Escape the heat and dive into these magical summer fantasy books!
The Hottest Summer Fantasy Books to Read Poolside (or Anywhere!)
Scorching temperatures got you down? Cool off with these ten enchanting summer fantasy books. Whether you crave adventure, romance, or just a touch of magic, these captivating stories will transport you to extraordinary worlds and help you beat the summer heat.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Looking for a heartwarming summer escape? Dive into The House in the Cerulean Sea, a magical tale that’ll leave you smiling. Meet Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s sent to a remote island orphanage filled with extraordinary children—a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, and even the Antichrist!
However, this isn’t your average inspection. Linus finds himself drawn to the children and their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As he unravels the island’s secrets, he’ll question everything he thought he knew about family, love, and acceptance. This feel-good fantasy novel is perfect for a sunny afternoon by the pool or a relaxing beach day.
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
If epic fantasy is your summer jam, The Bone Shard Daughter will transport you to a breathtaking world of magic and intrigue. We follow Lin, the emperor’s daughter, who is desperate to prove herself worthy of inheriting the throne. But her father’s reign is built on a dark secret: bone shard magic, fueled by the stolen life essence of his people.
Meanwhile, Jovis, a smuggler with a mysterious past, and Phalue, a young woman searching for her missing mother, find their paths intertwined with Lin’s. Their stories converge in a thrilling rebellion against the oppressive empire. With multiple perspectives and a richly imagined world, this summer read will leave you craving the next chapter.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
BookTok sensation Fourth Wing is the perfect summer fantasy for those who love action and romance. Violet Sorrengail never wanted to be a dragon rider. She’s small, not a fighter, and prefers books over battles. However, duty calls, and she’s thrust into the deadly Riders Quadrant, a brutal training program with a terrifyingly low survival rate.
But Violet isn’t one to back down from a challenge. She forges unlikely alliances, tames a deadly dragon, and faces her fears head-on. As war looms and secrets unravel, Violet finds herself caught between duty and desire. This heart-pounding fantasy adventure will leave you breathless, just like its TikTok hype promised.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
If you love New York City, get ready for a wild ride with The City We Became. This isn’t your typical urban fantasy—it’s a love letter to the Big Apple, where the city itself is a living, breathing character. We meet a diverse group of New Yorkers, each embodying a different borough, who must unite to protect their city from an ancient evil.
However, this isn’t just about fighting monsters. It’s about celebrating the city’s unique spirit, its vibrant culture, and the resilience of its people. With its vivid characters, social commentary, and fantastical twists, this summer read will make you see NYC in a whole new light.
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
Ahoy, adventurers! Embark on a high-seas journey with The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea. This summer fantasy novel follows Florian, a pirate disguised as a man, and Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, a noblewoman bound for an arranged marriage. Their paths cross aboard a ship sailing through treacherous waters.
However, this isn’t your typical pirate tale. As Florian and Evelyn grow closer, their forbidden love blossoms amidst a world of magic, political intrigue, and mythical creatures. They’ll face danger, challenge societal norms, and fight for their freedom. If you crave a swashbuckling adventure with a splash of romance, this book will transport you to a world of wonder and possibility.
The Abyss Surrounds Us by Emily Skrutskie
Ready for a summer adventure on the high seas? Dive into “The Abyss Surrounds Us”! This fantasy book follows Cassandra, a young woman who trains genetically engineered sea monsters to protect ships from pirates. However, during her first mission, she’s captured by the pirate queen and forced to raise a monster pup for them.
The story is packed with action and suspense, making it a real page-turner. But it’s not just about the thrills – you’ll also fall in love with the characters and the unique world Skrutskie creates. It’s a perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy and a great choice if you’re looking for an unforgettable summer read!
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
“Daughter of the Pirate King” by Tricia Levenseller is a must-read summer fantasy book for anyone who loves a good swashbuckling adventure! Follow Alosa, the fierce daughter of the Pirate King, as she deliberately gets captured by an enemy ship to search for a hidden treasure map.
