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The ReadDown

High Fantasy Books To Get Lost In

by Erika Hardison

What makes a book high fantasy? These stories contain a mix of real and fictional worlds, whose rules don’t exist outside of the story. Additionally, every high fantasy needs a hero’s journey. The story must follow the trials and tribulations of a morally good person who wants to correct the evil in their world. And finally, no high fantasy is complete without magic. Whether it’s mystical creatures like dragons, an intricate magical system that only certain people can possess, or fictitious technology, magic remains an integral part of high fantasy. Start with these 15 must-read high fantasy titles to add to your TBR list.

  1. 1
    The Spear Cuts Through Water Book Cover Picture
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    The Spear Cuts Through Water

    by Simon Jimenez

    Part epic fantasy, part literary fiction, this one-of-a-kind adventure folktale is told from an explosive metanarrative point-of-view. The people have suffered long enough under the rule of the Moon Throne. The emperor has weaponized his sons who are known as the Three Terrors on the people to instill fear and obeisance to maintain order. However, this emperor is empowered by the god that is held hostage beneath his castle. A spiritually broken guard named Jun and Keema who is an outcast help the god who happens to be the mother of the Three Terrors. This mystifying journey reads like an ancestral folklore that has passed down generations.
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    $20.00

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  2. 2
    Dune (Movie Tie-In) Book Cover Picture
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    Dune (Movie Tie-In)

    by Frank Herbert

    This deluxe edition collection is perfect for both new and returning fans of this epic, adventurous fantasy. Readers will follow Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family who roams the planet Arrakis, in a world where computers are banned from society and a unique “spice” is the most sought-after product that everyone wants. However, there is a group of beings who operate as hybrid humans as the replacements for computers. You’ll immerse yourself in over 1,000 pages of a legendary, unforgettable space opera fantasy. Get ready to experience sandworms and action-packed battles in this renowned fantasy that pushes the boundaries between political intrigue and fantasy.
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    $18.00

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  3. 3
    Unraveling Book Cover Picture
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    Unraveling

    by Karen Lord

    This Caribbean folklore takes several unpredictable and eerie turns when brothers find themselves in cahoots with a forensic therapist, a trickster deity, and a serial killer. Set in the same universe as Redemption in Indigo, Dr. Miranda Ecuovo is dedicated to her work by helping victims with their traumas so that they can testify to the crimes they witnessed. One particular case involves the notorious serial killer better known as the “Butcher of the City.” Once a pathologist’s assistant, Walter Gray unexpectedly turns to a life of becoming a brutal murderer for sport. In the middle of her case, Dr. Ecuovo is abducted by spirits who are known as the Undying who take her to the spirit that’s persuading Gray to kill.
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    $18.00

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  4. 4
    The Final Strife Book Cover Picture
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    The Final Strife

    by Saara El-Arifi

    Dive into the beginning of The Ending Fire Trilogy for young adult readers that infuses African and Arabian myths to create a bombastic world filled with strife, blood, oppression, and resilience. Sylah still believes she is the answer to freeing her people from the hindrance of the ruling class. But it’s hard to maintain hope after watching your family slain in front of your eyes. In the same kingdom, Anoor, who is the daughter of the most powerful person in the empire, belittles her to the point that Anoor wants revenge. This fantasy highlights female rage towards oppression by class and gender.
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    $20.00

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  5. 5
    To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods Book Cover Picture
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    To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods

    by Molly X. Chang

    What happens when you are in love with the enemy? This slow-burn high fantasy romance is part of the Gods Beyond the Skies series. Ruying has always had a disdain for the celestial beings who visit from the heavens for as long as she can remember. With their advanced technology and unexplained magic, as long as Ruying and her kind cannot weld it, they will always live in the shadows of these beings. But unlike the others, Ruying is special. She was born with unique talents that come straight from the angel of Death. As Ruying vows to keep her loved ones safe, an enemy discovers her secret powers and makes her a deal she can’t refuse: Kill all his enemies or everyone she loves will vanish.
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  6. 6
    A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume One Book Cover Picture
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    A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume One

    by George R. R. Martin

    It’s not unusual for high fantasy epics to be huge books. That is the case in the Game of Thrones universe. If you are committed to reading the books that inspired one of the best fantasy series in modern television, the graphic novel is less daunting than the prose books. Readers of the graphic novel will be delighted to have access to an additional 50 pages of exclusive art that has never been seen in the previous comics. “Winter is coming,” as the Stark family is known for saying. As they rule the furthest North in the honorable name of King Robert Baratheon, the long summer is coming to an end and bad things are coming with it. When the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn suddenly dies, powerful families find themselves vulnerable as more backstabbing opportunists find a way to play the game or die.
    A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume One Book Cover Picture
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    $28.99

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  7. 7
    The Unrelenting Earth Book Cover Picture
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    The Unrelenting Earth

    by Kritika H. Rao

    Dive head first into the second book of The Rages series. Inspired by combining Hindu philosophical teachings with fantasy lore, Ahilya and Iravan put us in the front seat of their epic journey after discovering the truth behind the earthrages. As Ahilya transitions into a councilor to try to broker peace between the Ecstatics and everyone else, she burns bridges with her former allies and creates new enemies. While Ahilya tries her best to find a middle ground for everyone, Iravan’s will is tested as he finds himself at odds with his former self and his post-Ecstasy self.
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    $17.99

