Dragons, Demons, and Dark Academia: Fantasy Finds My Heart (and Your Bookshelf)

Fantasy. It transports us to other worlds, introduces us to thrilling creatures, and explores the depths of our imaginations. Lately, the genre has been exploding, with new stories capturing hearts and minds left and right.

But with so many amazing books out there, it can be tough to know where to start. So, I thought I'd share a few of my recent discoveries that have been making waves in the fantasy community:

Dragons, Demanding Attention:

While dragons have always held a special place in fantasy, they're having a real moment right now. From epic battles to heartwarming bonds, these mythical beasts are taking on new and exciting forms. Check out:

• "Fireborne" by Rosaria Munda: Two rivals navigate a world ruled by dragon riders in this action-packed story about compassion, politics, and the fierce power of ambition.
• "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon: Dragons soar through a vast, richly imagined world in this intricate tale of political intrigue, forbidden magic, and ancient prophecies.

Demons Digging Deep:

There's something incredibly alluring about the dark and enigmatic nature of demons. And current fantasy novels are exploring their complexities with surprising depth:

• "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab: A woman cursed to be forgotten by all she meets finds unexpected connection with a mysterious man who remembers her in this hauntingly beautiful story. (Bonus: The demon in this book is a bit of a wildcard!)

Dark Academia Delights:

If the charm of Victorian universities, hidden societies, and mysterious curses fascinates you, then dark academia fantasy is your new obsession.

• "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" by Susanna Clarke: This historically-infused fantasy masterpiece follows two magicians in Regency England as they attempt to revive English magic, with captivating results.

These are just a few of the many amazing fantasy novels out there. So, grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and dive into a world of adventure.

What are some of your favorite fantasy reads? Share your recommendations in the comments!