Today’s Fantasy Top Five prompt is single-serve fantasy reads, which I interpreted to mean standalone fantasy books. The fantasy genre is notorious for its doorstoppers and 5+ book series, which makes sense considering how much worldbuilding and character development goes into creating a complete fantasy world. While diving into a long fantasy series can be fun, it’s also a big commitment that can be hard to make when you’re busy or just don’t have the attention span for it. That’s why finding a good standalone fantasy book is so refreshing. It gives you a break from the commitment of a long, epic series without taking you away from the fantasy genre. In today’s post, I’m sharing 5 standalone fantasy books I recommend checking out!
This post is part of the annual fantasy event, Wyrd and Wonder, hosted by Imyril, Lisa, Jorie, Annemieke, and Ariana.
Note: the book covers are linked to Bookshop using affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure for more information.
My Favorite Standalone Fantasy Books
1. Fireheart Tiger by Aliette De Bodard
If you like fantasy romance that explores trauma and abuse, Aliette De Bodard has you coved. Fireheart Tiger is a fantasy novella that follows Thanh, a quiet princess who was sent away to serve as a political pawn in the land of Ephteria. Now that she’s returned, she’s haunted by the memory of her first love and the fire that destroyed the Ephterian palace. As Thanh tries to change her small country’s fate she must face the trauma of her past.
Fireheart Tiger is the perfect story to pick up if you’re looking for something short and touching.
2. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Legends & Lattes is a cozy fantasy novel that made it onto my list of Top Five Fantasies Since Last May. If you’re looking for a feel-good story that will have you smiling and craving lattes and pastries, this is definitely the book for you.
The story follows Viv, an ex-mercenary orc who decides to leave her life of adventure to open up a coffee shop. Despite Viv’s intimidating appearance and massive sword, her soft heart and honest nature attract people to her. She soon finds herself surrounded by new friends who’re determined to keep her coffee shop open no matter what troubles lie ahead.
3. Fangs by Sarah Anderson
Fangs by Sarah Anderson is a short graphic novel that gives its reader snapshots of the relationship between a vampire and a werewolf. Each page contains cute illustrations full of corny romance and relatable relationship jokes. It’s the perfect short, lighthearted read when you need a quick pick-me-up.
4. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
When Yadriel’s traditional Latinx family refuses to accept his gender, he decides to prove himself a real brujo by solving the mystery of his cousin’s murder. He performs a ritual to summon his cousin’s ghost but accidentally summons the wrong ghost! Now he’s stuck with the local troublemaker, Julian Diaz, who has no intention of moving on peacefully. Julian is determined to find out who killed him, so Yadriel has no choice but to help him. Can a novice brujo and a ghost solve the mystery of two boys’ deaths?
Cemetery Boys got a lot of hype when it came out in 2020 and for good reason. Its unique storyline and lovable characters make it a fun read for fantasy and contemporary YA lovers.
5. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
*Technically* The Goblin Emperor is now part of a series since Katherine Addison released a new book in the same universe, but it was originally a stand-alone and can still be read as such.
When his estranged father and half brothers are killed in an “accident”, Maia becomes the only surviving heir to his father’s throne. Maia must take his rightful place as the Emperor, but as a half-goblin with no allies and no training in court politics, he only has his own wits to rely on. With the knowledge that whoever killed his father and half-brothers is still out there, Maia must secure his place on the throne while navigating potentially deadly court politics.
Do you like standalone fantasy novels? Which are your favorites? Let’s chat in the comments!
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Peyton
I think Goblin Emperor counts; Witness for the Dead and Grief of Stones feel more like spin-off novels 😉
For sure!!
Legends and Lattes is a good pick! I like Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst for my standalone fantasy, it’s such a great mother/daughter story (with monster racing!).
Ooh! I’ll have to check that one out. It sounds very interesting!
High five on Fireheart Tiger. Loved that little nugget.
Thanks!! It’s a great little nugget (:
Fireheart Tiger and Legends and Lattes are on my TBR list,
Obsidian by Sarah Daley looks like it could be a standalone.
I think I’ve heard of that one, but I haven’t read it. I’ll have to check it out!
Stand alone fantasy are always nice to read. The down side to them is that the book can be so good that it leaves you wanting more.
Rachel Neumeier writes some good fantasy standalones. City in the Lake is one of my favorites by her.
That’s so true!! The Goblin Emperor is a perfect standalone, but it definitely left me hoping for more. I’m glad the author decided to write some spin offs.
Standalone fantasy is my favourit kind of fantasy! I finally read The Goblin Emperor during Wyrd & Wonder 2020 and quite enjoyed it. Another favourite standalone taht comes to mind is Naomi Novik’s Uprooted.
The Goblin Emperor is so good! I also read it first during Wyrd and Wonder, actually for the read-along a couple years ago. I’ll also have to check out uprooted! I’m always up for more standalones on my TBR.