One of the best parts of thefantasygenre is its scope, as there’s a magical story out there for everyone. Recently, there’s been an uptick in interest in books that blend fantasy and romance. However, thoughromantasy book serieslikeA Court of Thorns and RosesandFourth Winghave been some of the most talked-about additions to the genre in recent years, that doesn’t mean they’re the only fantasy books worth reading. The number ofamazing fantasy novels that are more concerned with action, world-building, and magicthan romantic relationships is growing every day.
These books do a great job of keeping the romantic plot points to a minimum without sacrificing character development or meaningful relationships. Within these stories,friendship, familial bonds, and other platonic relationships are given equal weight as any romantic entanglements,if not more importance. While there’s nothing wrong with getting lost in the lush love stories featured in fantasy books, sometimes it’s a relief to take a break from these types of narratives. When books that aren’t as romantically inclined do include a love plot, it’s always kept in the background.
10Mistborn (2006–Present)
Written by Brandon Sanderson
There have been many exciting developments within Brandon Sanderson’sMistbornseries, as the author is gearing up to release the series' third era. No matter what installment or era ofMistbornyou’re reading, one thing is clear: Sanderson is crafting a monumental world. From the mystical Hero of Ages prophecy to the firm determination each character has to achieve their goals,there’s little time inMistbornfor the characters to worry about their love lives since the fate of the universe is on the line.
Mistborn Era 3: I’m So Relieved Brandson Sanderson’s Next Books Won’t Repeat One Mistake That Hurt Era 2
Brandon Sanderson seems to be planning Mistborn Era 3 with lessons from the Wax & Wayne series, and I’m excited to see the improvements.
Themajor romances in theMistbornbooksall pale in comparison to the heavy world-building and complex magic systems that Sanderson is known for. ThoughMistbornisn’t completely romance-free, it’s a great introduction for readers interested in weaning off love stories.Mistbornbridges the gap between romantasy and high fantasy expertly, providing audiences with a happy medium that leans further toward action-oriented storytelling.Diving intoMistbornis also a great first step into Sanderson’s oeuvreas well.
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9The First Law (2006–2008)
Written by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie is frequently described as one of the modern fantasy authors bringing the genre into the contemporary era.Abercrombie is adept at blending the best of the classic sword and sorcery tropes with new and experimental subversionsand a grittier atmosphere. The books weave opposing perspectives together to craft an intricate look into the world ofThe First Lawand provide no shortage of violence and memorable fight sequences.
The First Lawuniverse has a few other standalone books and additional materials that support the central trilogy, and all of them are great books to read if you don’t want to be bogged down by romance. Abercrombie’sBest Served Cold, one of the spinoff novels is one of thebest fantasy books about revenge, a theme Abercrombie expertly explores throughout his work. Moving at a propulsive pace,Abercrombie doesn’t need romance to keep the reader engaged,as his characters are on different types of journeys that lead them to dangerous and thrilling places.
8Dungeon Crawler Carl (2020–Present)
Written by Matt Dinniman
For a long time, Matt Dinniman self-published theDungeon Crawler Carlbooks, but that didn’t stop Dinniman from cultivating a significant following. It’s unsurprising thatDungeon Crawler Carlhas appealed to so many of us, asthe series incorporates the best of fantasy with connections to the world of video games.Even though the game Carl, our protagonist, is playing is viscerally real and dangerous, the world ofDungeon Crawler Carltransforms his heroic battle into sport.
Dinniman isn’t afraid to put his characters in unbelievable and violent situations, but he also balances this grim tone with a familiar style of humor that appeals to the reader.
For readers who enjoy video and computer games as much as they do fantastical and offbeat worlds,Dungeon Crawler Carlis the perfect series. Dinniman isn’t afraid to put his characters in unbelievable and violent situations, but he also balances this grim tone with a familiar style of humor that appeals to the reader. ThoughDungeon Crawler Carldoesn’t follow the rules of traditional fantasy, this is what makes it so fun to read, as it encourages the audience not to worry about logic or reason.
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7The Hobbit (1937)
Written by J.R.R. Tolkien
Before J.R.R. Tolkien wroteThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy and essentially created modern fantasy, he began crafting Middle-earth withThe Hobbit. Though the book would later connect to the larger world of the series,The Hobbitwas a standalone adventure that readers could join Bilbo Baggins in as he pushed himself out of his comfort zone. While the romance inLord of the Ringsis minimal at best,The Hobbitis most concerned with Bilbo’s development as a character and his friendships.
Like his nephew, Frodo,Bilbo is focused solely on his adventure and learning about the way Middle-earth works,even if his dangerous journey isn’t as high-stakes. However, the reader can easily see themselves in Bilbo, as he goes from a young man sheltered by The Shire to a person who’s seen the world and connected with all sorts of different people. The addition of a romance angle inThe Hobbitwould’ve ruined the book and disrupted the course ofThe Lord of the Rings.
6Discworld (1983–2015)
Written by Terry Pratchett
No one but Terry Pratchett could’ve envisioned the hilarious, poignant, and entirely original universe ofDiscworld.The long and winding series took many turns over the years it was published,but Pratchett always stayed true to his satirical yet heartfelt tone. TheDiscworldbook series reading orderis somewhat debated, but the good news is there’s no wrong way to approachDiscworld. Many of the novels are standalone or part of larger storylines that unfold in subseries.
