The Bookish Mindset

If you hate starting a series that hasn’t finished yet, then don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Read on for my curated list of finished fantasy series.

The Gilded Ones – Namina Forna. I will never stop telling you about this series. One of my favourite YA set of novels I have ever come across. I sobbed when they finished. A brilliant trilogy following Deka and friends as they battle the patriarchal society they live in. First against their captors and then against the gods. Do yourself a favour and pick up The Gilded Ones today.

Pet – Akwaeke Emezi. There are books that will blow you away at just how clever they are. Pet and its predecessor written later (so read Pet first!) are that duology. A brilliant social commentary on the difference between good and evil and quick reads too.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf – Marlon James. The first in this list that I am yet to read but have promised to start this year. This finished trilogy is set around witchcraft and African mythology. Thick books but incredible covers. I’m excited for it.

This Poison Heart – Kalynn Bayron. Bayron is such an easy auto-buy author for me. This Poison Heart is the first in a duology set around Briseis, who can control plants with her mind. Incredibly helpful to her paretns flower shop, less so in a poison garden.. Loved these!

Legends & Lattes – Travis Baldree. If cosy fantasy is more your thing, then this one is for you. Set in a coffee shop in a land of orcs and other magical creatures, this book is delightful. As is the recipe in the back. The first of a duology, but the second written comes before the first.. but read this one first!

We Hunt the Flame – Hafsah Faizal. A duology I cannot wait to start (I’m hoping to next month!). This beautiful couple of novels are set around magic and identity – our two main characters are legends in their own rights, but must work together to return magic to their kingdom.

Skin of the Sea – Natasha Bowen. Another brilliant YA duology – this time centring the amazing Mami Wata (the original mermaids, Ariel eat your heart out). The mami wata’s help the bodies that die at sea make peace with their ending. But Simi makes the rash decision to save a boy instead and, well, chaos ensues!

Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi. I am so ready to get to this trilling YA trilogy. Another set around magic and West African folklore, with our main character grappling with understanding who they are and who they’re meant to be. Soon to be a movie too!

The Poppy War – R F Kuang. I’ve read the first of this historical fantasy trilogy and wow what a book; incredibly hard hitting but Kuang did not hold back on her debut! Steeped in war and violence, The Poppy Wars trilogy tells a tale of falling empires, inspired by China’s history. Tough going but worth it. Proceed with caution!

I love the fantasy genre and I’m so excited to keep adding to this list. Have you loved any of the above too? Let me know in the comments below!

You can find all these recs and more great fantasy reads in my Bookshop.org store here.

Last updated 15/07/2024