Category: Book Lists

22 High/Epic Adult Fantasy Books with 1 POV & a Male Protagonist

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Books with a massive set of multiple POVs drive me crazy. I prefer stories with a tighter focus that invite readers to enjoy (and work to unravel) some mysteries about the larger world. Sometimes less is more.

But these days, multi-POV fantasy books seem to be the norm, especially in adult fantasy. It’s so hard to find books that feature only one point-of-view character, but I’ve done some legwork for you!

Note: this list focuses on male protagonists and dark, mythic, political, and military fantasy, rather than romance, satire, or coming-of-age.

I’ve read or tried all but 4 of these so far, and they all have at least a thousand 4+ star reviews. Most of these authors have a larger body of work which also feature a similar style.

  1. Classic and pre-2000s fantasy with 1 POV
  2. Modern fantasy books with 1 POV
  3. Fantasy books with predominantly 1 POV – but with brief cutaways

This article contains affiliate links – I may earn a small amount on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Classic and Pre-2000’s Fantasy with 1 POV

1. Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny

Ok, technically this is science fantasy, but it FEELS so epic, and most of the story takes place in a medieval setting. The main character is a centuries-old mage poet and swordsmaster who stepped out of literal golden age Avalon! One of my absolute favorites!

Corwin is a prince of Amber, the “immortal city from which every other city has taken its shape.” All other worlds, including Earth, are shadows of that reality. Corwin has spent centuries on Earth with no memory of his birth.

But when someone in the family tries to kill him, Corwin begins a search for his past, discovering the universe itself will bend to his shaping. He is one of nine men who might rule Amber, if he can fight past the armies of his brother and nemesis Eric.

Read my 5 star review here.

2. Assassin’s Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy #1) by Robin Hobb

Young Fitz is the bastard son of Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill.
 
As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz grows to manhood and soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

3. Elric of Melniboné (The Elric Saga #1) by Michael Moorcock

Elric is the brooding, albino emperor of the dying Kingdom of Melnibone. With Melnibone’s years of grandeur and decadence long since passed, Elric’s amoral cousin Yrkoon sets his eyes on the throne. Elric, realizing he is his country’s best hope, must face his nefarious cousin in an epic battle for the right to rule.

4. The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served and is named secretary-tutor to the strong-willed princess. It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for in the royal court of Cardegoss, the powerful enemies who once placed him in chains now occupy lofty positions.

Worse yet, a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the blighted House of Chalion. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge.

5. The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun #1) by Gene Wolfe

The writing style in this one is quite dense, and absolutely packed with complex vocabulary. The language is masterful, but it’s no light read. Keep a dictionary tab open!

The Shadow of the Torturer cover: a cloaked man in a strange mask holds a longsword, standing upon a curling pedestal throne that rises into a cloudy sky.

Severian is a torturer, born to the guild and with an exceptionally promising career ahead of him… until he falls in love with one of his victims, a beautiful young noblewoman. Severian helps her commit suicide and escape her fate. For a torturer, there is no more unforgivable act.

He is exiled from the guild with little more than Terminus Est, a fabled sword, to his name. Along the way, a strange gem falls into his possession, which only makes his enemies pursue him with ever-more determination…

6. The Legend of Nightfall by Mickey Zucker Reichert

This was published back in 1993, but the link will take you to an updated Kindle version that the publisher released in 2019, which is why it has apparently few reviews.

He has been known by countless names and deeds – thief, swordsman, assassin, adventurer. But chief among those personae is that of Nightfall, gifted with unique powers which any sorcerer would kill to possess.

Yet even the cleverest of beings must occasionally slip. When Nightfall falls prey to a royal trap, he is bound by sorcery and oath to guard a young prince on his quest. He will need every trick and talent to keep both himself and his idealistic charge from death at the hands of unknown betrayers.

Modern Fantasy Books with 1 POV

7. The Hands of the Emperor (Lays of the Hearthfire #1) by Victoria Goddard

Cliopher Mdang is the personal secretary of the Last god Emperor of Astandalas, the Lord Magus of Zunidh, the Sun-on-Earth.

He has spent more time with the Emperor of Astandalas than any other person. But he has never once touched his lord, nor called him by name. He has never initiated a conversation.

One day, Cliopher invites the Sun-on-Earth home to the Wide Seas for a holiday. The mere invitation could have seen Cliopher executed for blasphemy. The acceptance upends the world.

Read my 5-star review here!

8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind cover: a cloaked figure faces a single tree in an overcast grassland, the world tinged a blue-grey.

My name is Kvothe.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

9. Traitor’s Blade (Greatcoats #1) by Sebastian de Castell

The Greatcoats are travelling magistrates bringing justice to all… or at least they were, before they watched the Dukes impale their King’s head on a spike. Now the land’s heroes are reviled as traitors, their Greatcoats in tatters.

Facio, Kest and Brasti have been reduced to working as mercenaries, but when they find their employer dead – and are forced to watch as the killer plants evidence framing them for the murder – they realize the royal conspiracy is spreading.

Read my review here.

10. Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City by K.J. Parker

A siege is approaching, and the city has little time to prepare. The people have no food and no weapons, and the enemy has sworn to slaughter them all.

To save the city will take a miracle, but what it has is Orhan. A colonel of engineers, Orhan has far more experience with bridge-building than battles, is a cheat and a liar, and has a serious problem with authority. He is, in other words, perfect for the job.

11. Transformation (Rai Kirah #1) by Carol Berg

Note: this book is much better than its cover.

Seyonne is a man waiting to die. He has been a slave for sixteen years, almost half his life, and has lost everything of meaning to him: his dignity, the people and homeland he loves, and the Warden’s power he used to defend an unsuspecting world from the ravages of demons.  

But from the moment he is sold to the arrogant, careless Prince Aleksander, the heir to the Derzhi Empire, Seyonne’s desperately crafted apathy crumbles. When he discovers a demon lurking in the Derzhi court, he must find hope and strength in a most unlikely place…

12. Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

Prince Jalan Kendeth—drinker, gambler, seducer of women—has a secret. He can see the Red Queen’s, his grandmother’s, greatest weapon: The Silent Sister. But content with his role as a minor royal, Jal pretends that the hideous crone is not there.

After escaping a death trap set by the Silent Sister, Jal finds his fate magically intertwined with a fierce Norse warrior. But war with the undead is coming, and as the two undertake a journey to undo the spell, they realize they are but pieces in a game—and the Red Queen controls the board.

13. The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman

Kinch Na Shannack owes the Takers Guild a small fortune for his education as a thief, which includes wall-scaling, lie-weaving, trap-making, plus a few small magics.

But today, Kinch has picked the wrong mark. Galva is a knight, a survivor of the brutal goblin wars, and handmaiden of the goddess of death.

Unsuccessful in his robbery and lucky to escape with his life, Kinch now finds himself braving krakens and giants with Galva in an epic journey to find her missing queen.

14. Among Thieves by Hulick Douglas

Drothe is a Nose, an informant who finds and takes care of trouble inside his criminal organization. On his latest assignment, Drothe unearths that someone is trying to stir up trouble between lower-level criminal organizations, including Drothe’s.

Rumors stir of a book containing imperial glimmer (or magic), and two crime bosses known as the Gray Princes are on the hunt. Drothe discovers the book, gaining the power to bring down emperors, shatter the criminal underworld, and unlock forbidden magic – if he can survive long enough to use it.

Fantasy Books with Predominantly 1 POV – but with brief cutaways

These books are told almost entirely (95%) from 1 point of view, with only brief cutaways to secondary characters. Note that some of these, like The Night Angel Trilogy and the Codex Alera, start incorporating more perspectives later in the series.

15. The Way of Shadows (Night Angel Trilogy #1) by Brent Weeks

The Way of Shadows cover: a cloaked man takes up a fighting stance, a dagger in each fist. Shadows swirl around him.

For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art – and he is the city’s most accomplished artist.

