To mark the first 25 years of the 21st Century, earlier this year the New York Times published its '100 Best Books of the 21st Century', as voted on by industry professionals, "determining the most important, influential books of the era". While both a huge undertaking and an incredible list, as genre fiction readers and lovers here at Illumicrate, we found the list didn't quite... float our boat.
In the time since its publication, we (The Illumiteam) have taken it upon ourselves to nominate, vote and rank what we believe to be the best and most impactful Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror (SFFH) books published in the 21st Century.
We hope this list resonates with our customer base and you can be reminded of some nostalgic favourites worth re-reading and more recent releases we think are worth picking up!
Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi (2011)
Juliette Ferrars is a teenage girl with a lethal touch who struggles to gain control over her deadly abilities. As she uncovers the truth about her powers and allies with a group of rebels, Juliette must decide who she can trust and how to fight for her freedom.
"I spent my life folded between the pages of books. In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters."
Atiya says: This series ignited my love for the dystopian genre, and after so many re-reads I can definitely say these books will always be a comfort for me. Tahereh Mafi’s writing and love interests will forever have me in a chokehold.
Romie says: This was the first series I read in English that truly got me into sci-fi/fantasy, so it'll always hold a place in my heart.
Legacy of Orïsha series by Tomi Adeyemi (2018)
Zélie embarks on a journey to restore magic to the land of Orïsha after a ruthless king eradicated it. Alongside her brother and a fugitive princess, she must outwit enemies and confront her own growing powers to bring magic back and fight against oppression.
"I won't let your ignorance silence my pain."
Children of Blood and Bone was praised for its impact on the YA community when it brought about a desire in younger readers for more African fantasies exploring power, oppression and the effects of genocide.
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss (2007)
Kvothe is a gifted young musician who becomes a legendary hero and notorious figure while seeking answers about his family's murder and the mysterious beings responsible.
"You have to be a bit of a liar to tell a story the right way."
The Kingkiller Chronicle has impacted modern fantasy with its richly detailed world, lyrical prose, and introspective protagonist. It revitalized the genre by blending epic elements with a personal, character-driven narrative, and Rothfuss' focus on storytelling, magic as science, and nonlinear plots has influenced other writers, expanding fantasy's depth and complexity.
The Illuminae Files by Amy Kauffman & Jay Kristoff (2015)
Told through a series of hacked documents, emails and interviews, a group of teenagers aboard a convoy of spaceships struggle to survive and uncover conspiracies after a megacorporation attacks their home planet.
"Perhaps bravery is simply the face humanity wraps around its collective madness."
Tazmyn says: This was the first sci-fi I read as a teenager and now it's my favourite genre – Illluminae started that journey for me.
The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff (2016)
After vowing vengeance against the powerful men who destroyed her family, Mia trains to become a deadly assassin and navigates a world of betrayal, dark magic and dangerous characters on her quest for revenge.
"Never flinch. Never fear. Never forget."
Imperial Radch series by Ann Leckie (2013)
Breq, the last remaining fragment of a starship AI seeks revenge against the leader of the empire that betrayed her. She grapples with her identity and humanity while navigating political intrigue and cultural tensions.
"If you’re going to make a desperate, hopeless act of defiance you should make it a good one."
Caitlin says: A truly fascinating and philosophical take on gender and sense of self, and the only novel to have won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards. Ancillary Justice is not a book that will ease you in gently, but if you persevere with the series you will be justly rewarded.
Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman (2011)
In a future where Death has been conquered and society is governed by Scythes who control the population, Citra and Rowan become Scythe apprentices and learn the dark secrets of their seemingly perfect world.
"My greatest wish for humanity is not for peace or comfort or joy. It is that we all still die a little inside every time we witness the death of another. For only the pain of empathy will keep us human. There’s no version of God that can help us if we ever lose that."
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (2018)
A reimagining of the Rumplestiltskin fairytale, Miryem gains the ability to turn silver to gold and attracts the attention of a powerful and dangerous king.
"A power claimed and challenged and thrice carried out is true."
Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin (2010)
In a world where gods and mortals coexist and the rulers enslave divine beings, each book follows different characters who uncover secrets and challenge the established order in a struggle for freedom and equality.
"We can never be gods, after all—but we can become something less than human with frightening ease."
N.K. Jemisin's debut Inheritance Trilogy challenged genre norms and set a new standard for inclusivity in fantasy by exploring marginalised perspectives. Its success opened doors for more diverse voices, reshaping modern speculative fiction.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (2004)
Six narratives intertwine through different time periods, locations and genres to reveal the ripple effect one person's life can have on so many others.
"My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?"
A staple of the early noughties literature, the innovative narrative structure of Cloud Atlas could be said to have influenced contemporary literature to experiment more boldly with non-linear storytelling and genre-blending.
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Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado (2017)
A collection of short stories weaving together the horror, fantasy and speculative genres to explore themes of identity, sexuality and societal expectations within women's lives, bodies and desires.
"Many people live and die without ever confronting themselves in the darkness."
Little Thieves series by Margaret Owen (2021)
Inspired by The Goose Girl, Vanja is a servant for Princess Gisele, until she decides to steal Gisele's life for herself. Struck by a curse and chased by a detective, Vanja must rely on all of her skills as a thief to put her wrongs to right.
"Once upon a time, there was a girl as cunning as the fox in winter, as hungry as the wolf at first frost, and as cold as the icy wind that kept them at each other's throats."
Illumicrate Exclusive: Painted Devils is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon (2017)
Aster seeks answers about her mother's mysterious death as a resident of the lower decks in the rigid caste-based society aboard the spaceship Matilda.
"People do not know what to make of me, and this pleases me. I don't want to be scrutable."
The book explores themes of race, identity and trauma through the lens of a dystopian space society with a non-binary, neurodivergent protagonist. By blending social critique with speculative fiction, it helped broaden the scope of what sci-fi can address.
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi (2003)
The Grace siblings discover a hidden world of magical creatures when they move into their great-uncle's old mansion. They must protect their family from mischievous and dangerous beings while uncovering the mysteries of the Spiderwick Estate.
"Were you a little less clever, perhaps you'd have had more success."
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Jane says: A series I loved so much that I introduced it to my eldest daughter as her first experience of fantasy books. I think if you read this as a child, likely, you're still hooked on reading fantasy. It's a fantastic series with just enough danger and intrigue for younger readers but can hold its own for older readers too. If there was a series I wish I could read again for the first time it would be this because it's truly magical.
Other Words For Smoke by Sarah Maria Griffin (2019)
Mae and her twin brother Rossa spent two summers in the house on Iona Crescent before it burned down and its residents, Rita and Bevan, vanished. Only the twins know the truth: the house held a cat that wasn't just a cat and a dark power lurking in the walls, enthralling Bevan with its hunger for flesh, whilst Bevan ignited Mae's first love.
"Did nobody hear you scream? You dry your hands and close your eyes. What is it about this house that eats cries for help?"
