Fantasy
September 2025
Recent Releases
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
Katabasis
by R. F. Kuang

Alice has sacrificed everything to work with Professor Grimes at Cambridge, the world's greatest magician, but when he dies in a magical accident and is sent to Hell, she and rival Peter follow him, using only tales of Orpheus and Dante to guide them. 

Review: "A must-read for fans of Naomi Novik, Olivie Blake, and Lev Grossman’s scholastic fantasies, with explorations of purpose, grief, and relationships that open the novel to a more universal audience." ~ Library Journal
Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil
by Oliver Darkshire

Isabella Nagg simply tries to get through her miserable existence one day at a time, tolerating her irresponsible husband, tending to their strange farm, and taking care of her pot of basil. When her husband returns home one day with a stolen spellbook, Isabella sees a chance to brighten her life.

In his whimsical, humorous fiction debut, Oliver Darkshire "jokes his way through the English canon" (Publishers Weekly) with a flair that fans of Terry Pratchett will appreciate.
Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Wild Reverence
by Rebecca Ross

In a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda, the youngest goddess of her clan, must come of age sooner than most.

Review: "The world of gods―their relationships, histories, and politics―is enthralling, and Matilda’s self-discovery and desperation to protect those she loves make for captivating material." ~ Booklist
The Witch Roads
by Kate Elliott

When an arrogant prince gets himself and his entourage stuck in the village of Orledder Halt, it's up to former child slave Elen to guide them to safety. But the prince refuses to heed her warnings about the mysterious Spire, and the danger increases when he returns from the ruin a changed person.

Readers will devour this new fantasy series rife with rich worldbuilding, political intrigue, and sharp tension with every page turn.
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Arcana Academy
by Elise Kova

To escape prison, Clara, a rogue tarot magician, agrees to pose as the fiancée of Arcana Academy's powerful headmaster, but as they plot to steal a legendary card, forbidden magic and unexpected feelings threaten both her freedom and her heart.

Review: "“Kova’s characters are well-shaded and her tarot-based magic system feels fresh and exciting. . . . Fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas are sure to be pleased.” ~ Publishers Weekly 
Monster Romantasy
A Soul to Keep
by Opal Reyne

Known as a harbinger of bad omens and blamed for Demons eating her family, Reia is shunned by her entire village. When the next offering is due and the monstrous Duskwalker is seen heading their way, her village offers her an impossible choice - be thrown into the prison cells or allow herself to be sacrificed to a faceless monster. However, he is not what he seems. His skull face and glowing eyes are ethereal, and she finds herself unwittingly enchanted by him.
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
Bull Moon Rising
by Ruby Dixon

Aspeth Honori, a noble's daughter, must join the Royal Artifactual Guild and marry a surly minotaur to retrieve lost magical artifacts and save her family, all while concealing her identity and navigating increasingly complex challenges.

Review: "Fans of The Mummy, Dungeons & Dragons, and good old-fashioned spicy romance will adore this latest true-love monster tale from Dixon." ~ Lindsey Allen, Booklist
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Bride
by Ali Hazelwood

Misery Lark, daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest must abandon her cloaked existence among humans and uphold a historic alliance with the Weres by marrying their Alpha, Lowe Moreland. 

Review: "This enthralling tale of political machinations, family secrets, enduring friendship, and the allure and fear of people who are “other” is a not to be missed romance. ~ Diana Tixier Herald, Booklist
A witch's guide to fake dating a demon by Sarah Hawley
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon
by Sarah Hawley

Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what's a witch to do when he won't leave her side--and she kind of doesn't want him to?

Review: "Hawley ably navigates life and love among toxic family members, fantastical chaos, and small-town politics—with some steamy scenes and plenty of dad jokes along the way. This is a treat." ~ staff, Publishers Weekly
Radiance by Grace Draven
Radiance
by Grace Draven

Two people, one human and one Kai, who are brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.

Review: "In short order, Draven has demonstrated that she is a truly gifted teller of romantic fantasy tales that are utterly unforgettable. In Radiance, Draven explores a forced political marriage between seemingly incompatible races. The growing relationship between these protagonists is a genuine joy to read, and the fantastic story is filled with dangerous twists and turns!" ~ Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times 
Legends & lattes : a novel of high fantasy and low stakes by Travis Baldree
Legends & Lattes
by Travis Baldree

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior's life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen. However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet.

Review: "This charming outing will please anyone who’s ever wished to spend time in a fantasy world without all the quests and battles." ~ staff, Publishers Weekly
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Forsyth County Public Library
660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-703-2665

forsythlibrary.org