Adult and YA Fae Books

The Rose Bargain

Author: Sasha Peyton Smith

Year: 2025

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

More info: Cruel Prince meets The Selection

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Think of this book as The Selection but with Fae! The queen has ruled for hundreds of years after she ended a war. Now, every citizen in England is granted one wish from the fae queen. Girls bargain for a gift to help them make a good match and men bargain for wealth and status. However, with each gift comes a price (like the tip of a pinky finger or a few teeth). This year the stakes are the highest because the fae prince is looking for a wife.

Ivy needs that match more than ever. Her sister made a bargain she cannot remember, and it has nearly destroyed her family. To save her family from ruin, Ivy will compete with other women to win the prince’s heart.

Why Jackie loves it

I immediately wanted to read this when I heard “The Selection”, but this book is sooo good with its unique storyline. I love the alternate English history rather than a dystopian setting. The characters in the book are fun to read and I could not put this book down. There were some unpredictable elements in the story that made it even more fun and I am already dying to read the next one.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is everything my ballgown-loving heart wanted it to be. I swooned over the romance, hated the main villian, and was utterly gobsmacked by the ending. I can’t wait for the sequel!!

Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Adult and YA Fae Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books With Flowers in the Title / Best Beach Reads 2025

Servant of Earth

Author: Sarah Hawley

Genre: Fantasy

Year: 2024

Genre: Adult Fantast

More info: Servant of Earth

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Kenna Harron lost her mother and only has her best friend left. She plans to escape to a better life after she finds a magical blade in the bog. But when her best friend is selected to travel across the bog to faeirie, Kenna follows to protect her.

When Kenna is the only person to survive the bog and make it all the way to Fae, she is assigned Servant of Earth House in the underground faerie kingdom called Mistel. There, she must help her mistress Lara survive six magical tasks to gain immortality and become the heir of Earth House. If Lara fails the tasks, she will be disowned or killed and Kenna will be put to death.

Soon, Kenna becomes part of a secret rebellion to overthrow the evil faerie king, Osric while trying to determine what the next task will be and how she can help Lara survive.

Trigger Warnings

Death, violence

Why Jackie loves it

There are so many twists and turns in this steamy fantasy. The different houses of fae (Earth, Fire, Light, Illusion, Void, and Blood) each have their own secrets and are ruled by magical shards or the same name. The fae are cunning, vicious, and beautiful. Within a few pages, I was sucked into this world. I love how smart and resourceful Kenna is, even if she is completely naive to the ways of the fae.

Find this book in:Adult and YA Fae Books / The Best Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

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 / Guide to Emily Wilde Series

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

Half Sick of Shadows

Author: Laura Sebastian

Year: 2021

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Popsugar Best Summer Read of 2021

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

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.

Why Kirsten loves it

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.

Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Adult and YA Fae Books / Classic Book Retellings

Carnival Row: Tangle in the Dark

Author: Stephanie K Smith

Year: 2019

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Adapted to Screen Amazon Prime

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

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.

Trigger Warnings

murder

Why Jackie loves it

This is a completely original book that pulled me in immediately. I loved listening to this book.

Find this book in: Fae 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

Quicksilver

Author: Callie Heart

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Book 1 of 2 in Fae and Alchemy Series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Saeris Fane lives in a desert where people do anything for a glass of water. She has learned to survive by stealing and picking pockets. Her priorities are herself and her brother. She has the ability to feel and manipulate metal but she must keep it a secret at all costs.

When Saris comes face to face with Death (Kingfisher), she accidentally opens a portal between realms that has been closed for hundreds of years. She is transported to a land that is ice, snow, and Fae. What she thought was just stories, is real and now she is in the middle of a Fae war.

Saeris is now dependent of Kingfisher for survival and they make a deal. She will use her Alchmist magic to help him win the war and he will help get her home.

Trigger Warnings

Sex workers, forced sterilization, childhood poverty, war

Why Jackie loves it

This world-building fantasy had everything that I love in an epic novel without being too complicated. The magic and the story are unique which made it hard to put down. Although this book is long, it not feel like it and I breezed though the 600+ pages quickly. The romance is pretty epic. The enemies to lovers trope is done so well and I cannot wait for the next book to come out- even it is November 2025!

Find this book in: The Best Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult and YA Fae Books

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

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

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

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

An Enchantment of Ravens

Author: Margaret Rogerson

Year: 2017

Genre: YA Romantasy

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

Author: Jenna Black

Year: 2010

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Book 1 of 3 of the Faeriewalker Series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

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.

Trigger Warnings

Alcoholic mother

Why Jackie loves it

This was a fun quick YA read from our list of fae books. This YA fantasy book is perfect if you love urban fantasy books.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books/ Adult and YA Fae Books