My all-time favorite book series, the Poppy War trilogy, is a grim-dark fantasy where we follow Rin, an orphan who finds out she has Shaminist power, the power of the God. Rin now has to learn how to use her power to save her country from an impending war, but what she doesn't expect is how the power would soon take over her humanity. This trilogy is brutal and epic in the best way possible. R.F. Kuang knows how to write actual morally gray characters who we might not agree with but understand their decisions nonetheless. It is also based on the Second Sino-Japanese War, so a lot of the events are based on real life. If you are looking for a fantasy series that will rip your heart out in the best way possible, highly recommend picking up this trilogy.
One of the best fantasy romance series ever, this is my first danmei book, and I can't turn back. In here, we follow Xie Lian, the god of misfortune, as he ascends to heaven for the third time after 800 years. Xie Lian was ordered to find out about the missing brides in the mountains, and his journey goes from there. The plot in here is intricate and truly unhinged; this series also has the best world building I ever seen. The world is so vivid, creative, and filled with so many different creatures and magical artifacts. The romance is swoon-worthy, and all the characters in here are very well developed and likeable. If you love to read a series where the main character remains kind despite all the traumatic things they went through and multiple jaw dropping plot twists, TGCF is for you.
An epic fantasy with an amazing romance subplot. Tisaanah managed to escape slavery, and now she must learn magic with a grumpy Max, who retired from the Orders, to free her remaining enslaved friends. I love the chemistry between Tisaanah and Max; it came so naturally, and their banter was adorable. The villains here are well-written and morally complex, and the journey is filled with pain as well as gripping battles. If you are looking for a fantasy with amazing character work, plot, and worldbuilding, plus an excellent romantic subplot, do pick this up.
This is what a slow burn should look like: a perfect balance between plot and romance. Annette Marie knows how to write the chemistry between Shiro and Emi on fire. An underrated romantasy where we follow Emi, who has prepared her entire life to become the host for her wind god. When she saves a cunning fox yokai, Shiro, in the forest, a force debt binds Emi and Shiro together. Becoming reluctant allies, they together discover dark secrets of the gods, demons, and the heavenly realms. This book had no spice, but I was blushing the entire time. Shiro might be one of the best book boyfriends ever; I love the banter between them, and the stakes also got higher as we got deeper into the story. This also had one of my favorite side characters of all time, and this trilogy is just the perfect romantasy.
Perfect series for fans of A Song of Ice and Fire, except this is completed. We are set in the Banished Lands, where the world is teetering on a prophesied war between the Creator God and the Outcast God. If you love the direwolves in ASOIAF, you will love this series. The story had some of the best fight scenes I have ever read; it is so vivid in my head. Filled with epic quests and political maneuvering at the same time. If you are looking for a grand epic fantasy journey, the Faithful and the Fallen series is for you.
The Green Bone saga is an urban fantasy where we follow the Kaul family as they are trapped in a clan war with the Mountain clan, fighting for jade and stability. The magic system here is based on jade stone, where wearing it will grant you more physical and mental power, but not everyone can endure jade. I never read a trilogy quite like this. All the characters here are morally complex, and you will never know what will happen. There is never a dull moment in this book, as the stakes are always so high. Moreover, this trilogy features some of the best character development and political choices.
The Daevabad Trilogy has had one of the most intricate world-building and magic systems I have ever read about. The story is also set in an Egypt-based world, which I found to be very cool. Nahri is one of my favorite FMCs, and it was so refreshing to see her being a healer. Dara has to be one of the most well-written characters; he is flawed, but you can't help but empathize with him while disagreeing with his choices. Personally, the trilogy has one of the best finale books I've ever read; it was gripping, high-stakes, and seeing the characters come so far was a wonderful experience.
Ok, this is not an easy recommendation, but I just love this trilogy so much. This is set during medieval times, so there's no magic, but you will get to see a lot of political aspects in the Captive Prince trilogy. Damianos, the crown prince of Akielos, was stripped of his title and sent to the Crown Prince of Vere, Laurent, as a slave. Now, the first book is rough; PLS check your trigger warnings before going into this. But you just have to push through the first book; the author slowly unravels the world instead of giving you the answer right away, and the second book is the best sequel I have ever read. The tension and chemistry between Damen and Laurent were delicious, and Laurent has to be one of my favorite male characters ever. If you are looking for true enemies-to-lovers, this trilogy is perfect for you.
One of the most unique magic systems, where one's ability depends on which metal they can use, and a Mistborn can use all types of metal. In the ash-covered world of Scadriel, a tyrant ruled: the Lord Ruler. A half-skaa thief, Kelsier, and a street orphan, Vin, assemble a crew to overthrow the Lord Ruler. Vin is one of my favorite female characters; her journey arc and her romantic relationship with Elend were incredible to read. The plot twist in this book is so meticulously planned, and my jaw was on the floor in the final few chapters. It is an absolute epic fantasy must-read, and a perfect introduction to the Cosmere world.