If you are looking for some new books, these August 2022 fantasy book releases may just be right up your alley!
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Anticipated August 2022 Fantasy Book Releases
With so many books coming out every single day, it is hard to pick which ones you want to prioritize. In order to help you with your ever-growing TBR, I have put together a list of the August 2022 fantasy book releases that I personally am super excited about.
Babel by RF Kuang
Coming out on August 23rd, Babel is her newest book but is completely unlike the Poppy War. I was able to read this as an ARC on Netgalley, so I have the real scoop for you.
Babel is a historical fantasy with very light fantastical elements. It is set in Oxford in the 1800s following Robin, a Chinese boy who was taken as a child, raised up “British” and starts attending the translation academy. In this world, translation IS magic. And while the world needs these “foreign” translators, they still don’t like or accept them.
This is a dark book that isn’t afraid to break your heart and make you question the colonial mindset.
Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
In this book, we follow a witch named Iris who swears not to let anyone else know about her witchy powers after her power accidentally turns deadly one day. While hiding her abilities, she inadvertently releases a curse that will have detrimental consequences.
Because of this, she has to team up with the one boy she hates, the one who hates her and hates witches.
Furysong by Rosario Munda
In book one, Fireborne, we follow Lee and Annie. Two orphans raised together who are now competing in a dragon rider competition in order to become the leader of the new dragon-rider army.
Lee is a secret heir. His family was murdered in a bloody revolution and he has hidden his past from everyone in order to remain alive. Annie is the daughter of a person whose family was once killed by the old ruling family.
This series explores revolution, government regimes, friendship, a tiny bit of romance, and of course, dragons!
If this sounds interesting to you, make sure you check out Fireborne and binge-read this amazing series before the third and final book comes out in August.
The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones
This book is pitched as a magical, ethereal fantasy book. The Drowned Woods is said to be part heist and part dark fairy tale.
We follow Mer, a water diviner who is hiding from the prince she is bound to after she witnesses his cruelty. During her hiding, she is found b her old handler and given a proposition: use her powers to bring down the prince once and for all.
The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri
In Book 1, we follow Miani, the imprisoned sister of the emperor, and Priya, a former temple child who survived the genocide of her people. Book two will expand upon their story.
This series is an Indian-inspired sapphic fantasy book. While romance isn’t the main part, there are some elements. The magic in book one is fascinating, and the politics are key to the story. I wouldn’t describe this as a fast-paced story, but it is a slow and steady political fantasy that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
A Venom Dark and Sweet by Judy Lin
This is a series based heavily on Chinese mythology. The magic in this world is all based around tea. We follow our main character as she competes in a magical tea competition in order to become the royal “tea mage ( this isn’t what they are called in the book but it is what I keep calling them in my head).
We also follow the outcast heir to the throne as he tries to reclaim his rightful spot in the kingdom.
After the end of book one, I am so excited to see how the story continues.
The Dragon’s Promise by Elizabeth Lim
Six Crimson Cranes is also a Chinese-inspired fantasy, but we don’t have tea in this one. It is a ya fantasy romance where the main female character is hiding her ability to use magic. When she accidentally exposes herself, her stepmother puts a bowl on her head and turns her brothers into cranes. Our girl is unable to use magic now and unable to speak because, for every word, one of her brothers will die.
After the events of book one and all the amazing twists and turns, it is safe to say that book two is going to be a runaway hit!
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
Coming out on August 30th, The Spear Cuts Through Water is a new standalone fantasy book by the author of Vanished Birds.
In The Spear Cuts Through Water, we follow a god who has escaped from captivity and her outcast guard as they embark on a quest for freedom.
This book is said to be “Both a sweeping adventure story and an intimate exploration of identity, legacy, and belonging. An ambitious and profound saga that will transport and transform you—and is like nothing you’ve ever read before.”
Amari and the Great Game by BB Alston
Book one is an adorable, almost Men in Black like, book where Amari attends a supernatural summer camp. She is there for more than just herself though. Amari’s older brother has gone missing and thinks this camp may be the key to finding out what really happened to him.
This next book is going to be making the online bookish rounds soon, so make sure you read book one if you haven’t yet so you can be in on all the hype!
Want to see more 2022 fantasy book releases? Make sure you check out my month-by-month comprehensive list! I will be adding new books every single month to keep you up to date on all the new fantasy books coming out this year.
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
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