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Bec says: This is a story about a house burning down, but it's also so much more than that; a story of horrors in the walls of the house, seeping in from the horrors inflicted on Ireland, and a story of first love that's unflinching in its accuracy.
Lauren says: This is such a cathartic read for me, no matter how often I've consumed it. The horrors in Ireland, in the walls, and in dealing with obsession, addiction, and abusive power dynamics are explored amazingly. This will always be my go-to recommendation for someone ready for something unlike anything else.
The Ending Fire trilogy by Saara El-Arifi (2022)
In a divided world, as three women challenge their oppressive society's rules, their intertwined destinies reveal ancient secrets that could change everything.
"I've realized a world run by people who think they are better will never be better for everyone."
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Steph says: This series has unique world-building, a distinctive blood magic approach and a truly diverse and captivating variety of characters that explore intense and powerful topics. If you love sapphic high fantasy like me, this series is for you.
Inkworld series by Cornelia Funke (2003)
Translated to English by Anthea Bell
Meggie grows up with a father who can bring book characters to life by reading aloud, but when a villain from one of his stories escapes into the real world, Meggie and her family are drawn into an adventure blurring the lines of fiction and reality.
"Stories never really end... even if the books like to pretend they do. Stories always go on. They don't end on the last page, any more than they begin on the first page."
Through its celebration of the power of storytelling, the Inkworld series popularised the concept of 'book magic', inspiring other fantasies to explore meta-narratives. It also raised the profile of German and other translated children's literature.
The Radiant Emperor series by Shelley Parker-Chan (2021)
After the death of her fated-for-greatness brother, Zhu assumes his identity to survive and seize power in Mongol-ruled China while hiding from her own fated 'nothingness'.
"However tired I am, however hard it is: I know I can keep going, because I’m alive."
Illumicrate Exclusive: He Who Drowned the World is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire (2016)
Individual stories from the children at Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children—those who have returned from fantastical worlds that felt more like home than the mortal realm ever could.
"Some adventures require nothing more than a willing heart and the ability to trip over the cracks in the world."
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Tazmyn says: The ability to create such depth of characters in such teeny novellas really sets Seanan McGuire apart from other writers. I read the first few in this series years ago and I still think about Nancy, Jack and Jill on a regular basis!
Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente (2011)
A retelling of the tale of Marya Morevna and Koschei the Deathless, set against a backdrop of post-revolution St. Petersburg, and the parallel war between the Tsars of Life and Death.
"You will always fall in love, and it will always be like having your throat cut, just that fast."
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Bec says: This is the book that truly got me into Russian and Slavic fantasy retellings and one that I have made a huge part of my personality. Each time I reread this book, I find more secrets hidden within the pages, whether they reference folklore or real-life incidents. It'll always be such a special book to me.
Ellie says: Reading the first chapter of Deathless, where birds fall from trees to become men who knock at the door and ask for the hand of the girl in the window, I knew I was going to be experiencing something very special. Touching upon the political turmoil of twentieth-century Russia and the Slavic folklore of Koschei the Deathless, it's rare to see a narrative that combines history and fantasy into such a seamless, immersively beautiful novel.
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Raybearer series by Jordan Ifueko (2020)
Tarisai battles to forge her own destiny and uncover the truth about her past despite being cursed to kill the crown prince she's meant to protect.
"Only one thing is more powerful than a wish, and that is a purpose."
-Daphne says: Absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. It's unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Daphne says: I absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. Its unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character-driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Illumicrate Archives: Raybearer is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty (2023)
Amina, a retired pirate, is drawn back into a life of danger on a quest filled with magic, mythical creatures, and old enemies, all to protect her family and reclaim her legendary status.
"There is no living thing that doesn’t desire freedom."
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Lauren says: One for the audiobook lovers to prioritise–a true performance that only emphasises such an exciting and yet humourous adventure.
Modern Faerie Tales series by Holly Black (2002)
Tales of human teens getting entangled in the world of the fae and navigating dark magic, treachery and power struggles while grappling with their own identities and the harsh reality of Faerie.
"If curiosity killed the cat, it was satisfaction that brought it back."
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Hannah says: Tithe was my first surprise dip into the world of faerie and it sparked an enduring love for both Holly’s writing and darker takes on the Faerie world. Picked up entirely based on the cover design for holiday reading in my teens, I read this over and over – this is a grungier, grittier world compared with the later Folk of Air series (which I also adore) and the enthralling descriptions of the Termite Court and its members are deliciously disconcerting and compelling.
Fallen Gods series by Hannah Kaner (2023)
Gods stripped of their powers must navigate a world now dominated by mortals. As they fight to reclaim their divinity, they confront treachery, mortal schemes, and the harsh consequences of their downfall.
"People make gods, and, for better or worse, gods make people."
Illumicrate Exclusive: Sunbringer is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher (2020)
Off the back of her divorce, Carrot moves into her uncle's Wonder Museum, a place she's visited her whole life. This time, however, she finds a hole knocked into a wall - leading to a corridor that shouldn't fit in the space, and strange islands with whispers lurking in the willow trees.
"If there's a way into hell, someone will always find it."
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Hannah says: It takes quite a bit for a book to really creep me out but The Hollow Places managed it with extra spine shivers. Let’s just say I will never look at a bus the same way again... My read also coincided with the most perfectly (awfully) timed mystery scrabbling noises from downstairs in the dead of night which has firmly secured this story in my memory forever.
Evernight Exclusive: T. Kingfisher set is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
Sands of Arawiya duology by Hafsah Faisal (2019)
Zafira, a hunter disguised as a man, and Nasir, an assassin prince, embark on a quest to retrieve a lost artifact that could restore magic to their world. They face dark forces, uncover personal secrets, and discover their fates are deeply intertwined.
"Be as victorious as the name I have given you, and bring the desert to its knees."
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Atiya says: This is one of my all-time favourite series and I loved every single element of it – from being seen in the magic of a world that was so vibrant and reminiscent of a culture I grew up in, to the chosen family who finds themselves on a quest and the enemies to lovers plotline that makes all the suffering worth it. I will forever trust Hafsah Faizal with anything she writes, and I will devour it every time.
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones (2020)
Four Indigenous men are stalked by a vengeful spirit years after a fateful hunting trip of their youth.
"It's soft at the end. Not just the pain, but the world."
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Davi says: The Only Good Indians is a crowning example of the current modern horror renaissance we’re experiencing. Unabashedly a slasher, it is also a poignant and beautiful coming-of-age story as well as an exploration of masculinity and Indigenous identity. All of this is delivered in the most incredible conversational voice that captures the best of oral storytelling, combined with utterly compelling writing, delightfully tense sequences, and a controversial but (for me) brilliant ending.
The Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canavan (2001)
Sonea, a girl from the slums, discovers she has powerful, uncontrollable magic and is reluctantly brought into the Magicians' Guild. There, she has to navigate a world of privilege and prejudice, all while uncovering dark secrets that could endanger the entire realm.
"It is said, in Imardin, that the wind has a soul, and that it wails through the narrow streets because it is grieved by what it finds there."
