The best 9 Standalone Fantasy books

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Standalone Fantasy Books: Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin

Fevre Dream

George R. R. Martin

What's Fevre Dream about?

Fevre Dream is a gripping novel set in the 19th century, where steamboats rule the Mississippi River and a dark secret lurks beneath the surface. Written by George R. R. Martin, this tale intertwines history and horror as it follows a steamboat captain who forms an unlikely partnership with a vampire in a quest to change the fate of their kind.

Who should read Fevre Dream?

  • Readers who enjoy a unique and dark take on vampire lore

  • Fans of historical fiction with a supernatural twist

  • Those interested in exploring themes of power, morality, and the human condition


2
Standalone Fantasy Books: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman

Good Omens

Neil Gaiman

What's Good Omens about?

Good Omens is a humorous and thought-provoking novel that tells the story of an angel and a demon who team up to prevent the apocalypse. Written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, this book explores themes of free will, friendship, and the nature of good and evil in a delightfully witty and entertaining manner.

Who should read Good Omens?

  • Readers who enjoy witty and irreverent humor

  • Those interested in exploring the nature of good and evil

  • Fans of Neil Gaiman's unique storytelling style


3
Standalone Fantasy Books: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld

Patricia A. McKillip

What's The Forgotten Beasts of Eld about?

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Sybel, a powerful sorceress who lives alone on a mountain with magical creatures. When a man brings her a baby to raise, Sybel is drawn into a world of love, betrayal, and power struggles. As she navigates these challenges, she must confront her own inner demons and decide the fate of the forgotten beasts.

Who should read The Forgotten Beasts of Eld?

  • Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with rich world-building and complex characters

  • Those who appreciate lyrical and evocative writing that immerses them in a magical realm

  • People who are drawn to stories that explore themes of power, love, and the choices that shape our destinies


4
Standalone Fantasy Books: Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

Elantris

Brandon Sanderson

What's Elantris about?

Elantris is a captivating fantasy novel set in the magical city of Elantris. When the once-glorious city is cursed and its inhabitants turned into living dead, a prince, a princess, and a priest must uncover the secrets of Elantris and fight to restore it to its former glory. With intricate world-building and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for any fantasy fan.

Who should read Elantris?

  • Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with intricate world-building and magic systems

  • Fans of Brandon Sanderson's other works, such as the Mistborn series or The Stormlight Archive

  • Those who appreciate complex characters and political intrigue in their fantasy novels


5
Standalone Fantasy Books: The Folding Knife by K. J. Parker

The Folding Knife

K. J. Parker

What's The Folding Knife about?

The Folding Knife is a gripping tale of power, politics, and betrayal set in a fantasy world reminiscent of Renaissance Europe. The story follows the ambitious and cunning protagonist, Basso, as he rises to become the most powerful man in the city-state of Mezentio. Filled with intricate schemes and unexpected twists, this novel delves into the complexities of leadership and the consequences of one's choices.

Who should read The Folding Knife?

  • Readers who enjoy complex and morally ambiguous characters

  • Those interested in political intrigue and power struggles

  • People who appreciate clever and unpredictable plot twists


6
Standalone Fantasy Books: Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

Elantris

Brandon Sanderson

What's Elantris about?

Elantris is a captivating fantasy novel set in a city once blessed with magical power, but now cursed and in ruins. As political intrigue and religious conflict unfold, three unlikely heroes must uncover the secrets of Elantris and restore it to its former glory. With rich world-building and complex characters, this book will keep you hooked until the very end.

Who should read Elantris?

  • Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with intricate world-building and magic systems

  • Fans of Brandon Sanderson's other works, such as the Mistborn series or The Stormlight Archive

  • Those looking for a story with complex characters and political intrigue


7
Standalone Fantasy Books: Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin

Fevre Dream

George R. R. Martin

What's Fevre Dream about?

Fevre Dream is a captivating novel by George R. R. Martin that combines elements of historical fiction and vampire lore. Set in 1857, it follows the journey of a steamboat captain who forms an unlikely partnership with a mysterious and charismatic vampire. As they navigate the treacherous waters of the Mississippi River, they become embroiled in a dangerous game that will test their loyalty and ultimately lead to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion.

Who should read Fevre Dream?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and atmospheric storytelling

  • Fans of vampire fiction with a unique twist

  • Those interested in exploring themes of power, morality, and the human condition


8
Standalone Fantasy Books: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld

Patricia A. McKillip

What's The Forgotten Beasts of Eld about?

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Sybel, a powerful sorceress who lives alone on a mountain with magical creatures. When a man brings a baby to her and asks her to raise him, Sybel's life takes an unexpected turn. The book explores themes of love, power, and the choices we make, and it is filled with beautiful prose and enchanting storytelling.

Who should read The Forgotten Beasts of Eld?

  • Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with strong female protagonists

  • Those who appreciate lyrical and poetic writing styles

  • People who are drawn to stories with intricate and magical world-building


9
Standalone Fantasy Books: The Folding Knife by K. J. Parker

The Folding Knife

K. J. Parker

What's The Folding Knife about?

The Folding Knife is a gripping tale of ambition, power, and betrayal set in a richly detailed fantasy world. The story follows the life of Basso, a shrewd and ruthless politician who rises to become the most powerful man in the city. As he navigates political intrigue and personal relationships, the novel explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.

Who should read The Folding Knife?

  • Readers who enjoy complex and morally ambiguous characters

  • Those interested in political intrigue and power struggles

  • People who appreciate well-crafted and immersive world-building


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 FAQs 

What's the best Standalone Fantasy book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Fevre Dream as the ultimate read on Standalone Fantasy.

What are the Top 10 Standalone Fantasy books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin
  • Good Omens by Neil Gaiman
  • The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip
  • Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
  • The Folding Knife by K. J. Parker
  • Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
  • Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin
  • The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip
  • The Folding Knife by K. J. Parker

Who are the top Standalone Fantasy book authors?

When it comes to Standalone Fantasy, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • George R. R. Martin
  • Neil Gaiman
  • Patricia A. McKillip
  • Brandon Sanderson
  • K. J. Parker