For Azoth, survival is precarious. As a guild rat, he’s grown up in the slums, and learned to judge people quickly – and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.

But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins’ world of dangerous politics and strange magics – and cultivate a flair for death.

16. Blood Song by Anthony Ryan

Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of ten when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order to be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate, and dangerous life of a warrior of the Faith.
 
Vaelin’s father was Battle Lord to King Janus, ruler of the Unified Realm—and Vaelin’s rage at being deprived of his birthright knows no bounds. Even his cherished memories of his mother are soon challenged by what he learns within the Order.
 
But Vaelin cannot escape a future that will alter not only the Realm but the world.

17. The Black Company by Glen Cook

Some feel the Lady, newly risen from centuries in thrall, stands between humankind and evil. Some feel she is evil itself. The hard-bitten men of the Black Company take their pay and do what they must, burying their doubts with their dead. 

Until the prophesy: The White Rose has been reborn, somewhere, to embody good once more. There must be a way for the Black Company to find her… 

18. Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

Kings of the Wyld cover: a group of rough looking armored men stand together holding shields and bloodied swords.

Clay Cooper and his band were once the best of the best, the most feared and renowned crew of mercenaries this side of the Heartwyld.

Their glory days long past, the mercs have grown apart and grown old, fat, drunk, or a combination of the three. Then an ex-bandmate turns up at Clay’s door with a plea for help – the kind of mission that only the very brave or the very stupid would sign up for.

It’s time to get the band back together.

19. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

Among the Omehi, one in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine.

Everyone else is fodder, destined to fight and die in the 200 year war. Young, gift-less Tau plans to get himself injured, get out early, and settle down to marriage, children, and land.

But when those closest to him are murdered, his grief turns to vengeance. He’ll become the greatest swordsman to ever live for the chance to kill the three who betrayed him.

20. Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera #1) by Jim Butcher

For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies—elementals of earth, air, fire, water, wood, and metal. But in the remote Calderon Valley, the boy Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting.

At fifteen, he has no wind fury to help him fly, no fire fury to light his lamps. Yet as the Alerans’ most savage enemy—the Marat horde—return to the Valley, Tavi’s courage and resourcefulness will be a power greater than any fury, one that could turn the tides of war…

21. Age of Assassins by R.J. Barker

Girton Club-foot has no family, a crippled leg, and is apprenticed to the best assassin in the land. He’s learning the art of taking lives, but his latest mission tasks him with a far more difficult challenge: to save a life.

Someone is trying to kill the heir to the throne, and it is up to Girton to uncover the traitor and prevent the prince’s murder.

In a castle thick with lies, Girton finds friends he never expected, and a conspiracy that could destroy an entire kingdom.

22. The Silverblood Promise (The Last Legacy #1) by James Logan

Lukan Gardova is a cardsharp, academy dropout, and—thanks to a duel that ended badly—the disgraced heir to an ancient noble house.

When Lukan discovers that his estranged father has been murdered, he finds fresh purpose. Deprived of his chance to make amends for his mistakes, he vows to unravel the mystery behind his father’s death.

His search for answers leads him to Saphrona, fabled city of merchant princes, where anything can be bought if one has the coin. But the price of truth is the deadliest of all.

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

13 Diverse Authors Adding Their Unique Voices to Christian Fantasy and Sci-Fi

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God’s world is beautifully and wonderfully made! And his kingdom is made up of people from all 4 corners of the earth – I love hearing the stories of all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sci-fi and fantasy is special because it opens new worlds to me and examines ideas I may never have encountered otherwise. So when these genres are written by unique voices who come from different walks of life than me, I often find even greater delight in the imaginations they have spun into being!

Christian SFF has grown dramatically as a genre in the past 2 decades alone, and we’re seeing a wider range of authors than ever before! So I’ve compiled this list of diverse Christian authors of sci-fi and fantasy to help readers find and enjoy their compelling stories!

This article contains affiliate links – I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

1. Anna Tan

About

Anna Tan grew up in Malaysia, the country that is not Singapore. She writes fantasy stories and fairy tales, puts together anthologies, and wrangles writers for the Malaysian Writers Society (MYWriters).

Anna has an MA in Creative Writing and is interested in Malay/Nusantara and Chinese legends and folklore in exploring the intersections of language, culture, and faith.

Standout Book: Amok (Absolution #1)

All Putera Mikal wants is to gain the Amok Strength, the supernatural power granted by Kudus to the Mahan royal family. No matter how religiously Mikal keeps his vows, Kudus still denies him the Strength—whilst his father, Sultan Simson, flaunts the Strength despite his blatant defiance of the Temple and the priests’ visions of coming doom.

Then the prophecies come true. Taken captive, Mikal must find a way to liberate his people and restore his throne in Maha—and the key to this is the Amok Strength. But what does it take to gain Kudus’ favour?

2. Tosca Lee

About

Tosca Lee is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels, including a series with Ted Dekker. Her work has won multiple awards and has been translated into 17 languages and optioned for TV and film.

She serves on the Board of Directors of International Thriller Writers and as adjunct faculty for Drexel University’s MFA program. Tosca lives in Nebraska with her family, a drooling cat named Misty, and giant 160-lb. German Shepherd, Timber.

Standout Book: The Progeny

Emily Jacobs is the descendant of a serial killer. Now, she’s become the hunted.

Her quest takes her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders—one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save.

Filled with adrenaline, romance, and reversals, The Progeny is the present-day saga of a 400-year-old war between the uncanny descendants of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her descendants.

3. Jon Del Arroz

About

Jon Del Arroz is a #1 Amazon Bestselling author and “the leading Hispanic voice in science fiction.” He is a popular YouTuber with hilarious livestreams.

He says on his X (Twitter), “I became a #1 bestselling author by standing for Christian values.” In his free time he likes roleplaying, reading comics, and playing tennis.

Standout Book: Justified (The Saga of the Nano Templar)

To save a world… he must rely on God.

After years of fighting for justice with his deadly nanotech, Templar Drin abandons his post, crash landing on a desert world controlled by a tyrannical alien empire. Its inhabitants are forced into slavery, broken where a once-proud race cultivated its lands.

For the first time in Drin’s life, he has no backup, no support, none of his brothers. Yet he still seeks to liberate millions of slaves from their captors and bring faith to a downtrodden world. But in his way stands the most dangerous weapon in the galaxy.

4. Valicity Elaine

About

Valicity Elaine is the author of several Christian YA dark fantasy novels and a former Booktuber. In 2015, after her experience with indie publishing, she founded The Rebel Christian Publishing.

Their goal is to produce and publish good quality Christian books with a strong focus on the inclusion and representation of minority cultures. They aim to keep Christ at the center of their business and to positively reflect the Christian faith in the books they produce.

Standout Book: I am Man

Code-X5 is a Guardian, fresh from the factory after a memory wipe. But there is a flaw in X5’s programming. He can’t pinpoint it, but something is wrong. Despite this, X5 just wants a fresh start, but that’s hard when your client is an exiled princess who wants you to bust her out of prison.

He thinks it will be a simple mission until they discover a scheme that could unravel the very fabric of the Valetian Empire.

Is it possible that X5’s programming is more than flawed… and that he wasn’t always a Guardian – what if he isn’t the only one?

5. Dylan West

About

Dylan West writes faith-based, young adult science fiction and fantasy novels. He is a Jesus lover, web and video game developer, former Navy nuclear operator, foreign language nut, and a nut in general.

While other people are busy thinking normal thoughts, he’s crafting corny jokes. Dylan lives in Chesapeake, VA, with his wife and daughter.

Standout Book: Scribe’s Descent

People worship technology on Planet Daishon. With inventions that prolong life and eradicate disease, it’s little wonder. Death seems obsolete until an earthquake kills thousands, including Mallory’s parents. Suspecting the top research center triggered it, she begins to investigate.

She unlocks an underground world and the remnants of a universal war. To survive, Mallory must trust the voice of one she can’t see, to find the very bottom. Something out of folklore is trapped there, and it is trying to escape.

