Fantasy Must Reads

Sword fights with assassins. Ancient magic whispered in forgotten tongues. Lost cities. Secret bloodlines. Talking beasts. Legendary quests.

In the world of fantasy books, reality takes a back seat to the extraordinary. Whether you're seeking escape, adventure, or something deeply symbolic, fantasy offers stories that stretch the imagination and stir the soul.

At Books Mandala, we’re proud fantasy fanatics. Like our readers, we get lost in magical worlds, cheer for flawed heroes, and root for characters who defy destiny. If you’ve ever dreamed of riding a dragon, wielding elemental magic, or breaking ancient curses, this list is for you.

Here are some of the most beloved, immersive, and high-stakes fantasy books and series that have captured our hearts and dominated the Books Mandala shelves. Let’s see if your favorite made the list.

An Ember in the Ashes (Series) by Sabaa Tahir

In a world inspired by ancient Rome, Laia is a slave and Elias is a soldier. But both are trapped by the empire’s brutality. When Laia's brother is arrested, she risks her life to join a rebel movement. Elias, meanwhile, dreams of freedom from the tyranny he's forced to uphold. As their paths collide, they find themselves at the heart of a revolution. Gripping, emotional, and politically charged, this series is a must for fans of resistance-based fantasy.

Mistborn (Series) by Brandon Sanderson

What if the chosen one failed? In this world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, hope seems lost, until a street thief named Vin discovers she’s a Mistborn, gifted with the rare power to manipulate metals. Recruited into a crew planning to overthrow the empire, she joins a daring plot that blurs the lines between heroism and rebellion. Full of smart worldbuilding, breathtaking magic systems, and jaw-dropping plot twists, Mistborn is a cornerstone of modern fantasy.

Six of Crows (Duology) by Leigh Bardugo

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered an impossible heist with an irresistible reward. But to pull it off, he must recruit a crew of misfits, mercenaries, and magical outcasts. Dark, fast-paced, and razor-sharp, this duology is beloved for its morally gray characters, clever dialogue, and high-stakes plotting. Bardugo’s Grishaverse is both gritty and magical, perfect for readers who love fantasy with bite.

The Starless Sea (Standalone) by Erin Morgenstern

When graduate student Zachary Ezra Rawlins discovers a mysterious book with a story from his own childhood, he’s pulled into an underground world of stories, keys, and doors. Blending myth, romance, and mystery, The Starless Sea is a lush and immersive tale about the power of stories themselves. It’s dreamlike, poetic, and a true celebration of the imagination.

The Aurora Cycle (Trilogy) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Set in the year 2380, this sci-fi fantasy adventure follows a squad of ragtag cadets thrown into a war they never asked for. When they rescue a girl from cryo-sleep, they discover secrets that could alter the fate of the galaxy. With snarky banter, high-octane action, and diverse characters, this trilogy is a space fantasy thrill ride that never lets up.

The Infernal Devices (Trilogy) by Cassandra Clare

A prequel to The Mortal Instruments, this Victorian-era series blends steampunk, magic, and romance. Tessa Gray is pulled into the world of the Shadowhunters, caught between the mysterious Will Herondale and the gentle Jem Carstairs. With clockwork monsters, forbidden love, and deep emotional stakes, this trilogy remains a fan-favorite among Clare’s extensive Shadowhunter universe.

The Legacy of Orisha (Trilogy) by Tomi Adeyemi

In the kingdom of Orïsha, magic has been stolen and the Maji are oppressed. Zélie Adebola must fight to restore her people’s power and reclaim her own strength. Drawing from West African mythology, this powerful trilogy explores identity, resistance, and reclaiming heritage in a stunningly imagined world filled with danger and wonder.

The Night Circus (Standalone) by Erin Morgenstern

Le Cirque des Rêves appears without warning and opens only at night. Behind its enchanting performances lies a deadly game between two magicians, Celia and Marco, bound to compete in a contest neither fully understands. With breathtaking prose and magical atmosphere, this standalone is a slow-burn fantasy romance wrapped in mystery and beauty.

The Raven Cycle (Series) by Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Sargent has always been warned that if she kisses her true love, he will die. When she meets the Raven Boys; four students on a magical quest—her fate entangles with theirs. Part contemporary fantasy, part mythic mystery, this series blends psychic visions, ley lines, Welsh mythology, and teenage longing into something entirely unique.

Throne of Glass (Series) by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena Sardothien is an assassin offered freedom in exchange for competing to become the king’s champion. But her journey uncovers ancient evils and powerful magic that force her to fight for more than just survival. With court politics, romantic entanglements, and ferocious battles, this saga of female power and destiny remains a fan-favorite.

Circe (Standalone) by Madeline Miller

Born in the house of Helios, Circe is scorned for her lack of power, until she discovers witchcraft. Exiled to a remote island, she hones her skills and crosses paths with legendary figures like Odysseus and Medea. Miller reimagines Greek mythology through a feminist lens, crafting a deeply personal and powerful story of transformation, loneliness, and defiance.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf (Trilogy) by Marlon James

In a sprawling African-inspired fantasy world, Tracker is hired to find a missing boy. As his journey unfolds with shapeshifters, witches, and beasts, the line between truth and myth blurs. Bold, brutal, and unlike anything else, this book reinvents epic fantasy through a richly mythological and unapologetically complex lens.

Why We Love Fantasy at Books Mandala

Fantasy is more than magic, it’s freedom. It allows readers to explore identity, justice, belonging, and hope through metaphor and myth. Whether you want to escape or confront the world, fantasy offers the tools to imagine boldly.

At Books Mandala, you’ll find all of these titles and more in our curated Fantasy Collection, available in both new and used book sections. Our catalog of over 50,000 books includes rare finds, bestsellers, staff picks, and international editions with delivery across Nepal and abroad.

Need help choosing your next read? Try our smart recommendation tool powered by Jubilee AI or join our Discord community for genre discussions and exclusive drops.

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The realm of magic awaits.