During the winter season, there’s nothing better than curling up with a book in a cozy place. It’s the perfect chance to explore an unknown world, chilling setting, or wintry themes. Wintry fantasy books offer an exciting escape while you stay safe and warm. Read on to explore the best fantasy books to read this winter!
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Spinning Silver kicks off this winter fantasy book list! It features cold creatures that haunt the woods and a setting that takes place primarily during winter. Miryem is forced to pick up the slack to support the family after her father’s bad decisions. She becomes known as someone who can turn silver into gold, which brings her more attention than she bargained for. I’m eager to read this rags to riches tale and find out more about Miryem’s ability and the consequences of her skill.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
This folklore fantasy takes place deep in the Russian forest where surviving the winter is a never-ending struggle. In this land, the families still believe in honoring the spirits of the house and woods to keep their protection. Vasya’s new stepmother forbids the family from following these traditions, so she must keep her unique ability to see and communicate with the spirits a secret. When danger starts to threaten, she defies her family and tradition to protect the village. I adored this unique story! The setting is chilling and the interaction between Vasya and the various spirits and demons is enthralling.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Another wintry fantasy novel based on a fairy tale. In The Snow Child, a young girl appears to a childless couple living in Alaska. She seems to come from the snow itself and flits in and out of their lives throughout the winter. As they grow closer to her and come to think of her as a daughter, they try to uncover her secrets and why she can’t bear any prolonged exposure to heat. This novel has an ethereal quality that is unlike anything else I’ve read.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
The opening scene of this young adult fantasy series takes place deep in a wintry wood. From there, readers are introduced to a faerie world where each season is represented by a different kingdom. This is an extremely fast-paced adventure about a human girl who is forced to live in the faerie world as a prisoner. I read all three books in less than two weeks because I had to find out how it ended!
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The nation of Ravka has been torn in two by an all-consuming darkness crawling with evil creatures. When a desperate attempt to save her best friend unleashes a special power, Alina becomes her country’s new hope. She is brought to the royal court to be trained as a Grisha, one of the magical elite. Leigh Bardugo is a prolific fantasy writer so you can’t go wrong giving this series a shot!
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
This 2019 new release is a fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Prince Rhen is cursed and forced to repeat autumn over and over again. Harper’s learned to be tough after dealing with a long lost father, dying mother, and the struggle of cerebral palsy. She’s thrown into Rhen’s world after attempting to help a stranger on the streets of D.C. This fantasy is receiving rave reviews so it’s at the top of my list of fantasy books to read this winter!
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
This is the classic series that comes to mind when you think of fantasy books to read during winter. Long winters and the horrors they bring are a central plot throughout this famous series. Although the books are still being written, you’ll need the extra time to read these lengthy tomes, so start now!
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Another winter fantasy classic for the younger readers is The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe series. Four children are accidentally pulled into the magical land of Narnia, which is ruled by a evil queen. The kingdom is cursed to remain in eternal winter. I grew up reading this series but still enjoy re-reading it every once in a while.
Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw
The newest book on this wintry fantasy book list is being published on November 5th! It takes place in snowy woods and features a boy and girl who each harbor their own secrets. Nora is rumored to be a witch due to her mysterious connection to the woods. Oliver miraculously survived a snowstorm that should have left him dead. With that intriguing premise, I think this will be a popular new release this winter!
Here’s also a fun list of fantasy books to read with kids.
What are your favorite fantasy books to read during winter?
If you’re looking for more fantasy books to read, check out my epic fantasy book recommendations based on the type of books you like to read!
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Rachel is an accountant living in Pennsylvania who spends all of her spare time reading, baking, and traveling the world. She loves talking about books with fellow bookworms, so she started her blog, Never Enough Novels to share book lists, mini reviews, and more! You can also connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
I’ve seen The Snow Child, but never knew anything about it. Your description makes me want to read it.
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