6. Willamette Sutta

About

Willamette’s earliest memories of books coincided with those of America, when she first came here from Hong Kong at the age of seven. Awed by the abundance of free books, she determined to learn English so that she could partake of this bounty.

At first she wanted to be a detective, but after studying physics and library sciences, she became an academic librarian. Now she combines her love of information and speculation to create fantastic stories that nevertheless give an air of a world truer than the one we see.

Standout Book: Adamant in Dust

Pergi can only retain her father’s throne if she marries the neighboring prince, combining their kingdoms. Yet the same prophecy that calls for the reunification also warns that they must join by love. So she is supplanted by her younger sister, Sadira, who unexpectedly runs on her wedding day, only to be snared by the dark lord Malchor.

What starts as an impromptu rescue of the wayward bride leads to a desperate struggle against a deadly foe. For if Malchor completes his true goal, and gains the Far Stones of power, he will subjugate all the peoples of Miran. Can Pergi’s adamant sense of duty rise above the forces crushing her?

7. Lee James

About

Lee James writes stories of hope and redemption. Whether it’s fantasy, mystery or historical fiction, her beautifully awkward characters traverse a dark labyrinth on their journey to a hopeful end.

She is vehement about the importance of creating and preserving the sanctity of the written word. In that vein, she supports literacy programs and her local libraries. Most importantly, she supports her fellow writers. She also enjoys photography, watching The Simpsons, and of course, reading.

Standout Book: Azriel

Bree, a feisty protegee fighter, is sent to infiltrate the city of Azriel. Unexpectedly, the Watchmen of the Keep welcome her as one of their own.

But the city’s water source has dried up, they face constant attacks from the vengeful spirits of former Watchmen who sold their souls for power, and an immortal creature lurks.

Then, a Watchman is murdered. But only a Watchman can kill another Watchman, so all eyes shift to Bree. Should she betray the dying city, or find the killer before it’s too late?

8. Daniel Tuituku

About

Daniel Tuituku is from Hawaii, but grew up in North Carolina, which is still his home. He’s a Christian and homeschooled alum, and his favorite works include Pilgrim’s Progress and the writings of C.S. Lewis.

When he got laid off from a job back in 2021, he jumped on the opportunity to write and publish his first book, Strange City. Daniel writes about real world themes and problems, but ensures the message of salvation and hope shines through the darkness of this fallen world.

Standout Book: Outlaw City

Noe Ryker grew up in the Gray Zone as an orphan whose parents were killed for their beliefs. Whether he’s being harassed by The Law, being ordered around by robots, or forced to bow down to the tyrannical King, Noe has been giving in for too long.

All of that changes when he meets Faith, a strangely powerful woman – or spirit – he thought he once knew. Driven by a sense of purpose for the first time, Noe sets out to take down the King and liberate the city. But can he speak boldly, act courageously, and hold on to what he knows is true, even as the shadows of doubt and fear grow all around him?

9. Izaic Yorks

About

Yorks spent six years as a professional Track athlete, earning silver in the United States championships, among several other distinguishing awards. Now, he seeks his true passion for authoring fantasy works with a heart for virtues that chase the Good, True, and Beautiful.

​Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Yorks is now happily lost in Hillsborough, living the small-town life and raising a growing family with his wife Courtney.

Standout Book: Aithos

Magnate Rivia watches his land crumble, and the High King refuses to answer his pleas. He sends a skyship on a desperate mission—commanded by an invalid whose body is shattered but whose will remains unbroken.

The invalid’s destination? The lost promised land that drove Magnate Rivia’s father to madness. Their path? The storm-ridden skies of Aithos, where dragons once soared, secrets lie buried, and death waits in the clouds.

Failure means rebellion. Success could mean salvation, but at what price?

10. R.J. Amezcua

About

R. J. Amezcua is the creative director of Quentorex Studios and the author of a science fiction book trilogy and an illustrated children’s book.

Mr. Amezcua’s favorite TV shows – Lost in Space, Outer Limits, and Star Trek – sparked his imagination. He also enjoys watching the Food Network, walking in the morning, and gathering with friends and family.

Standout Book: retribution (Mantis Force: Marium Kahnet #1)

Decades after global infanticide wiped out millions on the planet Ramah, Jazrene Vallo tries to piece her Holy Order back together.

But those responsible – the merciless, sorcerer-led Necrogog legions – still threaten multitudes of star systems, following their objective: to kill the promised Mantis messiah, whose birth mother is a member of the Holy Order, Marium Kahnet.

A group of rogue sisters is out for revenge. And her past isn’t clean either, with her own government seeking to prosecute her for war crimes. Even with a group of elite mercenaries and the instructions of a divine messenger, Jazrene may not be able to stop another wave of destruction.

11. A. Bean

About

A. Bean is a Christian author who writes fictional stories that reflect the body of Christ and the Bible. She writes in multiple genres, including end times fiction, historical fantasy, and more.

Her treasured dog, Sesame, is a small tricolor beagle that loves peas! On their days off, they like to travel, visit new restaurants, and find exciting dog treat recipes.

Standout Book: The Scribe

In a world where reading is a rare ability you must be born with, it’s been decades since a new Scribe has surfaced…

Amana Hart believes she was born with the Gift; the ability to innately understand and speak multiple languages – but she must keep this a secret. Only men of great wealth and stature are supposed to have this ability, so to pursue her dream of becoming a Scribe, she must take on a new identity.

Only God can keep Amana safe. The Scribal Institution will stop at nothing to silence liars and fakes. If she isn’t careful, she could end up burned at the stake.

12. S.E.M. Ishida

About

S. E. M. Ishida is a children’s book author who writes science fiction and fantasy. She is also a technical communicator. The two roles allow her to write for both small publishers as well as a large technology company.

Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and collecting toys. She likes robots and tea!

Standout Book: Nick Newton is Not a Genius

Nick Newton is not a Genius. He’s just a merely average boy from the country of Thauma. He may not be brilliant like his mom and dad or a child prodigy like his sister, but he won’t let that stop him from uncovering the mysteries of a clockwork factory or revealing a war hero’s greatest secret.

With help from two new friends and his butler named Jude, Nick embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

13. Jaymi Mozeak

About

Jaymi Mozeak was born in 1982 in Nuernberg, Germany. Soon after, her family moved back to the states where she grew up on the central coast of California.

Besides being an author, artist, and speaker, Jaymi Mozeak is also a Christian Seer. She became a Christian at age 7 and has walked with the Lord ever since. Now she draws inspiration for her stories and artwork from the dreams and visions she receives.

Standout Book: Demon Warrior

“I drank the blood of an angel… How can You want me?”

Follow Silver Fox, a brave young wolf-dog, in her quest to find a place for herself among the glories of heaven. She looks like a demon and is hampered, abused, and mistrusted because of it. She feels like no one will ever trust her or want her around.

No one will love her except Shepherd, the white lion. He alone invites her to join his army. What does he see in her that no one else has?

Help Me Expand This List!

Do you know of any other authors whose works would fit this list? Comment below or shoot me an email, and I’ll feature them here!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing, Eschler Editing, and Havok Magazine. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

15 High/Epic Fantasy Books About Tropical Settings and Cultures

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Due to the heavy influence of Greco-Roman, Egyptian, and Norse myths, European fairy tales, and the Bible, fantasy books have largely been set in European and Mediterranean analogues. These settings usually include temperate forests and mountains, deserts, and cold regions.

But what are some fantasy books set in the tropics?

Note: I’m using the scientific definition of the word “tropics.” According to the Köppen climate classification system, Earth is divided into five main climate groups based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The weather, flora and fauna, and geography vary vastly within each zone. So a fantasy story set in the tropical zone may very well feature tropical islands or rain forests, but could also take place in savannahs, highlands, volcanic valleys, and more. I’m omitting deserts only because that’s already a well-established sub-genre.

