Summer Reading List: 12 Fabulous Adult Fantasy Book Series to Check Out

If you’re anything like me, you’re not just a fan of the fantasy genre; you’re a passionate devotee. You revel in the escape into a world filled with dragons, vampires, fairies, and all other kinds of the supernatural and fantastical. The vibrant worlds that beloved authors create with mere words and imagery are not just a pastime but a source of endless fascination and joy. 

My love for this favored genre began when I read Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire at 14, a moment that sparked a lifelong passion. Like many of you, I’ve read some real duds along the way, but I’ve also enjoyed reading some of the most thrilling fantasy series since. Many of them are written by the same author–they’re just that good. 

Here is my review of my favorite Top 12 Fantasy Series that I have read in the last five years, selected based on their unique world-building, compelling characters, and engaging plotlines.

1. Jennifer Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash Series

I absolutely adore the From Blood and Ash series by Jennifer Armentrout. The story’s heroine is Poppy, chosen as the Maiden from birth and lives a solitary life, untouched and unseen, awaiting her Ascension. Her duty to the kingdom is clear, but her heart longs for more. When Hawke, a golden-eyed guard, enters her life, he challenges her beliefs and tempts her with the forbidden. As a fallen kingdom rises, threatening violence and vengeance, Poppy must navigate the blurred lines between duty and desire, risking her heart and life as her world unravels.

There are five books in the series with an overall rating of 4.51 stars on Goodreads. If you’ve read any of Sarah J. Maas’s work (which I will talk about quite a lot), you’ll love this series too! 

2. Sarah J. Maas’s Court of Thorns and Roses Series

A Court of Thorns and Roses series is Hot, Hot, Hot right now, and for good reasons. The book’s beautiful and resourceful protagonist, Feyre, is a huntress. The skin of a wolf would bring enough gold to feed her sisters for a month, but killing a magical creature comes at a steep price. Feyre has just killed the wrong wolf. Follow her journey into the dangerous world of the Fae, where she becomes entangled with the powerful fairies. Here, she will lose her heart and uncover her true strength as she navigates ancient curses and a world on the brink of war.

The series includes five books, the last of which begins with the story of Feyre’s fiery sister, Nesta, in A Court of Silver Flames. Goodreads readers give this series 4.81 stars. 

3. Rebecca Yarro’s the Empyrean Series

Rebecca Yarro’s The Empyrean series has two books: Fourth Wing and The Iron Flame. However, the author announced that the third in the series will be released on January 21, 2025, giving you plenty of time to read the first two. 

The series is a high fantasy novel about Violet Sorrengail, a cadet at Basgiath War College, where the goal is to bond with a dragon or die trying. As the daughter of a commanding general, Violet faces constant danger. The story is filled with friendships, enemies, and a romance with a fellow dragon rider seeking revenge on her mother. The book balances intense action and character development with humor, offering a refreshing escape. The confined setting of the college maintains immense tension, and the romance, intertwined with magical elements, adds a charming touch to Violet’s journey.  

4. Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City Series

Yes, yes, I know, another Sarah J. Maas series on the list. But she’s that good of a storyteller. I actually enjoyed the storyline of the Crescent City series a tad more than A Court of Thorns and Roses, mainly because it’s set in a more modern timeline but also because it still has magic and fantastical beings. 

A total of three books thus far, with a release date of the 4th TBD, this series is captivating. The story follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-Fae, as she seeks vengeance for her friends’ brutal murders and aims to protect her vibrant city, Lunathion. Bryce, known for her sharp wit and tenacity, teams up with the brooding fallen angel Hunt Athalar, who is bound to serve the Archangels. Together, they uncover dark secrets and face powerful enemies threatening their world. 

5. Robin Hobb’s the Farseer Trilogy

Robin Hobb’s Farseer trilogy consists of three novels: Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin’s Quest. In the kingdom of the Six Duchies, civil war looms after the crown prince abdicates upon fathering a bastard son, Fitz. Despised and raised in the castle stables, Fitz finds solace with the king’s fool, street children, and his unique bond with animals. Trained as an assassin and in the Farseer family’s magic, Fitz faces a treacherous tutor intent on discrediting or killing him. Surviving these challenges is crucial, as Fitz may be destined to save the kingdom.

The series has received a rating of 4.41 stars from readers on Goodreads and is definitely worth your attention and time. 

6. Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Series

With a 4.48 Goodreads rating, I couldn’t pass up checking out Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series Mistborn. The series consists of six novels, the first of which, The First Empire, was published in 2006. 

