Fantasy Books About Books
What started as one post of books about books has become an entire library of fiction, romance, and fantasy books about books. I was so excited to put all of these fantasy picks in one place.
As a book lover, there is nothing I love more than a book that is about books, writers, libraries, or bookstores. These books feel like an ode to books.
The Best Fantasy Books About Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fantasy Book About Books
The Book Witch by Meg Schaffer- Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy Book About Libraries
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fantasy Books About Books
The Book Witch
Author: Meg Shaffer
Release Date: April 7, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: USA Today Bestselling author of The Wishing Game
Plot
Rainy March is a book witch. She can move in and out of novels to fix any alterations that book burners might do to try and harm the book. All book witches have to abide by a strict code that does not allow them to eat, drink, or sleep inside a fictional world. They are also not supposed to bring fictional characters into the real world.
When Rainy’s grandfather disappears, and a priceless book is stolen, there is only one person she can trust to help her. The Duke of Chicago is a British detective who stars in her favorite mystery series. The problem? She has been forbidden to see him anymore because they fell in love when she went into his books to save them from the burners. Now, the two of them will hop from book to book to follow the clues her grandfather left behind.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is an ode to books, and I loved every minute of it. It is funny and sweet with the perfect amount of romance and mystery. There are mentions of classic books from Nancy Drew to Fahrenheit 451 and Pride and Prejudice. Thank you to Ballantine for my copy of this book #gifted.
Find this book in: The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books / Best Beach Reads 2026
The Children
Author: Melissa Albert
Year: 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author, June 2026 Read with Jenna Book Club pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Guinevere narrates this story in the past and the present as she grapples with the events of her childhood, looking back as an adult with a new perspective. The daughter of a celebrated children’s author, Guinevere, and her brother, Ennis, were the inspiration behind her mother’s fantasy stories – but her childhood was vastly different than the idyllic portrayal in Edith’s novels.
Now, as an adult, Guinevere is promoting her memoir, which paints the same pretty picture as her mother wanted – even in the darker moments, like when her childhood home burned down with her parents inside. But when Ennis’s art show threatens to expose the truth behind their childhood, Guinevere is forced to reconsider her past.
Trigger Warnings
Fire
Why Kirsten likes it
I’m all over the place about this story. Albert is a gifted writer who painted a portrait of the house in the woods so vividly that I could picture it in my mind, but the dark underbelly left me so unsettled that I had trouble sleeping while reading it! The story is so unique, and I certainly didn’t see the ending coming. I’d recommend this one for fans of darker fairytales! Gifted by William Morrow.
Find this book in: Isolation Books and Thrillers / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2026
Plot
Cassie works in a bookstore in NYC. When one of her favorite customers dies, she finds the book he was reading with an inscription leaving it to her. It’s the Book of Doors which allows Cassie to open any door and go anywhere she wants to – London, Paris, or any door she can picture in her head.
Soon, she is approached by a stranger named Drummond Fox, a librarian for a collection of books just like Cassie’s telling her she’s in danger. People have searched for The Book of Doors for years and will do anything to get their hands on it.
Now, Cassie finds herself entwined in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as she tries to stay alive and keep the Book of Doors away from those who want it for nefarious purposes. #gifted
Trigger Warnings
Death
Why Jackie loves it
OMG. I did not know what to expect when I picked up this book. It is unlike anything I had ever read and I loved every minute of the story! I loved I had to think about how the doors would work and how the story comes together in the end.
Find this book in: Books About Books / Magical Realism Books to Read Now / Books About Bookstores / Summer Reads 2024 / Best New Fantasy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When January is seven years old, she stumbles upon a door that leads her to a different place. When she is reprimanded for lying about the door, she eventually forgets about it until she finds the book “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” years later. January becomes intrigued, and the real story begins. The story alternates between the story of January and the book. The concept is such a fun way to narrate the plot, but at times, the plot moved slowly as one storyline stopped and another began.
Why Jackie loves it
I’ve never read a book quite like this and I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. The writing is subtle, the plot is driven by character and intrigue rather than action-packed suspense. It also has a feel of historical fiction about it, s0 lovers of the genre may love this book as well.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Books With Numbers in the Title
The Book of Lost Hours
Author: Hayley Gelfuso
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Magical Realism
More info: September 2025 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
In 1938, Lisabet Levy and her father, a watchmaker, were home on the night of Kristallnacht. Her father leaves to find her brother and puts her inside a place that is time itself. It is where all memories are held in books. This is where Lisabet becomes trapped while she waits for her father, who never returns.
