Recommended fantasy books, as chosen by Penguin employees

Who better to turn to for book recs than fantasy fans themselves?

Our well-read team at Penguin Random House Australia has combed through their shelves (and their endless TBRs) to share the fantasy books they can’t stop thinking about.

From hidden gems to epic must-reads, these are the fantasy books we’re recommending right now. 

Fantasy book recommendations from Penguin Random House Employees

Lily, Publicist: Alchemised by SenLinYu

Alchemised is an absolute triumph of a novel. If you enjoy complex, nuanced characters and gorgeously developed fantasy worlds, I cannot recommend Alchemised enough. This is the sort of book that justifies every one of its 1,020 pages (yes there's that many pages!), and I really do expect that Helena's story of survival in the aftermath of war will become a new classic of the fantasy genre. 

Shané, Senior Editor: Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

Great worldbuilding, an action-packed plot, political and moral dilemmas, an undercurrent of romantic tension, plus dragons – need I say more? (I will.)

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the revolution that was meant to fix the system, this is the book for you.

In the world of Fireborne, the old regime has been overthrown, leaving a slew of orphans in its wake, including Annie and Lee, who grew up in the new world order. Now, they are competing to lead the city’s legendary dragonriders. But loyalty and power are constantly at odds, and their bond is tested from all sides thanks to secrets, betrayals, corruption – not to mention the threat of the old regime’s survivors returning to take revenge. This mature YA fantasy is the perfect blend of the dragon-riding adventures of Eragon and Fourth Wing and the intricate political dynamics of Game of Thrones. 

Talia, Rights Manager: Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang

A brilliant entry point for anyone looking to test the waters of high fantasy (it's a standalone!) and a great addition to the shelves of dark academia fans and steampunk enthusiasts. What's the cost of rampant, unstoppable progress in a magical city of scholars and industry? All that blood over bright haven.

Alice, Digital Marketing Executive: The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman

I am a sucker for a good romantasy, and this fits the mark. Werewolves, kilts, enemies-to-lovers – what more could a person need?

With vivid worldbuilding, a heroine who refuses to be tamed, and a brooding alpha who will make your heart race (I know mine did), it’s the kind of book you won’t want to put down. 

Heidi, Head of In Market and Brand Director: Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen

The best fantasy I’ve read since a certain series about dragons! Pacy, bloodthirsty and seasoned with the perfect amount of spice. 10/10, would recommend. 

Tanaya, Senior Marketing Executive: Silvercloak by L. K. Steven

Silvercloak is perfection in book form.

It's everything I love in a fantasy and has become an instant new favourite for me. I love how imaginative the worldbuilding is, whilst also appreciating how nostalgic the book feels to the fantasy I read (and adored) as a teen.

If you're seeking a true enemies-to-lovers romantasy, this is the one! No one has pulled the trope off this well in quite some time. I hope everyone is as enchanted by Silvercloak as I am. 

Lara, Marketing Executive: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Shield of Sparrows has easily been one of my top reads this year. Devney Perry’s world is intricate, rife with tense political ties and complex characters (and some gruesome monsters, of course!). Add in a dash of slow-burn romance (oh BOY do you feel that tension), true enemies-to-lovers (what’s not to love about warring kingdoms?), a blood-oath and some rabid monsters for good measure and you’ve got yourself one hell of a plot on your hands.

Shield of Sparrows absolutely delivers for those in want of an adventure with high stakes, found family, a twisty mystery and a romance that hits all the right places! 

Issi, Assistant Audio Producer: Heavenly Bodies audiobook by Imani Erriu, narrated by Jane Collingwood

If you’re going to listen to one romantasy audiobook, please make it Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu! This enemies-to-lovers, Greek mythology inspired romantasy story was just so addictive to listen to! The audiobook is narrated by Jane Collingwood, who did such a fantastic job that she made me forget it was just her narrating the whole cast of characters. Her character voices and accents made it so easy to distinguish between each characters’ dialogue, and I am counting down the days until I can listen to book two!

Adelaide, Senior Key Account Manager: The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson 

The romantasy reader world is sleeping on this one. If you think ACOTAR meets Avatar: The Last Air Bender, then you get some of the vibes of this book.

I was immediately drawn into this world, and I am so keen to read the rest of the series. If you love romantasy with love triangles, secret magic, complex fae worlds, politics and men with expressive eyes then this book is for you! 

Lucy, Product Manager: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Assistant to the Villain is my perfect fantasy romcom. Workplace romance if your workplace was an evil Villain's lair in the magical kingdom of Rennedawn.

Hilarious, romantic, sometimes unhinged, and always entertaining; I could read about Evie and the Villain forever and ever and ever. It's found family and grumpy/sunshine set against a magical fantasy backdrop, replete with laugh-out-loud banter, a loveable frog companion (who communicates through handwritten signs held up at the most opportune times) and the swooniest slow burn romance.

Book three, Accomplice to the Villain, is out now – it's the perfect time to start bingeing this series! BRB, re-reading. 

Bec, Head of Children’s Campaigns: Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

If you love an enemies-to-lovers fantasy brimming with danger, longing and impossible choices, Cruel is the Light is your next must-read! Set amid a brutal war between demons and exorcists, sparks fly when fierce exorcist Selene and battle-hardened soldier Jules are forced to confront both their shared mission and their undeniable attraction. With vivid worldbuilding, sizzling chemistry and a twist that will leave you breathless, this is the kind of romantasy that will ruin you – in the best possible way.