I’ve most commonly encountered tropical settings in seafaring fantasy books that feature pirates and Caribbean-style islands (popular vacation spot for Western authors). There’s also a slew of cringe-worthy “savage jungle tribes,” who threaten traveling heroes in the tradition of pulp fiction or Indiana Jones, which I want to avoid.

But do any fantasy books feature intricate, original worldbuilding of tropical zone societies? Or ones where the author has clearly deeply researched an existing culture and written stories inspired by their land and mythos? Ones about a main character who’s grown up in the culture, rather than a “gawking outsider,” reader-insert POV?

I’ve scoured the internet to compile this list (favoring adult fantasy over YA) – I hope you find some great reads!

This article contains affiliate links – I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Islander-Inspired Fantasy

1. The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard

The main character in this book is from a culture inspired by the Pacific Islands, but there are many other intricately developed cultures in this world which the mc negotiates with! Read my 5 star review here!

Cliopher Mdang is the personal secretary of the Last god Emperor of Astandalas, the Lord of Rising Stars, the Lord Magus of Zunidh, the Sun-on-Earth
He has spent more time with the Emperor of Astandalas than any other person.
He has never once touched his lord. He has never called him by name. He has never initiated a conversation.

One day Cliopher invites the Sun-on-Earth home to the Wide Seas for a holiday.

The mere invitation could have seen Cliopher executed for blasphemy. The acceptance upends the world.

2. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

This story contrasts two cultures: a small kingdom that’s a European analogue and a coastal city state inspired partly by Sanderson’s honeymoon in Hawaii. I believe he was also influenced by Indonesian culture. Read my 4 star review here.

Each person is born endowed with the power of one Breath―which can be sold and collected by others, then used to Awaken objects and even corpses to do their bidding. A few individuals who die in glory return as gods, with the power of thousands of Breath, but no memory of their mortal lives―and are enthroned in Hallandren’s Court of Gods.

To Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris, the abuse of Breath and deification of the Returned are repugnant blasphemy. But with one princess wed to the God King of their nation’s enemies in a bid for peace, the other finds she must rely on Breath-using mercenaries to try to rescue her sister from her monstrous husband.

3. The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker

This story is mostly set at sea. Characters travel an ocean full of islands which some readers have described as “Asian-inspired.”

For generations, the Hundred Isles have built their ships from the bones of ancient dragons to fight an endless war. The dragons disappeared, but the battles for supremacy persisted.

Now, the first dragon in centuries has been spotted in far-off waters, and both sides see a chance to shift the balance of power in their favor. Because whoever catches it will win not only glory but the war.

4. Nation by Terry Pratchett

This story takes place on an island set in a Pacific Ocean analogue. Pratchett subverts tropes commonly seen in tales about shipwreck survivors encountering natives with his characteristic satirical humor.

When a giant wave destroys his village, Mau is the only one left. Daphne—a traveler from the other side of the globe—is the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Separated by language and customs, the two are united by catastrophe.

Slowly, they are joined by other refugees. And as they struggle to protect the small band, Mau and Daphne defy ancestral spirits, challenge death himself, and uncover a long-hidden secret that literally turns the world upside down.

5. Where the Waters Turn Black by Benedict Patrick

This story also carries a flavor of the south Pacific Islands and caught my attention because of the mythic vibe.

The Crescent Atoll is a remote string of tropical islands, connected by long canoe journeys and a love of stories. Islanders live in constant contact with gods and monsters, following the rules handed down by their storytellers to survive in harmony with these primal forces.

But, when a young ocarina player called Kaimana discovers the lair of a taniwha – a legendary monster – she attracts the ruining gaze of the god of war. In a land of sea witches, pig-faced gods, and Magpie Kings, Kaimana must trust her growing friendship with her taniwha if they are both to survive.

African-inspired Fantasy

6. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

Among the Omehi, one in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine.

Everyone else is fodder, destined to fight and die in the 200 year war. Young, gift-less Tau plans to get himself injured, get out early, and settle down to marriage, children, and land.

But when those closest to him are murdered, his grief turns to vengeance. He’ll become the greatest swordsman to ever live for the chance to kill the three who betrayed him.

7. Imaro by Charles Saunders

A rousing adventure… a tale of a young man’s continuing struggle to gain acceptance amongst his people, and to break the cycle of alienation and violence that plagues his life.

Imaro is a larger-than-life warrior, an outcast, who travels across Nyumbani, searching for a home. No Tarzan… no Conan… Imaro is a warrior inspired by pre-colonial African legends and myths. The first of its kind and a cult classic!

For more African-inspired fantasy, check out this list. Also take a look at the sub-genre coined “Sword and Soul.”

South Asian Inspired Fantasy

8. Sons of Darkness by Gourav Mohanty

A re-imagining of the Indian epic the Mahabharata.

Bled dry by violent confrontations with the Magadhan Empire, the Mathuran Republic simmers on the brink of oblivion. A cast of sinister queens, naive kings, pious assassins and ravenous priests are converging where the Son of Darkness is prophesied to rise… even as forgotten Gods prepare to play their hand.

9. The Garden of Delights by Amal Singh

In the city of Sirvassa, where petals are currency and flowers are magic, the Caretaker tends to the Garden of Delights. He imparts temporary magical abilities to the citizens of Sirvassa, while battling a curse of eternal old age.

He thinks no Delight could lift his curse, until one grants a young girl the ability to change reality.

When a magical rot takes root in his Garden, the Caretaker must join forces with the girl and stop it from spreading, only to learn that Delights are always a precursor to Sorrows.

For more India-inspired fantasy, check out this list.

10. Revelation by Shienny M.S.

This is the only (high) fantasy book I was able to find that’s set in an Indonesia equivalent! However, the English version is out of print. I reached out to the author to see if there’s still any way to obtain a copy.

Vrey, a notorious thief, embarks on a journey to search for a legendary treasure, the Nymph Dress.

Meanwhile, Valadin, a knight, is on a secret quest to seek the power of the Aethers, the seven mythical beings worshiped by his race.

When Vrey steals an important amulet Valadin requires to complete his quest, their paths converge and their hidden past is brought to light. Once the closest of companions, they now have to face each other as enemies.

11. Vandarian Saga – Indonesian Open Fantasy World

I was also fascinated to discover that there is an open fantasy world popular in Indonesia which many authors have written about. There’s also a video game. But according to the script writer of a comic adaptation of the Vandarian Saga, fantasy is unpopular in Indonesia, and writers face stigma. I still hope to see English versions and originals by Indonesian authors though!

12. The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg

This one is Thai-inspired! I haven’t read it yet, but I’m excited to, as I visited Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the mountains bordering Myanmar back in high school!

Phi Hunter, Ex, is on the hunt for the legendary Shar-Ala, the demon of nightmares and madness who has eluded his masters for decades.

On his quest, Ex meets the charming runaway Arinya,and the two strike a deal. For a hefty payday, Ex will escort her through the forest, protecting her unborn child from malignant spirits.

With men and monsters on their tail, and secrets that could unravel the whole kingdom, Arinya and Ex must get to the safety of the Capital of Suyoram before it’s too late.

13. Kings of Paradise by Richard Nell

This one stood out to me because it features 2 settings less commonly seen in fantasy – a tropical island inspired by Sri Lanka, AND a frozen tundra. I imagine the contrast will be fascinating!

Ruka, called a demon at birth, is a genius. Born malformed into the snow-covered wasteland of the Ascom, he was spared from death by his mother’s love. Now he is an outcast, consumed with hate for those who’ve wronged him.

Across the sea on the island of Sri Kon, Kale is the youngest son of the Sorcerer King. At sixteen, Kale is a disappointment. As the first prince ever forced to serve with low-born marines, Kale must prove himself to secure his future and love.

But in a changing world where ash meets paradise, only one man can be king…

Americas-Inspired Fantasy

14. The Return of the Sorceress by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This one is inspired by Mesoamerican settings and myths, by the author better known for Mexican Gothic.