10 Best Discworld Books, Ranked
Terry Pratchett’s 41 Discworld novels encompass multiple subseries, iconic characters, and diverse genres, but some are simply superior.
SinceDiscworldis such a long and complex work, it was unavoidable that some romance would sneak into the text, but it’s clear that this was never Pratchett’s priority.One of the most popular and iconic subseries revolves around the character Death/The Grim Reaper,who goes through many challenges and journeys similar to those we experience in life. His familial relationship with his granddaughter Susan is a beautiful example of how love can factor into fantasy without being romantic.
5Piranesi (2020)
Written by Susanna Clarke
The tragic and beautifully crafted story ofPiranesiis an excellent example of what the author, Susanna Clarke, does best. Known for her early works likeJonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell,Clarke is amazing at taking the reader on an unforgettable journey and using vivid languageto put us directly in the narrative. This was especially effective inPiranesi, as so much of the story takes place in the maze-like pocket reality where the narrator, Piranesi, lives.
Though it’s easy to be frightened by the harsh and unforgiving world Piranesi calls home, it doesn’t take long for you to begin to see it through Piranesi’s eyes.The greatest love story in the book is between Piranesi and his adoration for his home,even if the way he arrived is more sinister than you may imagine. With its surrealist elements and deliberate pace,Piranesidoesn’t feature the bombastic adventures of some other fantasy works, leaning into mystery and thematic tension instead.
4A Wizard Of Earthsea (1968)
Written by Ursula K. Le Guin
It’s impossible to discussUrsula K. Le Guin’s best bookswithout bringing upA Wizard of Earthsea, the first in theEarthsea Cycle, Le Guin’s young adult fantasy novel series. Though it was written for younger audiences,everyone will instantly connect withA Wizard of Earthseaand the classic coming-of-age tale that unfolds within its pages.The protagonist, Ged, begins the story as a young and brash budding wizard but soon comes face-to-face with the darkest parts of his soul.
Unlike other stories about legendary wizards,A Wizard of Earthseawants us to know and understand that despite his power, Ged is a person as fallible as anyone else.
WithinA Wizard of Earthsea, there isn’t time for Ged to make romantic connections, as he’s far more concerned with his development as a sorcerer and then with his quest to defeat the Shadow. Unlike other stories about legendary wizards,A Wizard of Earthseawants us to know and understand that despite his power, Ged is a person as fallible as anyone else. His greatest mistakes deeply impact the world, andA Wizard of Earthseafollows him as he makes amends and becomes an adult who accepts every side of himself.
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3The Scar (2002)
Written by China Miéville
The second book in China Miéville’sNew Crobuzonseries,The Scar, can be read as a standalone, like every other installment of the series. While there are references to past events and magic systems introduced in the first novel,Perdido Street Station,The Scaris easy to jump into with or without context. Though they’re set in the same world and share locations,The Scaris an entirely different kind of story and leaves behind the romantic entanglementsthat added to the tragedy ofPerdido Street Station.
Incorporating the familiar steampunk and science fantasy elements that Miéville is known for,The Scarfollows the protagonist, Bellis, who takes to the sea after the events ofPerdido Street Station. Introducing swashbuckling elements of the pirate genre,The Scaris a unique blend of story types, but somehow, Miéville intertwines them beautifully. From the mysterious creatures that Bellis encounters to the larger political themes within the story,The Scaris a testament to Miéville’s style.
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2Archivist Wasp (2015)
Written by Nicole Kornher-Stace
Ghosts, the undead, and all things paranormal take center stage inArchivist Wasp, a story that follows the titular main character, Wasp, on her dangerous mission. With elements of the post-apocalyptic genre,Archivist Waspisn’t afraid to be as bloody and brutal as possible, as this gives the reader insight into Wasp’s world. Since she has so much killing to take care of in her role as an archivist,it doesn’t come as a surprise that Wasp isn’t concerned with falling in love.
The author, Nicole Kornher-Stace, crafts an amazing protagonist through Wasp, a young woman who is deadly in her role as the local ghost hunter.
The author, Nicole Kornher-Stace, crafts an amazing protagonist through Wasp, a young woman who is deadly in her role as the local ghost hunter. However, she’s also unsatisfied with the answers and orders she’s getting from the people in control of her town. Along with Wasp, the reader is encouraged to reflect on the big questions of the meaning of life and challenge the authorities that attempt to control her. The sequel,Latchkey, is just as effective at capturing the reader’s attention and provoking our imagination.
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1Vespertine (2021)
Written by Margaret Rogerson
Since the protagonist ofVespertine, Artemisia, is working to be part of an order of nuns, it doesn’t come as a surprise when romance doesn’t factor into Margaret Rogerson’s work. However, this doesn’t make Artemisia any less compelling to follow on her journey to becoming a full-fledged Gray Sister and taking on some of the darkest paranormal forces out there. Though there’s no romance,the dynamic between Artemisia and the dangerous power she taps into is just as packed with tension as any love story.
However, in thisfantasystory, that tension might be Artemisia’s ultimate undoing. Of course, she has no choice but to rely on this untrained and mysterious force she’s dived into, as it’s up to her to be the savior her land needs.Vespertineis worth reading for its storytelling and immersive world, but it’s also exciting when a young adult narrative doesn’t lean into any romance to push the story forward.Vespertineis all about Artemisia and her individual character development.