Illumicrate Exclusive: Black Magician trilogy is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
Dead Djinn Universe by P. Djèlí Clark (2021)
In an alternate 1912 Cairo, Fatma el-Sha’arawi, an agent of the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, investigates a mysterious murder that could unravel the balance of the magical and mundane worlds.
"No one who lives here is stupid or gullible. They’re just tired of the exploitation. Tired of being ignored. Desperate ears will listen to anyone offering up others to blame."
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021)
A lone astronaut wakes up on a spaceship with no memory, tasked with saving Earth from an extinction-level threat. As he pieces together his mission, he forms an unexpected alliance with an alien being, and together, they race against time to find a solution.
"I spend a lot of time un-suiciding this suicide mission."
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Akash says: I did not think Andy Weir could top anything after The Martian. Oh, how I was wrong as this book has everything The Martian had and more including falling in love with an unexpected character that you would not think you would. This is one of my favourite sci-fi books and recommend it to anyone that has not read it.
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The Scholomance series by Naomi Novik (2020)
El, a powerful but misunderstood student at a deadly magical school, struggles against her dark destiny while forming unlikely friendships, uncovering secrets, and battling monsters and dangerous magic.
"I decided that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life."
Gentleman Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch (2006)
Locke Lamora, a con artist and master thief in a dangerous fantasy city, pulls off elaborate heists with his band of thieves while facing powerful enemies and navigating intricate schemes.
"There’s no freedom quite like the freedom of being constantly underestimated."
Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett (2023)
The adventures of Emily Wilde, a scholar of faeries, as she travels to remote locations to study them, uncovering secrets and forming unexpected friendships.
"Perhaps it is always restful to be around someone who does not expect anything from you beyond what is in your nature."
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Tori says: Emily Wilde is cosy perfection. Genuinely, there are moments in this series when I laughed out loud. Emily is such an endearing, wonderful character who is persistent and inventive the whole way through.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness & Siobhan Dowd (2015)
Conor, a young boy, is visited by a monster during the night as he struggles to cope with his mother's terminal illness.
"Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?"
The unique narrative structure and portrayal of a young boy's struggle with his mother's terminal illness have resonated widely, influencing how fiction addresses difficult and sensitive topics, and setting a new standard for blending narrative and visual storytelling in literature.
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Rayna says: I can't look at the cover of this book without tears coming to my eyes. Breathtakingly brilliant and harrowingly heartbreaking, I highly encourage everyone to get the illustrated Jim Kay version as the illustrations just add another level to the experience of this book. I spent five minutes crying over a devastating two-page spread.
Tazmyn says: Children's books are often looked over when discussing the "best books of", but Patrick Ness demonstrates time and time again that young people are not to be spoken down to. This beautiful tale, both magical and devastating, shows us that grief can hit at unpredictable times and there is no one way to deal with the loss of a loved one.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)
Three friends growing up in a secluded boarding school slowly realise that they are clones being raised for organ donation.
"We took away your art because we thought it would reveal your souls. Or to put it more finely, we did it to prove you had souls at all."
Remembrance of Earth's Past series by Cixin Liu (2006)
Translated to English by Ken Liu
Weaving politics, physics and humanity's role in the universe, the series explores the potential existential threat posed by newly discovered alien life. It follows two perspectives: one during China’s Cultural Revolution, where choices impact humanity’s future, and the other a present-day professor investigating a series of mysterious scientist suicides.
"It was impossible to expect a moral awakening from humankind itself, just like it was impossible to expect humans to lift off the earth by pulling up on their own hair. To achieve moral awakening required a force outside the human race."
Uprooted by Naomi Novik (2015)
When Agnieszka is chosen to serve a powerful wizard known as the Dragon, she must learn magic and help defend her village from the dark, corrupting forces of the evil forest threatening their land.
"She'd remembered the wrong things, and forgotten too much. She'd remembered how to kill and how to hate, and she'd forgotten how to grow."
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Ellie says: Naomi Novik is an icon and if you've read their backlog of works, you know how adeptly they can move between types and areas of fantasy. In Uprooted, their ability to weave a compelling standalone story shines, and their talent at subtle, intricate, slow-burn romance dynamics is shown off too. It's a popular fantasy novel for a reason and undoubtedly will become a classic.
The Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness (2008)
In a town of only men where everyone can hear each other's thoughts, Todd is on the cusp of manhood and senses that the town is hiding something. After discovering a mysterious girl and a hidden truth that challenges the oppressive society he's known all his life, he goes on a journey of rebellion and self-discovery.
"But a knife ain't just a thing, is it? It's a choice, it's something you do. A knife says yes or no, cut or not, die or don't. A knife takes a decision out of your hand and puts it in the world and it never goes back again."
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Tazmyn says: This series consolidated Patrick Ness as one of my favourite writers. He doesn't talk down to or simplify the travesties of life for his teenage audience, instead, he demonstrates just how awful humans have the capacity to be while showing them that they can survive anything if they love hard enough.
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White (2023)
After failing to escape an arranged marriage, 16-year-old trans boy Silas is sent to a sanatorium where girls are turned into perfect wives or disappear. When the ghosts of the missing girls haunt him, he must uncover the truth to avoid vanishing himself.
"I want to take myself apart into something else, and if I cannot do that, I want to destroy every part of it that could ever be used against me."
Evernight Exclusive: Andrew Joseph White set is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
All Souls series by Deborah Harkness (2011)
Diana Bishop, a historian and witch, uncovers an ancient manuscript revealing magical secrets, thrusting her into a world of witches, vampires, and daemons. While her forbidden romance with a vampire blossoms, she navigates dangers and threats to the mortal world both past and present.
"As far as I can tell there are only two emotions that keep the world spinning year after year... One is fear. The other is desire."
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Heather says: A wonderfully complex and magical world, with a wide array of characters and creatures all balancing very real emotions and challenges with politics and desire at the heart of everything.
Jane says: This series is full of everything I love in a fantasy book. It snuck onto my reading list under the guise of a simple, romantic supernatural book with the promise of witches and vampires, but I quickly fell into a world rich with magic and brilliantly complex characters. With a storyline that intertwines and strong character development, you truly feel like you've been on a journey by the time you reach the end of book three.
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Legendborn Cycle by Tracy Deonn (2020)
Bree discovers a secret society of magical warriors descended from King Arthur and learns about her own hidden powers. As she uncovers dark family secrets, Bree becomes entangled in a battle against a rising supernatural threat.
"The most important thing you can do in this world, the most necessary thing, is to survive it. You can't do anything for anyone else if you don't take care of yourself first."
-Daphne says: Absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. It's unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Teixcalaan series by Arkady Martine (2019)
A young ambassador from a fringe colony becomes entangled in the empire's power struggles and secrets while trying to navigate her new role and protect her people.
"So much of who we are is what we remember and retell."
