Top 5: Fantasy Series of 2023

Ever since I could pick out my own books at Chapters or the Scholastic Book Fair, I always happily skipped over to the Fantasy genre. When I was younger, series that held me in a chokehold included The Selection and The Lunar Chronicles.

Recently, I rediscovered my love of reading and want to share the five best series I have read in 2023! 

Letters of Enchantment – Rebecca Ross

I just finished Divine Rivals days ago. This is an incomplete duology, with the second book, Ruthless Vows, being released on December 26. You would be correct in guessing I’ve already pre-ordered it.

This tale follows two rival journalists who are connected through strange magic. That same magic seems to be bringing them together everywhere they go, including the front lines of a battlefield. I finished this book in three days, and was a mix of emotions after finishing it.

If you enjoy a good enemies to lovers trope that dabbles with the politics of God-like beings, this is a perfect addition to your collection!

The Empyrean – Rebecca Yarros

This is another incomplete series, but it is too good not to mention. Fourth Wing took #BookTok by storm and I was most definitely struck with lightning. This series follows the stories of hopeful dragon riders being taught at the Basgiath War College. 

This book has almost every trope and twist you can expect. Rebecca Yaros has said that this series is meant to have 5 books, and with the two that have been released that means the possibilities are endless with this series. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas

WARNING, after reading A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) you will be sucked into the Sarah J. Maas universe. 

This series is what made me fall in love with reading again. I began it last year but only completed the series in the beginning of 2023 due to a massive reading slump. Most of the time my reading slumps are due to me not wanting the story to end. 

This is easy to digest while also having an amazing magic system and twists no one sees coming. If you are apart of #BookTok, you’re already well aware of how controversial this series is in terms of the liberties the author takes to shock the reader. If you have not read it, it’s a must!

Throne of Glass – Sarah J. Maas

After ACOTAR, a friend suggested I read Sarah J. Maas’s first series, Throne of Glass. I realized I had read the first book years ago and never continued, that was a massive mistake on my part. 

The story may seem predictable at moments but then the female main character always manages to throw the reader for a loop. This series follows different characters leading up to an epic battle and tale. For any fantasy reader, Throne of Glass may seem boring and anticlimactic at first, but it molds throughout the series into an amazing coming of age story through the eyes of a girl becoming a woman.

Also, yes, the tandem read of Tower of Dawn and Empire of Storms is a must. If you want to know the proper reading order, click here!

Crescent City – Sarah J. Maas

Crescent City is (as of now) an incomplete three book series, but the author hinted at a possible fourth. The third is set to be released on January 30.

This is where I may lose some of you. 

Let’s agree to disagree, but also let me explain why. The main characters struggle with grief and mental health was written well from my perspective. I also am more partial to a modern fantasy story so that way I don’t have to yell at a book for making communication so difficult. 

This book also does a fantastic job and world building, which I am a sucker for. If I am offered as much information as possible, it leaves no room to get lost. Most that have read this series may argue that it’s too much. 

I recommend for anyone beginning Sarah J. Maas to finish their reading experience with Crescent City. Things may not make sense without the knowledge of Throne of Glass or ACOTAR.

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In conclusion I like reading, and if you do too then here are some suggestions to keep your head in the clouds and toes on the ground. My ‘to-be-read’ is in a constant search for more additions, so if you have any recommendations for me, feel free to let me know in the comments below! 

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