Incredible New Release Fantasy Books in May 2023!
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Best New Release Fantasy Books in May 2023!
Hey there bookworms, get ready for a fresh batch of fantasy reads for May 2023!
Whether you're a fan of urban fantasy, epic fantasy, gaslamp fantasy, or fantasy romance, there's a little something for everyone.
So, kick back, brew some tea, and check out these exciting new releases to add to your reading list. You won't want to miss out on these exciting new fantasy books!
May 1st
1.Lines That Drew Us (Palisade Trilogy #3) by Amber L. Werner
Fantasy | Young Adult | Dark Fantasy
A city under siege. An ancient evil bent on destroying their world. Can they defeat the Unseen before it's too late…
Despite being abandoned by the one she trusted the most, Kayda is determined to save her city, and the only family she has left. When she arrives in Flamesmoat and discovers the king has disappeared, Kayda races to save him. Can she find him before the scourge, and will she ever uncover the reality behind her buried history?
Finally reunited with his sister, Conall vows to do everything in his power to save Dracwood from the Unseen. Along the way, he runs into several faces from his past, and is forced to confront difficult truths. When the scourge threaten his beloved bondmate, he’ll stop at nothing to save him, even if it means relying on the woman who once betrayed him.
Lark’s determined to fulfill her promise to return to her country and fight. A terrible mistake quickly lands her in danger, and her savior gives her a gift that becomes a burden. Then she’s separated from her brother once again. Can she and her friends stay out of trouble long enough to confront the Unseen?
To the east, evil forces combine, readying for the battle that has long been foretold. Can the scattered forces across the world band together in time to defeat them, or will the world they love be reduced to ash…
Read Book #1- Shadows That Bind Us
2. Into the Wyld (Wyld Druid #2) by Rich Ryan
Fantasy | Contemporary Fantasy | Fae | Adventure
Jimmy and his Magi friends are back at it again. The Goblin King's daughter is missing, the courts of Faerie are in turmoil, mysterious agents are hunting the crew, and of course the Master Magi are still missing.
Sure, Jimmy and company stopped a major demon, goblin, and giant spider invasion just a few short weeks ago, but things are now getting crazy and wild outside of the Earth realm. The young Magi crew must learn to walk between the worlds, enter the realm of Faerie, rescue the Goblin Princess, and avoid mysterious assassins while throwing themselves smack-dab in the middle of Fae court politics.
Monster duels, sentient forests, frozen arctic lands, and dozens of kinds of Fairies are just a few of the things our heroes will need to overcome, all while trying to prevent Faerie from descending into chaos and war. It sounds like things are getting a little unpredictable, as our favorite Air Druid goes Into the Wyld.
This upbeat, fun, urban fantasy adventure packed with fae politics and intrigue, faeries, elves, and goblins is perfect for fans of Kevin Hearne, M.D. Massey, or Auburn Tempest. With thematic elements similar to The Last Airbender, The Dragon Prince, and Vox Machina but in a contemporary setting, this creative, thrill-ride is book 2 in the Wyld Druid series.
Read Book #1- Wyld Druid
May 2nd
3. City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Fantasy | Adult | Epic Fantasy | Dark Fantasy
Arthur C. Clarke winner and Sunday Times bestseller Adrian Tchaikovsky's triumphant return to fantasy with a darkly inventive portrait of a city under occupation and on the verge of revolution.
There has always been a darkness to Ilmar, but never more so than now. The city chafes under the heavy hand of the Palleseen occupation, the choke-hold of its criminal underworld, the boot of its factory owners, the weight of its wretched poor and the burden of its ancient curse.
What will be the spark that lights the conflagration?
Despite the city's refugees, wanderers, murderers, madmen, fanatics and thieves, the catalyst, as always, will be the Anchorwood – that dark grove of trees, that primeval remnant, that portal, when the moon is full, to strange and distant shores.
Ilmar, some say, is the worst place in the world and the gateway to a thousand worse places.
Ilmar,
City of Long Shadows.
City of Bad Decisions.
City of Last Chances.
4. The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
Horror | Fantasy | Adult | Novella | Mythology | Twisted Mermaid Tale
From USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Khaw comes The Salt Grows Heavy, a razor-sharp and bewitching fairytale of discovering the darkness in the world, and the darkness within oneself.
You may think you know how the fairytale goes: a mermaid comes to shore and weds the prince. But what the fables forget is that mermaids have teeth. And now, her daughters have devoured the kingdom and burned it to ashes.
On the run, the mermaid is joined by a mysterious plague doctor with a darkness of their own. Deep in the eerie, snow-crusted forest, the pair stumble upon a village of ageless children who thirst for blood, and the three 'saints' who control them.