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Caitlin says: A Memory Called Empire has so much to say about empires, belonging and language and it really made me think about all those things. There's something so sympathetic about a character thrown into a situation with very little context of the complexities of the political and social situation, not knowing who to trust or believe, and that makes you really root for Mahit as she navigates court and attempts to discover what befell her predecessor.
Girls of Paper and Fire trilogy by Natasha Ngan (2018)
In Ikhara, demons reign and humans are persecuted. Each year, the demon king takes eight human girls as concubines - only this year, Lei is chosen as the ninth girl due to her lucky golden eyes. Whilst in the palace, Lei finds herself falling in love - but not with the king she's chained to.
"Instead of disappearing, she makes me feel reappeared. Reimagined. Her touch shapes me, draws out the boldness that had been hiding in my core."
Illumicrate Archives: Girls of Paper and Fire is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
Cerulean Chronicles series by T.J. Klune (2020)
A caseworker for magical children is sent to evaluate a mysterious orphanage, discovering the true magic of the house and getting to know the children and their unique abilities.
"Hate is loud, but I think you'll learn it's because it's only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as your remember you're not alone, you will overcome."
Jane says: A gentle, heartwarming story that nourished my soul. I loved the slow character development and the bonds of friendship and love that formed in this book. This is the type of book I like to read when I need a slower pace and the warm hug of a loved one. The acceptance and empathy that's at the heart of this book filled me with hope.
The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris (2001)
All her life Sookie Stackhouse has struggled to lead a normal existence. But her unique ability to hear the thoughts of everyone around her has made life difficult. Until one day when a vampire walks into her bar and she realises she can't hear his thoughts. Soon she finds herself thrown into a world of danger and romance.
"Vampires. They wrote the book on possessive."
While the term 'paranormal romance' was coined in the 90s, the subgenre's popularity didn't boom until the noughties. Charlaine Harris combined the rise of the supernatural and paranormal romance with small-town Southern mysteries to make this addictive 13-novel series a formative literature choice for many.
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Genn says: This series changed my entire career. It was my first ever marketing campaign! Sookie and her world of vampires, fae, and monsters, were a breath of fresh air that made the paranormal romance genre mainstream bestsellers. Decadent treats of books, they became a comfort read for so many, me included.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas (2012)
Infamous young assassin Celaena Sardothien is released from a brutal labour camp to compete in a tournament to become the king's champion. But not all is as it seems as she chooses between courtly life and confronting her long-buried destiny.
"Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom…"
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Imi says: I remember the third book, Heir of Fire, released when I was at a particularly low point as a teenager and there's a seminal moment in the book where a character is at her lowest and accepts the help and strength of her younger self to continue and I will never not be grateful for those few paragraphs existing in literature.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (2000)
Told through a found manuscript, House of Leaves explores obsession and madness after a family moves to a new home and discovers it's bigger on the inside than on the outside.
"Maturity, one discovers, has everything to do with the acceptance of 'not knowing'."
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Rayna says: One of the hardest books I ever had to read, but worth the pain to get through it. This book makes you read upside down, decode braille and scramble over scraps of paper to piece together the multiple narratives. There is a reason why there are websites devoted to cracking this book. Truly one of the most mind-boggling and terrifying books I've ever read and it's unlike any other.
Tori says: It's f***ed. What more can I say?
Monsters of Verity duology by V.E. Schwab (2016)
In a city plagued by monsters feeding off humanity's violence, Kate and August, teens from opposite sides of the conflict, confront their inner demons and the darkness consuming their world.
"It was a cruel trick of the universe, thought August, that he only felt human after doing something monstrous. "
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Heather says: Monsters of Verity was my second foray into Schwab's many varied worlds, and introduced me to one of my favourite characters in fiction: Kate, who shows both strength and vulnerability in a challenging and changing world, in relationships new and old, and with sheer grit and determination.
Graceling Realm by Kristin Cashore (2008)
Katsa is graced with talents that make it incredibly easy for her to kill others, and has spent her life doing so at the command of her king. When the prince of a rival kingdom comes looking for her, Katsa realises they've crossed paths before and together they both unwittingly set a string of events in motion, and uncover some hidden truths.
"When a monster stopped behaving like a monster, did it stop being a monster? Did it become something else?"
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Tazmyn says: This was the first high fantasy I ever read: I was 13 years old and remember being so transfixed by Katsa and Po's story that I sneakily tried to read it under my desk in class, going as far as to hide it under the benches in gym to try to read while not on the basketball court! Graceling completely changed my life; I had no idea how brave and awful and bloodthirsty and romantic people could be until I read this. This is the book that made me a fantasy reader and having recently reread the first two, they have stood the test of time.
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang (2019)
In this military fantasy a mother and son from a legendary warrior clan must confront both their past and their future as war approaches their penninsula.
"Wholeness, she had learned, was not the absence of pain but the ability to hold it."
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The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003)
Henry has a rare genetic disorder that causes him to live his life out of time. He goes to bed and wakes up in a different year or date in his life, without the ability to control where or when he will be next. All the while, his wife Clare, an artist, spends her days creating and waiting for her husband to reappear.
"Don't you think it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?"
-Daphne says: Absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. It's unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Genn says: I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book - even now, I can't explain it fully to anyone when I recommend it. It's a love story, a time travel thriller, and a book that defies genre. It asks what it means to live a life completely out of order and out of time. It's heartbreaking, life-affirming, and so beautiful.
Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel (2014)
Twenty years after a pandemic collapses civilisation a travelling group dedicated to keeping what little remains of human art alive cross paths with a prophet who could threaten what they stand for.
"Hell is the absence of the people you long for."
The Atlas series by Olivie Blake (2020)
Every decade, six unique magicians are chosen to be considered for initiation into The Alexandrian Society, watching over lost knowledge. After a year of qualifying, five candidates will be initiated, and one eliminated.
"They were binary stars, trapped in each other’s gravitational field and easily diminished without the other’s opposing force"
Illumicrate Exclusive: The Atlas Complex is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson (2010)
It has been centuries since the fall of the Knights Radiant in Roshar, leaving behind their mystical Shardblades, for men to battle over. But as the winds change, a soldier turned slave threatens to upset the balance of power forever.
"The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon."
Alex Stern series by Leigh Bardugo (2019)
Galaxy (Alex) Stern has been sent to Yale to keep an eye on its secret societies, due to her ability to see spirits. When a murder on campus appears to be linked to the societies' occult activities, Alex must use all of her survivor's instincts to get to the bottom of it, find her mentor, and avoid getting caught.
"I want to survive this world that keeps trying to destroy me."
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Bec says: Ninth House is Leigh Bardugo as you've never seen her before. It's not a book I'd recommend lightly, but it is one I'll always hold in my heart - a cathartic, dark story following a young woman who will continue to fight to survive despite being, in her own words, in a world that keeps trying to destroy her.
The Winternight trilogy by Katherine Arden (2017)
Inspired by tales from Russian folklore, specifically Morozko the Frost King, Vasya fights for the magical world only few can see, as Orthodox Christianity rises in Moscow and threatens the folk spirits she's grown up with.
