Incredible New Release Fantasy Books in May 2024!
Best new release fantasy books in May 2024!
Looking for your next fantasy read in May 2024?
Check out our list of the best fantasy books this month featuring action-packed adventures, captivating characters, and fantastical worlds that will keep you turning pages.
Hope you find something new to add to your TBR!
*This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend. If you make a purchase through these links I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
May 7th
1. The Silverblood Promise (The Last Legacy #1) by James Logan
Fantasy | Adult | Epic Fantasy | High Fantasy | Mystery
Lukan Gardova is a cardsharp, academy dropout, and―thanks to a duel that ended badly―the disgraced heir to an ancient noble house. His days consist of cheap wine, rigged card games, and wondering how he might win back the life he threw away.
When Lukan discovers that his estranged father has been murdered in strange circumstances, he finds fresh purpose. Deprived of his chance to make amends for his mistakes, he vows to unravel the mystery behind his father's death.
His search for answers leads him to Saphrona, fabled city of merchant princes, where anything can be bought if one has the coin. Lukan only seeks the truth, but instead he finds danger and secrets in every shadow.
For in Saphrona, everything has a price―and the price of truth is the deadliest of all.
2. The Deer and the Dragon by Piper C.J
Fantasy | Adult | Fantasy Romance | Mythology | Fae | Paranormal Romance
The deities you call aren't always the ones who answer. Marlow needs to believe she's crazy. The alternative would mean embracing the gift―or curse―shared by her mother and she can see angels and demons, including a dark and haunting entity who's been with Marlow her entire life.
At least, she believes that's all he is until a fae from the Nordic pantheon strolls into her life and informs her that she's been sharing a bed with the Prince of Hell. A Prince who's now gone missing. Before she knows it, Marlow is deeply entangled in a centuries-old war, stumbling straight into a battleground between mighty beings of myth and legend from powerful pantheons around the world.
And who will come out on top may just depend on her and the love she never dared to believe in.
May 9th
3. Snowblooded by Emma Sterner-Radley
Fantasy | Adult | Historical Fiction | 18th Century Scandinavia | LGBT
The Princess Bride meets Six of Crows in this uproarious fantasy debut set in 18th century Scandinavia full of assassins, magic potions, romance and rivalry.
Valour and Petrichor are esteemed members of the Order of Axsten, an assassin’s guild tasked with keeping order in the rough city of Vinterstock. Plucked from the streets as children and raised to compete for their guild’s approval, Valour uses her brawn to survive, while Petrichor strives to be a gentleman assassin. When they’re given their biggest job yet—to kill Brandquist, the mysterious leader of the city's illegal magic trade—it’s a recipe for disaster. If they can quell their rivalry long enough, the reward will be enough to settle their debts with the Order and start new lives.
If this job wasn’t dangerous enough, Valour is saddled with protecting the aristocrat, Ingrid Rytterdahl. Valour finds her dangerously attractive, but Petrichor can’t wait to be rid of them both. He begrudgingly accepts Ingrid’s knowledge and connections as they navigate the city’s criminal underbelly in pursuit of Brandquist.
As secrets bubble to the surface, the duo must outwit the thugs on their tail, keep Ingrid alive, and—hardest of all—work together without murdering each other.
May 14th
4. The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
Fantasy | Adult | Cozy Fantasy | Witches | Romance | LGBT | Lesbian
The Honey Witch of Innisfree can never find true love. That is her curse to bear. But when a young woman who doesn’t believe in magic arrives on her island, sparks fly in this deliciously sweet debut novel of magic, hope, and love overcoming all.
Twenty-one-year-old Marigold Claude has always preferred the company of the spirits of the meadow to any of the suitors who’ve tried to woo her. So when her grandmother whisks her away to the family cottage on the tiny Isle of Innisfree with an offer to train her as the next Honey Witch, she accepts immediately. But her newfound magic and independence come with a No one can fall in love with the Honey Witch.
When Lottie Burke, a notoriously grumpy skeptic who doesn’t believe in magic, shows up on her doorstep, Marigold can’t resist the challenge to prove to her that magic is real. But soon, Marigold begins to care for Lottie in ways she never expected. And when darker magic awakens and threatens to destroy her home, she must fight for much more than her new home—at the risk of losing her magic and her heart.
