10 Adult and YA Fae Books for the Fantasy Obsessed
Ever since reading A Court of Thorns and Roses (have you seen our list of books like ACOTAR) Jackie and I have been obsessed with fae books.
We’ve read quite a lot of fae books over the years, so we wanted to include them for you below. You’ll find everything from urban fantasies to fairytale retellings in the list below.
Love Fantasy Books? We do too! That’s why we created the Ultimate List of Fantasy for Adults and the Ultimate List of YA fantasy!
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The Best Fae Books
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Author: Heather Fawcett
Year: 2023
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Emily Wilde #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Emily Wilde is an expert on the study of faeries who is writing the first encyclopedia on faerie lore. She has traveled to the village of Hrafnsvik to study the Hidden Ones. She is much better with her dog and faeries than she is with people so she is not happy when Wendell Bamblely shows up uninvited. He is her handsome and lazy rival who is not opposed to making things up as he goes along.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best fantasy books of 2023! I knew I needed to read it as soon as I saw the name, but everything about it was wonderful. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The sequel, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Overlands is already of of my favorites of 2024.
Find this book in: Fae Books / Cozy Books / Best Books of 2023 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books /Adult Fantasy Novels / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Throne of Glass Book 1 of 7
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This epic book series from Sarah J. Maas was started when Sarah was still a teenager! It’s all about Celaena, an imprisoned assassin who is offered freedom by acting as the champion for Prince Dorian.
As she prepares to earn her freedom in the competition, she begins training sessions with the captain of the guard. As she tries to acclimate to court life, the prince is drawn to her, and a love triangle forms. This series is perfect for YA fantasy lovers. It has everything you want from world-building to plot and great characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
The YA fantasy series gets better and better with each book! It is total must-read if you are looking for books like ACOTAR and a must-read if you love fae books. I am still amazed that Maas wrote this at such a young age
Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing /Adult and YA Fae Books
Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian
Lady Elaine tells this retelling of Arthurian legend. I loved hearing this tale retold because I’ve long been a fan of The Mists of Avalon, The Sword and the Stone, Camelot, and the like.
I loved this feminist classic retelling that showed a weaker Arthur supported by the strong, magic-bearing women of the story. Gwen, Morgana, and Elaine’s friendship was the highlight of the story for me.
Carnival Row: Tangle in the Dark by Stephanie K Smith
Tourmaline is a student who studies by day and spends her nights partying. When Vignette shows up at school and is placed in Tourmaline’s room, her life begins to take on more meaning than just the parties.
As war with humans threatens, Tourmaline becomes inspired by Vignette as a poet and as a fae. She must risk everything for love even if it will destroy her. This pick from fae books is unlike any others.
Fae Romance Books
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: #1 Bestselling series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book has a cult-like following for a reason. The first book in the series is a loose fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the world of Prythian. Magical creatures, humans, and fae are all prominent in the book.
When Feyre kills a wolf in the words, a creature arrives at her house to drag her to a magical land that she has only heard about in stories told to terrify children. Now, she must remain a captor of Tamlin, a fae, as retribution.
This is a fast-paced, addicting, fantasy romance series with a love triangle that develops by the end of the novel. Book two is jaw-dropping! This series is on its way to becoming a classic that you will want to binge in one week.
While this book is technically the first book in a YA fantasy series, the later books become very steamy. The first book is appropriate for YA but Jackie and I agree that the later books in the series are strictly for 18 and up. We are so excited this is going to be one of the Hulu book adaptations.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and love a good fantasy romance. Put them together in a book written by Sarah J. Maas and you get a fantastic story.
Why Jackie loves it
The first book is just a warm-up for the rest of the series. Initially, you think you know where this story is headed, but I promise that it will take so many twists and turns, that you will not want to put this book (and the rest of the series) down.
Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / ACOTAR Books in order
The Cruel Prince
Author: Holly Black
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Folk of Air #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When Jude was seven years old, her parents were murdered and she was taken to live in the high court of the Faeries with her two sisters. Now, ten years later, Jude is living as a human among faeries and trying to find her place in Court. She must survive life as a human in Faerie.
But as civil war threatens, Jude will need to risk her life to save herself, her sisters, and Faerie.
If you are looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this pick is tamer but addictive as well. This series should be on your radar for books that are more appropriate for the younger YA audience as well.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is filled with angst, treachery, and drama that makes it completely addicting. I ordered the sequel the minute that I was done with this book, which is the first in a trilogy.
