The best YA fantasy books you’ve probably never heard of (but are absolutely awesome)

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy is my favorite genre, and honestly, I’m pretty deep in it. Not only do I read a lot of fantasy, I also write fantasy novels. I’ve been an active TTRPG player for the last few years, even creating and running a few campaigns. In addition, I wrote a one-shot campaign set in the world of my fantasy series, the Gifted Lands, which people can get for free when they sign up for my newsletter on my website. So it’s safe to say, I like fantasy. :) If you check out any of these books, let me know what you think of them! 


I wrote...

Heir of Amber and Fire

By Rachanee Lumayno,

Book cover of Heir of Amber and Fire

What is my book about?

Jennica is a princess on the run. On the run from an arranged marriage. On the run from a king whose mysterious plans could completely destroy her beloved home, the magical kingdom of Calia. And, she hopes, she's running toward the truth of her heritage.

To uncover the mysteries of her past, Princess Jennica will have to rely on a dragon seeker and his team to lead her to the creature who once kidnapped her mother. But how can she fully trust her allies, when she knows she must betray them? Heir of Amber and Fire is the first book in the Kingdom Legacy series.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of A Matter of Magic

Rachanee Lumayno Why did I love this book?

This absolutely delightful duology from one of my absolute favorite authors is totally worth the read.

She has other series that I believe are more popular, but this particular book has a great mystery plot and memorable characters set against a Regency fantasy background.

If Jane Austen co-wrote a book with Agatha Christie (and added magic), they may have come up with A Matter of Magic.

One thing I really love about this book is the relationship between the two main characters, Kim and Mairelon. The progression of their relationship is fun, funny, and very real.

This is a book I tend to reread every year, that’s how much I love it!

By Patricia Wrede,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Matter of Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When a stranger offers her a small fortune to break into a traveling magician's wagon, Kim doesn't hesitate. Having grown up a waif in the dirty streets of London, Kim isn't above a bit of breaking-and-entering. A hard life and lean times have schooled her in one lesson: steal from them before they steal from you. But when the magician catches her in the act, Kim thinks she's done for, until he suggests she become his apprentice; then the real trouble begins. Kim soon finds herself entangled with murderers, thieves, and cloak-and-dagger politics, all while trying to learn how to…


Book cover of The Glass Slipper

Rachanee Lumayno Why did I love this book?

From the songwriter who penned the hymn “Morning Has Broken” comes one of my most beloved books from childhood.

The Glass Slipper is a charming and fairly faithful retelling of Cinderella (meaning, there’s no “subversive fairy tale” elements here). But it makes sense — this book was published in 1946.

The Glass Slipper is a lovely, simple version of the Cinderella story, and through it all the power of hope and dreams shines through.

It was out of print for a few years, but readers, rejoice! It’s back in print! Definitely worth picking up a copy—and if you can get a used version, you can see the lovely illustrations that accompanied the book as well.

By Eleanor Farjeon,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Glass Slipper as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

More than anything, Ella wants to go to the ball at the Royal Palace.

But Ella is the slave of the household, waiting on every wish and whim of her horrible stepsisters. They call her Cinderella for the ashes that cling to her face, hands and hair. How can Ella go to the Royal Palace?

Then, on the evening of the ball, something wonderful happens. Ella's Fairy Godmother comes to her rescue.

Now her dreams may come true at last . . .


Book cover of Lady's Pursuit

Rachanee Lumayno Why did I love this book?

Hilari Bell’s Knight and Rogue series is about Michael, a nobleman turned knight-errant, and his reluctant squire Fisk.

In Lady’s Pursuit, they work together one last time to save a damsel in distress, but it’s the relationship between the two men, with their different backgrounds and worldviews, that really make the book stand out.

Lady’s Pursuit is a satisfying conclusion to a fun and thoughtful series, and can be read alone (although I do recommend the whole series if you want more backstory).

