15 Best Standalone Fantasy Books You Won't Regret Reading

The scariest thing about fantasy books is usually the length.

And this is saying something because most books are set in worlds where people live side by side with the most fearsome creatures (think werewolves, vampires, snake-humans).

Because of this, a lot of people give up while they’re ahead and that’s plenty understandable because very few people have the time and attention span to commit to a 4-book series that just might get another instalment.

Luckily, several standalone fantasy books are epic and thrilling without being unwinding or inspiring thoughts of giving up.

They’re compact and easy to gobble up and I promise they’ll give you all the thrills, chills, and feels without making you give up a significant amount of time.

1. Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe, a daughter of the sun god, has a strange power: witchcraft.

Banished to an island, she meets famous mythological figures but faces threats from both men and gods.

Now, she must choose between her divine family and mortal companions.

A mythological retelling will always, always have my heart and Madeline Miller really did a wonderful, memorable thing with Circe.

2. Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell

Clara’s magic accidentally harms her father and this leads her to seek help from her distant friend, Xavier.

As she starts discovering their secrets, she realizes her magic can stop a dark force threatening her kingdom and this changes her destiny for the better (or worse).

Yes, this book has the prettiest cover ever, but it’s still easily one of the finest examples of standalone fantasy books that delve into politics and self-actualisation without being unwinding.

3. A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee

Miuko was living a relatively safe life until she is cursed to become a demon, and so she sets out to reverse it and return her life to normal.

And alongside unlikely allies, she faces demons, gods, and tricksters, and even discovers some of her hitherto hidden powers and a new brand of freedom.

This book is very much inspired by Japanese lore and aside from it being an amazing pick if you’re on the lookout for books with Asian representation, it’s frankly one of the most fascinating books you’d ever read.

4. The Book of Living Secrets by Madeleine Roux

Best friends Adelle and Connie enter the world of a gothic romance novel, only to find it twisted with horrors.

To escape, they must rewrite their own stories, and while this might sound somewhat simple while saying it, the danger looming over this dark world is always a step ahead.

Also See: 12 Best Time-Travel Books With Heartwarming Romance You’ll Adore

5. Lore by Alexandra Bracken

Lore lost her family at the hands of a man-turned-God, but she is once again drawn back into a deadly game where gods walk the earth as mortals.

And with the help of old friends, she tries to end the cycle of violence even as she tamps down her need to get revenge in the wickedest way possible.

Any lover of Greek Mythology would absolutely eat up this good, short, and interesting standalone fantasy book – it stars many of the most familiar gods and goddesses and they’re just as brutal and scandalous as they always were.

6. The Song That Moves The Sun by Anna Bright

Rora and Claudia discover a disruption between magical spheres, so they decide to do what they can to restore harmony.

I love an ensemble cast more than anybody, so Rora, Claudia, Major, and Amir all have a special place in my heart and I just know you’ll love them too.

7. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Annaleigh’s four sisters died off one by one in terribly gruesome ways and soon the rumors that they might be cursed starts taking root in her head.

But as she digs deeper to find answers, she discovers even more suspicious events that raise even more questions.

What’s important, though, is that she knows she needs to move fast before whatever is out there claims another person.

House of Salt and Sorrow is based on the Grimm’s fairytale The Twelve Dancing Princesses and it’s so lovely and expansive even though it’s a standalone fantasy book.

8. Gallant by V.E. Schwab

Olivia is invited to Gallant and for the first time, she feels like she has found a home, but she slowly realizes that the eerie feeling dogging her is much more than the blues.

And in time, she would be forced to choose her path: protector or ally of the mysterious figure.

9. Among the Beasts and Briars by Ashley Poston

Cerys lost her mother and friends many years ago, and now she’s left with only her magic, but when her kingdom slowly starts disintegrating, she knows that she must step up.

And together with her band (comprised of a sly, persistent fox and the witty, powerful bear), she travels to ask for help from the legendary Lady of the Wilds.

10. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

Mina sacrifices herself to save her brother from a deadly fate after he interferes when his beloved is offered up as a sacrifice to appease the Gods and prevent the storms that have killed thousands.

In the Spirit Realm, she finds out the Sea God had been asleep all this time and in true fashion, she does all she can to wake him while racing against time so she isn’t killed (humans don’t last long in the Spirit Realm).

This is another very lovely YA fantasy romance based on Asian mythology that I loved with everything in me and I especially appreciated that it’s a standalone fantasy book so it’s super short.

11. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

Tigana tells the story of a people striving for freedom against a tyrannical ruler who erased their homeland’s name from memory.

It’s dark and political and enthralling in the same breath and it will totally sweep you up in its current and leave you dumbfounded.

12. Lies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah Underwood

Leto discovers she must sacrifice the prince of Ithaca to stop a thousand deaths that had been perpetuated every spring for eons and she soon discovers a world beyond her own.

12. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

David, grieving his mother’s death, is drawn into a fantasy world where he meets heroes and monsters as he tries to find the secrets held in The Book of Lost Things.

You guys, this book is an adventure that might weaken the light-hearted. The subject matter is dense and the events of the book are dreary in a way that almost feels heavy.

14. The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin

Clara’s rare magic is tied to the seasons, but as the climate becomes erratic, she must choose between duty and love to save the world.

This is another super fantastic standalone fantasy romance book that I read and loved and I totally recommend it to everyone – Trust me, you’re going to cherish every page of it.

15. The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova

The Montoya family finds out many secrets after their matriarch’s death, and these lead them to Ecuador to find their inheritance and protect their lineage.

This North American family-themed standalone fantasy unfolds in the most magical, ethereal (for lack of a better word) way and I loved every page of it.

So, I just listed 15 of my personal favorite standalone fantasy books that everyone needs to read at least once.

They’re perfect for you if you’re a reader who can’t commit to a long series and I promise they’re so, so good.

Check out the related posts to find more fantasy recommendations that’ll keep you seated all through the week (JK!)