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance / Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / YA Fantasy Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Enemies-to-lovers books
An Enchantment of Ravens
Author: Margaret Rogerson
Year: 2017
Genre:
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
A stand-alone YA fantasy romance book? These are few and far between, but this one is perfect for fans of ACOTAR.
This story of a human falling in love with a Fae prince has tons of elements for Sarah J. Maas fans to love. From Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Fae courts, to enchantments and a forbidden love story, this is one of the fae books you will want to add to your TBR.
Why Kirsten loves it
I fell hard for Rook and Isobel. I think you all will fall for this fae romance book from our list of best YA fantasy books!
Find this book in: Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult and YA Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
This was a fun quick YA read from our list of fae books. Dana Hathaway is a half-human, half-Faerie 16-year-old. She leaves her alcoholic mother to go to Avalon and meet her father for the first time.
Avalon is the gateway to the fairy realm and she will soon question who she should trust when she discovers she is a Faeriewalker, someone who can travel between the human and faerie world. Now, that she is caught between two worlds, she does not know who to trust and everyone seems to want something from her. This YA fantasy book is a fun and quick read if you are looking for books like ACOTAR and is fun read if you are looking for urban fantasy books.
Urban Fantasy Fae Books
Filthy Rich Fae
Author: Geneva Lee
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Filthy Rich Fae #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The Fae courts are connected to some of the most bustling cities in the modern world, where the veil between the worlds are thin and Fae rule the human cities as well as their courts. Lachlan Gage is the rules New Orleans, but he isn’t just running a criminal empire – he’s the Fae prince ruling the underside of the city.
Cate Holloway doesn’t know that when she comes to make a bargain – her services in exchange for her brother’s freedom from Gage’s grasp. But as she learns the truth – and falls for Gage – her world is turned on it’s axis.
Why Kirsten loves it
I devoured this book. The world-building was amazing, but I can tell there is more lore to be unraveled in further stories. I’m just so upset this one ended on a cliffhanger. I need to know what happens next! #gifted by Entangled
Find this book in: Fae Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like ACOTAR
Zodiac Academy: The Awakening
Author: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Zodiac Academy Book 1 of 12
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Whew. I have found my newest adult fantasy romance series addiction. Orphan twins Tory and Darcy find out they are actually Fae after their 18th birthday. And not just any Fae, they are the heirs to the throne and they only need to graduate from Zodiac Academy to claim their throne.
The problem comes in the form of the four Heirs – The boys in each elemental order who have been raised to share the throne and rule Solaria together in the Twins’ absence.They aren’t planning to give up their claim anytime soon and they use their considerable magic in the air, fire, earth, and water elements to put these girls to the test.
This urban fantasy series is on fire hot, with lots of steam, bullying romance, and deadly situations. Even though this is one of a few great books set in high school, do NOT read this one if you are under 18.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is something about this series that is seriously addicting. There is romance, adventure, and some serious girl power in this series.
Why Jackie likes it
I liked this series but didn’t love it as much as Kirsten. The bullying felt too abusive to me and the pranks were a little too dangerous. And despite those reservations, I wanted to see Tory and Darcy kick some butts. As the series progresses and the sisters become more powerful, the story gets a lot more detailed.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Set in College / Adult Fantasy Novels / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults
House of Earth and Blood
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Book #1 of the Crescent City Series
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new series by Sarah J. Maas, of ACOTAR fame. It’s an urban fantasy – and tells the story of Bryce Quinlan and her bodyguard, Hunt Athalar. Strange things are happening in Lunathion and together, Bryce and Hunt are trying to uncover the source of murders happening around Crescent City. If only because then they will be permitted to get away from one another.
But Bryce’s hunt for answers is deeper, she knows that what’s going on now is connected to her best friend, Danika’s murder two years prior. This wild ride was filled with skyscrapers, cellphones, and video surveillance, but also fairies, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches with history and power.
Why Kirsten loves it
My initial turn-off of too many names/places/tribes/species types was quickly overcome by the insane world-building and a story that kept me up until 3 a.m. I fell in love with Bryce and Hunt’s romance, the epic world of the Crescent City series, and the many breadcrumbs and clues SJM scattered throughout this story.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this world-building fantasy. Unlike so many of the other EPIC series, this one is set in an urban setting which makes it unique to any other series I have read. The characters are fantastic in their imperfect, but relatable ways.
Find this book in: Guide to All of Sarah J. Maas’s Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like ACOTAR / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
21 Addicting Urban Fantasy Books to Read Now
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The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books
Love Fae Books? Check out more in our The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books
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