In 1965, Amelia Duquesne is mourning the loss of her uncle Ernest. When a CIA operative finds her and asks for her help in locating a book her uncle was looking for, she is hesitant. When that operative shows her how her uncle’s watch can manipulate time, she is forced to cooperate and hopes that she will find answers.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this dual timeline historical fiction book. It has everything I love in a book. The plot was nonstop action, the characters felt real, and the story was emotionally charged. I could not put it down. #Gifted by S & S Audio
Find this book in: The Best Good Morning America Books
Plot
Bradbury’s dystopian classic is one of the most well-known pieces of modern literature but I hadn’t read it! I don’t usually gravitate to books like this, but I heard so many people speak about the relevancy of this novel today.
It’s so true. This sci-fi book offers a grim look at our future if our society continues down the road of this technology obsession we seem to have.
Guy Montag is a fireman whose job is to destroy anything illegal including books. People are expected to spend the day with their television. When he meets a new young neighbor, he begins to question everything he has learned.
Why Kirsten likes it
If you liked 1984 or The Circle, you will devour this book. Sci-fi is usually not my preferred genre, but I did enjoy this book. This is a dystopian novel that was ahead of its time. Not only does this book stand the test of time, but more than 60 years after its publication, it is even more relevant to our society and our obsession with technology.
Find this book in: Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time / Best Dystopian Novels / Classic Novels / Thought-Provoking Books
Fantasy Books About Libraries and Librarians
The Astral Library
Author: Kate Quinn
Year: 2026
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Bestselling Author of The Alice Network
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Alix grew up in the foster care system and took refuge in books at the Boston Public Library. When she finds a hidden door, she enters a hidden library where people can escape into their favorite books.
There, she also meets the Librarian, the guardian of the Astral Library. When an enemy to the library threatens to destroy it, Alix and the Librarian flee through Sherlock Holmes and other literary favorites. Can they determine what the enemy wants before it destroys everything?
Trigger Warnings
Foster Care System, domestic abuse
Why Jackie loves it
2026 really seems to be the year of the book about books. This is unlike any other book by Kate Quinn. This is the perfect mix of fantasy and fiction, with an ode to books themselves. I could not out this book down.
Find this book in: Books About Libraries and Librarians / Best Beach Reads 2026
The Librarian
Author: Christy Sloat
Year: 2017
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: The Librarian Chronicles #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Emme’s grandmother dies, she agrees to take over Gram’s library despite plans to head to college abroad. When she opens a book from Gra’s special collection, she finds herself face to face with Jack Ridgewell in 1892 England. Emme is part of an elite group of women who can travel to the past through books.
Why Jackie loves it
This is reminded me of Outlander! This brings a whole new meaning to Book Boyfriend. You’ll love this fantasy book about books.
Find this book in: Books like Outlander
The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Year: 2020
Genre: Time Travel Fiction
More info: October 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The story is about a library with books filled with the infinite possibilities of the lives not lived. Have you ever wondered about a choice, or a path not taken?
When Nora finds herself in the library she is forced to face the choices that she made in her life- relationships, education, profession… The books in the library are endless, each an alternate reality of the endless life choices. Nora has to decide what kind of life she wants to live.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
I loved Matt Haig’s last book and was so excited to read this one. This is a magical time travel book and I loved every minute of getting to know Nora’s paths untravelled. Matt Haig is a master of magical realism.
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Books About Books / Time Loop Books / Magical Realism / Best Books of 2020 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books About Libraries
The Starless Sea
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
More info: National Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
How to describe this book that is an ode to storytelling…..it’s a love story to books, a fantasy within a love story within a fairy tale. Zachary finds a hidden book in the library stacks filled with romantic love stories – including one from his own life! Soon he’s transported to a magical world in search of answers.
Why Jackie loves it
To say that I was excited about Erin Morgenstern‘s new book might be the understatement of the year. The writing is beautiful- Erin’s signature style of vivid imagery left me completely captivated. I truly loved every minute of this book. It was pointless to predict the story. So, I let it take me away with the lyrical prose.
Find this book in: Books Like The Night Circus / Full Cast Audiobooks / Magical Realism Books
Expert Tip
Even if you are not usually into the fantasy genre, these fantasy books about books can be the perfect gateway. Often, they are magical realism, which makes the book feel believable.
- Have a look at the description of the book. Did I read it or Kirsten? We give some great descriptions of the plot and why we liked these books. This can be a great way to help you pick a book you will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fantasy book about books should I read first?
I think the Astral Library by Kate Quinn is the perfect segue into this subgenre. She is known for her amazing historical fiction novels, so this is a change for her. But, this book really is a love story about the importance of libraries.
Related Content
Epilogue
What is your favorite fantasy book about books?