Hilari Bell is my go-to author for mid-story twists—bad guys aren’t necessarily bad, they have strong reasons for their actions. Makes for a satisfying, thought-provoking read. 

By Hilari Bell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lady's Pursuit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Rescuing a damsel in distress should be the perfect job for a knight errant... Unfortunately this damsel is the liege heir’s mistress, and figuring out what happened to her will bring Michael into close contact with the court—the last thing an unredeemed man, who is dead to the law, needs. Not to mention that news of his ex-squire Fisk’s engagement might get back to Kathy’s father—which might be worse than a brush with the law! But the heir’s mistress is Kathy’s best friend, and it looks like she really has been kidnapped. Pursuing an abducted damsel across the realm, with…


Book cover of The Sword of the Land

Rachanee Lumayno Why did I love this book?

I gotta say, Noel-Anne Brennan needs to be better known.

This book (along with its sequel, The Blood of the Land) makes up a compelling duology featuring Rilsin, the rightful ruler of her country, who pledges the throne to her cousin Sithli in an effort to stop the bloodshed in her land.

But her cousin is insane and could care less about being a good ruler, which means Rilsin may need to break her promise to help her country—except Sithli also holds Rilsin’s baby hostage.

Wonderful, strong characters, an engaging story, super easy to read. What more could you ask for? If you decide to read this, set aside a few uninterrupted hours. You can thank me later. :)

By Noel-Anne Brennan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sword of the Land as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After pledging her loyalty to her cousin Sithli, princess Rilsin Sea Becha, heir to the throne, realizes that she has made a grave mistake as she, unable to experience life and love, watches her cousin slowly destroy the kingdom, forcing Rilsin to risk everything she holds dear to save the Land. Original.


Book cover of The Princes of the Golden Cage

Rachanee Lumayno Why did I love this book?

This one is just a good, fun read, great if you’re on vacation or want to read something entertaining.

Amir is one of many princes who lives with his myriad of royal brothers to basically be a spare. He and his brothers are given whatever they want, except their freedom.

Depending on who’s alive at any given time, the potential heir to the throne can change, so it’s not uncommon for factions to form and blood to be shed. But when this happens a little too often, Amir must figure out who’s killing off everyone.

With a great story and intriguing mystery, this one’s definitely worth a read.

By Nathalie Mallet,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Princes of the Golden Cage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Prince Amir lives in a lavish and beautiful cage. He shares a palace with over a hundred of his brothers, all barred from ever leaving until he, or one of his brothers, becomes the next Sultan. Living under constant threat of death at the hands of his scheming brothers, Amir has chosen a life of solitude and study. But his scholarly and alchemical pursuits bring him under suspicion when, one by one, his brothers are struck down by darkest sorcery.

Amir's monastic existence is also turned upside-down when he falls passionately in love with the beautiful Princess Eva, an exotic…


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The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

By Katherine Grant,

Book cover of The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

Katherine Grant Author Of The Viscount Without Virtue

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Novelist History nerd Amateur dancer Reader New Yorker

Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Enjoy this Persuasion-inspired historical romance!

Six years ago, Amy decided *not* to elope with Captain Nate Preston. Now, he is back in the neighborhood, and he is shocked to discover that Amy is unmarried. Even more surprising, she is clearly battling some unnamed illness. Thrown together by circumstances outside their control, Nate and Amy try to be friends. Soon, it becomes clear that their feelings for each other never died. Has anything changed, or are they destined for heartbreak once more?

The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

By Katherine Grant,

What is this book about?

Is love worth giving a second chance?

Six years ago, Amy Lamplugh decided not to elope with Nate Preston. Ever since, she has been working hard to convince herself she was right to choose her family over Nate.

Now, Nate is back. After an illustrious career as a naval captain, he faces a court martial for disobeying orders while fighting the slave trade. He accepts an invitation to await the trial at a country estate outside of Portsmouth - and discovers he is suddenly neighbors with Amy.

Nate is shocked to find that Amy didn’t end up marrying someone rich…


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