In a fantastical land where jewels and blood provide symbiotic magical powers to their wearers, Yalxi, the deposed Supreme Mistress of the Guild of Sorcerers, is on a desperate mission. Her lover and confidant seized her throne and precious diamond heart and now she must find a weapon capable of destroying him.

But this will mean turning to unlikely allies and recalling suppressed memories. For Yalxi is no great hero—she forged her path in blood and must reckon with the consequences.

15. Cradle of Sea and Soil by Bernie Anés Paz

This story is set in an archipelago inspired by Puerto Rico. The islands are connected by root-roads extending from massive “tree-lords” – cool, right! It made me think of the root bridges of Meghalaya, India. Its blurb doesn’t do the setting justice.

The Primordial Wound has festered with corruption since the birth of the world. The island tribes have warred against its spawn for just as long—and they are losing.

Former warrior Colibrí lives in exile, burdened by the same spiritual affliction that drove her ancestors insane. Her son Narune dreams of becoming a mystic to earn glory and prove their worth.

When Colibrí discovers a hidden source of corruption, she must live up to her old oaths.

Tropical Settings in Other Fantasy Sub-Genres

If you love tropical settings and are interested in other fantasy sub-genres, you’ll have a good chance of finding:

  • Urban fantasy or supernatural stories set in South Asia (Jade City)
  • Historical fantasy or magic realism set in Africa (Changa’s Safari)
  • Magic realism or contemporary fantasy set in Central and South America (Gods of Jade and Shadow)

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources on reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

18 Young Adult Urban Fantasy Books with a Male Protagonist (Science Fantasy, Superhero, Steampunk, & More)

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This is part 2 of my ongoing series of book lists featuring young adult books with male protagonists. Part 1 lists high/epic fantasy books with young male leads, which you can read here!

I personally prefer reading about male protagonists (I’m a woman). I also would rather read a book with 1 POV, rather than ones that switch back and forth between different perspectives. The pacing of young adult fiction is also perfect after a long day at work!

Or perhaps your son has outgrown Spiderman, but isn’t ready to pick up adult fiction yet.

However, since the young adult market is largely aimed at girls and women these days, it can be a bit hard to find fast-paced books with 1 male main character. So I thought I’d share my growing TBR list with you all to help you find this kind of story as well!

Happy reading!

  1. Science Fantasy
  2. Superheroes and Academies
  3. Urban Fantasy and Supernatural
  4. Steampunk
  5. Comedy/Parody

This article contains affiliate links – I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Science Fantasy Books

Science fantasy is the umbrella term for fantasy that doesn’t fit neatly into just one genre! From contemporary fantasy and superpowered characters, to fantasy that leans a bit more toward sci-fi, there are a lot of great stories that fall outside of the epic category.

1. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

John Smith seems like an ordinary teenager, living a normal life with his guardian Henri in Paradise, Ohio. But for John, keeping a low profile is essential, because he is not an ordinary teenager. He’s an alien from the planet Lorien, and he’s on the run. A group of evil aliens from the planet Mogadore, who destroyed his world, are hunting anyone who escaped.

Nine Loric children were sent to Earth to live in hiding until they grew up and developed their Legacies, powers that would help them fight back—and help them save us. Three of them are now dead. John is Number Four, and he knows he’s next….

2. Steelheart (The Reckoners 1) by Brandon Sanderson

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will.

Nobody fights the Epics…nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.

And David wants in. He wants Steelheart — the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David’s father.

3. Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

Only his father knows the truth about Rigg’s strange talent for seeing the paths of people’s pasts. But when his father dies, Rigg is stunned to learn just how many secrets Father had kept from him—secrets about Rigg’s own past, his identity, and his destiny. And when Rigg discovers that he has the power not only to see the past, but also to change it, his future suddenly becomes anything but certain.

Rigg’s birthright sets him on a path that leaves him caught between two factions, one that wants him crowned and one that wants him dead.

4. Flames of Mira (The Rift Walker 1) by Clay Harmon

Among boiling volcanoes under Mira’s frozen lands, people like Ig are forced to undergo life-threatening trials that bind chemical elements to the human body. One of Mira’s most powerful elementals, Ig serves as an enforcer for Magnate Sorrelo Adriann, but is cursed with flesh binding magic that will kill him at the first sign of disobedience.

When Sorrelo is overthrown, Ig quickly learns he can do far worse than what has been asked of him so far. If he can’t escape the flesh binding in time, he will have to kill friend and foe alike to stop his master reclaiming the throne, or sacrifice himself trying.

Superheroes and Magic Academies in Fantasy

These books aren’t so different from the ones above, as they also feature superpowered individuals. But if you like the added structure of magic academies and secret organizations, or you’re looking for stories set in the superhero/supervillain “metaverse,” these ones are for you!

5. The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist, one who has the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings—merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery.

6. The Never Hero (Chronicles of Johnathan Tibbs 1) by T. Ellery Hodges

Heroes are supposed to be the first to step forward. I didn’t. I was drafted.
An Alien, Heyer, did this to me. I asked him once why I had to do all the fighting while he watched from the shadows. He said he couldn’t be replaced. But I could be.

My name is Jonathan Tibbs. I’m the one standing between Earth and the Enemy.
They tell me every hero’s story follows a path. If I’m going to save the world, I have to find a different one.

7. The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

Will West is careful to live life under the radar. At his parents’ insistence, he’s made sure to get mediocre grades and to stay in the middle of the pack on his cross-country team. Then Will slips up, accidentally scoring off the charts on a nationwide exam.

Now Will is being courted by an exclusive prep school . . . and followed by men driving black sedans. When Will suddenly loses his parents, he flees to the school. There he begins to explore all that he’s capable of–physical and mental feats that should be impossible–and learns that his abilities are connected to a struggle between titanic forces that has lasted for millennia.

8. The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell

Sixteen-year-old Damien Locke has a plan: become a professional evil genius, just like his supervillain mom. But then he discovers that the one-night stand that spawned him was actually with a superhero, and his dad insists he come live with him.

Damien has to survive his dad’s “flying lessons” that involve throwing him off the tallest building in the city and keep his supervillain girlfriend in the dark. But when Damien uncovers a plot to turn all the superheroes into zombie slaves, a plan hatched by his own mom, he has to choose: let his family become zombies, or stand up to his mom and become a real hero.

9. Psion Beta by Jacob Gowans

In the shadowy underbelly of a futuristic city, Sammy, a fourteen-year-old fugitive, stumbles upon a secret: he possesses the extraordinary powers of a Psion.

Plucked off the streets, he is thrust into the rigorously disciplined environment of Psion Beta headquarters. As a new Beta, Sammy must hone his newfound abilities using holographic fighting simulations, stealth training missions, and complex war games.

But when things go horribly wrong on a routine training mission, he must rely on the other Betas to stay alive.

10. Into the Labyrinth (Mage Errant #1) by John Bierce

Hugh of Emblin is the worst student that the Academy at Skyhold has ever seen. He can barely cast any spells at all, and those he does cast tend to fail explosively. He’s also managed to attract the ire of the most promising student of his year – the nephew of a king.

When an unusual mage unexpectedly selects him as apprentice in the Choosing, however, his life starts to take a sharp turn for the better. Now all he has to worry about is the final test for the first years – being sent into the terrifying labyrinth below Skyhold.

Urban Fantasy & Supernatural Books

Most urban fantasy tends to jump straight to adult fiction, with adult characters and grittier scenarios and content. A lot of supernatural fantasy shifts towards paranormal romance. But I found a promising few. If you can think of any more urban fantasy examples with young male leads, please share!

11. White Cat (Curse Workers 1) by Holly Black

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers—people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, all by the slightest touch. Since curse work is illegal, they’re all criminals. But not Cassel. He hasn’t got the magic touch, so he’s an outsider—the straight kid in a crooked family—as long as you ignore one small detail: He killed his best friend, Lila.

