If there’s one thing about fantasies is that they’re hard to write. It takes a lot of creativity and good writing to create a book readers will actually enjoy. This genre requires the author to create entirely new worlds which can sometimes be overwhelming for the reader. With that being said, here are five fantasy books that I think live up to their hype.

• Powerless by Lauren Roberts
• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
• The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
• Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

1. Powerless

Paedyn Grey has always been one of the ordinaries that are hunted and banished. She’s hidden her true identity her whole life by pretending that she’s something that she’s not. There is a perfect mix of tension, magic, and romance in this fast-paced book. I was hooked in from the start and the suspense building was really good.

2. Shatter Me

A dystopian world controlled by the Restablishment where Juliette Ferrars has been locked away from society because of her touch that can kill. Shatter Me is a six book series and is perfect if you enjoy emotional stories, slow-burn romance, and high stakes. The book captures the feelings of isolation and desire and shows a lot of character growth. It’s intense and draws you in until you become invested in it.

3. The Cruel Prince

If you enjoy something a bit darker and more political, then I recommend The Cruel Prince. Jude Duarte is a human girl who is brought into the world of Fae after her parents were killed. This book is mostly about court politics, betrayal, and power struggles with Jude’s main conflict being with the cruel prince.

4. Six of Crows

Six outcasts. One mission: break into a heavily guarded place to rescue a scientist who created a world changing drug. Six of Crows is a fantasy duology featuring a crew of six outcasts that attempt a near-impossible, deadly heist. I feel like each member of the group has their own skills and character development that makes the plot a lot more interesting than just the mission. The characters are carefully built which adds a lot more depth to the book. It’s a really action packed and entertaining book.

5. Once Upon a Broken Heart

Once Upon a Broken Heart follows Evangeline Fox, a girl that believes in love, who makes a dangerous deal with the unpredictable fate, Jacks, AKA the Prince of Hearts, that ends up with her getting pulled into a magical and chaotic world. This book is romance with a fairytale vibe. There are a lot of twists in the book as well as magic and it’s an enjoyable read.