The best fantasy books to pull you out of your reading slump

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an ADHD author who struggles finding books that grasp my attention and keep it so I’m often left in a reading slump. I seem to read samples of countless books before I find something that really draws me in and can engross me. I’ve done the footwork, now you can reap the benefits of all my late-night searching. I hope you enjoy the books on my list as much as I did!


I wrote...

She Awakens

By Caitlin Denman,

Book cover of She Awakens

What is my book about?

Fae rule the world. Humans are in hiding. Attina finds herself in an unlikely predicament when it's uncovered the normal, human existence she thought she lived is turned upside down. Finding out she’s half Fae not only confounds her, but in a time where the brutal Fae run the world she is suddenly tasked with bringing the Fae and humans together.

In a world where it’s tricky to discern who’s good and where the evil really lies, Attina finds herself in one predicament after another as she tries to complete her mission, all the while not knowing who she can trust. As her journey unfolds, her strength and will are tested. Will she ever be strong enough to bridge the gap between these two worlds?

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Of Blades and Shadows

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

I remember reading this book when I was in a particularly bad reading slump.

The story was so captivating and the world was so fresh I totally got lost in it. The main character was so vicious while also being incredibly vulnerable I couldn’t help but love her. And who doesn’t love a book about a female assassin?

If you like sassy female characters, dark magic, and an underdog story you’ll love this one! 

By Belle Manuel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Of Blades and Shadows as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In a world shrouded in darkness and cruelty, Arayna Gamon's life has been nothing but a relentless struggle against the grip of a sadistic slaver. But the tides of fate change when an unexpected opportunity arises, thrusting her into the heart of a clandestine order known as the Soul Stealers—an elite group of assassins with a chilling purpose.

For the first time in sixteen years, Arayna glimpses a chance at freedom, but it comes at a steep price. Bound to serve the insidious Dark Throne, she must harness her nascent powers, powers that dance at the edge of her fingertips,…


Book cover of A Legacy of Storms and Starlight

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

When I picked this book up I was between books and just couldn’t find something that would really grab me.

My friend recommended this one to me, and man did it grab me from the first chapter. I couldn’t put it down until I was 75% of the way through it and I realized it was 3 in the morning! If you’re looking for magical powers, political intrigue, and a main character on the run this is your book!

By Victoria J. Price,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The first book in a breathtaking new fantasy series, A Legacy of Storms and Starlight is a captivating and addictive read, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Danielle L. Jensen.

Zylah Renfall is certain of two things: she will forever be on the run for the murder of a prince, and she somehow used magic to escape her own hanging.

Aided by a mysterious and infuriating Fae, Zylah dreams of a fresh start and a chance to explore her newly discovered Fae heritage. But her dreams are short-lived as the king’s men still hunt for her head. When…


Book cover of Shadow Kissed

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

When I received this book I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. But after the first few pages I was hooked!

The book starts off with an attack on the main character's home and the action doesn’t stop there! I loved the interaction between the main male and female characters. I couldn’t get enough of them! If you love vampires, hidden royals, and sass for days this one’s for you! 

By Rebecca L Garcia,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Shadow Kissed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Some fates belong to the shadows...


Olivia knows everyone at the guild is on high alert, but no one will tell her why. She's certain the death of her boyfriend is behind it, but the truth is far worse. Darkness has come to the mortal kingdom. When the guild protecting them is attacked by vampires, Olivia is swept away from the safety of her home when her mom and best friend are taken.


Before she can get away, she's captured by a vampire, Sebastian, who insists he's protecting her. But when she's taken to the City of Nightmares, the most…


Book cover of Heart of the Fae

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

I’ve always loved Beauty and the Beast retellings and this one blew all the others that I’ve read out of the water. From the first page I was hooked.

This was one of the few books I’ve devoured in a day. It had everything I wanted and more, a healer main character with backbone for days, a cursed beastly prince with all the wonderful moodiness, and sexual tension for days!

By Emma Hamm,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Once upon a time… 

A plague sweeps across the emerald hills of Uí Néill, leaving a young midwife’s father with months to live. To save her people, Sorcha makes a deal with a dangerous Fae. She must travel across the sea, through merrow and kelpie lands, to find a forgotten king on a crumbling throne. 

Born king of the Seelie Fae, Eamonn fought battles unnumbered to uphold honor, duty, and freedom… until his twin brother sank a blade between his shoulders. Crystals grew from the wound, splitting open skin and bone. His people banished him to a cursed isle for…


Book cover of Kissed by Death

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

This book came to me when I needed it most. I was having a hard time finding something that called to me and drew me in.

The main character in this story made me want to be her. She was such an amazing badass and so confident in herself even when she had no clue who she was. Pick this us if you’re looking for gods, vampires, end of the world prophecies, and a HEA.

By Holly Roberds,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Kissed by Death as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


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A Beggar's Bargain

By Jan Sikes,

Book cover of A Beggar's Bargain

Jan Sikes Author Of The Edge of Too Late

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Avid reader Lover of Music Astral Traveler Tarot Reader Grandmother

Jan's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Historical Fiction Post WW2.

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.

Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger. If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

A Beggar's Bargain

By Jan Sikes,

What is this book about?

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father's dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.

Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time-a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an…


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