"I would walk into the jaws of hell itself, if it were a path of my own choosing. I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of the life appointed me."
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Ellie says: Nothing captivates me quite as much as lyrical, immersive prose and this series has it in heaps. Also, a magical horse and a mysterious (but alluring) frost demon. So pretty much the best things.
The Burning Kingdoms series by Tasha Suri (2021)
Malini, a vengeful princess imprisoned by her brother, and Priya, a maidservant hiding her true identity as a priestess of an outlawed magic, must band together to overthrow the Emperor and the end sickness spreading through the land.
"Malini wanted to explain that being monstrous wasn't inherent, as Priya seemed to believe it to be. It was something placed upon you: a chain or a poison, bled into you by unkind hands."
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Nel says: Tasha Suri has a gift for vivid, richly vibrant story telling, that had me immersed from the beginning. It played like an epic, technicolour film in my head and I loved every minute of it.
The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey (2011)
A sweeping space opera series set in a fully colonised and class-based solar system, an ice miner and his crew discover a derelict ship, and a detective searches for a missing girl, and together they stumble upon secrets and conspiracies and plans beyond what either of them could imagine.
"Stars are better off without us."
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (2020)
A young woman makes a deal with the devil to live forever in 18th-century France. In turn, she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Until, after nearly 300 years, she comes across a man who remembers her.
"Three words, large enough to tip the world. I remember you."
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Jane says: I loved the premise of this book and found myself thinking about it long after I'd reached the end. In an eternal battle of wills between Addie and the Dark, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how Addie adapted and made her mark in a world determined to forget her. It gives me hope that even the quietest and unnoticed people can still leave their mark on the world.
Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White (2022)
Trans teen Benji has been raised to be the ultimate bioweapon for the fundamentalist cult that raised him and brought about Armageddon. However, Benji has other ideas for his future - running away and discovering a group of teens in the local LGBTQ+ centre, who are determined to fight back.
"Hell has followed us onto Earth, and I am the monster that has brought it forth.
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Imi says: I went into this as someone who rarely picks up horror but quickly found myself riveted to the page. Benji's struggle with identity both in terms of gender and beliefs, alongside his physical deterioration was fascinating and beautiful and exposed me to some of the most beautifully written YA prose I've read in a long time. AJ is an absolute must-read author for me now.
Evernight Exclusive: Andrew Joseph White set is available to purchase in the Illumishop!
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Monk & Robot series by Becky Chambers (2021)
Sibling Dex embarks on a quest to find meaning in a world where humans coexist peacefully with nature and meets Mosscap, a robot who asks, "What do humans need?" Together, they explore purpose, fulfilment, and the human-technology connection.
"You keep asking why your work is not enough, and I don’t know how to answer that, because it is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it. You don’t need to justify that, or earn it. You are allowed to just live."
-Daphne says: Absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. It's unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Debbie says: Hope-punk at its finest, this book is a warm hug of friendship. It also explores the purpose of life, and seeking fulfilment out of it.
Divergent series by Veronica Roth (2011)
In a society split into factions based on virtues, Tris learns that she does not fit into just one. After uncovering the truth behind the faction system, she faces rebellion and fights for a future where people can be more than their assigned roles.
"Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it."
Red Rising series by Pierce Brown (2014)
In a colour-coded caste society, one member of the lowest caste endures a painful physical transformation process to turn, Captain America-style, into a member of the ruling class with the goal of taking them down from the inside.
"I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war."
A Court of Thorns & Roses series by Sarah J. Maas (2015)
Feyre is a mortal huntress who, while trying to protect her family, is taken to a magical faerie realm and becomes entangled in romance, danger, and political intrigue while discovering her own powers.
"To the stars who listen—and the dreams that are answered."
Sarah J. Maas has always been popular in YA and crossover fantasy circles, but with the rise of BookTok, A Court of Thorns & Roses has truly been catapulted to a new plane of existence in literature.
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Genn says: I am a late convert to this series. I wound up reading it because it was the book that made my sister-in-law fall in love with reading again. And we started an aggressive text chain about theories and plot points. Filled with found family, romance, forgiveness, and growing into yourself and through your past and fears, these books struck a chord with me. It doesn't hurt that there are so many mythology and fairy tale easter eggs which makes my nerdy heart sing.
Katie says: I know so many people who fell in love with reading or fell back in love with reading again after picking up this series.
Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab (2015)
A realm-hopping adopted member of the royal family of Red London crosses paths with a thief of Grey London. What happens next will both involve and change all four Londons, for better and for worse.
"I'd rather die on an adventure than live standing still."
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Imi says: For the lovers of adventure-centred fantasy, mysterious magic, and mischievous underdogs. A Darker Shade of Magic was my introduction to Schwab and the unputdownable nature of Lila and Kell's adventures will make it my first recommendation for childhood fantasy lovers returning to reading as adults.
Horns by Joe Hill (2009)
On the one-year anniversary of his girlfriend's grisly murder, Ignatius Perrish wakes up from a night of drinking (and doing dark deeds) to find horns growing from his forehead. Along with these horns, Ig possesses a terrifying new power. One that will allow him to get revenge for his murdered love.
"Maybe all the schemes of the devil were nothing compared to what man could think up."
An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir (2015)
In an Ancient Rome-inspired world a slave girl goes undercover in a brutal military academy to try and save her brother. There she meets the academy's most promising soldier and they discover their fates are intertwined.
"Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after. Such moments are tests of courage, of strength."
The Martian by Andy Weir (2011)
When an astronaut is stranded on Mars and presumed dead, he must use his expertise in botany to survive while waiting for NASA to realise the mistake and fight to bring him home.
"I guess you could call it a "failure", but I prefer the term "learning experience"."
The Fitz and the Fool trilogy by Robin Hobb (2014)
An estate owner with a secret and hidden past is thrown back into his old life when a mysterious messenger disappears before delivering his message, and leaving nothing but a trail of blood.
"This is our last hunt, old wolf. And as we have always done, we go to it together."
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Hannah says: These books have a stranglehold on my heart, my beloveds. This series sneaks in disguised as a slow-paced low fantasy and slowly builds into an epic spanning a lifetime. I cannot well put into words how much I adore Fitz and the Fool, but Fool’s Assassin is a perfect example of Hobb’s incredible writing, weaving together the threads of these characters lives, loves and heartache into a tale that will have you beaming with joy one minute and sobbing uncontrollably the next (no, I’m not okay).
Heather says: I had the privilege of journeying with Fitz, the Fool, and so many other memorable characters in the Realm of the Elderlings since the very first trilogy in the series, and it saw me through so much. In this trilogy, we come to the journey's end, and it is a testament to Hobb's sparse but emotive writing that we come to care so deeply about the friends and relationships formed throughout that this is bittersweet, poignant, and ultimately hopeful. A truly diverse cast with very real strengths and flaws, who face challenges both external and internal -- these characters will stay in your heart for many, many years to come. Just don't forget the tissues. 