The mermaid and her doctor must embrace the cruellest parts of their true nature if they hope to survive.
May 4th
5. First, The Conjurer by Mary Locke Jolley
Fantasy | Middle Grade | Contemporary | Alchemist
ELLIE KENWORTHY has accepted her fate as the nerdy middle school loner who practices enchanting in secret. Then a mystic scientist called the Alchemist changes everything when she kidnaps their cousin, Abe. While their parents search for Abe, Ellie and her older brother Liam flee to the safety of Enchanted Gorge Ranch.
The ranch is full of strange mysteries, like wicked weeds that love to trip passersby, and a raccoon with a peculiar love for the grouchy cowboy, Crowley.
But while the ranch is fun to explore, there is no time to mess around. Because of the Alchemist's actions, Liam is in danger of explosive magical overload. Not only that, the ranch is full of people keeping secrets. Even Enchanted Gorge Ranch might not be safe from the Alchemist.
Readers who enjoyed Fablehaven and Amari and the Night Brothers are sure to love this twisting tale of courage, family, and magic of epic proportions.
May 9th
6. To Shape a Dragon's Breath (Nampeshiweisit #1) by Moniquill Blackgoose
Fantasy | Young Adult | Dragons | LGBT |Coming of Age
A young Indigenous woman enters a colonizer-run dragon academy—and quickly finds herself at odds with the “approved” way of doing things—in the first book of this brilliant new fantasy series.
The remote island of Masquapaug has not seen a dragon in many generations—until fifteen-year-old Anequs finds a dragon’s egg and bonds with its hatchling. Her people are delighted, for all remember the tales of the days when dragons lived among them and danced away the storms of autumn, enabling the people to thrive. To them, Anequs is revered as Nampeshiweisit—a person in a unique relationship with a dragon.
Unfortunately for Anequs, the Anglish conquerors of her land have different opinions. They have a very specific idea of how a dragon should be raised, and who should be doing the raising—and Anequs does not meet any of their requirements. Only with great reluctance do they allow Anequs to enroll in a proper Anglish dragon school on the mainland. If she cannot succeed there, her dragon will be killed.
For a girl with no formal schooling, a non-Anglish upbringing, and a very different understanding of the history of her land, challenges abound—both socially and academically. But Anequs is smart, determined, and resolved to learn what she needs to help her dragon, even if it means teaching herself. The one thing she refuses to do, however, is become the meek Anglish miss that everyone expects.
Anequs and her dragon may be coming of age, but they’re also coming to power, and that brings an important realization: the world needs changing—and they might just be the ones to do it.
May 10th
7. Awakening Fae by Samaire Wynne
Fantasy | Young Adult | Paranormal Romance |Wolf Shifter | Fated Mates
Fated mates. With the most irritating jerk on the planet.
Why did it have to be me?
Something terrible has invaded the forest behind my foster family’s house. Something that can only be seen at night, something that hunts in the shadows, Something whose hunger is voracious.
And I’m next on the menu.
It all began when I rescued an adorable wolf puppy from an eagle. He turned out to be a member of a wolf shifter family.
Then I met the pack: the Meridian wolf pack. I was drawn to the oldest member, but I didn’t know why.
It didn’t make sense: I’m 17, and he looked like he was close to 90! Not that I have anything against old people, but... come on! And he acted like he was soooo superior. Well he’s not. He was rude and snarky and old and crotchety.
Asher is younger and way more handsome.
But in spite of everything, I was still drawn to the old man, and then something crazy happened: He was attacked and left for dead, but he survived and suddenly he wasn’t a grandpa anymore. He appeared much younger and covered in muscles, and his eyes... his piercing eyes are always trained on me, looking into my soul. It’s like...
...Like we were fated.
I think I liked him more when he was a grandfather figure.
But he’s spending more and more time with me, and I’m noticing we’re more alike than I initially thought. Asher says it’s because I’m the old man’s fated mate, so maybe that explains it. I didn’t want to believe it, but…
Maybe this can work? Naw......
May 11th
8. Bleeding Heart (The Cardplay Duology #2) by Brittany M. Willows
Fantasy | Young Adult | Urban Fantasy | Anime-inspired | LGBT
Spade, Heart, Diamond, Club.
Four legendary Suits.
Four chosen Keepers.
One world at stake.
When hell breaks loose, who will be holding all the cards?
After a valiant rescue mission saw to the end of the criminal organization Blackjack, Cardplay has taken advantage of the relative peace following their victory to recuperate. However, no news isn't necessarily good news.
