standalone fantasy books I've fallen in love with

Sometimes a great standalone fantasy book is just what you need. Whether you love fantasy romance, dark academia, magical realism, historical or epic fantasy, here are a few standalone fantasy books I will always recommend: • ‘The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door’ by H.G. Parry: such an underrated historical fantasy standalone. You follow our four main characters while they're at a magical university in England in the 1920s, right after WWI, then again 10 years later after the events of one summer changed everything for them and between them. The friendship between the characters was so well depicted and it touches on many different subject such as sexism, classicism, war, etc. Truly a must read. • ‘The Everlasting' by Alix E. Harrow: this adult fantasy romance instantly became one of my all-time favorites. The story feels like a love letter between an anxious historian and a lady knight across time and eras. I cried and laughed my way through this masterpiece. • ‘The Priory of the Orange Tree’ by Samantha Shannon: I was very intimidated by this book and ended up devouring it. The Roots of Chaos series is an epic fantasy saga and all the books are interconnected standalones, meaning that each one works as its own story and why this book is including in this list. They're set in a world of magic and dragons and can be read in any order which I think is amazing! In the Priory of the Orange Tree you'll get dragon riders and dragon slayers, forbidden romance, courtly intrigue, sapphic romance, epic quests and so much more. • ‘Katabasis’ by R.F. Kuang: Alice and Peter, two graduate students, must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor's soul. This book might not be for everyone but it was for me. As someone who went to law school and was under so much pressure when I had to pass the bar exam, I felt very seen and heard by Alice. As a person of color in a predominantly white academic setting, I also found her very relatable on that front. I also loved how it was written and what can I say; R.F. Kuang is truly one of my favorite author. • 'A Stage Set for Villains' by @Shannon J. Spann : one of the most inventive and original dark fantasy books I've read in a long time. I was fascinated by the world and story the author created. Every time I thought I knew what was happening... I didn't. I won't say more because I think it's best to go into this book blind. @penguinukexport @PenguinMichaelJoseph • ‘The Unmaking of June Farrow’ by Adrienne Young: I read it years ago and still recommend it to everyone. Go in blind; it’s worth it. Beautiful writing, heartfelt characters, and the perfect mix of mystery and romance. • ‘Throne of the Fallen’ by Kerri Maniscalco: this was such a fun read! I loved the main characters and the spiciness of their relationship while still being a slow burn. This is the first romantasy in an interconnected standalone series, The Prince of Sin, following different brothers. • ‘The Sword of Kaigen’ by M.L. Wang: This book absolutely broke my heart. I was instantly immersed in this standalone novel that follows a mother and her son. The stakes are unbearably high, and I loved how it explores propaganda, history, and motherhood, to only name a few themes. For once, I wished this book was the first in a long series. • ‘Fairydale’ by Veronica Lancet: amazing standalone with dark gothic vibes. It is hard to explain in a few lines, but it is truly one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. I also recommend going in blind. It’s also the perfect book if you want some amazing yearning, as nobody yearns quite like Amon. #fantasybooks #BookTok #BookRecommendations #bookshelves #standalonebooks fantasy standalone book recs special edition books favorite books