herself involved in the Grisha world. The magic system in "Shadow and Bone" is original and fascinating to learn about. The Darkling is one of the most multifaceted characters that I have come across in a long time! Plus, Bardugo’s masterful prose quickly becomes as addicting as chocolate!