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  8. 8
    Dark Water Daughter Book Cover Picture
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    Dark Water Daughter

    by H. M. Long

    This epic fantasy — part of a three-part series — consists of mermaid-like stormsingers who partner up with deadly pirate hunters to overthrow a powerful pirate who is immune to death. Mary, one of the stormsingers, can control the waters with her voice. Bound to the pirate lord known as Silvanus Lirr, Mary serves in exchange for protection. But the more she spends time with him, the more her dreams turn into nightmares. Enters Samuel Rosser; a career naval officer who has been given a mission to redeem himself by capturing the pirate lord Silvanus Lirr. This tale mixes magic, action, and vibrant world-building for adult readers who enjoy oceanic, romance fantasy.
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    $17.99

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  9. 9
    Reincarnated as a Sword (Light Novel) Vol. 1 Book Cover Picture
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    Reincarnated as a Sword (Light Novel) Vol. 1

    by Yuu Tanaka

    A powerful, yet sentient weapon has the ability to retain memories with the exception of its true identity. When it encounters a young, enslaved beastgirl named Fran, it dedicates itself to being her protector. While they journey together, the sword has to learn to accept their fate and find itself if it wants to help others lead a more promising life. Before he meets Fran, he struggles because he is obsessed with determining who he was before he was reincarnated into a weapon. Now, with his eager companion turned student, both will embark on weird adventures together as they combine their powers.
    Reincarnated as a Sword (Light Novel) Vol. 1 Book Cover Picture
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    $13.99

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  10. 10
    His Majesty's Dragon Book Cover Picture
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    His Majesty’s Dragon

    by Naomi Novik

    You can’t have a high fantasy list without dragons! In this fast-paced action epic tale set during the Napoleonic years, Capt. Will Laurence finds himself in a bittersweet position after seizing a French cargo. As he plans his sails, he discovers that there is unhatched dragon egg on his ship. As the dragon and the captain become closer and develop a magical relationship, the captain find himself fighting at sea and in the air with his dragon. This tale contains strong female characters, military themes, and adventure in the skies.
    His Majesty's Dragon Book Cover Picture
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    $18.00

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  11. 11
    The Art of Prophecy Book Cover Picture
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    The Art of Prophecy

    by Wesley Chu

    If you seek a high fantasy that incorporates a lot of fighting, this magical martial arts War Arts series should be added to your TBR. Many have predicted that a mere child will overthrow the evil Eternal Khan who breaks the will of the people by making them live under hard circumstances because of his god-like power. When Jian was born, he was ordained as the child to battle the Eternal Khan and has lived a privileged life without ever having to face Khan. When Taishi, a proven warrior with impeccable martial art skills visits Jian to test his battle skills, she is gravely disappointed in what she discovers.
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    $18.99

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  12. 12
    The Guin Saga Book 1: The Leopard Mask Book Cover Picture
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    The Guin Saga Book 1: The Leopard Mask

    by Kaoru Kurimoto

    For fans of Conan the Barbarian comes a whirlwind high-fantasy that is one of the longest bestsellers in Japan. The prince and his twin sister find themselves hiding deep in the forest because their home is under attack. While trying to avoid danger, the siblings come across a strange beast that is wearing a mask that resembles the head of leopard and body of a male human. Due to magic, the beast cannot remove his mask. The creature who is surrounded by both myth and mystery must save the siblings from the enemy troops that are hoping to capture them.
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    Hardcover
    $22.95

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  13. 13
    Lost Gods Book Cover Picture
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    Lost Gods

    by Micah Yongo

    What happens when the people who are trying to kill you are your siblings? Neythan, a highly trained and young assassin finds himself in an unfathomable position as his brothers and sisters are hunting him. When they were younger, Neythan and his siblings trained together as part of the Shedaím brotherhood. Now, working as an elite assassin, he is given his first job. On the way to complete his conquest, his best friend is murdered by another hitman and now Neythan is being framed. Because of this, the Shedaim are now after him while he tries to find the person behind his best friend’s murder.
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    $12.99

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  14. 14
    Gifting Fire Book Cover Picture
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    Gifting Fire

    by Alina Boyden

    When one believes that peace has been achieved, the real war starts and the true chaos begins. Razia Khan is a transwoman who was born of nobility. Now living as a princess with Prince Arjun, she feels she is finally free from the painful past that has engulfed her existence for years. She is the proud owner of a dragon and has an unmatched sharp military mind that can rival anyone that wants to test her skills. But her jealous and power-hungry father turns her entire world upside down by teaming up with her childhood archnemesis who made her childhood a living hell.
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    $22.00

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  15. 15
    Don Quixote Book Cover Picture
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    Don Quixote

    by Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra

    Discover a Spanish classic that contains high fantasy themes. Travel back in time to where the Indigenous nobleman whose full name is Sir Quixote of La Mancha is an oftentimes laugh-out-loud hero. The many adventures and episodes Don Quixote experiences with his loyal Squire is reminiscent of modern superhero and buddy-cop teams. While some of Quixote’s decisions seem irrational and often spur of the moment, one must remember that Quixote is a product of his environment and wants to maintain the upmost chivalrous persona as possible. When he’s not imagining his windmills as monsters, Don Quixote is regarded is the first modern fantasy hero in history.
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    Hardcover
    $30.00

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