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Standalone Fantasy Novels for When You're Not Ready to Commit to a Series

Art & Literature

December 29, 2024

Remember when reading was called boring? Well, things have changed since then. In recent years, thanks to the rise of booktok and bookstagram, more and more people are getting into reading.

One of the most popular genres is fantasy. But the thing about fantasy, is fantasy books are often written as series. This can be annoying for those who want to get into fantasy but don't have the time or energy to commit to a seven-book series.

If this is you, don't give up yet! Standalones exist. If you're new to the whole book thing, a standalone is a book that isn't part of a larger series or work. Like a movie without any sequels.

Here are recommendations of the top 5 best fantasy standalones you can read.

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To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

You can't go wrong with enemies-to-lovers. And I mean, real enemies to lovers, especially on the girl's side. In this book, there are sirens (not to be confused with mermaids) and humans, and they absolutely hate each other's kind.

So much so, that they regularly murder the other's kind. What a cute way to start a romantasy right?

We have Princess Lira, who collects the hearts of princes on her birthdays and is known as the Prince's bane. We have Prince Elian, whose life is dedicated to hunting sirens and one siren in particular. Guess who?

The prince's bane. In a twist of fate, Lira is forced to turn into a human and take refuge on Elian's ship. The rest is history.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Forget the romance: this is such a fun, fast-paced fantasy! The descriptions aren't overly done, but they pull you into the story and make you feel as if you are experiencing everything for yourself. The dual narration is one of my favorite things about the story because both of them bring so much personality to the story, and it's amazing to hear both perspectives.

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Heartless by Marissa Meyer

A beautiful retelling of Alice in Wonderland - well, sort of. We get insight into the Queen of Hearts' life. Before she became the villain of the story and the terror of Wonderland, she was just Catherine, a girl who dreamed of falling in love and opening her own bakery.

She meets Jest, the court joker who is charming but filled with secrets. The rest, you'll have to read the story to find out.

Photo by SAMANTA SANTY on Unsplash

Friendly warning though? You're going to need tissues. Lots and lots of tissues.

This book is perfect for those who loved fairytales as a child. I felt like a princess reading the descriptions of Wonderland. I had read this before I watched Alice in Wonderland (I'm aware that I committed a heinous crime), and there's no other book I would recommend to lovers of this childhood story.

If You Could See The Sun by Ann Liang

Not strictly confined to fantasy, but it's a great read all the same. The setting is a contemporary private boarding school where the protagonist randomly develops the ability to turn invisible one fine day. Not in a metaphorical way, but completely invisible as in no-one-can-see-you.

Alice Sun, the protagonist, has always felt invisible in her boarding school, where she's the only scholarship student among the wealthy and famous students. When her parents reveal to her that they can't afford her tuition, she uses her newfound power to find out secrets for her classmates through an app. The said app was developed for her specifically by her rival, Henry, someone she despises. But due to her circumstances, she starts working with him.

Photo by Marga Santoso on Unsplash

Ann Liang perfectly blends contemporary, hints of fantasy, and romance like was she was born to do it. It's a light read, perfect for someone who wants to see what fantasy can offer.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

This is a modern spin on Homer's Illiad, which tells the story of the quarrel between King Agamemnon and a celebrated warrior, Achilles. The Song of Achilles gives us insight into the romance between Achilles and his closest friend, Patroclus.

This book takes a fresh look at Achilles, not as just a legendary warrior, but as a person with emotions and flaws. Told from the perspective of his closest friend (and later, his lover), Patroclus, it dives into their bond, the highs and lows of their love, and how it all ties into the backdrop of the Trojan War. You’ll get all the gods, epic battles, and drama of Greek mythology, but at its heart, it’s a deeply emotional story that feels raw and real. If you’re into mythology, romance, or just a good cry, this one’s a must-read.

Fun fact: my Kindle refused to work for a while because (no joke) it was wet with my tears by the last few pages.

Photo by Dario Daniel Silva on Unsplash

The Invisible Life of Addie Laurie by V.E. Schwab

In 1714 France, Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil to live forever, but it comes with a catch—no one will ever remember her. She spends the next 300 years wandering through history, completely forgotten by everyone she meets. Until one day in a little New York bookstore, someone says the words she thought she’d never hear: “I remember you.” From there, her life takes a turn she never could have imagined.

Photo by Estefany peña from Pexels

This book is a wild mix of heartbreak, hope, and what it means to truly live. Addie’s journey through different times and places feels so real, you can almost see the world changing around her. It’s emotional, sometimes a little painful, but so worth it.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just passing through life or you love stories about making your mark, this one will stick with you long after you finish. It’s a slower read, but trust me, it hits all the right notes.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, fantasy standalones are the perfect way to enjoy a captivating story without the pressure of a long series. They give you all the excitement and depth of fantasy in just one book, making it easy to dive in and get lost for a while. If you're short on time or just want something you can finish in one go, these books are definitely worth checking out!

Alia Naeem
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Writer since Oct, 2024 · 8 published articles

Alia is a content writer and storyteller at heart. Instead of studying for her exams, she's busy reading absolutely anything (anything but non fiction) or playing her favorite pop songs on repeat. Embracing creativity in all its forms, Alia seeks opportunities to inspire others through her writing.

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