Hey there! This week I’m participating in Six for Sunday, a meme hosted by Steph at A Little But a Lot. April’s theme is “The Viper-Inspired Ones,” and the topic this week is:
Magical Books
This is going to be fun! I love fantasy stories with magical elements and read them quite often! Let’s take a look at six that stand out:
1. Elements of Power by Kate Stoessel
Series: Council of the Harvest Moon #1
Publication Date: April 5, 2021
Publisher: Rhodes & Co
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Synopsis: The Council of the Harvest Moon was established to maintain peace among the witches, fairies, vampires, and mermaids of the United States. However, old feuds die hard and as the powers of fairies wane with the destruction of natural environments, the witches rise with a rigid societal structure designed to assert their supremacy as the most powerful supernatural beings in the modern world.
As the descendant of two prominent New England witching families, Khlorie Lethestone’s life was destined to fit into the neat, color-coded boxes established by the American Continental Coven (ACC). When it is discovered that Khlorie has powers beyond that of a typical witch, she is sent to Spindlewick College, a secret institution designed to help witches develop non-conforming gifts into tools for the greater good of witching society. Once there, she meets the attractive, but distant Perry Prentice, who is assigned to help her understand her gifts. But becoming one of the most powerful witches in the world means that you are watched closely, and Khlorie learns that there are secrets she must keep hidden to survive.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | My Review
2. Shielded by Kaylynn Flanders
Series: Shielded
Page Length: 432
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Synopsis: For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes a thrilling new fantasy about a kingdom ravaged by war, and the princess who might be the key to saving not only those closest to her, but the kingdom itself, if she reveals the very secret that could destroy her.
The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It’s losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans.
As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn’s–her brother’s–magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.
Only, on the journey to reach her betrothed and new home, the royal caravan is ambushed, and Jenna realizes the rumors were wrong–the new threat is worse than anyone imagined. Now Jenna must decide if revealing a dangerous secret is worth the cost before it’s too late–for her and for her entire kingdom.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | My Review
3. The Rose Kiss: Beauty and the Beast Retold by Esme Rome
Series: Fairy Tale Love Stories #1
Page Length: 199
Publication Date: May 1, 2021
Publisher: Parako Press #1
Synopsis: Trapped by a curse. Running from destiny. Can their bond bloom in the face of a sinister enchantment?
Provincial France, 1700. Lana Moreau, beautiful daughter of a bankrupt nobleman, is desperate for a suitor with a brain. But things don’t go as planned when her father takes her to the local prophet, looking for insight into her many failed courtships. When the seer names her as the Belmorta, a woman doomed to love a beast and bring famine and destruction, Lana flees in hopes of reversing her dark fortune.
Escaping the wrath of the frightened villagers, she finds salvation in a seemingly empty magical castle. Entranced by the estate’s mystical marvels, she discovers choosing to stay may mean giving her heart to the monstrous owner and fulfilling the evil curse…
Can Lana survive her wicked destiny and claim her happily-ever-after?
The Rose Kiss is the mesmerizing first novel in the Fairy Tale Love Stories YA fantasy series. If you like plucky heroines, enchanted romance, and riveting retellings, then you’ll adore Esme Rome’s captivating story.
4. Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
Series: Kingdom of Cards
Page Length: 464
Publication Date: Aug. 25, 2020
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Synopsis: In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.
As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.
The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost
The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told
The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide.
Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | My Review
5. The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
Series: The Elements of Kamdaria (Books 1-4)
Page Length: 450
Publication Date: Dec. 3, 2019
Synopsis: Talise has a gift that could save her life. In an empire divided into three rings, seventeen-year-old Talise is from the outer ring. This dangerous and crime-laden land has one constant… death. Her only chance for escape is to become Master Shaper—an honored position in the palace court and military. Each year, the emperor chooses one student to receive the title.
After ten years of training at an elite academy, Talise clearly has a gift for manipulating the elements of water, air, earth, and fire. But Aaden, a handsome student from the privileged inner ring, is poised to steal the title away from her.
When they come before the emperor, he is impressed with the great skill both Talise and Aaden possess. He presents them with a set of trials, and she knows this is the chance she needs to prove herself. As long as Aaden doesn’t ruin everything.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository | My Review
6. Subversive by Colleen Cowley
Series: Clandestine Magic Trilogy (Book 1)
Publication Date: Sept. 27, 2020
Synopsis: In an America controlled by wizards, Beatrix Harper counts herself among the resistance—the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic. Then Peter Blackwell, the only wizard her town has ever produced, unexpectedly returns home and presses her into service as his assistant.
Beatrix fears he wants to undermine the League. His real purpose is far more dangerous for them both.
Subversive is the first novel in the Clandestine Magic trilogy, set in a warped 21st century that will appeal to fans of gaslamp fantasy.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | My Review
Have you read any of these? Which magical books would make your list? Comment below!
Oooh I love these covers! & Elements of Power sounds amazing, I’ll definitely be adding that one to my tbr 😊
Nice! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Where Dreams Descend was so good! Can´t wait for the sequel!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Me too! After that ending, I’m dying to find out what happens next!!
I enjoyed Where Dreams Descend!
Me too – can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
Added to my tbr! Thank you 😊
You’re so welcome! I hope you enjoy!
I would definitely have Legendborn on my list! 😍
I haven’t read it yet. It sounds so good!!
Based on us both loving Subversive I know I’m going to have to add all these to my TBR!
They’re all pretty magical! lol
Such lovely covers!
I still have to read Where Dreams Descend but I did really enjoy Subversive. Still need to read the rest of the series though! I’m a sucker for B&B retellings so The Rose Kiss sounds like a romance I’d defo like to check out 😍 Great list!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy Where Dreams Descend when you get to it. And I really enjoyed Subversive and the rest of the series. Definitely a unique trilogy, and I loved the romance!! The Rose Kiss wasn’t my favorite B&B retelling, but it was still good. 🙂