Hmm… So really even books that are modern and don’t have wizards and goblins but have fantastic elements ARE fantasy books. They are just usually called Magical Realism. Here are some possibilities, but without more clarification about what you want other than “magic” this is what you’re likely going to see suggested.
*The Golem and the Jinni* by Helene Wecker a wonderfully written book that takes place in 1899’s New York that is filled with bustling innovation and highlights the lives of immigrants as they come in contact with two very interesting magical characters. It’s a bit long for what it is, but doesn’t feel like a chore to read.
*The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue* is all about a woman who makes a deal with a demon and is forced to go into the world on her own away from her family dealing with this interesting curse that will make you put yourself into her position.
*The Starless Sea* is very popular on this site, and has a man who falls down a rabbit hole of literary driven mystery. Gets a little esoteric by the end, but has some neat moments.
*The Chosen and the Beautiful* by Nghi Vo is a retelling of The Great Gatsby only from the viewpoint of Jordan and if she was an Asian gender fluid magic user. It’s really well written, “better than it sounds,” and would be fun to read if you have recently read the original.
*The Immortalists* by Chloe Benjamin about four siblings who meet a fortune teller, each one being told how they will die. You follow the story of each and how this hovering over their heads effects how they live their lives.
*No Gods, No Monsters* by Cadwell Turnbull is bizarre and unique, about the paths crossed in stranger’s lives when “monsters” are shown to be a reality. Manages to skillfully blend creepy moments with allegorical political commentary, and features very well written characters.
*Ordinary Monsters* is historical fiction set in 1882 featuring a mysterious school that is trying to track children with “talents” before a dark force finds them first. While not a completely original take, the setting and worldbuilding is star here.
*Even Though I Knew the End* by C.L. Polk is a very fast read from a great writer. Well worth it for a unique adventure set in an alt history mystery steeped in noir. You can depend on Polk to deliver wit alongside clever atmosphere.
oboist73 on
As a fantasy fan, any book with magic in it *is* fantasy by definition.
Maybe you just want to avoid *epic* or high fantasy?
ilyKarlach on
As others have said, any book with magic is fantasy. I presume you’re referring to high fantasy, e.g. elves, dwarves, dragons.
Khai Of Ancient Khem, by Brian Lumley – Full disclosure, it’s quite graphically gory. So if that bothers you then don’t pick it up
Stonehenge, by Bernard Cornwell – Magic is all superstitions/rituals, not like wizards and fireballs
kittiesssss on
*Babel* by RF Kuang probably fits here
Warmhearted1 on
Fairy Tale by Steven King was pretty good.
Figsnbacon on
Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon!
port_okali on
Maybe *Light from Uncommon Stars* by Ryka Aoki? Contemporary setting with some (rather dark) magic (as well as some science fiction elements).
Maybe also *The City We Became* by N. K. Jemisin?
Or *The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches* by Sangu Mandanna for an easy read with some romance and some magic in a contemporary setting.
opposingkings on
If you’re looking for a fantasy that’s both fun and thought-provoking, ‘Discworld’ by Terry Pratchett, beginning with ‘The Color of Magic,’ is my recommendation. Pratchett’s satirical take on fantasy tropes, combined with his incisive social commentary, makes for a highly entertaining read.
BusyDream429 on
The book of bright ideas
opposingkings on
‘The Name of the Wind’ by Patrick Rothfuss is a book I suggest for its lyrical prose and the compelling story of Kvothe, a gifted young man growing up to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever known. Rothfuss weaves a tale of magic and music that’s truly unforgettable.
10 Comments
Hmm… So really even books that are modern and don’t have wizards and goblins but have fantastic elements ARE fantasy books. They are just usually called Magical Realism. Here are some possibilities, but without more clarification about what you want other than “magic” this is what you’re likely going to see suggested.
*The Golem and the Jinni* by Helene Wecker a wonderfully written book that takes place in 1899’s New York that is filled with bustling innovation and highlights the lives of immigrants as they come in contact with two very interesting magical characters. It’s a bit long for what it is, but doesn’t feel like a chore to read.
*The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue* is all about a woman who makes a deal with a demon and is forced to go into the world on her own away from her family dealing with this interesting curse that will make you put yourself into her position.
*The Starless Sea* is very popular on this site, and has a man who falls down a rabbit hole of literary driven mystery. Gets a little esoteric by the end, but has some neat moments.
*The Chosen and the Beautiful* by Nghi Vo is a retelling of The Great Gatsby only from the viewpoint of Jordan and if she was an Asian gender fluid magic user. It’s really well written, “better than it sounds,” and would be fun to read if you have recently read the original.
*The Immortalists* by Chloe Benjamin about four siblings who meet a fortune teller, each one being told how they will die. You follow the story of each and how this hovering over their heads effects how they live their lives.
*No Gods, No Monsters* by Cadwell Turnbull is bizarre and unique, about the paths crossed in stranger’s lives when “monsters” are shown to be a reality. Manages to skillfully blend creepy moments with allegorical political commentary, and features very well written characters.
*Ordinary Monsters* is historical fiction set in 1882 featuring a mysterious school that is trying to track children with “talents” before a dark force finds them first. While not a completely original take, the setting and worldbuilding is star here.
*Even Though I Knew the End* by C.L. Polk is a very fast read from a great writer. Well worth it for a unique adventure set in an alt history mystery steeped in noir. You can depend on Polk to deliver wit alongside clever atmosphere.
As a fantasy fan, any book with magic in it *is* fantasy by definition.
Maybe you just want to avoid *epic* or high fantasy?
As others have said, any book with magic is fantasy. I presume you’re referring to high fantasy, e.g. elves, dwarves, dragons.
Khai Of Ancient Khem, by Brian Lumley – Full disclosure, it’s quite graphically gory. So if that bothers you then don’t pick it up
Stonehenge, by Bernard Cornwell – Magic is all superstitions/rituals, not like wizards and fireballs
*Babel* by RF Kuang probably fits here
Fairy Tale by Steven King was pretty good.
Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon!
Maybe *Light from Uncommon Stars* by Ryka Aoki? Contemporary setting with some (rather dark) magic (as well as some science fiction elements).
Maybe also *The City We Became* by N. K. Jemisin?
Or *The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches* by Sangu Mandanna for an easy read with some romance and some magic in a contemporary setting.
If you’re looking for a fantasy that’s both fun and thought-provoking, ‘Discworld’ by Terry Pratchett, beginning with ‘The Color of Magic,’ is my recommendation. Pratchett’s satirical take on fantasy tropes, combined with his incisive social commentary, makes for a highly entertaining read.
The book of bright ideas
‘The Name of the Wind’ by Patrick Rothfuss is a book I suggest for its lyrical prose and the compelling story of Kvothe, a gifted young man growing up to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever known. Rothfuss weaves a tale of magic and music that’s truly unforgettable.