Check out some of the best fantasy books with unique magic systems.
Have you wanted to approach the fantasy genre but have no idea where to start? Or maybe you love fantasy but are finding the recent ‘BookTok’ fantasy novels a little too similar?
These are our recommendations for some of the best new adult and YA fantasy! From unique magic systems to excellent characterisations, there is a book for every fantasy lover on this list, whether you’re new to the genre or a diehard fan.
Some of the best fantasy books with unique magic systems
For No Mortal Creature Keshe Chow
Read this if: You love ghosts, Wuthering Heights and are down for an Asian mythology-inspired depiction of the afterlife. This book is also perfect for you if you’ve never forgiven Inception for ending like that . . .
Unholy Terrors Lyndall Clipstone
Read this if: You’re into unique dark fantasy and subversive blood-tie magic and dabble in monster romances.
The Invocations Krystal Sutherland
Read this if: Soul magic, deals with demons and witches that mean business are your vibe.
The Last Tiger Julia Riew, Brad Riew
Read this if: Historical fantasy based on a true story is your Roman Empire and you’ve been watching K-Pop Demon Hunters on repeat.
Silvercloak L. K. Steven
Read this if: Magic linked to pleasure or pain interests you, you enjoyed Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight trilogy or A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab and ‘tortured undercover magician in a mafia gang’ is a preference you’d set on your fantasy Hinge bio.
The House Saphir Marissa Meyer
Read this if: You love the Bluebeard folktale, the Haunted Mansion ride, and the witchy vibes in Practical Magic. Bonus points if you take pride in telling an excellent ghost story.
The Starless Sea Erin Morgenstern
Read this if: You want an inventive, whimsical fantasy that celebrates the magic of storytelling and will also make you cry (in a good way). For fans of gorgeous prose, whimsical settings and a dash of video games.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf Marlon James
Read this if: You want an epic, complex literary fantasy with unreliable narrators, African mythology and are comfortable with Game of Thrones levels of gore.
Cruel Is the Light Sophie Clark
Read this if: You dreamed of getting a Shadowhunters rune tattoo as a teen, and carving magic out of your bones to vanquish demons sounds like an interesting premise.
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