Two Blackjack operatives are still at large, presumed to have fled with the Warden of the Void and their unmasked leader to his estate in the cliffs—well out of Cardplay's reach, and safe behind a wall of deceit and strategically-lined pockets. To make matters worse, a revelation about the identity of the Heart’s Keeper has everyone walking on eggshells.
All that stands between the mundane world and untold chaos is a single unbroken seal. One mistake and the futures, dreams, second chances, and fresh starts they’ve all been working towards could be ripped away.
The magical era was lost once already.
Is it doomed to be lost again?
Read Book #1- Bloody Spade
May 16th
9. Flight of a Thousand Embers (The Epidmauri Saga #1) by P.N. Vang
Fantasy | New Adult | Epic Fantasy
A war to erupt. A kingdom to bleed. A curse to consume.
Escera has been divided since the banishment of magic in the kingdoms. Exile or death is the only option for those discovered. Now, terror spreads as the emperor declares war upon the kings.
For Narwin Malancy of Argotra, her power to command the storm has forced her into a life of secrecy. Her dream of becoming a warrior has crumbled. As she navigates her new path, she finds it tainted with shadows, deception, and death.
Splenor Bardazin serves as a city guard, but wields fire in his flesh. Yet his task grows burdensome as he questions his purpose. When he and Narwin discover a man killed by magic, they are forced to uncover the truth behind the rumors of a magical onslaught.
Amid investigations, Guy Renzell’s rash and impulsive methods cause a rift among his peers. Fraught with his duties as well as his troubled conscience, Guy must see past his pride or watch the kingdom succumb to an eternal winter.
Meanwhile, Princess Rayla of the Zide Empire challenges her father’s war with the west. The dagger at his side is driving him deeper into madness, with whispers consuming his mind. Rayla knows the voices are not human, nor are they divine, and they have returned to Escera with a taste for blood and souls.
10. The Ruin by Samantha Moran
Fantasy | New Adult | Urban Fantasy | Norse Mythology
Every family has its secrets. Some are deadlier than others.
Kara Edwards’s life has been one struggle after another. Abandoned by her father at the age of six and disowned by her older sister, she’s used to doing things alone. So, when her mother, the only loving parent she has ever known, is diagnosed with cancer, she rushes to her side, no questions asked.
For two years, twenty-one-year-old Kara has struggled to keep her mother alive, working herself to the bone at a minimum-wage job and sinking deep into debt to pay for expensive treatments. Unfortunately, when the final procedure does not go according to plan, she’s run out of options. Her world teeters on the brink of collapse as she faces the reality that her mother is out of time. That is until her mother’s doctor offers Kara one more option, an expensive and illegal experimental drug called Novemion.
To make matters worse, her absent father is suddenly back in town, and he’s brought an unbelievable family secret with him, one that presents Kara with the strangest of opportunities. If his stories are true, she might be able to save her mother’s life, but it would put the whole of humanity at risk, costing thousands of lives.
Once again, Kara is faced with an impossible choice, and each comes with a steep price. She can place her hope in the untested experimental treatment, give into the temptation of the family secret and risk millions of lives, or allow the mother she idolizes to die.
What will she choose, and can she live with the consequences?
11. The Never Heir (The Otherworlds #1) by Courtney Millecam
Fantasy | Young Adult | Peter Pan Retelling | 1920’s
Charlie 'Tootles' Tulane risked everything to break the spell binding the lost boys to Pan and escape Neverland. Now seventeen and living in 1923 London, Charlie’s freedom from the land of Faerie has never felt better. But even the noblest of actions have consequences. Neverland demands a leader, and without one, chaos spills into the mortal world.
Spending his nights as an amateur boxer, Charlie meets the 'Bright Young Things' of London’s upper class. Part of that group is Evie, a girl whose ravings about mermaids abducting her sister got her sent to an asylum. Now that she’s back among polite society, Evie’s under strict orders from her mother to avoid any further scandal and to attract a suitable match. But that proves difficult when Evie’s friend and confidant from Faerie turns demanding and sinister, forcing her into a deal she can’t refuse: In exchange for locating Pan’s lost relics of power, the Fae will return the one thing Evie wants most.
When Charlie learns his past betrayals set off a chain reaction resulting in the abduction of Evie’s sister, the two must return to the place of Charlie's nightmares in an attempt to set things right. But this time, the price for rectitude might prove too steep for either one of them to pay.
May 17th
12. Fires of the Forsaken by Stephanie E. Donohue
Fantasy | Adult | Fantasy Romance | Darkish | Humor
Addie wanted a gosh-darn pizza.
Lass wanted to avoid being cooked over a spit.
