While lengthy fantasy novels are common, there are a select few that could genuinely benefit from additional pages. Many authors opt for expansive narratives to facilitate intricate world-building, develop multifaceted characters, and create engaging plots. However, shorter fantasy reads also exist and can be appealing, particularly for newcomers to the genre. These compact stories often provide fast-paced experiences, maintaining reader interest with dynamic twists. Although I typically do not critique the length of fantasy books, a handful of titles have left me wishing for more depth and elaboration.
8
Faebound (2024)
By Saara El-Arifi
Saara El-Arifi’s upcoming release, Faebound, captivates with its unique magic system and vibrant world. While the existing narrative is brisk and engaging, it leaves me yearning for further exploration. The intricacies of drum magic and obeah warrant a more extensive examination. Although sequels will undoubtedly delve deeper into these elements, I believe that Faebound would significantly benefit from additional pages dedicated to its world-building.
Moreover, the sapphic romance in the novel is intriguing, but its development could use more focus. As the story accelerates upon Yeeran’s arrival in Mosima, the political drama overshadows the personal connection between her and Furi. Their relationship occasionally feels secondary, missing out on building emotional stakes, despite both characters being compelling individuals. More pages could allow readers to fully immerse in their evolving dynamic.
7
Five Broken Blades (2024)
By Mai Corland
Five Broken Blades offers a swift and entertaining narrative, making it an excellent alternative to Six of Crows. However, the multitude of six points of view crammed into less than 500 pages does not do justice to its diverse cast. The rapid-fire twists are intended to make for a brisk read, but the intricacies of the characters deserve more attention. Longer chapters would allow readers to truly connect with the leads and explore the intricacies of their relationships outside the primary pairings.
Furthermore, the backdrop steeped in Korean folklore adds richness, yet I found myself craving a deeper understanding of this captivating world. The sequel, Four Ruined Realms, promises to expand on these elements, but the initial installment could have established many of them more firmly. King Joon, an enigmatic antagonist, is another character deserving of more exploration. A more extensive iteration of Five Broken Blades would be most welcome.
6
The Gilded Wolves (2018)
By Roshani Chokshi
Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves mirrors the concerns of Five Broken Blades regarding its multi-POV structure. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace filled with high-stakes action, but the characters, who are the heart of the story, often get lost amid the rapid transitions. While the book boasts two sequels, they too lean towards brevity compared to traditional epic fantasy.
| Books In The Gilded Wolves Series In Order | Release Year | Average Goodreads Rating |
|---|---|---|
| The Gilded Wolves | 2018 | 3.71 |
| The Silvered Serpents | 2020 | 4.08 |
| The Bronzed Beasts | 2021 | 4.05 |
Despite its unique setting and magic, parts of the story occasionally feel underdeveloped, particularly the interactions stemming from historic rivalries. Additional content could have effectively expanded on these elements, making the narrative even richer and more engaging.
5
Vicious (2013)
By V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab’s Vicious undeniably captivates its audience within its approximately 400 pages, yet there’s room for greater depth regarding the protagonists’ complex motivations and interpersonal tension. I yearn for more development of Eli and Victor’s relationship—insights into their backstory could add layers of tension to their rivalry.
The scientific grounding of their powers presents an intriguing opportunity for further exploration. Although the existing framework is cohesive, elaborating on these details could enhance the reading experience. Vicious, while fantastic, could still be enriched with a few extra hundred pages to fully realize its potential. The strong anticipation for its sequel, Vengeful, underscores this sentiment, indicating readers’ desire for further immersion into this world.
4
Divine Rivals (2023)
By Rebecca Ross
Upon its 2023 release, Divine Rivals quickly captured BookTok’s attention, but it leans more towards romance than its fantasy counterparts. While the story effectively showcases the relationship between Iris and Kitt, and the newsroom setting enhances its atmospheric charm, the underlying conflict involving the gods remains underdeveloped.
The tension between Dacre and Enva, pivotal to the plot, lacks the historical and emotional depth that could elevate it. Although the pacing swiftly escalates once Kitt and Iris become an item, I would have appreciated more scenes that allowed them to explore their feelings.
3
Reckless (2024)
By Lauren Roberts
Reckless stands out as a considerably shorter installment compared to both Powerless and Fearless, and this brevity slightly hampers the narrative. Although renowned for its witty banter and burgeoning romance, this sequel misses opportunities to propel the story forward significantly. Paedyn and Kai spend much of their time away from Ilya, leading to lingering questions about the kingdom’s fate following the turmoil of book one.
| Books In The Powerless Trilogy In Order | Release Year | Average Goodreads Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Powerless | 2023 | 4.17 |
| Reckless | 2024 | 4.07 |
| Fearless | 2025 | 4.45 |
Kitt’s narratives seem disjointed, primarily reflecting his personal grief without sufficient development to showcase his evolution or response to loss. Enhancing Kitt’s chapters would significantly improve Reckless, making its story much more cohesive.
2
Heartless Hunter (2024)
By Kristen Ciccarelli
In Kristen Ciccarelli’s Heartless Hunter, a fascinating interpretation of witches and blood magic shines through, yet its potential is hampered by brevity. Although the sequel, Rebel Witch, expands on these elements, the first book could easily delve deeper into this captivating magic system. Rune’s limitations provide a narrative challenge, yet opportunities for action and engagement through magic encounters could have enriched the story considerably.
While the leads exhibit great chemistry, supporting characters like Alex, pivotal to the central love triangle, could use additional development. Spending more time with characters like Verity, whose twist adds significant stakes, would enhance emotional resonance. Ciccarelli’s vivid world certainly has the potential for more than just a duology, and greater page counts could ultimately attract a wider audience.
1
The Atlas Six (2020)
By Olivie Blake
The intricate world and captivating magic system of The Atlas Six deserve more extensive treatment. Although the existing elements are compelling, they lack the depth and detail that could benefit from additional exploration. Given the complex and almost scientific approach to the magic, this book could significantly enhance readers’ understanding with expanded content. More comprehensive coverage of the Alexandrian Society would also improve narrative clarity and engagement.