The Wyrd and Wonder prompt challenge for today is “most often recommended to you (or by you).” I don’t usually find myself asking for recommendations often, simply because I have a huge backlist at home. As this is the case, I’ll focus on fantasy books I tend to recommend to others. If you know me, I bet you know what will be first in this Wyrd and Wonder frequent recommendations list! This list is on the shorter side because I really have to like something to constantly recommend it to others. Call me a critic, if you will, but that’s just my nature!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I stood by it last year and I’ll continue to stand by it. This is a fantastic gateway series into the fantasy romance subgenre. Especially if you like to read about the fae. This is an addictive series that is incredibly easy to binge read and will leave you with many book hangovers.

The Atlas Six by Olive Blake

If you like dark academia; pretentious, intelligent main characters; and questioning those who hold power, then this book is for you. I wasn’t sure I would like it as I had seen some less-than-enthusiastic reviews. But it blew me away. The author clearly does her research and really knows how to write mysterious and atmospheric settings. A fair warning that the characters aren’t really likable or relatable, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good book. You can read my review here. I am a bad fan here and still need to read the next book, THE ATLAS PARADOX.

Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian

This author usually writes YA fantasy series, so this was her adult fantasy debut. It blew me away. This book is perfect for those who love Arthurian retellings and also crave that ethereal, mystical element with beautiful prose. I will not shut up about this book. Fans of Arthurian legend should absolutely read HALF SICK OF SHADOWS. It left me devastated in the best way. You can read my review here.

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

While I enjoyed this book when I first read it, I didn’t initially walk away with that “I must recommend to everyone” vibe. However, as time went on I more fully appreciated this book and the religious symbolism present throughout. It’s a well-written expose on emotional manipulation in a toxic relationship as told through the wife of Dracula. It has a dark atmosphere, almost like the tone of the film Interview with the Vampire. This book is a work of art. You can read my review here.

What would you put in a list for Wyrd and Wonder frequent recommendations? Do we share any of the same books to recommend?

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