Paranormal and Romantasy Reads

Hi friends,

Some books feel like they tug open a door to another world—one where the air hums with secrets, shadows have personalities, and love is the most dangerous kind of magic. That’s what paranormal and fantasy romance does for me.

I was absolutely terrified of vampires as a child. Terrified of things that went bump and scratch in the night. As an adult, my attitude has changed.

My new perspective? Bring it on! Now I wonder if the monsters can handle me… Or perhaps, the real monsters are hiding in not so obvious places under the guise of something human.

I lose myself easily in fantasy worlds. And I’m grateful to the authors who take me there. Today, I want to share a few of my favorite paranormal and fantasy romance reads—stories that made my heart race and my skin tingle, each one mixing passion with just the right amount of eerie.

Top 5 Favorites -None of these is a surprise. They are commonly loved books. If you haven’t experienced any of these. I highly recommend.

1.     Harry Potter Series.

I’m sorry. This just can’t be beat.

2. Throne of Glass Series

by Sarah J. Maas. This one is hard to beat, too. This is a young adult fantasy series following Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, as she navigates a world of political intrigue, magic, and dark secrets. Initially imprisoned, Celaena is offered a chance to compete for the position of the King's Champion, which could lead to her freedom. As she competes, she uncovers a growing darkness within the kingdom and must fight to survive and protect those she cares about, while also discovering more about herself and her past. The series is known for its action, romance, plot twists, and character development, spanning eight books with a prequel novella collection. Manon is one of my favorite characters ever. This series builds strength with each book. OUTSTANDING.

3. Fever Series

Again, LOVE it! TOPS! The Fever series, by Karen Marie Moning, follows MacKayla Lane, a young woman who travels to Dublin after her sister's murder, only to discover a world of fae, dark magic, and dangerous secrets. She learns she can see the Fae and becomes entangled in a conflict between humans and the Fae, seeking revenge for her sister and trying to protect both worlds from the powerful Sinsar Dubh. The series is known for its complex characters, morally gray heroes, and intricate plotlines, with elements of urban fantasy, romance, and suspense. This one might be a dark horse and not everyone’s cup of tea. I LOVED it. I’ve read the series several times.

4. Quicksilver

by Callie Hart, the first in her Fae & Alchemy series. The story follows Saeris Fane, a thief from a struggling kingdom, who is unexpectedly transported to a Fae realm. There, she discovers her alchemical abilities and her connection to a powerful Fae warrior named Kingfisher. Saeris must navigate political intrigue, forge alliances, and confront enemies as she learns to control her powers and potentially find a way back home. A recent read, so it’s in my top tier. Quite delicious.

5. ACOTAR

by Sarah J. Maas, is a popular fantasy romance series that follows Feyre Archeron, a young huntress who is forced to live among faeries after killing one. She becomes entangled in the faerie realm of Prythian, uncovering dark forces and navigating political intrigue, while also experiencing a slow-burn romance with a powerful High Lord. The series explores themes of love, loss, war, and the complexities of faerie lore, with a strong female lead and vivid world-building. I can’t say more about the popularity of this series without giving spoilers.

6. Cruel Prince Series

"The Folk of the Air," is a young adult fantasy series by Holly Black. The story follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl living in the faerie realm after her parents' murder. She navigates treacherous political intrigues, dangerous alliances, and her complex feelings for the cruel and captivating Prince Cardan. The series explores themes of power, ambition, and belonging in a world of fae magic and courtly drama. I wasn’t even sure I liked this one at first. The more I read, the more obsessed I became.

It's not lost on me that these are all ‘young adult’ books. What makes these so much better than ‘adult’ aimed books? I’m not sure, but each of these is gold.

***All that being said, I’m about to start “Shield of Sparrows” so we shall see if the list changes.

Quick Genre-Hopping Picks (My favorite books that aren’t Paranormal/Fantasy Romance)

1.    East of Eden-John Steinbeck

2.    Count of Monte Cristo-Alexandar Dumas

3.    Lonesome Dove- Larry McMurtry

4.    -Alice Hoffman (anything she writes)

5. Where the Crawdads Sing- Delia Owens

6.    The Book Thief-Marcus Zusak

7.    Circe/Song of Achilles-Madeline Hunter

8.    The Time Traveler’s Wife-Audrey Niffenegger

I would love to hear about your favorite reads. I am always on the lookout for something I haven’t discovered. Shoot me an email if you have a suggestion.

Until next time, keep your bookshelf enchanted and your heart a little wild.

Warmly,Deb

info@debransburg.com