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)
Narrated from the point of view of Death, follow orphan Liesel Meminger through 1939 Germany as Death wanders down her street and prepares to change her life forever.
"In the darkness of my dark-beating heart, I know. He'd have loved it all right. You see? Even death has a heart."
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Bec says: One of those books that takes hold of you and never quite releases its grip, told from the unique perspective of Death and following two children growing up in WWII era Germany. Have tissues on hand if you pick it up.
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Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020)
Noemí visits her cousin in the Mexican countryside after receiving a distressing letter. Once there, she must uncover the secrets of the house, whilst it invades her dreams with nightmares and visions.
"The world might indeed be a cursed circle; the snake swallowed its tail and there could be no end, only an eternal ruination and endless devouring."
-Daphne says: Absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. It's unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Romie says: I remember finishing this book, hugging it, and rereading the last chapter. To this day, when I feel down, I still go back and reread the last few paragraphs, they give me a sense of quiet hope.
The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon (2013)
In a future where clairvoyants are hunted by authorities, Paige Mahoney is captured and imprisoned leading to her discovery of the force behind the puppet government and organisation taking over the free world.
"Knowledge is dangerous. Once you know something, you can't get rid of it. You have to carry it. Always."
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Originally an intriguing 'alien' dystopia with paranormal elements, The Bone Season series has made a unique impact as one of the first to be revised and rewritten by its original author. Samantha Shannon, who wrote her debut series at just 19, has openly discussed her struggles and the visible growth in her writing. By revising the first three books for the series' 10th anniversary, she has left a mark on literary history, opening the door for other authors to explore similar revisions.
Bec says: I first read The Bone Season a few years back in its original form, and whilst I enjoyed it, it wasn't until I started reading each sequel upon release and then recently went back and re-read the entire series from the start that I truly fell in love with this series. Samantha Shannon's rewrites really bring her masterful storytelling to life as you see the threads planted throughout the series that effect events further down the line. I never thought I'd be so excited to get back to Scion.
The Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson (2006)
The Mistborn series asks: what would happen if the Dark Lord won? This premise drives the series. Filled with twists and turns, part heist story, part political intrigue and complemented with wonderfully unique magical system. The Mistborn Series has sold over 10 million copies and is a landmark in the epic fantasy genre.
"Men rarely see their own actions as unjustified."
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Strange the Dreamer Duology by Laini Taylor (2017)
Orphan and librarian, Lazlo Strange, joins a band of warriors to find the lost city of Weep in search of knowledge. However, the city presents him with even more mysteries: how is his past connected to Weep, and who is the mysterious woman he's seeing in his dreams?
"It was impossible, of course. But when did that ever stop any dreamer from dreaming?"
Yas says: I thought nothing could top Laini Taylor’s previous series but this duology does it - she builds such a rich and lyrical world that finds it’s way into my very soul. I frequently reread passages for comfort and think about the story almost every day.
Roots of Chaos series by Samantah Shannon (2019)
The royal matriarchy have ruled the Queendom of Inys for a thousand years, but their future is uncertain, and a great evil has awakened.
"No woman should be made to fear that she was not enough."
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Imi says: As a life-long Samantha Shannon lover thanks to The Bone Season, I was beyond excited to step into a different world of her making. The representation of a queer-normative world as well as depression and struggles with mental health were such a boon to me at the time that it made Priory and this whole universe a very special place in my heart.
The Broken Earth Series by N.K. Jemisin (2015)
Starting with the end of the world, this is the story of one woman's quest to find her missing daughter. Her son has been murdered and she has been betrayed, now she sets out across a shaken continent where the very earth beneath her feet is no longer stable or whole.
"Let's start with the end of the world, why don't we? Get it over with and move on to more interesting things."
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All three Broken Earth books won the Hugo Award for Best Novel three years in a row, making Jemisin the first author to win three years running and the first to win for an entire series individually. A seemingly unmatchable feat, this series will undoubtedly go down in history.
Caitlin says: There's a glorious moment when reading The Fifth Season for the first time where you figure out what the connection is between each of the POVs. There's so much social commentary here and when you couple that with worldbuilding that's incredibly imaginative, characters so fleshed out they feel real, and flawless writing, it makes The Broken Earth series one of the greatest SFF series ever written, and truly deserving of all its accolades.
Villains Series by V.E. Schwab(2013)
Fellas, is it gay to try and kill your college best friend turned super-powered nemesis?
"Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human."
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Bianca says: Vicious was my first V.E. Schwab book, so it holds a special place in my heart. Aside from that, Vicious is tightly plotted and fast paced cinematic ride, whilst also giving you wonderful (and montrous) characters. Schwab has said this book was written for herself to have fun, and it truly shows on the page.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020)
Piranesi's house is a labyrinth, a maze of rooms, tides, an ocean, and thousands and thousands of statues. He lives alone, except for a mysterious man called The Other, who seeks him out twice a week to request his help researching something secret and mysterious.
"The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite."
Davi says: Piranesi is a masterful mystery-box of a book, wrapped up in incredible prose that showcases a breadth and depth of imagination that you can’t help but want to explore. These labyrinthine halls hide a page-turning dark academia gem with an iconic world plucked straight from a dream. Jane says: I don't think I've ever known a character as truly likeable as Piranesi, he's so innocent and wholesome that I want to protect him at all costs! This book takes you on a fantastic dreamlike journey through a world that's completely different to anything else I've come across, and just when you think you've found your footing the story morphs into dark academia.
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater (2012)
Blue has always known she would kill her true love. And then she meets him. Every moment she spends with Gansey and his privileged, private school friends is dangerous, but she can't help but be drawn into their quest: to find the final resting place of an ancient Welsh king.
"She wasn't interested in telling other people's futures. She was interested in going out and finding her own."
Tori says: This is the series that made me fall in love with reading again. I read the whole thing in a week during the summer I was working at my university library, and lines of it often occur to me as invasive thoughts. It's the perfect mix of yearning and magic (and the audiobooks are 10/10 too).
Heather says: This series brought some wonderfully brilliant—and broken—characters into my life, chasing a long-forgotten slumbering king, but who learn the beauty of magic and friendships, and the power of dreaming, along the way. Almost mystical and dreamlike in places, and brutally honest in others, it's a fantastic read where even the trees speak Latin.
Circe by Madeline Miller (2018)
Filled with heartbreak, rage, and magic, Circe unveils the secrets of one of the most enimagtic characters in mythology. It reimagines her as more than a villain, challenging readers to rethink what they know about gods, goddesses, and heroes in mythology.
"But in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. Such a constellation was he to me."
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Tazmyn says: This was the first Greek myth retelling I read as an adult and boy was the standard set high! I have read many a retelling since then but I will always come back to Miller's all consuming writing.
Genn says: Circe was one of those characters that I thought I knew their story. But Madeline Miller's beautiful novel showed me another side of the legendary goddess and witch. It forced me to re-evaluate everything I knew about the ancient sources and how this story has come down to us through the ages. Adding a richness to my own research and writing that I will be forever grateful for.
