It’s finally May, which means it’s time for Wyrd and Wonder! I am so excited to start this month of fantasy celebration, and to kick it off I’ve compiled a list of my top five fantasy reads since last May. Today’s post is part of a special prompt challenge to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Wyrd and Wonder. You can find out more about Wyrd and Wonder and the Fantasy Top Fives challenge here.
*Note: the covers are linked to the book’s Goodreads page
1. Of Honey and Wildfires (Songs of Sefate #1) by Sarah Chorn
This gaslamp fantasy is a perfect example of how rewarding reading self-published books can be. Sarah Chorn has a lyrical writing style that gives her Old West-inspired setting an ethereal ambiance that you’d never find in mainstream writing. Combined with its tragic, yet hopeful, storyline, Of Honey and Wildfires is truly one of a kind.
2. Jade City (The Green Bone Saga #1) by Fonda Lee
Fonda Lee’s Jade City is an epic combination of family drama, Asian-inspired worldbuilding, and gangster-film-worthy action. I felt like I was standing in the streets of Kekon where the Mountain and No-Peak clans clashed. Even more alluring than the fight scenes were Lee’s characters, who managed to surprise me in the best (and worst) ways.
3. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
I came across Legends & Lattes by chance when the author put out a request for ARC reviewers, and boy am I glad I requested a copy. Who knew a slice-of-life fantasy novel about an orc mercenary starting a new life as a coffee shop owner was exactly what I needed in my life?! This cozy fantasy is enough to cheer anyone up with its heartwarming characters and mouthwatering descriptions of coffee and pastries.
4. Monstress Vol. 6: The Vow by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
I am officially OBSESSED with this graphic novel series. Mostress is a dark fantasy story about war and what it means to survive unimaginable violence. Every time I pick up this series it leaves me with a gut-wrenching heartache but just enough hope to keep me going. Marjorie Liu’s writing and Sana Takeda’s artwork combined to create a truly beautiful and tragic story.
5. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Nimona is a comedic fantasy set in a medieval-inspired world with modern technology, which should clue you into the type of humor you’ll find in this graphic novel. The story follows Nimona, a spirited shapeshifter who decides to become a sidekick for a notorious villain. This graphic novel is the perfect mix of irony and sincerity.
What’s the best fantasy you’ve read in the past year?
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Peyton
Legends and Lattes was so sweet!
Totally! I’m already planning my reread
Legends and Lattes looks so cute. I had Monstress volume 6 on my readathon pile this weekend but I really need to recap where the series is. I should have put it on my W&W TBR!
I definitely recommend Legends & Lattes!! It’s so worth a read! And I hope to reread Monstress soon also. I’m planning a read-along this summer
Jade Legacy was on my top list! And Legends & Lattes is such a good choice too. I need to go back to Monstress and give it a proper reading, I don’t think I’ve read it since the first volume came out and I’ve forgotten EVERYTHING.
I started reading Jade Legacy too! Unfortunately I think it’s too much for me to get through during the school year, but I’m excited to finish it this summer!
I really need to read Legends and Lattes!! I keep seeing everyone talk about it!
It really deserves all the hype it’s getting. Definitely worth a read if you’re interested in a more low key fantasy
Aaaw Monstress is so good. I still need to get volume 6.
Yes!! You need it. So much happens
Oh I love Nimona and Monstress as well. Would love to try Legends and Lattes.
Nimona and Monstress are so good! And Legends and Lattes is so cute and cozy. Perfect if you want a feel-good fantasy.