I have been reading Young Adult Fantasy stories for 10 plus years. My first experience with this genre was an amazing series from Sarah J. Maas, so I obviously have to list it as my #1 choice!
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas I was hooked in the first chapter of this series. It is basically a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but is an amazing take on a classic love story. Feyre is taken captive by Tamlin when she is discovered as the one that killed a large wolf in the woods, except it was not a wolf. Now Feyre has to make up for the life she took. The tension between Tamlin and Feyre is exciting, sexy, and a slow burn. Feyre is a strong and independent FMC. She reminds me of Katniss from the Hunger Games, but in a world of Fae. Rhysand….well you have to read it to understand how much I love him. I always tend to love the first book of a series, but ACOTAR just kept getting better and better as the books were published. So grab this series, and I promise you won’t regret it!
2. Flames of Chaos by Amelia Hutchins
This was a series that I was unsure about at first. The paranormal was more than I expected and way outside my box, but once I got past it, I found a love for this series. Aria and her sisters return to the human realm to find one of their own is missing. In the human realm is where they meet Knox. Aria is a funny and strong FMC. I literally laughed out loud at times when reading some of her dialogue. Knox is controlling, rude, and conniving, but at the same time, sexy and drool worthy. This story had me experiencing all the emotions, and the smut level is on fire for this series. I highly recommend it!
3. Lady of Darkness by Melissa Roehrich
Lady of Darkness is another series of strong female characters and great world building. Scarlett was raised to be feared as a trio of assassins. She takes one final assignment in hopes of retrieving the name of her mother’s killer. Then children begin to go missing, and Scarlett is forced to make decisions she never thought she would make. These women are badass and I love the relationships the author built among the three women. There are twists and turns that were unexpected, and it was hard to put the series down. I really loved this story. It was a unique plot and had me laughing, crying, and swooning over some of the characters. Buy it today!
4. A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark
If you like a dark and mysterious MMC, then this is the book series for you! When Prisca flees her village when ousted for her secretive powers, she is found and left for dead by a mercenary. When she meets with him and his crew again, they make bargains that will alter their lives, but will it be for the better? Prisca is brave, independent, and cares deeply for her family. Lorian is protective, possessive, moody and sexy. This enemies to lovers romance is to die for, so grab the book and settle in for an adventure.
5. The Broken Kingdoms by LJ Andrews
The last series in my top 5 series to read over and over is The Broken Kingdoms. Curse of Shadows and Thorns starts this series off with Elise, a princess whose Uncle controls the fate of her ill father’s life by promising her hand in marriage. When she meets Legion Gray, the dowry negotiator, she finds him grumpy, secretive, and hard to resist. After a coup throws the kingdom in a tizzy, Elise trusts Legion to protect her, but after discovering his secrets, can she really trust him to help her and her people? I really enjoyed all of the characters in this series, and I love that the author gives other characters their own stories. Give this one a read!
That’s all for now, but stay tuned for more…
~Reading with LJ