5. Road to Ruin (Magebike Courier #1) by Hana Lee
Fantasy | Adult | Dystopian | LGBT | Lesbian | Sci-fi Fantasy
An electrifying, gritty fantasy from debut author Hana Lee that takes a royal messenger on a high-speed chase across a climate-ravaged wasteland, featuring motorcycles, monsters, and magic.
Jin-Lu has the most dangerous job in the wasteland. She’s a magebike courier, one of the few who venture outside the domed cities on motorcycles powered by magic. Every day, she braves the wasteland’s dangers—deadly storms, roving marauders, and territorial beasts—to deliver her wares.
Her most valuable cargo? A prince’s love letters addressed to Yi-Nereen, a princess desperate to escape the clutches of her abusive family and soon-to-be husband. Jin, desperately in love with both her and the prince, can’t refuse Yi-Nereen’s plea for help. The two of them flee across the wastes, pursued by Yi-Nereen’s furious father, her scheming betrothed, and a bounty hunter with mysterious powers.
A storm to end all storms is brewing and dark secrets about the heritability of magic are coming to light. Jin’s heart has led her into peril before, but this time she may not find her way back.
6. When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
Fantasy Sci-fi | Adult | Urban Fantasy | Dystopian | Novella
Step into a city where monsters feast on human emotions, knights split their souls to make their weapons, and witches always take more than they give.
Pain is Dymitr’s calling. To slay the monsters he’s been raised to kill, he had to split his soul in half to make a sword from his own spine. Every time he draws it, he gets blood on his hands.
Pain is Ala’s inheritance. When her mother died, a family curse to witness horrors committed by the Holy Order was passed onto her. The curse will claim her life, as it did her mother’s, unless she can find a cure.
One fateful night in Chicago, Dymitr comes to Ala with a bargain: her help in finding the legendary witch Baba Jaga in exchange for an enchanted flower that just might cure her. Desperate, and unaware of what Dymitr really is, Ala agrees.
But they only have one day before the flower dies . . . and Ala's hopes of breaking the curse along with it.
7. I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle
Fantasy | Adult | Dragons | Humor | Adventure
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Unicorn comes a new novel with equal amounts of power and whimsy in which a loveable cast of characters trapped within their roles of dragon hunter, princess, and more must come together to take their fates into their own hands.
Dragons are common in the backwater kingdom of Bellemontagne, coming in sizes from mouse-like vermin all the way up to castle-smashing monsters. Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax (who would much rather people call him Robert) has recently inherited his deceased dad’s job as a dragon catcher/exterminator, a career he detests with all his heart in part because he likes dragons, feeling a kinship with them, but mainly because his dream has always been the impossible one of transcending his humble origin to someday become a prince's valet. Needless to say, fate has something rather different in mind…
8. The Amethyst Kingdom (The Five Crowns of Okrith #5) by A.K. Mulford
Fantasy | Adult | High Fantasy | Fantasy Romance | Fae
In the fifth and final novel in the Five Crowns of Okrith romantasy series from bestselling author A.K. Mulford, a young fae warrior is hellbent on winning the Eastern Court crown, but when her fated lover—and hated nemesis—Ersan enters the trials she struggles to balance the competition and the chance at love. The crown is calling her name, but can her head bear the weight when passion sets her heart racing?
Carys Hilgaard has grown tremendously through her years; no longer is she the vapid, prejudicial fae who drowned herself in wine. At least, she wants to believe that’s true. Training has kept her balanced and open-minded—traits of a promising ruler. So, when the time comes for the Eastern Court trials to commence, her mind is set on one objective: win the crown and become the people’s queen. If she doesn’t, it puts the only family she has left—her halfling sister, Morgan, and her niece and two nephews—in danger.
But the gods have different plans. Lord Ersan Almah, her ex-boyfriend and fated mate, has entered the competition, vying for the kingdom himself—and hoping it’s enough to cure his heart after losing Carys. To make matters worse, Adisa Monroe, a devious witch, searches for mind-controlling amethyst seeds and plans to attack the Eastern Court on the night of the full moon, jeopardizing the entire kingdom of Okrith.
When incandescent hearts rekindle for a second chance at destined love, Carys must learn to let her lingering past go in order to protect her kingdom, the people she cares for, and fight for hope…if not, everything could collapse into ashes.