With plenty of action, humor, and romance, this book is perfect for lazy summer days. Levenseller’s witty writing and Alosa’s cunning character will sweep you away on a thrilling high-seas adventure.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Escape the summer heat with the enchanting fantasy book “Spin the Dawn” by Elizabeth Lim! Follow Maia, a talented seamstress disguised as a boy, as she competes for the position of imperial tailor. Navigating challenges and intrigues, Maia creates three legendary dresses using the laughter of the sun, tears of the moon, and blood of stars.
With lush world-building, compelling characters, and a unique fantasy-fashion blend, “Spin the Dawn” is a perfect summer read for fans of fresh fairy tale twists. Lim’s elegant writing makes this book a delight to get lost in during lazy summer days.
The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker
Looking for an epic, nautical fantasy to keep you entertained this summer? Dive into “The Bone Ships” by R.J. Barker! This thrilling story follows a disgraced captain, Joron Twiner, who finds an unexpected chance at redemption when he’s tasked with leading a crew of outcasts on a dangerous mission.
However, their ship isn’t just any vessel – it’s made of bones, the remnants of ancient sea dragons. As Joron and his crew venture into uncharted waters, they uncover secrets that could change their world forever. If you’re searching for a captivating escape from reality, “The Bone Ships” will transport you to a world of magic, adventure, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser
Ready for a thrilling summer fantasy book? Check out “Song of the Current” by Sarah Tolcser! Caro, a young woman destined for life on the river, fears she may be too late for the river god’s blessing. However, when pirates burn ships and her father is arrested, she seizes the opportunity to prove herself by transporting mysterious cargo in exchange for his release.
As Caro navigates dangerous waters, she must choose between the known future and an unforeseen path. With unique world-building and engaging characters, “Song of the Current” is a summer fantasy book that will keep you hooked. Although it’s a thrilling read, the vivid imagery makes it perfect for lazy summer days.
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Lira, a ruthless siren princess, collects the hearts of princes each year on her birthday. However, after a twist of fate, she’s transformed into a human. Stripped of her song, Lira must deliver Prince Elian’s heart to reclaim her place in the sea.
Prince Elian, a renowned siren hunter and heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world, dreams of destroying the siren threat. Yet, when he rescues a drowning woman, he’s unaware she is the siren he’s sworn to kill. As they journey together, their goals of vengeance blur into a bond neither expected. Ideal for fans of summer fantasy books, this tale offers a mix of adventure, romance, and the eternal allure of the ocean’s depths.
Seafire by Natalie C. Parker
Caledonia Styx commands the all-female crew of the ship Mors Navis, battling the oppressive warlord Aric Athair’s fleet. Despite their losses, the crew’s bond is unbreakable, driven by vengeance and the thrill of the sea.
When Caledonia’s second-in-command barely escapes an attack and brings back news of a defector eager to strike against Aric, she faces a dilemma. Trusting him could lead them to freedom or be their ultimate downfall. Set against the backdrop of a tempestuous ocean, Seafire is a perfect summer fantasy read, blending action-packed naval battles with deep, complex friendships.
Escape Reality: Embrace Summer Fantasy Books
Don’t let the summer heat melt your reading plans. Embrace the magic of summer fantasy books! Dive into these imaginative worlds filled with captivating characters and unforgettable adventures. Whether lounging by the pool or seeking refuge indoors, these stories will transport you to enchanting realms.
Escape the ordinary and discover the extraordinary with our hand-picked selection of summer fantasy reads. Choose a tale that sparks your curiosity, then let the pages whisk you away on an unforgettable journey. From sprawling epics to cozy mysteries, there’s a summer fantasy book waiting to capture your imagination.
Beat the heat, ignite your imagination, and make this summer one to remember with these captivating fantasy books. Happy reading, fellow adventurers!
If you like my writing, check out my other blogs, The Coffee Mom (for surviving motherhood) and The Mom Side Hustle (for making it work!) and my newest site, Nerdy Girl Trends (for all things anime, gaming, and manga)!.
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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