Now he is sleepwalking, haunted by terrifying dreams of a white cat. His brothers are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of one huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

12. Infinity (Chronicles of Nick 1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

At 14, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough, and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . . until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Now Nick has to hide his werewolf friends from his mom, his chain saw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended.

13. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started the treatments that don’t quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there’s a visitor at his window. It’s ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.

Patrick Ness takes the final idea of the late, award-winning writer Siobhan Dowd and weaves an extraordinary and heartbreaking tale of mischief, healing and above all, the courage it takes to survive.

14. Nightlife (Cal Leandros 1) by Rob Thurman

There’s a troll under the Brooklyn Bridge, a boggle in Central Park, and a beautiful vampire in a penthouse on the Upper East Side—and that’s only the beginning. Of course, most humans are oblivious to the preternatural nightlife around them, but Cal Leandros is only half-human.

His father’s dark lineage is the stuff of nightmares—and he and his entire otherworldly race are after Cal. Why?

He and his half-brother Niko have managed to stay a step ahead for three years, but now Cal’s dad has found them again. And Cal is about to learn why they want him, why they’ve always wanted him…

Steampunk Books

Classic steampunk mostly features adult characters, and a lot of contemporary steampunk has merged with the fantasy of manners sub-genre, featuring dashing young girls with pistols under their skirts. But here are a few that feature young men!

15. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

It is the cusp of World War I. The Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ genetically fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides of the war. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure…. One that will change both their lives forever.

16. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it. But when his father and three half brothers are killed in an “accident,” he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.

Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and is surrounded by sycophants.

He is alone, and trying to find even a single friend . . . and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne–or his life.

Comedy/Parody Fantasy

I don’t read much comedic fantasy, so if you do, please help me fill out this section. You can’t go wrong with Terry Pratchett!

17. Dodger by Terry Pratchett 

Seventeen-year-old Dodger is content as a sewer scavenger. But he enters a new world when he rescues a young girl from a beating, and her fate impacts some of the most powerful people in England.

From Dodger’s encounter with the mad barber Sweeney Todd, to his meetings with the great writer Charles Dickens and the calculating politician Benjamin Disraeli, history and fantasy intertwine in a breathtaking account of adventure and mystery.

18. Nice Dragons Finish Last (Heartstrikers 1) by Rachel Aaron

As the smallest dragon in the Heartstriker clan, Julius survives by a simple code: keep quiet, don’t cause trouble. But this meek behavior doesn’t fly in a family of ambitious magical predators, and his mother, Bethesda the Heartstriker, has had enough.

Now, sealed in his human form and banished to the DFZ–a vertical metropolis built on the ruins of Old Detroit–Julius has one month to prove he can be a ruthless dragon or kiss his true shape goodbye forever. But in a city of modern mages and vengeful spirits where dragons are exterminated, he’s going to need some serious help to survive this test.

How to Find More YA Fantasy Books with Male Leads

Here’s the trick to finding young adult books with male protagonists. They’re NOT marketed as YA anymore. Use tags such as “coming of age fantasy” or “teen fantasy.” “Adventure fantasy” is a tag more often paired with high fantasy worlds, but can still be helpful if paired with other themes you’re looking for. For instance “superhero adventure fantasy” can filter through stories that primarily feature romance.

Why am I focusing on YA? Well, it’s not hard to find adult fantasy about male main characters. It IS hard to find contemporary adult fantasy with only 1 male POV, so I also made a list for those.

Until then, stay tuned for the next male YA lists which will feature dystopian, progression fantasy, and more!

These are affiliate links – I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

18 High/Epic Young Adult Fantasy Books with a Male Protagonist

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Where are all the young adult fantasy books with one male lead?

YA fantasy has largely skewed towards romantasy in recent years. Nothing wrong with that, but it means that boys who loved reading in elementary school may have difficulty finding books now that they’re in middle or high school (of course boys and men can enjoy stories about female leads, but there’s nothing wrong with preferring to read about your own gender). Male protagonists are as common in adult fantasy as they’ve always been, but jumping straight from Percy Jackson to Game of Thrones would be quite a shock.

Young adult books not only feature younger characters (generally between 12-17), but also an accessible writing style and fast pacing. They’re easy for kids (and tired adult brains) to read. I wouldn’t want to come home after work and pick up Steven Erikson, but I do look for books more mature than Ranger’s Apprentice.

Note: a lot of people DO list Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, and Ranger’s Apprentice as YA since the main characters fall within the 12-17 age range (I highly recommend all those series!). However, the simpler writing style, at least at the start of each series, is much more in line with middle grade books. Style separates genres just as much as character ages. After all, Game of Thrones includes children as point-of-view characters, but is certainly not YA because of both R-rated content and the dense writing style.

So I searched Goodreads, Amazon bestseller lists, review blogs, and recommendations on sub-reddits to compile a list of exciting, classic-feeling YA fantasy books with 1 male lead (I’ve read half of these myself). I hope you find some great reads!

Prefer other sub-genres of fantasy (urban, superhero, etc.)? Find part 2 here!

This article contains affiliate links – I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

1. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

When fifteen-year-old Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and, gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

2. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Eugenides, the queen’s thief, can steal anything—or so he says. When his boasting lands him in prison and the king’s magus invites him on a quest to steal a legendary object, he’s in no position to refuse. The magus thinks he has the right tool for the job, but Gen has plans of his own…

3. The Will of the Many by James Islington

I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.

To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Catenan Academy’s ranks. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.

4. Dragon Blood by Mary Beesley

Twin brothers separated at birth and raised as enemies… Neither brother feels they belong. Cal is human, fighting against becoming a beastly Draco Sang. Ferth yearns to push back his humanity and transform into a worthy Draco warrior.

Before ever meeting in open battle, Ferth is sent to kill Cal. Then he discovers they are brothers.

5. Free the Darkness by Kel Kade

Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows.

With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.

6. The House of Fire by B.K. Cook

Rangers Apprentice meets Hunter x Hunter.

Ward is a Crumb, a low born servant to the nobles of Alcorn. He was never meant to be anything more than a field hand. He definitely was never meant to wield the power of Ilamantium. Fate had other plans.

Chosen at the Affinity Ceremony and sent to train at The House of Fire, he must fight every step of the way.

Read my review here!

7. Powers of the Six (Emissary of Light 1) by Kristal Shaff

Six rare powers govern the land of Adamah. Possessing one demands entrance to the king’s army. To refuse means death. When seventeen-year-old Nolan Trividar witnesses the transformation of his brother from kind to cruel after entering the king’s army, he vows never to follow the same path.

Read my review here!

8. The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi

In the City of Lies, they cut out your tongue when you turn thirteen, to appease the terrifying Ajungo Empire and make sure it continues sending water. Tutu will be thirteen in three days, but his parched mother won’t last that long. So Tutu goes to his oba and makes a deal: she provides water for his mother, and in exchange he will travel out into the desert and bring back water for the city.

9. The Broken Heir by Jasper Alden

On his sixteenth birthday, Talen is given a magical birthright that forever changes his life—the ability to glimpse possible futures.

When his family is slaughtered by a powerful sorcerer only known as the Golden Fool, Talen is sold into slavery and forced into the fighting pits.

To seek vengeance, first, he must escape the pits, using his wits and his magical gift.

10. Amok by Anna Tan

All Putera Mikal wants is to gain the Amok Strength, the supernatural power granted by Kudus to the Mahan royal family. No matter how religiously Mikal keeps his vows, Kudus still denies him the Strength—whilst his father, Sultan Simson, flaunts the Strength despite his blatant defiance of the Temple and the priests’ visions of coming doom.

Then the prophecies come true. Taken captive, Mikal must find a way to liberate his people and restore his throne in Maha—and the key to this is the Amok Strength.

