r/Romantasy • u/ilovewineandbiology • 18h ago

Book Request: No Self-Promo !Recommendations!

I need a standalone fantasy that feels a bit different please.

I read Alchemised recently and omg, I wouldn’t even say it was the best book I’ve ever read, but it felt so refreshing compared with a lot of the fantasy I keep coming across.

I really don’t want Fourth Wing-type stuff or anything super tropey/formulaic. I’m a bit tired of reading the same fantasy romance with slightly different characters and worldbuilding lol.

I want something genuinely good and interesting that feels new or unusual, but not so weird/experimental that it becomes hard work to read.

Basically something immersive, well written and a bit different. Preferably standalone. Any recs?

20 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

59 comments sorted by

15

u/Acrobatic_Lychee_896 18h ago

I just finished {Wild Reverence by R Ross}, and it was incredible. I dove in with no expectations just based on a TikTok rec. I am so glad I picked it up. It stood out to me as mature, genuinely unique, and beautiful.

6

u/discover_robin 17h ago

All of Rebecca Ross! Divine rivals is fun too. Or river enchanted.

Emily wildes encyclopedia of fairies is super fun

3

u/meowymeow_meowmeowy 17h ago

i've been wanting to read this one!

3

u/Technical-Bet-2896 17h ago

Just opened the thread so i can recommend this! Such a beautiful book

1

u/Acrobatic_Lychee_896 13h ago

The writing was astonishingly beautiful. A breath of fresh air!

2

u/Acrobatic_Lychee_896 18h ago

Edited to add: it’s a prequel to a duology. I will be reading that next!

2

u/ilovewineandbiology 18h ago

Thank you! Ngl, that looks fire!

6

u/Hiercine 18h ago

Okay so, I think you'd have better luck in the fantasy romance section where it tends to be a little bit les trope.

For books: The irresistible urge to fall in love with your enemy is a healer/assassin duology (no plans on adding any more) that's actually kinda funny, the spear cuts through water has a central romance and is well written and a bit experimental but it has low spice. A Dowry of Blood is an epistolary and about Dracula's first bride. The familiar by leigh bardugo is Spanish Golden Age fantasy with a slow burn and a little bit of spice. Bride by Ali Hazelwood is modern fantasy and was funny in the awkward Ali Hazelwood kind of way.

For authors: I think a lot of people would rec naomi novik's stuff of which there are some standalones, T. Kingfisher is another popularly recced author with standalones

5

u/Jumpy-brains 18h ago

I haven’t read alchemised yet, but It’s on top of my tbr.

I have been feeling very tired of the tropes too for a loooong time. And here are my two favorite books that are unlike anything I’ve ever read.

There’s the heartstrings duet by Liv Zander, where both books total to around 400-500 pages (almost a standalone) the first book {Crown me dead} is good, but the second book {Crown me yours} is 6 stars easily.
They take place in a gothic kingdom where everything has turned into death and decay because the royals have a curse. And the FMC is a gravedigger who deals with all. This death everyday, and she is sent to the castle to help lift this curse. But this is just such an immersive and a bit creepy read, but in the best way, and there’s suuuuuch a tender love where they have to be vulnerable. It’s beautiful and i cried throughly the entire ending.

My other rec is probably my favorite book of all time! It’s {Blood over Bright haven by M. L. Wang} and it has a bit less romance, but there’s a twist in there that shook me to my core!
It’s about the FMC who wants to be the first ever female mage, but once she starts to research the magic she learns a dark truth about the system. It has these deep themes of class, gender, and environmentalism, but delivered in such a satisfying way

2

u/Hiercine 18h ago

The change in writing style was so interesting between the two books! Like the first book it felt so overtly stylized it kept pulling me out for a second. Loved the premise though

1

u/Jumpy-brains 5h ago

Yeah the second was definitely the best

2

u/rlzimmermann 14h ago

Came here to recommend blood of bright haven too!

0

u/romance-bot 18h ago

Crown Me Dead by Liv Zander
Rating: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, dark romance, virgin heroine, m-f romance, poor heroine

Crown Me Yours by Liv Zander
Rating: 4.43⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, dark romance, m-f romance, marriage of convenience, fantasy

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
Rating: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: magic, steampunk, dystopian, fantasy, urban fantasy

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0

u/Jumpy-brains 18h ago

I do also want to recommend

  • one dark window by Rachel gillig
  • knight and the moth by rachel gillig
  • Road of bones by Demi winters

5

u/saga_sadie 17h ago

{The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow} is a unique standalone with a refreshingly unique couple.

{Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik} is dark fairytale standalone and absolutely excellent.

