For bite-sized content about books, there’s a home for you, and it’s called #BookTok.
Because it helps foster a vibrant community among bookworms and lovers of every type of reading imaginable, it’s not only a platform for recommendations, but it’s a powerful medium for creators like @sarahthebookfairy to share their love for the fantasy genre.
Having amassed more than 281K followers on Instagram and 235K on TikTok, the bookish creator has forayed into content creation full-time. The Post Wanted team interviewed her for her top picks (of which she was *very* passionate) and about her reading adventures inside and out of the magical fantasy tropes.
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“I always joke that ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses‘ is a gateway book to get into fantasy, Sarah exclusively told the New York Post. “I think the reason romantasy has blown up so much is because of the romance element, since romance has such a huge market and is a genre that has been made popular by women. Romantasy is a great way to get into the fantasy genre.”
What’s more, Sarah even hosts a fantasy reading retreat to gather lovers of fantasy and romantasy genres from across the country.
“I’m the co-founder of a bookish company called Forest & Fawn, and I own it with my friend Alli. We do fantasy reading and writing retreats and created it for the same reason I created my book club; this is a very special community and readers click so easily with each other, and we wanted to connect lovers of fantasy and fairytale.”
Forest & Fawn has hosted three fantasy reading retreats, with the fourth coming up this week, which are like a “weekend-long book club,” as she likes to put it. “People have told us they have found their lifelong friends through these retreats,” she said. “Guests would come alone, meet as strangers and leave as best friends.”
So, it’s save to say this #BookTok creator is making strides in the book community with a keen focus on all the mystical, magical elements of fantasy. Here, the Post Wanted team rounded up her top recommendations. Because, after all, she is the *queen* of the genre, anyway.
You can listen to all of these titles on Audible, too; simply sign up for your membership and, for a limited time, score three months for $0.99 each month.
“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas
Goodreads rating: 4.18/5 stars
About the book: “Throne of Glass” follows Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, who is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion. As she navigates treachery, magic and romance in the royal court, she uncovers dark secrets about her kingdom and her own past. Ultimately, Celaena must confront her identity and the threats looming over her world.
“A young female assassin, Celaena Sardothian, is living in a kingdom where magic has been stripped away by an evil, tyrannical king, the King of Adarlan,” Sarah explained further. “Throughout the story Celaena discovers secret conspiracies, forms unexpected friendships and relationships, and reveals truths about herself that will change the fate of Adarlan forever.”
This book is the first in the “Throne of Glass” series. The succeeding titles include “Crown of Midnight,” “Heir of Fire,” “Queen of Shadows,” “Empire of Storms,” “Tower of Dawn” and “Kingdom of Ash.”
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“The Prison Healer” by Lynette Noni
Goodreads rating: 4.18/5 stars
About the book: “The Prison Healer” follows Kiva Meridan, a skilled healer imprisoned in a brutal death camp, where she uses her abilities to survive and protect other inmates. When a mysterious prisoner arrives, Kiva discovers a dangerous plot and must choose between her loyalty to her captors and her desire to escape. As secrets unfold and alliances are tested, Kiva embarks on a journey of courage, resilience, and self-discovery.
“Kiva is living in the most notorious death prison as a healer,” Sarah shared. “Her fate takes a turn when the queen of the rebels is brought to the prison, and Kiva volunteers to take her place in trials that will test her against the four elements; trials that are impossible to survive.”
This book is the first in “The Prison Healer” series. The succeeding titles include “The Gilded Cage” and “The Blood Traitor.”
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“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
Goodreads rating: 4.18/5 stars
About the book: “A Court of Thorns and Roses” follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who is taken captive by a faerie lord, Tamlin, after killing a wolf in the woods. As she adjusts to life in the magical realm of Prythian, she discovers the complexities of faerie politics, deepening emotions and the curse threatening Tamlin’s home. Feyre’s journey of love, sacrifice and bravery ultimately forces her to confront her own identity and destiny.
“When Feyre Archeron accidentally kills a faerie, she is brought into the magical enemy territory of Prythian to live with a fae she despises,” Sarah noted. “When Feyre finds out a terrible blight is moving through the land, her loyalties are put to the test.” Of course, this top title is all over #BookTok and Amazon Charts.
This book is the first in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series. The succeeding titles include “A Court of Mist and Fury,” “A Court of Wings and Ruin,” “A Court of Frost and Starlight” and “A Court of Silver Flames.”
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“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
Goodreads rating: 4.57/5 stars
About the book: “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros follows Violet Sorrengail, a determined young woman who enters a brutal dragon rider academy despite her physical frailty. As she navigates the cutthroat competition and the complexities of her relationships, including her fierce rivalry with her charismatic classmate, she discovers her own strength and resilience. Amidst political intrigue and personal sacrifice, Violet must confront her fears to carve her own destiny in a world where survival is anything but guaranteed.
“Violet Sorrengail is a first-year at Basgiath War College as a dragon rider, where death is always lurking around the corner,” Sarah uncovered. “While she learns to ride her dragon and is surrounded by friends as well as enemies, she begins to uncover dark secrets.”