11. A Star so Bound and Broken by Yakira Goldsberry

Jorrin has only five days to find his missing friend. But it won’t be easy to find a lost star in the dangerous city of Bash-al Feret, ruled by Rahim Padishah, the immortal ruler who hungers for stardust. His reckless search brands him a slave and brings with it a fatal consequence: the stars he fought so desperately to protect are now within the padishah’s grasp.

Nouri Shah lost his brother long ago. But when he discovers that Rakhshan is alive and their father has finally hunted him down, Nouri must face the past that he’s run from for years.

12. Dawn of Wonder (The Wakening 1) by Johnathan Renshaw

When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems.

The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation’s royal academy – a whole world of secrets in itself.

13. Of Blood and Fire (The Bound and the Broken 1) by Ryan Cahill


In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving – a test of courage and skill that not all survive.

But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries.

14. The Eyes of the Dragon by Steven King

Once, in a kingdom called Delain, there was a king with two sons…

​Thus begins a sprawling fantasy of dark magic and the struggle for absolute power that utterly transforms the destinies of two brothers born into royalty. Through this enthralling masterpiece of mythical adventure, intrigue, and terror, you will thrill to this unforgettable narrative filled with relentless, wicked enchantment, and the most terrible of secrets…

15. Banished (Street Rats of Aramoor 1) by Michael Wisehart

Desperate to become the youngest warrior of his clan, Ayrion will stop at nothing to reach his goal, not even the one thing all Upakans fear… Magic. However, when a fatal accident forces him to flee, Ayrion barters passage aboard the only ship willing to take one of his kind – A Cursed Ship.

Ayrion sets sail for the royal city of Aramoor in hopes of making a name for himself. Little does he know how deadly those streets can be.

16. Master Assassins (Fire Sacraments 1) by Robert V.S. Redick

Kandri Hinjuman was never meant to be a soldier. His brother Mektu was never meant for this world. Rivals since childhood, they are drafted into a horrific war led by a madwoman-Prophet.

When the brothers’ simmering feud explodes into violence, and holy blood is spilled, Kandri and Mektu are taken for contract killers and must flee for their lives—to the one place where they can hope to disappear: the sprawling desert known as the Land that Eats Men.

17. Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee

16-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian’s Tournament, held every 6 years to entrust the magical Scroll of Heaven to a new protector. Jun hopes that a win will restore his father’s pride—righting a mistake that caused their banishment from his home, mother, and twin brother.

But Jun’s father strictly forbids him from participating, for he is not breathmarked, born with a patch of dragon scales and special abilities, like his twin. So Jun stows away with Chang and his daughter, Ren, performers on their way to the capital.

18. Dragon Prince (The Last Free Dragon 1) by Jada Fisher

Kashir has lived his whole life in the shadow of his older brother who is now the king. When the young prince saves a dragon in distress, it appears he has finally done something to help his brother and his kingdom.

He soon learns that the power of a dragon is something not to be trifled with. Or controlled. Will the dragon help Kashir become the prince he has always hoped to be, or will it destroy everything he sought to protect?

Find More YA Fantasy with a Male Protagonist

If you’re looking to build your own TBR list, here’s the trick: these types of books are NOT marketed as YA. They’re usually tagged as “coming of age fantasy adventure,” and sometimes as “teen,” so use those search parameters instead. You can also search for “new adult” or “college” fantasy books, which feature characters aged 18-20s, a similarly quick-paced writing style, and a PG-13 rating (though generally with more sexual content than YA).

Right now, indie houses publish more books about boys going on adventures than big traditional presses do, since romantasy sells better. So you’ll have a better chance finding this sort of book on Kindle Unlimited than at your local bookstore.

Please comment below with your recommendations so I can keep expanding this list! Happy reading!

P.S. I’m working on similar lists for sci-fi, dystopian, progression fantasy, and more, so subscribe if you’d like to be notified when those go live!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about writing and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…

100+ Genre-Defining Fantasy Books and Authors of the Past Century

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By Caylah Coffeen

What are the most influential fantasy books of all time? How has the fantasy genre changed over the years?

The fantastical has captured the imagination of humanity since the beginning of time, from the epic myths of Homer and Ovid and the knightly adventures in the Arthuriana, to Shakespeare’s enduring plays and numerous folk and fairy tale traditions!

Here, I’ll break down (part of) the history of fantasy by looking at the best fantasy books and authors of the past century! I included books based on how large of an impact they’ve made on our culture, the genre itself, or how prolifically the author wrote. Ratings and reviews, lists on Goodreads, book blogs, and Wikipedia, and feedback from readers in FB groups, on r/fantasy, and at conventions helped me curate this list.

  1. Mid-Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries: Brothers Grimm, Lewis Carroll, George McDonald, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and more
  2. 1920’s: Lord Dunsany, H.P. Lovecraft, and more
  3. 1930’s: The Hobbit, The Sword in the Stone, and more
  4. 1940’s: Titus Groan, The Little Prince, and more
  5. 1950’s: The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia
  6. 1960’s: Roald Dahl and Ursula LeGuin
  7. 1970’s: Dragonriders of Pern, The Princess Bride, and more
  8. 1980’s: Raymond E. Feist, Robin McKinley, and Terry Pratchett
  9. 1990’s: A Game of Thrones, Robin Hobb, and the first Harry Potter!
  10. 2000’s: Jim Butcher, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and more
  11. 2010’s: Riyria, Sarah J. Mass, N.K. Jemison, and more
  12. 2020’s: The House in the Cerulean Sea, Fourth Wing, and Piranesi

This compilation includes 108 books (counting only the 1st in each series), 48 of which I’ve read or tried, but I couldn’t note everything! Let me know if I missed any major works, especially from earlier decades.

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the books on this list were written by authors who have engaged in controversial or (alleged) criminal behavior. This list would be incomplete without their works, but it’s up to your discretion whether or not you choose to purchase them.

I’ve attached book links to each cover image, including public domain options where possible. Some are affiliate links – I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Fantasy of the Mid-Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

I promised you a century of fantasy, but I had to go back a bit, because I forgot how early some classics like Alice in Wonderland and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ pulp fiction were published! So I also snuck in some of the most famous fantasy works of the 19th and early 20th centuries to help us all keep things straight!

This period of fantasy drew influence from Arthurian knights, fairy tales, romanticism, and gothic literature. It saw the first written compilations of fairy tales and some of the most iconic portal fantasy stories.

19th Century

The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm
The Complete Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Anderson
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
The Princess and the Goblin by George McDonald
The Well at the World’s End by William Morris (strong Tolkien influence)
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Gothic writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Oscar Wilde (A Picture of Dorian Gray)

1900’s-1910’s

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
A Princess of Mars and Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit (the first female author on this list, she wrote prolifically!)

Fantasy of the 1920’s

The 1920’s gave rise to a handful of fantasy works which are mostly remembered for inspiring future writers and genres. Lovecraft sparked his own genre of cosmic horror, and Tolkien cited both Lord Dunsany and Eddison as influences.

The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany (strong Tolkien influence)

The Story of Dr. Doolittle by Hugh Lofting

The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft

The Worm Ouroboros (The Zimiamvian Trilogy) by E.R. Eddison (strong Tolkien influence)

Fantasy of the 1930’s

Tolkien released The Hobbit! Additionally, The Sword in the Stone became a modern Arthurian classic, and Conan made his mark!

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Sword in the Stone (The Once and Future King) by T.H. White

Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard

Fantasy of the 1940’s

Edgar Rice Burroughs’ work continued in popularity, C.S. Lewis began publishing, and E.B. White wrote some beloved children’s classics. But otherwise, few fantasy works from the 40’s remain well known today.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Titus Groan (Gormenghast) by Mervyn Peake

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Stuart Little by E.B. White

Fantasy of the 1950’s

And everything changes! With the release of The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, a whole new phase of fantasy was born. You may recognize the names Poul Anderson and Jack Vance, who also created epics, though they’re less widely remembered than Tolkien’s and Lewis’ works.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia) by C.S. Lewis – 1950

First Edition

The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings) by J.R.R. Tolkien – 1954

First Edition

More

The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson (Norse mythology)

The Dying Earth by Jack Vance

The Borrowers by Mary Norton (kid’s series)

Fantasy of the 1960’s

Interestingly, most of the best known fantasy works of the 60s are children’s books! Granted, fantasy in general used to be considered children’s reading, but unlike earlier works such as Titus Groan, The Lord of the Rings, and The Dying Earth, which would be categorized as adult fantasy today, all of the following books would still be considered middle grade or YA.

