Australian fantasy books worth your time

If you’ve been a fan of Australian fantasy books since you first discovered Garth Nix or Isobelle Carmody, you’ll know how exhilarating this genre can be.

The only limit is a writer’s (and your) imagination, leading to worlds filled with vampires, dragons, magic, witches, hobbits, werewolves and mermaids. And so. Much. More.

We know how exciting it is to find a new book to get lost in, so here’s a list of electrifying Australian fantasy books to add to your bookshelf (or borrow from your campus library).

Note: if this is your first foray into fantasy, be aware that this genre can sometimes be dark, descriptive and confronting. Be sure to check the content warnings beforehand to make sure these books are right for you.

10 exciting Australian fantasy books

1. We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson

Devin Madson is an Aurealis Award-winning fantasy author known for writing witty banter, epic battle scenes and characters with questionable morals.

Told through multiple points-of-view, We Ride the Storm features a prisoner princess, a stabby assassin and an exiled warrior as they navigate an impending war.

Described as “breathtaking, brilliant and bloody,” prepare yourself for multiple plot twists and political warfare in this grimdark fantasy.

Don’t stop there – if you love this book, dive into the rest of the series! It’s complete, so you won’t be left tearing your hair out thanks to an unexpected cliffhanger.

2. The Blood-Born Dragon by J.C. Rycroft

Many fantasy readers wouldn’t miss a book about dragons, and for good reason – they’re pretty cool. (Or hot. Because fire.)

If this is you, then check out The Blood-Born Dragon by J.C. Rycroft. Not only will you follow the story of snarky baby dragon, Squid, but also a sellsword named Des – who just so happens to be bound to Squid by blood.

Throw in an enemies-to-lovers queer romance with plenty of angst and this fantasy book becomes near impossible to put down.

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3. The Will of The Many by James Islington

Described as ‘Dark academia meets The Hunger Games,’ this award-winning book isn’t one to pick up at night (unless you’re happy to read until the early hours of the morning).

You’ll follow the journey of a young fugitive who needs to rise through the elite Catenan Academy’s ranks to survive.

Fair warning: be prepared for plenty of twists and turns – and a cliffhanger ending!

4. The Witch Who Courted Death by Maria Lewis

The Witch Who Courted Death features a strong female protagonist who can speak with the dead.

But you won’t just find mediums and ghosts in this dramatic tale. Grab your broom and buckle in to experience an array of supernatural beings, including goblins, werewolves, shifters, crones, ghouls and (just in case you couldn’t tell from the title) a legendary witch.

If you enjoy fantasy books with a good dose of mystery and romance, this one is for you. Keep an eye out for some nods to Australia and fun pop culture references.

5. He Who Fights with Monsters by Travis Deverell

When it comes to Australian fantasy books, author Travis Deverell (also known as Shirlatoon) has done something special.

He took an office supplies store middle manager main character and turned him into a heroic interdimensional adventurer.

And more than ten books later – all with exceptionally high reviews on Goodreads – Deverell is still going strong in the LitRPG genre. Short for literary role-playing game, LitRPG combines fantasy with the strategic elements of role-playing games. Characters can literally ‘level up’ and unlock new abilities, visit other worlds and complete quests.

6. Lexicon by Max Barry

Not a big fan of monsters, magic and supernatural creatures? Lexicon by Max Barry leans more towards science fiction, while still offering plenty of adventure and thrills.

In Lexicon, words aren’t just tools for communication. Instead, ‘poets’ use specific words that can cause people to drop all their defences and become completely suggestible.

Not only is Lexicon written by an Australian fantasy author, but a small Australian town is featured in the novel. It’s completely decimated, but still. Famous.

7. Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

Fantasy meets historical fiction in this powerful Rapunzel retelling.

Described as a “breathtaking tale of desire, black magic and the redemptive power of love”, Bitter Greens is told from the perspectives of three different women seeking independence in their own ways.

At nearly 600 pages, Kate Forsyth has done something many Australian fantasy authors do – written an epic book. If you’re struggling to make time for enjoyable hobbies such as reading, you might need an effective study plan!

8. The Rook by Daniel O’Malley

What would you do if you woke up in a park surrounded by bodies with no idea who you were? And then you discovered you had a rare, potentially deadly, supernatural ability and a secret organisation was out to get you?

That’s exactly what happens to protagonist Myfanwy Thomas in The Rook.

Throw in a few weird and wonderful creatures and you’ve got a thrilling paranormal fantasy in your hands.

9. The Magician’s Guild by Trudi Canavan

Craving a book with magicians and sorcery? Zero romance but beautiful friendships? Strong worldbuilding?

Look no further. You found it.

The Magician’s Guild is the first book of the Black Magician Trilogy, so you won’t even need to worry about a book hangover! More good news: the second and third books get even better.

10. Eon: Dragoneye Reborn and Eona: The Last Dragoneye by Alison Goodman

What’s better than one fantasy book?

Two fantasy books.

In this New York Times bestselling fantasy duology, twelve-year-old Eon has a dangerous secret. He’s been training for years for the chance to become a Dragoneye – an apprentice to an energy dragon.

However, Eon is actually Eona, a teenage girl who’s forbidden to become a Dragoneye warrior. And she faces certain death if her secret is discovered.

Eona’s story continues in the second book – be prepared to jump straight back into the action!