Read Book #1- The High Mountain Court
9. The Hedge Witch by Colleen Delaney
Fantasy | Adult | Paranormal Romance | Witches
A Beltane spell reveals a prophecy that will change their lives…
Laurel Bay is the third of five witchy sisters living a sweet life on Star Island; she runs a tarot reading business, depends on her sisters to pay her bills, and spends her free time jumping into the Hedge World, a realm few witches can access. But when a great love from a past life comes to her, Laurel is blinded by her need to find him-she throws all caution to the wind and ends up stalked by a vengeful witch she can't remember.
Owen Davies is stuck. His powers as a son of a witch are minimal, he's surrounded by morally gray water witches, and he's aching to find his soulmate-so much so that he has a storage unit full of furniture he's built for the mystery woman. Then a fateful vacation lands him in Laurel's garden and their paths are finally intertwined.
With witches after Laurel's powers and buried secrets unearthed, circumstances begin to mirror their heartbreaking past life. But this time around, Laurel and Owen refuse to be separated-not by time, not by a witch, not by death.
May 17th
10. Castle of the Wolf Goddess by T. C. Emerys
Fantasy | Adult | Grimdark | Epic Fantasy | Arthurian Legend | Celtic Mythology
Castle of Wolf Goddess is a grimdark, epic fantasy full of magic, folklore and political tension.
As the land burns and the sky smoulders orange, Albion comes to the brink of war once more. A conclave for peace is called, but can anyone really be trusted with usurpers and invaders at the table? Cadwgan fights to keep his freedom in court of the North. Annowre battles for her life and her powers. Triffyn must reclaim his kingdom. Howyl must learn to live under the new regime or face the wrath of the power-hungry King Arthur.And their foe, the indomitable Green King, is regrouping, and only the power of the goddesses themselves can stop him.
Fans of Game of Thrones, The Witcher and The Poppy War will love this gritty, fast-paced sequel to Sky of Ancient Fire, the second book in this four book series.
Read Book #1- Sky of Ancient Fire
11. Bloodfeather Heartsong (Blood Song Trilogy #2) by Amber L. Werner
Fantasy | Adult | Epic fantasy | Fantasy Adventure | Romance
The fate of Dracwood hangs in the balance as the hunt for the last dragon eggs unfolds…
Violet’s dream of a life filled with adventure was granted. With friends by her side, she sails into the unknown, desperate to find the mythical creatures long thought extinct. But when the powers she’s meant to inherit fail her, will she have the resilience to continue?
After finding the one he was tasked with discovering, Ryon is determined to return home and save his brother, no matter what obstacles lay ahead. Yet when unexpected revelations surface, even the strongest magic he possesses may falter.Nox lost his best friend and gained an enemy. He vows to keep his foe close, uncertain if he’ll live to regret it. Then fate takes an unexpected turn, and Nox is left reeling. Can he adapt, or will the changes drive him mad? What’s worse, they’re on the run and the threat of capture lurks at every turn. Can they save the eggs, or will the dragons vanish into oblivion?
Don’t miss the pulse pounding sequel to Bloodfeather Lullaby. Perfect for fans of Mistborn and Shadow and Bone, this epic tale is filled with dangerous magic, animal companions, slow-burn romance, and fast-paced fantasy adventure.
Read Book #1- Bloodfeather Lullaby
May 21st
12. Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel
Fantasy | Adult | Retelling of Ganga, River Goddess | Hindu Mythology | Historical Fiction
A powerful reimagining of the story of Ganga, goddess of the river, and her doomed mortal son, from Vaishnavi Patel, author of the instant New York Times bestseller Kaikeyi .
A mother and a son. A goddess and a prince. A curse and an oath. A river whose course will change the fate of the world.
Ganga, joyful goddess of the river, serves as caretaker to the mischievous godlings who roam her banks. But when their antics incur the wrath of a powerful sage, Ganga is cursed to become mortal, bound to her human form until she fulfills the obligations of the curse.
Though she knows nothing of mortal life, Ganga weds King Shantanu and becomes a queen, determined to regain her freedom no matter the cost. But in a cruel turn of fate, just as she is freed of her binding, she is forced to leave her infant son behind.
