Fantasy is one genre I turn to time and time again. It’s comforting to escape to worlds full of magic and adventure. Although prolific authors in the genre I’ve talked about before like Terry Pratchett, J.R.R. Tolkien, Diana Wynne Jones, and Piers Anthony have a special place in my heart, I wanted to share some less well known and inventive fantasy novels I’ve read recently.
Before I get to those books, I wanted to share a bit of personal news related to fantasy stories: I’m excited and grateful to announce that a short story I wrote, “The Shapeshifter’s Apprentice,” was just published yesterday in the winter issue of The Fantastic Other!
After all the rejection and hard work, it’s amazing to see my name listed as an author in a table of contents. Okay, now I’m finished bragging. Promise.
For anyone who dreams of finding a door to another world
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Speaking of short stories, Alix E. Harrow first came to my attention from her stunningly beautiful piece, “A Witch’s Guide to Escape: A Practical Compendium of Portal Fantasies” published by Apex Magazine in 2018. So, when I found her novel in the library, I was interested to see what she would do with a longer work.
What it’s about: A historical novel set around the turn of the 20th century, our heroine is January Scaller, a young woman who discovers magical doors that lead to other worlds. She has to uncover the truth of the magical doors, their link to a powerful secret society run by her guardian, and what the doors have to do with her own past. Like the short piece Harrow is known for, this beautifully written book celebrates the power of stories.
For fans of creative magic systems
The Paper Magician, by Charlie N. Holmberg
I recently stumbled across the fantasy section in the local library near my apartment. As I browsed the shelves, I was intrigued by the title and description of a world where magicians have a specific affinity for a material like metal, plastic, glass, or paper.
What it’s about: Scholarship-girl Ceony Twill has been apprenticed to an eccentric paper magician, even though she really wanted to work with metal. Now bonded to a material she never wanted, Ceony tries to make the best of it, but it turns out her new teacher has powerful enemies. When a dreaded Excisioner (a magician who bonded the forbidden material of flesh) nearly kills him, Ceony makes the dangerous journey inside his heart to save him. This quick read features a likable heroine and an unexpected magic system with plenty to explore. There are two more in this series featuring Ceony and even more set in the world.
For people who wish they could visit the past
The Little Shop of Found Things, by Paula Brackston
At the library near my parents’ place, fantasy books are mixed in with general fiction. Although they sometimes have a fun unicorn sticker on their spines, it can be a surprise to find them. This one caught my eye. While the writing style is not my usual pick–I’m not crazy about paragraphs that take up an entire page–I still found this one compelling.
What it’s about: A woman named Xanthe has always been drawn to particular antiques and can tell their story with just a touch. After she moves with her mother to a new village to open an antique store, Xanthe is powerfully pulled to a silver chatelaine (a version of which is pictured above, but it’s basically a purse/pocket alternative). This time, instead of just seeing the story of the piece, she is pulled back to the 17th century and tasked with saving a young girl from a terrible fate. This also features a determined ghost and a star-crossed love story. It’s the first in a series. I’ve already read the second and was interested to see how the world and her powers develop.
Well, there you have it, three fantasy stories to try from authors you might not know. Happy reading!
I’m also always open to book recommendations, so feel free to send some of your recent favorites my way 🙂
Beyond the Bookshelves 