Must Read Fantasy and Romantasy Books this Year (so far)

The air is buzzing with magic and the promise of epic romance, and for book lovers, there's no better time to get lost in a new story. This year, the worlds of fantasy and romantasy have delivered some truly unforgettable tales, from high-stakes quests to swoon-worthy love stories set against fantastical backdrops. At Booxies, we believe in the power of a good book to transport you, and this hand-picked list of must read fantasy and romantasy books is your passport to adventure. Whether you're a seasoned reader of the genre or looking to dip your toes into a world of dragons, fae, and fated mates, these books are guaranteed to be your new obsessions.

Best Fantasy and Romantasy Books to Read This Year:

The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig

Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum's windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams.

Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil's visions. But when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral's cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god.

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Katabasis, noun, Ancient Greek. The story of a hero's descent to the underworld.

Grad student Alice Law has only ever had one goal: to become the brightest mind in the field of analytic magick.

But the only person who can make her dream come true is dead and – inconveniently – in Hell. And Alice, along with her biggest rival Peter Murdoch, is going after him.

But Hell is not as the philosophers claim, its rules are upside-down, and if she’s going to get out of there alive, she and Peter will have to work together.

That’s if they can agree on anything.

The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent

Mische made the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loves – and plunged the world into an eternal night. Now, imprisoned by the gods and obsessed with revenge, Asar is desperate to find her again.

When a goddess offers them a final path to redemption – and back to each other – Asar and Mische embark on an extraordinary mission. Together, they must seize the power of the god of death so Asar may do the impossible: ascend to true divinity.

Their journey will take them through mortal and immortal realms, alongside both old friends and ruthless enemies. But as the underworld teeters on the brink of collapse and the gods prepare for a war, Asar and Mische must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the power to defy death. In a game of vengeful gods and ancient betrayals, there are some debts that even love may not be able to repay.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

This is Book #3 of The Empyrean.

Get ready for the breathtaking follow-up to global phenomenons Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from the no. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

ARE YOU READY TO BRAVE THE DARK?

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there's no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it's impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves - her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.

Cursebound by Saara El-Arifi

This is Book #2 of Faebound. 

Yeeran was born for war but is unprepared for love. She has left her new lover, the Queen of the fae, to return to her homeland, only to find that her former lover now threatens war against the fae.

Left behind, her sister Lettle is determined to break the curse that binds the fae to their realm. When a stranger appears in the city, Lettle is convinced he’s the key. But the Fates that once spoke to her have fallen silent.

Can Lettle and Yeeran discover the secret behind the curse – and unite these two worlds before they destroy each other?

Ever Blessed by Olivia O'Flynn

This is Book #1 of Tides of Ever

Love, mythology and magic collide in a delicious, action-packed new romantasy series from Australian author and award-winning podcaster Olivia O'Flynn, for all fans of Sarah A Parker, Carissa Broadbent and Rebecca Yarros.

She was made of magic and wrath ...

In a world fractured by belief, the gods lay claim to the Ever – ancient magic that sustains the Known World. But the Ever is failing, and the gods have turned their wrath on the Ever Blessed, those gifted with access to its power.

Captain Elva, warrior princess of Vettona, is her realm's last hope for peace. Promised in marriage to the handsome yet infuriating Fynton, she must navigate a fragile alliance and her growing feelings for the one man she cannot trust.

Meanwhile, Innes, a witch desperate to conceal her bond with the Ever, embarks on a perilous quest to cure a blight upon the land. But her path collides with a deadly Vettonian warrior, forcing her to choose between a dangerous love and the salvation of her people.

As ancient powers awaken and allegiances crumble, Elva and Innes must decide where their loyalties lie – love or fidelity, freedom or fate – as the wrong choice means losing everything to the vengeance of the gods.

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova

Book #1 Arcana Academy

A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement to the headmaster of a mysterious academy in this first instalment of an enthralling fantasy romance series from the bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King.

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job goes awry, Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards - a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.

Just when it seems her luck has run dry, the academy's enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape - for a price. Kaelis believes that Clara is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king and use it to re-create an all-powerful card long lost to time.

In order to conceal her identity and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.

Firebird by Juliette Cross

This is Book #1 of The Fire That Binds

From the moment Roman general and nephew to the emperor Julianus Dakkia laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his dragon form to save her, an action that may result in his head on the imperial gate. But he and his dragon know one thing: she belongs to them.

Malina can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality. His warrior prowess cannot be denied, yet it doesn't reveal the secret he hides. All Malina knows is his protection and gentle touch and how her soul has always seemed to answer his.

As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider

This is Book #1 of Fire and Metal

Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta-the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people-and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true.

Brynn's loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of who she is is brought to light by this soldier who's taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn's connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she's been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart.

There’s a world of magic and romance waiting for you to discover, and at Booxies, we're here to help you find your next great escape. Whether you're a lover of the surprise and delight that comes with our Mystery Booxies, where we hand-pick a fantastic new release just for you, or you prefer to select the perfect fantasy novel yourself from our Curated Booxies range, we have something to spark your imagination. And for the ultimate personalised experience, our Build Your Own Booxie option lets you craft a gift box with a fantasy book of your choice and a selection of premium treats. No matter how you choose to dive in, we hope you find your happily ever after within these pages.