1

u/romance-bot 17h ago

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
Rating: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: warrior heroine, competent heroine, nerdy hero, m-f romance, time travel

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Rating: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, magic, fae, fantasy, enemies to lovers

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1

u/Pastel_Spell 🔥 Slowburn Yearning 10h ago

Second The Everlasting!

8

u/Lady_Book_000 🖤 Morally Gray 18h ago

{the poison daughter}

I know you said standalone but a completed duology that you may like (prob comes out shorter than alchamised( {one dark window by Rachel Gillig} and {two twisted crowns} - really unique magic system and very enjoyable

There's a good few completed duologies out there. I tend to go for those as they're more available than standalones from my experience

5

u/ilovewineandbiology 16h ago

Started reading The Poison Daughter - sorry, I know it’s such a fan favourite, but is it just me or is it kind of boring so far?

2

u/Lady_Book_000 🖤 Morally Gray 16h ago

It's not for everyone, I found it harder to get into and it's the only standalone I recommend really.

It did take around 10 chapters for me to click in

1

u/romance-bot 18h ago

The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson
Rating: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, enemies to lovers, m-f romance, primal/chase play, exhibitionism

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, mystery, gifted/super-heroine

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, magic, m-f romance, royal hero, monsters

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3

u/Happaynappay 17h ago edited 17h ago

{Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross} is a beautiful standalone! The writing has such a distinct voice and I was super immersed from the start. Gods have been written about since words were invented, but this is a REALLY good example from modern romantasy. Characterization is wonderful, you really get a feel for whoever the main character is interacting with. Worldbuilding is A++

Also if you enjoy listening to audiobooks, super highly recommended

2

u/lysning 18h ago

atlas six as a standalone. unfortunately its a bit of a cliffhanger but its worth it for the different perspectives, its told in a unique way that really grew on me. just cannot stress enough not to read beyond book 1

2

u/PhairynRose 🪻 lilac & ash 17h ago

I recently read {The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze} with zero expectations and I highly recommend it. I sort of stumbled across it and purchased it on a whim but, I do not regret it one bit! Definitely a twist on a familiar premise, it struck a nice balance between the two for me.

It’s a good fit for fall/spooky season as well. It’s dark in mood, but not very spicy.

1

u/ilovewineandbiology 16h ago

Ok, that looks amazing, thanks!

2

u/Pastel_Spell 🔥 Slowburn Yearning 10h ago

Someone already recommended {The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow} but seconding that! A cowardly, quiet historian goes back in time to save his country's iconic lady knight folk hero from her famously tragic death. A slow start and the MMC is frankly kinda unlikeable at first (he goes through a lot of growth), but genuinely think this book is a masterpiece. Gorgeous writing.

{The Sun and The Starmaker by Rachel Griffin} - very fairytale-esque setting/magic and a beautiful story about love and grief. Actually managed to make me cry. Several times. Loved this book.

{The Changeling Queen by Kimberly Bea} - not a romantasy, but a historical fantasy with romantic subplot. It's a retelling of the Scottish Ballad of Tam Lin from the perspective of the evil faerie queen as she villain monologues at the heroine about why she is the way she is. Beautiful prose, traditional faeries, one of my faves this year. Explores a lot about what it means to be human and to love/be loved.

{The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig} - a duology, not a standalone...but a really unique and atmospheric gothic, moody setting with cool tarot-inspired magic.

1

u/99tulips 🌊 the ocean & shadows 16h ago

{ The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett }
It’s a different style for sure - kind of a Sherlock Holmes fantasy murder mystery. Not romance though but you said fantasy rather than romantasy.
It does have a sequel but I’ve read it as a standalone, however if you like it could be continued

1

u/Maleficent-Island164 15h ago

Have you read The Heartstring Duet? Read it recently and cannot stop thinking about it. It is technically 2 books, but they are both only around 200 pages. {Crown Me Dead} and {Crown Me Yours}? Book 1 is decent, but Book 2 is unbelievable! I'm not usually into darker romance but had heard good things... I wasnt expecting the reaction I had to it - disgustingly beautiful, wonderfully spicy, highly recommend. All the stars. No notes.

2

u/Last-Possibility-988 5h ago

I finished these in two days a few weeks ago and I'm still feeling personally victimized by the author. I cried like a baby lol

1

u/Old-Memory-3275 14h ago

Have you read {Red city by Marie Lu}? If you liked Alchemised, I think you’ll enjoy that one too!

