If you’re into fantasy romance with forbidden magic, ancient grudges, and enemies who maybe—just maybe—start to fall for each other, The Forest King’s Daughter should be on your radar. This YA fantasy by Elly Blake kicks off the Thirstwood Trilogy with bloodred forests, a cloud-palace called Welkincaster, and a heroine who fights for her kingdom … Read more
Jill Baguchinsky’s So Witches We Became is a fierce queer YA horror standalone about a group of friends trapped on a cursed Florida island surrounded by a toxic, vengeful mist and a lurking, unseen beast. When high school senior Nell arrives for what should be a dream spring break, buried secrets and dark magic surface, … Read more
Though it took a minute to hook me, Shea Ernshaw’s Winterwood stole my heart. Set in the snow-blanketed woods of Fir Haven, the story centers on Nora Walker, a girl rumored to be a witch with a deep, mysterious connection to the forest, who discovers Oliver Huntsman alive after he vanished weeks earlier—only he has … Read more
I’ve been keeping an eye on The House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau ever since I first saw the cover—and honestly, it ticks a lot of boxes for me. Gothic setting, morally tricky magic, and a main character who has to choose who to save? I’m in. The story follows Edira Brillwyn, a threadmender … Read more
If you’re searching for books like The Bone Charmer by Breeana Shields, you’ll love this curated list of YA fantasy novels featuring dark magic, magical inheritance, and richly imagined worlds. These YA fantasy books explore themes of power, secrets, and identity, perfect for readers looking for suspenseful stories where magic comes with a cost. Whether … Read more
I can’t wait to start Elly Blake’s The Forest King’s Daughter!! In a kingdom torn by war, a young forest princess named Cassia wields a powerful ring of light as she battles alongside her father’s army. When her childhood friend Zeru kidnaps her to reclaim the ring, their past reignites amid a dangerous journey filled … Read more
Needy Little Things is high on my to-be-read list. It follows Sariyah Lee Bryant, a Black teen who can sense when people need everyday items like a pencil or phone charger—and when her friend disappears, she uses this unusual ability to unravel a dark mystery in her town. Fans of emotionally rich YA mysteries with … Read more
The House of Night series by P.C. & Kristin Cast kicks off with Marked, where sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird is Marked by a vampyre tracker and sent to a supernatural boarding school to begin the Change. As she uncovers a dark mystery threatening the school and wrestles with powers she doesn’t fully understand, Zoey is drawn … Read more
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco is a dark and atmospheric YA fantasy that’s earned a devoted following—and for good reason. With its unique blend of necromancy, multicultural worldbuilding, and a protagonist who navigates the challenges of being an outcast, this novel stands out in the crowded fantasy landscape. It’s a story about power, identity, … Read more
Wicked Like a Wildfire by Lana Popović is a slow-burn YA fantasy rooted in rich folklore, exploring the lives of twin sisters bound by magical heritage and a family curse. This atmospheric coming-of-age novel offers a lyrical, immersive experience for readers who love fantasy steeped in cultural myth and emotional depth. Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5) This … Read more