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Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao (2021)
In Huaxia boy-girl pairings pilot giant robots to battle mecha aliens...with a catch. The female concubine pilots often die and the males survive...until the opposite happens. Branded an Iron Widow pilot, what will a taste of power trigger in Zetian?
"But I have no faith in love. Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance."
-Daphne says: Absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. It's unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Noughts & Crosses series by Malorie Blackman (2001)
A member of the dark-skinned ruling class and a member of the formally enslaved light-skinned underclass have been best friends since childhood. The older they get, the more complicated their friendship becomes to navigate in their heavily class-based and racist society, especially once romantic feelings come into the mix.
"I used to comfort myself with the belief that it was only certain individuals and their peculiar notions that spoilt things for the rest of us. But how many individuals does it take before it's not the individuals who are prejudiced but society itself?"
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This series had a significant impact on literature by addressing issues of race, prejudice, and social injustice through an alternate-history narrative. The exploration of systemic racism and its powerful, emotional storytelling have influenced discussions about diversity in literature and inspired other works to tackle similar themes. Its impact extends to both young adult and broader literary circles, making it a pivotal work in contemporary fiction.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011)
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Two prodigies to rival magicians are engaged in a duel within the confines of a magical circus.
"The most difficult thing to read is time. Maybe because it changes so many things."
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Rayna says: A magical black and white circus that only takes place at night? I was sold on the book at first glance, but was unprepared for how utterly enchanting it is and how deeply under its spell I would fall. To this day, this is the only book I wish with all my heart to be brought to life just so I can walk through all those tents, wear one of those gorgeous costumes and live inside that world.
Lena says: It's pure escapism. This really helped me during some very tough mental health times to exist in a world outside of my own for a little while and I also think it's just really beautiful. The romance in it feels just as much about understanding themselves as falling in love with each other.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (2022)
A retired Orc dreams of opening the first ever coffee shop in her chosen city and is hampered by rivals new and old, and general ignorance around delicious hot beverages
"Well, shit. Milky bean water. I'll be damned."
Tazmyn says: Legends & Lattes was the first cosy fantasy I read and, not only has it changed my reading tastes and what I hope to encounter in a book, it has also single handedly changed the face of fantasy publishing. There are (joyously) cosy fantasy books in every bookshop these days and I truly think it is down to the popularity and standout writing of Travis Baldree.
Heather: This is the perfect read for snuggling into a blanket fort on a cold afternoon, or after a challenging day. Such heartfelt and hopeful characters, with a gentle but moving plot, all tied together with the wonders of food and drink. I just need my own personal Thimble to cook up some wonders, really. It revolutionised fantasy publishing and paved the way for more hopeful, heartfelt, and cosy books to follow.
Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells (2017)
When a security android gains self-awareness, it begins to struggle with its identity while protecting the humans its assigned to guard.
"I liked the imaginary people on the entertainment feed way more than I liked real ones, but you can’t have one without the other."
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Daughter of Smoke of Bone Trilogy by Lani Taylor (2011)
Karou splits her life between the spires of Prague, and collecting teeth for Brimstone, her secretive mentor on the other side of a portal. But when the doors to Elsewhere suddenly close, Karou must search for a way back in, and uncover where she came from.
"Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well."
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Yas says: This series will always and forever be incredibly close to my heart - from the world to the characters to the relationships and even the story itself, Laini Taylor has set such a high standard for all fantasy books for me. I just love this.
Bec says: One of the first fantasy series I read as a young adult, and one that I’ll always keep coming back to. The trilogy dives deep into relationships and love spanning across lives, fighting for what’s right, and found family, all whilst being set across a fantasy backdrop with a unique magic system. Truly such a special series.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011)
The heartbreaking story of the of The Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. Part epic love story, part war novel, and filled with humanity and heart, The Song of Achilles reimagines the story of the ancient world's greatest warrior from the point of view of those who loved him and saw the man behind the armour.
"I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world."
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Cody says: The Song of Achilles changed the way I looked at storytelling and how I engage with queerness in a historical context. I'm so grateful that Miller broke from her Classicist roots and wrote The Song of Achilles as a piece of literary fiction rather than an academic one. Her writing is beautiful and has a mystical 'otherness' quality while still being grounded and relatable. And even though I knew the myth, the ending still made me stare at a blank wall for a few hours after finishing the story.
Ellie says: For some reason there was a poster for The Song of Achilles in my school's computer room (unsure why), and I used to look at it reguarly and think about reading it, but never actually got around to until a few years later. Experiencing it for the first time was a delight. Lyrical and moving, it's the book I love to recommend to everyone - and then listen to them shout-sob over the ending.
Genn says: This is one of my favourite books of all time. I recommend it again and again. It is the kind of love story, war story, and human story that makes you look at the world in a new way. It forces you to think about what it means to live and love knowning every moment that your fate is to be a tragic one. I am a huge mytholgoy nerd and knew the ending, but the way the story is excuted is incredible. It made me go back to the beginning and start reading again.
The Wayfarer Series by Becky Chambers (2014)
A series of interconnected stories set on spaceships, space stations, and planets in the generations after Earth's exodus, exploring different characters' journeys and the complexities of life in a richly imagined universe.
"We cannot blame ourselves for the wars our parents start. Sometimes the very best thing we can do is walk away."
Imi says: This cosy sci-fi series is a quieter voice that has a lot to say about what it is to be human, interspecies relationships, and the unknown future. I will always return to Becky Chambers' writing for comfort and clarity.
Tazmyn says: This is my favourite series of all time. Through the lens of many an alien species, Chambers tells us to look inwardly and asks us what it means to be human. How we navigate our own reality? What so we stand for? What do we tolerate? What do we fight for? Rereading these books never fails to make me feel a little lighter and make life seem a little more bearable.
Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty (2017)
A con-artist is forced to accept magic is real when she accidentally summons a djinn warrior and learns about her heritage. They enter the world of Daevabad, the legendary city of brass.
"Often the mightiest things have the humblest beginnings."
Nel says: The muslim representation in this series is done so well and is showcased beautifully. Gentle, kind Ali—who embodies his faith and loves quietly but so truly—is one of my most beloved characters of all time. He encapsulates what muslim women see when they think of their fathers, brothers and sons. Muslim men are so rarely protrayed like this and I'm so grateful that others get to see it too. Also the world building is 10000/10.
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo (2012)
In a world where individuals can be born with affinities for different magics, known as the small sciences, Alina discovers that she's the rarest of all: a Sun Summoner. Pulled into a war, only she can destroy the Shadow Fold and unite the Grisha.
"Why can a Grisha possess but one amplifier? I will answer this question instead: What is infinite? The universe and the greed of men."
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Genn says: I remember working on this book when it was first being published. I knew I was holding something magical and wonderful in my hands. Leigh Bardugo has created an enduring world of magic, romance, and stunning mythology.
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The Green Bone saga by Fonda Lee (2017)
Following two warring crime families, the No Peak Clan and the Mountain Clan, on the island of Kekon, where possessing jade can grant abilities to those with the right training and heritage.
