Fantasy is my favorite genre. It baffles me how authors can bring something completely fictional out of their brains and lay it out on a page for readers. The amount of creativity and world-building that is required for this astounds me. It is something I strive to do in the future. I have found a lot of magical books over the years, and I always find the fall is the best time to read them.
In the best fantasy books, authors think of every single aspect of the world they are building, no matter how small that may be. From the magical system to the weather patterns, everything is distinctly established. So of course, many of these fantastical worlds have seasonal patterns, which include fall.
There is nothing more magical than reading a fantasy novel set in fall, while the wind is bustling outside my window. It creates a very immersive reading experience. I have read some fantastical and mystical reads, and I want to share them here today.
You can find my version of this post that I did last year by clicking here!
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
Mixing real-world issues with fantastical elements, A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow is a great read for the Autumn season. This is a story of two magical girls, living in a world where there is tension between magical and non-magical folk. With a discussion of racism and xenophobia, this book weaves magic with real-life, creating a read that you won’t want to put down.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
No one remembers you, but you can live forever. Would you take it? This is the situation that the main character is experiencing in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. This book is a contemporary fantasy, set in the real world with real-world characters. This is a fun read and the magic is very subtle but still very exciting.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Is there anything more magical than summoning ghosts? Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is one of the best magical books to read for the fall season. This book follows Yadriel, who has summoned a ghost who doesn’t want to be put to rest. I loved this book! It is the perfect book for the Halloween season, and the magic is fantastic. This is a great debut novel!
Havenfall by Sara Holland
Havenfall by Sara Holland has the setting of my dreams. A magical hotel full of magical people? I want to go there now! This story is about Maddie, who is in line to inherit an inn, which is home to hundreds of magical beings. But one summer, things go wrong when an evil presence shows itself. Although this book is set in the summertime, it is a perfect read for the Autumn season. Imagine a big cozy inn full of magic and intrigue! It definitely gave me fall vibes.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
If you like a little fashion with your magic, you will probably enjoy Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim. This fantasy novel is about Maia, who has magical scissors that can help her create amazing clothing pieces. Maia takes these scissors with her when she enters a contest to be the emperor’s tailor. Although this was a three-star read for me, I do know of so many people who love this story. I also think it is a great magical book to read this time of year.
Mirage by Somaiya Daud
One of the biggest surprises for me last year was Mirage by Somaiya Daud. I picked up this book on a whim from a thrift store because it had a pretty cover, it was YA, and it was signed. This book is a mix of fantasy and sci-fi. It is about Amani, who is taken away from her family because she is an exact look-alike for the queen. This story has so much intrigue and heart to it, I was surprised by how much I loved it. I will definitely be reading the sequel which came out last year.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Of course, I had to include one of the best books I have ever read on this list! Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor quickly became a favorite of mine, with the loveable characters and deep-rooted magical world. This story is about Weep, a city that everyone has forgotten. But Lazlo Strange is determined to understand what happened to this city that used to be a hub of culture and trade. Taylor created such an interesting and unique magical system with this story, and the characters have a special place in my heart.
Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer
It has been many many years since I read Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer, but I still vividly remember the story and the characters. This is a sweet, magical story that will absolutely warm your heart. It is about Delilah, who is in love with Oliver, a prince from a storybook. But in this world, they can actually meet, and fall in love. This is a book lover’s dream when your book crush can come out of the pages and be with you. Or you can dive into their world. I would love to reread this book, along with its companion novel, which is actually supposed to come first. The magic and romance in this story are perfect for fall.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan was surprisingly wonderful, and a perfect read for anyone who loves old bookstores and secret societies. The magic in this story is subtle, but the setting and characters make this a fantastically magical read for the Autumn Season. The story follows Clay, who starts work at a bookstore that is open 24/7. But he starts to notice that the strange behaviors of the customers, and decides to find out why.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Have you ever wanted to escape this world? Open your door and enter a magical universe made just for you? This is exactly what happens in Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire. Except this story follows those kids that escaped into these worlds and then somehow made it back to our reality. I think the most endearing part of this story is the characters. But the magic is definitely there and it is a really fun read.
Click here for my full review of this book!
There are so many fantastic magical books out there, I have way too many on my TBR. As you know, fantasy is my favorite genre.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been reading a lot of fantasy this year, as I have been trying to expand my horizons, and open myself up to new genres. That has caused me to reach back in time to find these stories. Thank goodness for Goodreads! However, they are all fantastical and magical books, perfect for the cooler months!
Share some of your favorite magical books in the comments below! I would love some recommendations!
I need to read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Cemetery Boys! They were both on my October TBR, but I haven’t managed to get to either of them
Haha I feel that. I have so many books that I was supposed to read this month that I never got to. But Cemetery Boys is definitely worth it!