Science Fantasy

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Epic

The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Pyrdain) by Lloyd Alexander

Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark is Rising) by Susan Cooper

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula LeGuin

Fantasy of the 1970’s

Organizing this category was illuminating to me, because it includes 3 of my top 10 favorite books, dear to me for their lyrical beauty and wit. The rest were already on my TBR list. I’m inclined to increase them in priority, knowing they may be of a similar style! I hope this compilation helps you draw some conclusions about your own favorite periods of fantasy!

Epic and Science Fantasy

Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern) by Anne McCaffrey

Nine Princes in Amber (The Chronicles of Amber) by Roger Zelazny

The Sword of Shannara (Shannara Chronicles) by Terry Brooks

Swords and Deviltry (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser) by Fritz Leiber

Elric of Melnibone (The Elric Saga) by Michael Moorcock

Kids

Watership Down by Richard Adams

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

Fantasy of the 1980’s

The 1980’s produced a golden age of high/epic, sword and sorcery, adventure, or heroic fantasy! Dungeons and Dragons and tabletop gaming grew in popularity and the stories influenced one another.

Military themes and save-the-world stakes were popular, and classic heroes such as King Arthur and Conan the Barbarian found new life in retellings. Plus, Terry Pratchett and Stephen King started their own unforgettable things.

High/Epic Fantasy

Pawn of Prophecy (The Belgariad) by David Eddings

The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun) by Gene Wolf

Conan the Barbarian by L. Sprague de Camp (novelization of the film)

Magician: Apprentice (The Riftwar Saga) by Raymond E. Feist

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Black Company by Glenn Cook

The Dragonbone Chair (Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn) by Tad Williams

Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar) by Mercedes Lackey

Pawn of Prophecy cover: an elegant middle-aged woman in sweeping robes clutches the shoulders of a young boy, a sepia-toned map of the world behind them.
The Shadow of the Torturer cover: a cloaked man in a strange mask holds a longsword, standing upon a curling pedestal throne that rises into a cloudy sky.
Conan the Barbarian cover: a massively muscular Arnold Schwarzenegger dressed only in an armored loincloth and helmet thrusts his sword into the sky. A blond woman in a chainmail bikini crouches before him with a curved blade.
Magician: Apprentice cover: an old wizard in a scarlet robe grasps the shoulder of a young man who holds a map and looks off into the deep blue twilight.
The Mists of Avalon: a robed brunette woman rides a white horn through a misty forest, a swan by her side and a blade in her hand.
The Dragonbone Chair cover: a close up of an etched sword handle, against a pale white backdrop.
Arrows of the Queen cover: a young girl with close-cropped hair rides a flamboyant white horse against a backdrop of blue and pink mountains.

Kids

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley (this one’s more YA)

Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness) by Tamora Pierce

Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones

Redwall by Brian Jacques

Satire, Comedy, Science Fantasy?

The Color of Magic (Discworld) by Terry Pratchett

Horror Fantasy

The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower) by Stephen King

Fantasy of the 1990’s

The 1990’s produced more fantasy “classics,” and sparked the trend of massive, multi-POV series that span worlds rich in history and take dozens of books to complete!

We also saw the beginnings of the historical fantasy sub-genre with works by Guy Gavriel Kay. And of course, the first Harry Potter book snuck in 3 years before the turn of the century!

Massive Multi-POV Epics

I feel like we need an abbreviation + warning label for these. MMPOVUS (massive multi-POV unfinished series) or MMPOVCS (complete series). ;D

The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time) by Robert Jordan

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R.R. Martin

Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen) by Steven Erikson

High Fantasy

Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Wizard’s First Rule (Sword of Truth) by Terry Goodkind

Kids

The Thief (The Queen’s Thief) by Megan Whalen Turner (YA before it was a thing?)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials) by Philip Pullman

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Fantasy of the 2000’s

2000s fantasy was defined by grimdark, and saw the rise of urban, steampunk, and paranormal (romance) or supernatural fantasy. Weird fantasy too, though I’m not going to try defining that. The grey, morally-conflicted hero with a dark past became the norm, with gritty, sometimes even dystopian settings.

Young adult fiction became defined as a new audience and subgenre! Dresden spurred a slew of detective fantasies. And Harry Potter became a global phenomenon which inspired many magic school stories. Kids got into mythology again thanks to Rick Riordan!

Urban Fantasy & Steampunk

Storm Front (The Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

Grimdark

The Blade Itself (The First Law Trilogy) by Joe Abercrombie

The Way of Shadows (Night Angel Trilogy) by Brent Weeks

The Lies of Locke Lamora (The Gentlemen Bastards) by Scott Lynch

Epic

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicles) by Patrick Rothfuss

The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

Young Adult

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Kids

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Fantasy of the 2010’s

Multiple points of view, hard magic systems, and dry humor featured in many 2010s books. Grimdark persisted, but eventually incorporated a self-deprecating awareness of genre conventions. YA dominated markets, with fewer middle grade hits except for those in Rick Riodan’s expanding body of work.

The second half of the decade saw a delightful increase in diversity among characters, settings, and authors. No longer just medieval Europe! (This category deserves a whole list of its own, so check out the hyperlinks for more recommendations.)

The influence of video games and anime spawned the LitRPG and progression fantasy niches. Christian fantasy grew as a sub-genre. Self-publishing and serial web novelizations absolutely exploded in popularity, adding many niche favorites to the market.

Epic

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence (as grimdark as it gets alert)

The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson

Theft of Swords (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan (originally self-published)

Malice (The Faithful and the Fallen) by John Gwynne

Young Adult

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

A Court of Thrones and Roses by Sarah J. Mass

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

The Night Circus by Erik Morgenstern

Diverse Authors, Settings, OR Characters

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy) by S.A. Chakraborty

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang (horrifically graphic violence)

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Witch cover: an albino African girl holds out a dagger. Color seeps from its point in the abstracted shape of a flower.

Fantasy of the 2020’s

It’s too soon to know what will become fantasy mainstays in the future, but here are some of the books I’ve heard recommended most often in fantasy circles within the past five years. It gives a glimpse into the kind of flavors we can expect for the rest of the decade.

Brandon Sanderson continues to be, arguably, the most popular contemporary fantasy author, but there are other rising stars! Cozy and low-stakes fantasy is growing as a sub-genre, and romantasy has absolutely exploded in popularity. The uptick of diversity continues!

High Fantasy

The Will of the Many by James Islington

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

Young Adult & Romantasy

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean) by Rebecca Yarros

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher

Magic Realism

Piranesi by Susanna Clark

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria E. Schwab

Cozy Fantasy

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

What are your favorite fantasy books?

How much fantasy have you read? Which is your favorite era?

Lists like this can overwhelm me, because I realize how few books I’ll be able to read in my lifetime. So I set a more reasonable goal: read at least the first chapter of each of these books to familiarize myself with different styles and tropes, and to see how stories and writing change over time.

Will you take on the challenge? Subscribe to my blog to receive an interactive PDF reading checklist of A Century of Fantasy!

Hi, I’m Caylah Coffeen, a freelance editor and marketer of sci-fi and fantasy books. I love reading and writing and am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve worked for Monster Ivy Publishing and Eschler Editing, and am currently a weekly editor with Havok Publishing. Reach out to chat about books and publishing!

Thanks for stopping by my website! I hope you’ve found some helpful resources about reading, writing, and publishing. If you liked this article, here’s some more free content…