Royal Fantasy Books

Shield of Sparrows

Author: Devney Perry

Year: 2025

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller, In Development as a film with Amazon

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Princess Odessa is the Eldest daughter of the king of Quentis. Her younger sister, Mae, has been raised since birth to become the Sparrow- the one to marry the heir of Turah for a treaty. When the prince arrives, he chooses Odessa to be his bride-prize, and she has no choice but to agree. Her father asks her to spy on them and send information on how to find their capital city and orders her to kill the Guardian if she is given a chance.

Now Odessa and her two lady’s maids travel across the sea filled with deadly monsters as she tries to find her place in the new land filled with monsters. Odessa starts to feel a relationship with the people and is torn between her loyalty to her father and her new husband.

Why Jackie loves it

This is a slow-burn romance where the princess becomes more than a damsel in distress. It is filled with surprises, thrills, and deadly monsters at every turn of the page. I could not put it down.

Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025 / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / The Best Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Fantasy Books of 2025 / Royal Fantasy 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 / Royal Fantasy Books

The Magician of Tiger Castle

Author: Louis Sachar

Year: 2025

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Beloved Children’s Author’s Adult Debut

Age Range: 16+

Plot

In the Kingdom of Esquaveta lives the Princess Tullia. In an attempt to save the kingdom, the king has arranged a marriage for his daughter. Unfortunately, she falls in love with someone else one month before the wedding.

Now, the king turns to his magician and asks for a potion to ensure the wedding and alliance happen. This is Anatole’s chance at redemption. However, in doing so, he will betray Tullia, the only person who believes in him.

Why Kirsten likes it

This story reminds me of The Princess Bride if it were told by Miracle Max. Of course, the plot is different, but that’s the closest I can do to explaining the vibes. It’s classic Sacher human in adult form! #gifted by Berkley.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Novels / Royal Fantasy Books

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 / Royal Fantasy 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 / Royal Fantasy Books

Royal Historical Fantasy

The Mists of Avalon by

Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Locus Award Winner

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is a fairy tale retelling of the story of King Arthur, featuring the Lady of the Lake, Paganism vs. Christianity, and an epic struggle for power.

Merlin and the Lady of the Lake practice pagan witchcraft, as they try to keep the old ways alive against the new religion gaining popularity, the choices they make for Arthur’s kingdom inspire the tale we know so well.

The mini-series adaptation of this adult fantasy book is wonderful too and well worth the watch!

Why Kirsten loves it

This was my first high fantasy book series, which I routinely think about. I read it in middle school (which I absolutely shouldn’t have) and devoured this tome in days. It captivated my imagination unlike anything I had ever read before.

Find this book in: Books Set in Cornwall / Fairy Tale Retellings / Lake Books / Witch Books / Historical Fantasy Books / Royal Fantasy Books

The Lost Queen

Author: Signe Pike

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Book 1 of 3 in The Lost Queen

Age Range: 18+

Plot

If you love Outlander, The Mists of Avalon, or The Clan of the Cave Bear, then you will love this pick from royal reads. Set in Britain/ Scotland when Christianity is poised to become the religion of the country, a future queen who swore to the old ways is learning how to balance the needs of her people and her religion with the role she’s expected to play.

Meanwhile, her twin brother is training to be the man history knows as Merlin. The first in a new trilogy about Arthurian legend.

This book is a perfect pick for a list of books like A Discovery of Witches or a list of books like Outlander. If you love books set in Scotland, this book is a must-read.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love historical fiction books and I also love stories about King Arthur. This series is perfect for me, especially because it also takes place in Scotland. This is a triple win in my books.

Why Jackie loves it

When I first got this book, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like it. I had a very difficult time reading it since I could not pronounce any of the names. As soon as I started listening to this book, I was immediately drawn into the story. If you love historical fiction or historical fantasy, I would highly suggest listening to this series.

Find this book in: Best Books About Scotland / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / The Best Witch Books / Books like Outlander / Mythology Books / Historical Fantasy Books / Royal Fantasy Books

The Belles

Author: Dhonielle Clayton

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Belles #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Plot

The people in the world of Orleans are devoid of natural beauty and need The Belles to use their magical treatments to be beautiful. The most powerful of the Belles is known as the favorite and works for the royal family to set trends and perform beauty treatments.

But what happens when a sick queen and a greedy princess have differing views on ruling the people of Orléans and The Belles of the world?

Trigger Warnings

Body shaming, Sexual assault

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved the first book. I finished it and immediately rushed into book 2. The world-building in this YA Fantasy was wonderful and the descriptions of the elaborate beauty treatments painted a vivid picture. The characters were flawed but wonderfully constructed and the teacup pets were adorable.

Find this book in: Books Like the Selection / YA Fantasy / Best Books for 13-year-olds / YA Royalty Books / Royal Fantasy Books

YA Royal Fantasy

The Rose Bargain

Author: Sasha Peyton Smith

Year: 2025

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

More info: The Rose Bargain #1

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 / Best Fantasy Books of 2025 / Books Like The Night Circus / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults

Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Year: 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Red Queen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

Plot

In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home, where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, with whom she begins to grow close. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.

Why Kirsten loves it

I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.

Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books / Royal Romance Books

Ash Princess

Author: Laura Sebastian

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Book 1 of 3 Ash Princess

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Think Cinderella with a twist. When Princess Theodosia’s mother (the Queen) is killed, she is taken to live with the conquering family. She becomes the princess of ashes, donning a crown made of Ashes as a reminder of who she is.

Why Jackie loves it

I read this young adult fantasy novel in just two days and then passed it on to my son who loved it too. This is a great YA fantasy book about royals and the first in a trilogy series.

Find this book in: Adult Retellings of Disney Classics / The Ultimate List of Books about Royalty / YA Royalty Books / Royal Fantasy Books

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 / Royal Romance Books / YA Royalty Books

Mirage

Author: Somaiya Daud

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy Sci-Fi

More info: Mirage #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

The young adult fantasy novel is fast-moving and twists and turns throughout. It is part sci-fi, part fantasy, and part romance for young adults/ new adults. I love the character development and the drama that is so typical of any 18-year-old – especially if you are a spoiled brat, entitled princess.

Trigger Warnings

Violence, Kidnapping, Colonisation

Why Jackie loves it

Amani is a girl who lives on a moon ruled by a cruel and ruthless empire. When she is abducted and taken to the palace she realizes that she looks almost identical to the Princess. Amani must start life anew as a double for the princess or face possible death.

But, as Amani starts a new life, she discovers more about herself and the royal that she must now become. She must immerse herself in the world of royal courts and politics while convincing everyone, including the princess’s fiancé, that she is the princess.

Find this book in: Young Adult Dystopian Novels

The Princess Bride

Author: William Goldman

Year: 1973

Genre: Fantasy

Spice Rating: 💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Read all about Buttercup and her beloved Wesley and their harrowing tale of finding true love. It will not disappoint you. You might even want to read the book to someone else.

In the book, the author is narrating for the reader and describing a fictional book that his father read to him as a child. Sound confusing? It’s straightforward and a wonderful pick from books about weddings.

Why Jackie loves it

This movie is one of my favorites of all time and I was so shocked to learn that it was originally a book. If you lived through the ’80s then you might think that this is inconceivable but, alas, it is true.

Find this book in: Pirate Books / Books About Weddings / Royal Fantasy Books