Fantasy? Magic systems? Plot? Oh my!
I love plot-forward fantasy with a lil romance đ«¶đ»
So if youâre looking for a fantasy book thatâs got a unique magic system and a well-crafted plot (with varying degrees of romance), then maybe these will be for you!
Recommendations are welcome, Iâm always on the hunt for more to read !!
created by LizzieB
last updated August, 2026
Comments
May I suggest the Ordeals by Rachel Greenlaw? Just finished it. Obsessed. Not really on many radars yet.
I have two more for your consideration -
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy -- Magical System is split in two--those who write spells and those who can cast spells. Like a mix of A Deadly Education, Carry On, and The Poet Empress. On my radar for a long time but finally bit the bullet - it's my 62nd book this year and so far my favorite. Rules are murky but only in the way that physics is murky to me. I understand SOME basics but let's be honest most of us don't get it at all.
Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara -- Magical users are jewelers and the way stones are cut and set imbues magical uses into them. Hard to explain but fascinating in practice. At first glance feels like it's just going to be another lackluster romantasy carbon copy. Half way in and truly it's not.
LizzieBOP
Oooo these both sound so interesting!! Iâll definitely add them they sound like they fit right in! Thanks for more recs âșïž
I would say: Tress of the Emerald sea and Yumi and the Nightmare painter. Both worlds are unique and interesting and there is a little romance too đ„č
LizzieBOP
Oh yes Tress is a good one, and Iâve been meaning to read Yumi! Thanks for recs Iâll add them âșïž
LizzieBOP
Ooo sounds fun! Thank you for the recommendation, added!