"The clan is my blood, and the Pillar is its master. On my honor, my life, and my jade."
Daphne says: Absolutely devoured this duology and immediately fell in love with Jordan Ifueko's masterful writing and rich, diverse world. It's unique premise shines a light on imperialism and how power corrupts, while still being a tender, character driven story with some of the best friendships in YA.
Layla says: The Green Bone Saga was one of my first proper buddy reads with a friend, and I will never forget us sending each other photos of our stages of weeping. It's a powerful series that literally packs a punch - with Mafiaesque vibes mixed with intense fantasy, it's like this book was written just for me and my niche interests.
The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer (2005)
Bella Swan moves back to her father's hometown of Forks and discovers a hidden supernatural world. Torn between her love for Edward, a vampire, and her friendship with Jacob, a werewolf, she must navigate the political conflicts between these creatures while protecting her family and fighting for her love.
"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb…" he murmured. I looked away, hiding my eyes as I thrilled to the word. "What a stupid lamb," I sighed. "What a sick, masochistic lion."
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Twilight reinvigorated the vampire genre and sparked a surge in paranormal romance. Its focal romance and love triangle set trends that influenced many subsequent YA novels. It also played a key role in the rise of fan-driven communities and fandom culture, contributing to the popularity of book-to-film adaptations and shaping the modern YA landscape.
Katie says: I have reread Twilight many times (New Moon is my fave) and it is still one of my favourite angsty paranomal romances.
The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black (2018)
Jude, a human girl, navigates her life in the High Court of Faerie, discovers her natural skills around deception and bloodshed, whilst being forced into a dangerous bargain with her rival Prince Cardan.
"If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse."
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Daphne says: This series has completely cast a geas over me; it's the culmination and pinnacle of Holly Black's fairy storytelling. The world of Elfhame is full of intrigue, bloodshed and political machinations. Jude's ambition and thirst for power was the anthetesis of YA heroines of the time. Her and Cardan had the perfect enemies to lovers relationship, and the story had more twists than a fairy bargain. It's shocking and delightful.
This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar & Max Gladstone (2019)
Told through the letters between two rival agents on either side of a war, discovering their undeniable bond as they write to each other.
"I want to meet you in every place I ever loved. Listen to me. I am your echo. I would rather break the world than lose you."
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Even before the rise of Bigolas Dickolas' viral recommendation on X/Twitter, this was an extraordinarily lyrical epistolary novella that stood out from the crowd in sci-fi circles. However, its virality online increased sales by such huge margins for a backlist book that marketing and publicity within the publishing industry had to sit up and listen.
Lauren says: If it's no longer possible to hate the enemy when you're so full of admiration for them and their skill, is loving them even a possibility while a war wages across time?
Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo (2015)
When a notorious thief is offered an impossible quest with an unbelievable reward he recruits a crew of five to assist with the heist: his most trusted spy, a convict set on revenge, a sharpshooter with a secret, a runaway with a hidden past, a Grisha just trying to survive...can they achieve the unachievable?
"No mourners. No funerals. Among them, it passed for 'good luck'."
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Layla says: I wouldn't be where I am today without Six of Crows. Kaz Brekker and his crew gifted me the connections to the book community that I didn't know I needed at the time, and Kaz himself gave me the courage to be more myself every day (less eye scooping, more gender vibes). I owe a lot to SoC - friends, work, and overall vibes, I wouldn't be where I am today without it.
The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir (2019)
The heirs of the nine houses of necromancy are joined by their cavaliers in a crumbling mansion on a deserted planet where thet must complere a series of bizarre and unexplained challenges in order to unlock the next phase of necromancy: becoming lyctors, and serving the emperor in his endless war.
"But Gideon was experiencing one powerful emotion: being sick of everyone’s shit."
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Caitlin says: Sometimes you start reading a book and you know, almost instantaneously, that it will be a new favourite. This series so gloriously weird, so unexpected, so filled with humour, internet jokes, and with a sweeping cast of characters you love and hate and love to hate and hate to love.
The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang (2018)
Based on the Second Sino-Japanese War, this historical military fantasy centres on Rin, a peasant girl who discovers a gift for shamanism and finds herself thrown into a brutal war.
"I have become something wonderful, she thought. I have become something terrible. Was she now a goddess or a monster? Perhaps neither. Perhaps both."
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Romie says: One of those series that's both loud and quiet at the same time. I have a video of me sobbing at 3am when finishing the last book, which now makes me laugh when I watch it but back then, I was heartbroken. (Spoiler alert: I still am)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan (2005)
After discovering he is a demigod, Percy Jackson must battle monsters and mysteries in the modern world which is still ruled by the Greek Gods of old, including his father, Poseidon.
"The real world is where the monsters are."
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Akash says: I wouldn't be me without this book. Percy Jackson is what got me into reading and made me fall in love with all aspects of story telling. Like many others, this was also my intro to Greek mythology and will be forever grateful for it.
Babel by R.F. Kuang (2022)
In 19th-century Oxford, a young Chinese orphan named Robin Swift is recruited into the prestigious Royal Institute of Translation. As Robin delves into the power of language and translation, he confronts the ethical dilemmas of colonialism, exploitation, and resistance in a world where magic is linked to linguistic mastery.
"How can we conclude, except by acknowledging that an act of translation is then necessarily always an act of betrayal?"
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Rayna says: My words don't feel adequate or eloquent enough to properly praise how amazing and transformative this novel is. Babel is an impressive, highly ambitious and intelligently crafted dark academia masterpiece that manages to balance a staggering amount of history with a highly addictive story. Babel gave voice to the thoughts, feelings and experiences I never could properly articulate before and I am forever changed after reading it. Language is power and this book packs a punch.
Zoë says: Babel's a special book to me, getting under the skin of how Oxford (and universities generally) are aspirational dreams that people place a lot of faith and hope in, but which as institutions are willing to sacrifice their most vulnerable to keep the business of the university going. The power, politics, and violence of language take centre stage as our main character Robin has to decide whether or not he can put out the fire from inside the house - or whether he just needs to burn the whole thing down.
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (2008)
Katniss Everdeen becomes the symbol of rebellion against a dystopian regime after volunteering to take her sister's place in a deadly televised competition. As she navigates the brutal games and political intrigue, Katniss must fight for survival and justice in a world that wants her silenced.
"May the odds be ever in your favor."
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It may be a big claim, but The Hunger Games revolutionised young adult literature of the noughties by popularising the dystopian genre which sparked a wave of dystopian novels (many of which you will have found on this list already) and reshaped the landscape of YA literature, elevating it to wider cultural and critical attention. Katniss as a strong but flawed female protagonist became an iconic figure, influencing the rise of more complex and empowered female characters in YA.
Tiffany says: This series masterfully addresses power and oppression, weaving it with adventure, love and defiance, in a way that is utterly enjoyable no matter what age you are. Suzanne really spoke on the world in a way that stands the test of time.