For a thousand years, ash fell, and the Skaa lived in misery under the Lord Ruler’s absolute reign. Hope was forgotten until Kelsier, a half-Skaa thief, discovered he was a Mistborn with unique powers in the depths of Lord Ruler’s prison. Determined to overthrow the tyrant, Kelsier recruits a skilled team of allomancers for the ultimate heist. When luck brings Vin, a mistrustful half-Skaa orphan, into his life, Kelsier must teach her to trust and harness her hidden powers to achieve his dream of toppling the divine despot.

7. r.f. Kuang’s the Poppy War Series

The Poppy War trilogy by R.F. Kuang is absolutely spellbinding. I loved these books from start to finish because of their unique spin on the fantasy genre. This epic historical military fantasy inspired by China’s twentieth-century history, The Poppy War, is filled with treachery and magic. War orphan Rin shocks everyone by acing the Empire-wide Keju exam, earning a place at the elite Sinegard military school. 

There, she faces discrimination for her color, poverty, and gender but discovers her lethal shamanic powers. Under the guidance of an eccentric teacher, Rin explores her gift, learning that ancient gods are alive and that her powers may be crucial for the looming Third Poppy War. However, as she delves deeper, she fears her abilities may cost her humanity.

8. Victoria (v.e.) Schwab’s Shades of Magic Series

I have been a devoted fan of Victoria Schwab for as long as I can remember, so reading the Shades of Magic series made sense. How could I possibly skip it? And I’m happy I didn’t. The 3-part series follows the story of Kell, one of the last Antari magicians able to travel between parallel Londons: Red, Grey, White, and the vanished Black. Raised in Red London, Kell serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador but secretly smuggles artifacts between worlds. 

After a deal goes wrong, Kell escapes to Grey London and meets Delilah Bard, a thief with dreams of adventure. She robs him, saves him, and demands he take her to another world. Together, they face perilous magic and betrayal, struggling to survive and save their worlds from a looming threat.

9. Robert Jordan’s the Wheel of Time Series

The Wheel of Time is a high fantasy series by Robert Jordan, which Brandon Sanderson completed after Jordan’s death. Initially planned as six books, it expanded to 14 volumes, plus a prequel and companion books. The series draws from European and Asian mythology, emphasizing themes like the cyclical nature of time and duality. 

Notable for its length, detailed world-building, and large cast, the series’ later books topped the New York Times Best Seller list. Selling over 90 million copies, it’s one of the best-selling fantasy series. Due to its enormous popularity, Amazon turned it into a TV show with mixed reviews. However, the book series boasts a 4.19 score on Goodreads.

10. Carissa Broadbent’s Crowns of Nyaxia Series

If you’re a fan of epic vampire stories filled with intrigue, romance, and a lot of girl power, Carissa Broadbent’s Crowns of Nyaxia series will be right up your alley. I’ve only read the first three novels of what is supposed to be a series of six, divided into three duologies, plus two stand-alone books. 

The story’s heroine, Oraya, is the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. She defies a world intent on her demise. Her opportunity for survival and status lies in the Kejari, a lethal tournament hosted by the goddess of death. Battling against fierce warriors from three vampire houses, Oraya must ally with an enigmatic rival to stand a chance of winning.

11. Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass Series

The eight-book series Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is another smash hit for your summer reading list. I tore through these books on Audible a couple of years ago because they were just so juicy and intriguing. They have been on the New York Times’s Best Seller list and have been optioned by Hulu and Disney-ABC Domestic Television for a television series adaptation.

The series follows Celaena Sardothien, an 18-year-old assassin imprisoned in Endovier. Crown Prince Dorian offers her a chance at freedom by competing to become the King’s Champion. As she forms alliances with Chaol, the Captain of the Guard, and Dorian, secrets unravel about the kingdom and herself, leading to conspiracies and battles.

12. Charissa Weak’s Witch Walker Series

I recommend Charissa Weak’s Witch Walker series if stories about witches are more your speed. This four-book series, with an expected five total, follows the life of Raina Bloodgood, who only has one desire: to kill the Frost King and the Witch Collector who kidnapped her sister. On the day she plans revenge, a greater threat engulfs her world. Emerging from the chaos is the Collector, Alexus Thibault—her sworn target and the sole hope to rescue her sister.

With a Goodreads star rating ranging from 3.79 (Book 1) to 4.40 (Book 4), this series has been well-received, and her fans are anxiously waiting for the last installment to be published.