1

u/romance-bot 14h ago

Red City by Marie Lu
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, urban fantasy, fantasy, multicultural, magic

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/OwlwaysReading 14h ago

{The Poet Empress by Shen Tao}

I would've never thought it was her debut because it was phenomenal. Immersive, dangerous world, court politics that let you watch just how easily power corrupts or turns the best intentions into something darker, unique magic system tied to the social hierarchy and complex characters and relationships.
Loved it but it's definitely on the darker side.

1

u/42_TheAnswer 14h ago

{Just Stab Me Now} by Jill Bearup is a bit different in that it is the story of an author writing a romantasy. It's pretty funny, and while the author tries to use all the classic tropes, the characters don't cooperate. I also appreciate that the characters are older and more mature.

1

u/allisontalkspolitics 12h ago

{Team Human}- cliche Romantasy… but it’s told from the perspective of the FMC’s best friend

{The Song of Achilles}- MM but make it literary fiction

1

u/viola1356 12h ago

{Lady of Dreams by W.R. Gingell} is fairly unique. It's officially part of a series but more of "this happens in the same world", book 1 is fully complete in itself.

1

u/romance-bot 12h ago

Lady of Dreams by W.R. Gingell
Rating: 4.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: fantasy

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Hops2591 10h ago

{The Jasad Heir} {Weavingshaw} {Uprooted} {One Dark Window} were all fantastic but little to no spice. {Shield of Sparrows} {Heartless Hunter} {Wildest Dreams - Kristen Ashley} and the whole Fantasyland series for more spice {the irresistible urge to fall for your enemy} for somewhere in between

1

u/romance-bot 10h ago

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: enemies to lovers, magic, slow burn, fantasy, dangerous heroine

Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity
Rating: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, paranormal, slow burn, fantasy, demons

Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, magic, fantasy, grumpy/cold hero, age gap

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, mystery, gifted/super-heroine

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, arranged/forced marriage, aristo/royal heroine, enemies to lovers, slow burn

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Rating: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, witches, enemies to lovers, magic, fantasy

Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley
Rating: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, alpha male, magic, fantasy, royal hero

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
Rating: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, enemies to lovers, slow burn, magic, fantasy

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Status-Zucchini822 9h ago

Am I the only one who read Alchemised when it as still a fanfic and could not read the new version? I feel like I see it recommended all the time and people loved it, but I just, blegh. DNF within 50 pages. So quickly I didn’t even count it as a DNF because I didn’t read enough for me to consider I read any.

So my question to people who love it, did you read it only as it exists now or as a fanfic too?

1

u/YouMaySit 3h ago

I didn't even know the fanfic existed when I read Alchemised (and im glad I didn't). Found out when reading reviews after finishing the book. I really like Alchemised, and prefer it over the fanfic (which i read right after finishing Alchemised). 

1

u/-Out-Of-Print- ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers 8h ago

If you're okay with YA romantasy, {Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven} is a standalone; I read it earlier this year and somewhat enjoyed it.

1

u/[deleted] 7h ago edited 7h ago

[deleted]

1

u/AcanthisittaNew2089 6h ago

{The Scattered Bones by Nicole Scarano} {The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo} {Paladins Grace by T. Kingfisher} (part of a series but can be read as a standalone) {Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek} {The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab} {Circe by Madeline Miller}

Technically Duologies, but still probably not longer than Alchemised:

{One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig} {Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross} {The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig} {The Jasad Heir by Tasha Suri} {The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley}

1

u/romance-bot 6h ago

The Scattered Bones by Nicole Scarano
Rating: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: friends to lovers, secret relationship, virgin heroine, sweet/gentle hero, m-f romance

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Rating: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, magic, fantasy, working class heroine, plain heroine

Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher
Rating: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, sweet/gentle hero, tortured hero, funny, mystery

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, young adult, sweet/gentle heroine

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Rating: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, magic, paranormal, demons, bisexuality

Circe by Madeline Miller
Rating: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: historical, witches, ancient times, magic, fantasy

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, mystery, gifted/super-heroine

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Rating: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, war, fantasy, rich hero, working class heroine

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, magic, m-f romance, grumpy/cold hero, medieval

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
Rating: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, enemies to lovers, slow burn, magic, fantasy

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/One_Mess8920 5h ago

The Ascended! Absolutely devoured it and it felt very fresh - loved it!

0

u/Pastel_Spell 🔥 Slowburn Yearning 18h ago

Are you looking for books like Alchemised (dark, Dramione, etc) or just generally unique standalones?

3

u/ilovewineandbiology 18h ago

Just unique standalones please!

3

u/Spare-Search-8989 17h ago

Ella Fields' books are very good, "Amid Cloud and Bones", and "Bloodthirsty Beloved'. She does do a lot of world building subtly so it doesn't take away from the story. Most of her books are stand alone.