Neither figured they’d end up with a one-way ticket to the end of days.
Addie did not have “getting plucked from the 21st century and thrown into a rudimentary fantasy world” on her “fun things to do at 30” checklist. Yet here she is, struggling to survive in the hellscape known as Sakar, a place where Wraiths flame-broil humans and Celestial armies wage war with each other over a centuries-old spat. Thankfully, Cheriour, the hunky commander of the human army, takes her under his wing—although he’s allergic to giving straight answers. And talking.
As Addie reluctantly starts to care for him, and the rest of the Sakarians, she also learns why she was sent to this world. And it’s a doozy…
The violent society of Sakar is the only home Lass has ever known, and it’s been a wretched one. She has spent her life being tormented and twisted into an inhuman hybrid by the Celestials and hunted by the humans who fear her. But she finds solace with a cocky, blue-eyed boy who comforts her, even after she accidentally slaughters innocents.
As Lass struggles to control her volatile powers, she slowly transforms into the monster the humans believe her to be. And even the boy she loves is in peril…
At the end of time, there is only fire. And neither Addie nor Lass will escape unscathed.
13. The Shattered Arch by M.H. Woodscourt
Fantasy | Young Adult | High Fantasy | Dragons | Quests | Magic
Marked by Light.
Hunted by Darkness.
One year ago, Prince Jetekesh lost his friend and mentor in a fight against a powerful demon. On the heels of that solemn victory, the once-spoiled prince is determined to prove his mettle and atone for his past mistakes, whatever the cost.
When he learns that the same demon has been unleashed from its watery prison, he must seek out help to prevent large-scale devastation. Unfortunately, the source of that help dwells in the magical realm of Shinac—and the Arch to get there has been destroyed by a second dark threat.
To thwart both dangers, Jetekesh must find a new way into Shinac. With little power of his own, he embarks on a perilous quest with formidable yet mysterious companions toward a jungle country where a new Arch may be hidden. Meanwhile war brews on the horizon, monstrous creatures gather, and Jetekesh has become a beacon for all things magical, good and bad alike.
May 18th
14. The West Wind (The Four Winds #2) by Alexandria Warwick
Fantasy | Adult | Fantasy Romance | Re-imagined Tam Tim | Mythology
The Four Winds series continues in this darkly reimagined tale of forbidden love with influences from the Scottish ballad Tam Lin.
Long before civilization, there were the gods. And before the gods, there was the earth, the celestial bodies, and air given flesh. They are the Anemoi—the Four Winds—and they have been banished to the four corners of the world.
Brielle of Thornbrook has dedicated her life to the abbey. She spends her days forging iron and studying the Text, all in preparation of becoming an acolyte—a shepherd of the Father. Twenty-one years on this earth and she has never touched a man. And she never will.
Yet dark things uncoil beyond Thornbrook's high stone walls. A chance encounter with an alluring stranger leads Brielle to Under, where the air breathes rot and the roots grow black. Zephyrus, Bringer of Spring, with eyes of green.
In Under, those Brielle can trust are few, least of all Zephyrus. But never has a man so thoroughly ensnared her. When faith and heart collide, Brielle learns how quickly threads unravel, even her most sacred vow: thou shalt not forsake the Father. For He is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
The West Wind is a standalone fantasy romance sprinkled with Greek lore, perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Laura Thalassa, and Scarlett St. Claire.
May 23rd
15. The Will of the Many (The Hierarchy #1) by James Islington
Fantasy | Adult | Epic Fantasy
At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by internationally bestselling author of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington.
AUDI. VIDE. TACE.
The Catenan Republic – the Hierarchy – may rule the world now, but they do not know everything.
I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus – what they call Will – to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.
I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.
But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.
And that I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family.
To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.
And if the Hierarchy finds out who I truly am, they will kill me.
May 30th
16. Witch King by Martha Wells
Fantasy | Adult | Science Fiction Fantasy | Paranormal | Witches
A story of power and friendship, of trust and betrayal, and of the families we choose.
"I didn't know you were a... demon."
"You idiot. I'm the demon."
Kai's having a long day in Martha Wells' Witch King....
After being murdered, his consciousness dormant and unaware of the passing of time while confined in an elaborate water trap, Kai wakes to find a lesser mage attempting to harness Kai’s magic to his own advantage. That was never going to go well.
But why was Kai imprisoned in the first place? What has changed in the world since his assassination? And why does the Rising World Coalition appear to be growing in influence?
Kai will need to pull his allies close and draw on all his pain magic if he is to answer even the least of these questions.
He’s not going to like the answers.