Her son, prince Devavrata, unwittingly carries the legacy of Ganga’s curse. And when he makes an oath that he will never claim his father’s throne, he sets in motion a chain of events that will end in a terrible and tragic war.
As the years unfold, Ganga and Devavrata are drawn together again and again, each confluence another step on a path that has been written in the stars, in this deeply moving and masterful tale of duty, destiny, and the unwavering bond between mother and son.
13. Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann
Fantasy | Adult | Paranormal Romance | LGBT | Contemporary Romance
Lucky Hart has an affinity for the supernatural, but almost no one takes parapsychology seriously. She’s estranged from her family, has lost her friends, and has been rejected from graduate school—twice. But her big break finally arrives when she gets insider info about a troubled production company. Every actor on their new show mysteriously quits after spending three nights inside Hennessee House, an old Victorian with a notorious reputation.
May 23rd
14. Song of the Mysteries (Wars of Light and Shadow #11) by Janny Wurts
Fantasy | Adult | Epic Fantasy | High Fantasy
The hugely anticipated final volume of The Wars of Light and Shadow brings this widely acclaimed, masterful epic fantasy series to its powerful, earth-shattering close.
In the final battle of Light against Shadow, warring factions prepare to meet the bare fist of Arithon’s fury, sparked by the execution of the innocent murdered by divine decree.
As the Fellowship Sorcerers clash with rebellious dragons bent on catastrophic annihilation, those faithful to the True Sect raise armies to extinguish the clans and fight a last, bloody conquest of the free wilds. All while the Prime Matriarch courts reckless power to seize charge of Mankind’s destiny.
As contention threatens to snap the final restraint of old Charter Law, bitter strife and vicious ambition threaten to revoke humanity’s right to inhabit the world. The only hope of survival for all lies in the recovery of the Paravians, those who last called Athera home before Mankind.
The true hearts of heroes will be challenged in the savage fires of conflict; Elaira and Daliana’s steadfast loyalties must rise against the odds or fall as Lysaer’s reckoning collides with the Mistwraith’s secretive machinations. But not before Elder Powers arise to claim their debt for a grievance spanning millennia . . .
Read Book #1- The Curse of the Mistwraith
May 28th
15. Evocation by S.T. Gibson
Fantasy | Adult | Urban Fantasy | Romance | LGBT | Polyamory | Sci-fi Fantasy
The Devil knows your name, David Aristarkhov.
As a teen, David Aristarkhov was a psychic prodigy, operating under the shadow of his oppressive occultist father. Now, years after his father’s death and rapidly approaching his thirtieth birthday, he is content with the high-powered life he’s curated as a Boston attorney, moonlighting as a powerful medium for his secret society.
But with power comes a price, and the Devil has come to collect on an ancestral deal. David’s days are numbered, and death looms at his door.
Reluctantly, he reaches out to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend and secret Society rival Rhys, for help. However, the only way to get to Rhys is through his wife, Moira. Thrust into each other’s care, emotions once buried deep resurface, and the trio race to figure out their feelings for one another before the Devil steals David away for good…
The first book in a spellbinding and vibrant new series from The Sunday Times bestselling author of A Dowry of Blood.
16. The Fireborne Blade (The Fireborne Blade #1) by Charlotte Bond
Fantasy | Adult | Dragons | Epic Fantasy | High Fantasy | LGBT | Novella
Kill the dragon. Find the blade. Reclaim her honor.
It’s that, or end up like countless knights before her, as a puddle of gore and molten armor.
Maddileh is a knight. There aren’t many women in her line of work, and it often feels like the sneering and contempt from her peers is harder to stomach than the actual dragon slaying. But she’s a knight, and made of sterner stuff.
A minor infraction forces her to redeem her honor in the most dramatic way possible, she must retrieve the fabled Fireborne Blade from its keeper, legendary dragon the White Lady, or die trying. If history tells us anything, it's that “die trying” is where to wager your coin.
Maddileh’s tale contains a rich history of dragons, ill-fated knights, scheming squires, and sapphic love, with deceptions and double-crosses that will keep you guessing right up to its dramatic conclusion. Ultimately, The Fireborne Blade is about the roles we refuse to accept, and of the place we make for ourselves in the world.
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☺️