This book is the first in “The Empyrean” series. The succeeding titles include “Iron Flame,” and “Onyx Storm.”
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“One Dark Window” by Rachel Gillig
Goodreads rating: 4.29/5 stars
About the book: In “One Dark Window” by Rachel Gillig, Elspeth Spindle seeks to uncover the secrets of her cursed town while grappling with the dark powers that inhabit her own mind. When she forms an uneasy alliance with the enigmatic and charming Rowan, they navigate a web of political intrigue, magical dangers, and their growing connection. As Elspeth confronts the darkness within and around her, she must decide what sacrifices she’s willing to make to protect her loved ones and reclaim her future.
“After Elspeth Spindle becomes infected with magic, she is left with a dark voice in her head, who she calls the Nightmare,” Sarah explained. “Things take a turn when she meets the Captain of the Destriers, who are tasked with removing magical folk from the kingdom, and learns the key to the cure.”
This book is the first in “The Shepherd King” duology, with “Two Twisted Crowns” as the second title.
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“Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephanie Garber
Goodreads rating: 4.06/5 stars
About the book: “Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephanie Garber follows Evangeline Fox, a young woman who seeks to change her fate after her heart is shattered by unrequited love. In her quest for a happily ever after, she makes a deal with the charming and mysterious Prince of Hearts, who leads her into a world of magic, secrets and danger. As Evangeline navigates the complexities of love and betrayal, she discovers the true power of her wishes and the cost of her desires.
“In a desperate attempt to get her one true love back, Evangeline Fox makes a deal with the conniving and sneaky Prince of Hearts,” Sarah said, naming this title as one of her most beloved. “When things don’t go as planned, she learns that she has a bigger role to play in his grand scheme.”
This book is the first in the “Once Upon a Broken Heart” triology., with “The Ballad of Never After” and “A Curse for True Love” the second and third titles, respectively.
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“Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
Goodreads rating: 4.48/5 stars
About the book: “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo centers on Kaz Brekker, a cunning thief who assembles a diverse crew of outcasts to pull off an impossible heist in the treacherous city of Ketterdam. Each member of the crew brings unique skills and personal motivations, leading to complex dynamics and shifting loyalties as they confront both external threats and their own haunted pasts. As they navigate betrayal, danger, and unexpected alliances, Kaz and his crew must rely on each other to survive and achieve their ambitious goal.
“A band of criminals attempts to pull off an impossible heist that will bring unimaginable wealth to their leader, Kaz Brekker,” Sarah shared. “What they don’t realize, is that their team of misfits might be vital to the fate of their world.”
This book is the first in the “Six of Crows” duology, with “Crooked Kingdom” as the second title.
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“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab
Goodreads rating: 4.18/5 stars
About the book: “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab tells the story of Addie LaRue, a young woman in 18th-century France who makes a Faustian bargain for freedom, gaining immortality but being forgotten by everyone she meets. As she wanders through centuries, Addie experiences both the beauty and loneliness of her existence, shaping her identity in a world that cannot remember her. Everything changes when she meets a man named Henry who, unlike others, remembers her, prompting Addie to confront the consequences of her choices and the true meaning of connection.
“A young girl makes a deal with a dark being in order to change her fate, and the result is not what she expected,” Sarah said. “Hundreds of years later, she walks into a book store in NYC and meets a man who changes everything.”
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“Powerless” by Lauren Roberts
Goodreads rating: 4.20/5 stars
About the book: “Powerless” by Lauren Roberts follows a young woman named Ember who discovers that she possesses a rare and dangerous power in a world where abilities are both coveted and feared. As she navigates the complexities of her newfound abilities, she must contend with those who seek to exploit her while grappling with her own fears and insecurities. Amidst intense conflicts and personal struggles, Ember learns to embrace her true self and the responsibilities that come with her power.
“Paedyn is an Ordinary, with no unique powers, living in the slums,” Sarah said. “After a run in with the prince that makes people believe she has great power, she is entered into the Purging trials, where she must compete against the magical Elite, and do her best to stay alive.”
This book is the first in “The Powerless” series, with “Reckless” as the second title.
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“House of Earth and Blood” by Sarah J. Maas
Goodreads rating: 4.47/5 stars
About the book: “House of Earth and Blood” by Sarah J. Maas follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae party girl whose life is shattered when her closest friends are brutally murdered. Seeking revenge, she teams up with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel with his own troubled past, to uncover the truth behind the killings and the dark forces threatening their world. As they confront deadly adversaries and unravel a web of conspiracy, Bryce discovers her own strength and the power of love in a realm filled with magic and danger.
“Bryce Quinlan was known around Crescent City as a ‘party girl,’ until a horrendous crime is committed and she is recruited to help solve it,” Sarah explained. “Along with Hunt Athalar, nicknamed the Umbra Mortis for his brutal ways, Bryce works to uncover truths and unravel a web of deception behind the crime.”
This book is the first in the “Crescent City” trilogy, with with “House of Sky and Breath” and “House of Flame and Shadow” the second and third titles, respectively.
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