17. Cherish (Crave #6) by Tracy Wolff
Fantasy | Young Adult | Paranormal Romance | Vampires | Urban Fantasy
The sensational conclusion to the massive #1 New York Times bestselling series…
It’s been over three months since my friends and I took down Cyrus. Three months where my biggest fear was what paper was due next... But I should have known it was too good to last. Now everything is falling apart.
The Vampire Court has no king, the Dragon Court has no heart, and the Gargoyle Court has me—a teenager in way over her head. And it’s the worst possible timing, because a threat is brewing just as the Circle is collapsing.
I have no choice but to return to the Shadow Realm and face the terrifying queen who nearly ended us…and make a deal with her to save Mekhi. But this time, I’m bringing my powerful friends with me—and Hudson. Except something is wrong with him, too. He’s keeping a secret—even from me.
All I know is that everyone’s life hangs in the balance. And it’s my fault—because I still owe the Crone a favor...and now she’s come to collect.
18. Witchbane (Magic and Mayhem #3) by Alesha Escobar
Fantasy | Adult | Urban Fantasy
Lethal magic just dropped on Los Angeles, and the Department of Metaphysical Affairs doesn’t like it.
The clandestine government agency that’s tasked me with helping them keep the existence of wizards and vampires secret now has to track down a supernatural serial killer before he strikes again. Between trying to explain the bizarre deaths and rooting out traitors within its own ranks, the DMA has got its hands full.
My friends and I are the only ones who can help.
I’ve fought monsters and dark wizards with Sal, Lucas, and Alanna at my side. And though I suspect there’s something more to Alanna’s enchanted sword, Witchbane, I fear the day its deadly owner returns for it. But as long as we stick together, we can unmask any threat looming over the city and decimate it.
A sinister mastermind is behind much of the magical havoc, and they’re out for my blood.
They’ll stop at nothing to get to me, even if it means taking down the people I care about most. Ghosts from the past will come back to haunt me, and a painful revelation will rock my world and test my resolve. If I don’t push forward, my friends will be destroyed—and the rest of the city right along with them. But they don’t call me the Wayward Wizard for nothing. Armed with my magic and an accidental gift from the gods, I’m going to set things right, before the world comes crashing down.
WITCHBANE is the third book of the Magic and Mayhem Series, an action-packed urban fantasy with a snarky, cynical wizard hero, wayward magic, and a tight circle of friends who’ll kick ass first and ask questions later. Fans of the Dresden Files and Nate Temple books will especially enjoy this series.
Read Book #1- The Wayward Wizard
19. Shade of the Shadowlands (Guardians of the Sixth Gate #2) by Amy Prokopis
Fantasy | Young Adult | Urban Fantasy | Fantasy Romance |Greek Mythology
The entire town of Burbrook, Colorado is still reeling from the night of the BHS homecoming dance. Tori and her circle of guardians may be safe from the ferryman, but they know that the Shadow Mistress won’t rest for long. After the circle gains a surprising new member they feel safer than ever, but things quickly take a turn. Tori discovers that there are more strange things about her abilities than they first thought and while this makes hunting demons easier, her newfound talents are far from comforting.
First, there are the voices. Then, her dreams become reality and she’s stalked by a classmate she knows to be dead. Tori decides to keep it all from the circle. The last thing she needs is Jamie’s worry, especially after what happened at homecoming. The tension between them only worsens after the sudden appearance of an old friend, further separating Tori from Jamie and leading her to keep more secrets. She must decide between coming clean and strengthening her entire circle against the Shadow Mistress or staying quiet to keep fate at bay.
May 31st
20. The Maleficent Faerie by Rebecca F. Kenney
Fantasy | Adult | Spicy | Fantasy Romance | Sleeping Beauty Retelling
A spicy, Fae Sleeping Beauty retelling with a male version of Maleficent.
When Malec, the Void King, attacks Princess Dawn's carriage, her Fae bodyguard Aura switches places with her. Glamoured as a human, Aura must fool Malec into thinking she's the Princess he cursed 25 years ago. Relentless and powerful, but with a vulnerable side he hides from others, Malec begins to crave Aura's respect as much as he craves her body.
[Trigger Warnings: age gap between fantasy characters, attempted (unsuccessful) ra-pe, blood used in magical rituals, gaslighting, light BDSM, su-ic-ide ideation, depression, mental health, mild PTSD, negative self-talk, violence, death, war, ex-plic-it intimate/spicy scenes]
May 2023 promises to be a fantastic month for fantasy readers, with so many new and exciting releases to choose from. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting worlds of these captivating fantasy novels!
Make sure you add the ones you like to your TBR pile! Which ones do you like the look of? Let me know in the comments☺️
