Fantasci Book Recs: Books In Between Science Fiction and Fantasy!

Okay, so this recommendation post has been rattling around in my mind for a couple weeks now, and I just had to share all of these recommendations with you!

I love fantasy and I love science-fiction (though, sci-fi a little more than fantasy). And I think it’s really interesting when authors sort of combine the two–mixing sci-fi and fantasy (and ends up just being labeled under fantasy, typically).

But this leads to the creation of the fun, intermediate genre (at least, that’s what it is in my mind), fantasci. The intersection of science-fiction and fantasy where it’s not magic, but it’s not science either.

It’s sometimes a little vague and can definitely lean toward a certain side of the spectrum, but all in all I think fantasci is a really fun, underappreciated genre!

So today, I have six EIGHT YA fantasci book recommendations to check out! I hope you enjoy reading these, and maybe add them to your TBR! (I added two more a couple days later when I realized I missed a few!)

The Fever King by Victoria Lee

I’ve already read The Fever King and can I just say–I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!

It is amaaaazing and I absolutely adore the characters (Noam+Dara 4eva) and OMG this book is sooo spicy with its politics and political manipulations! I was reading it at Disney World and all I wanted to do was DEVOUR the whole book, not wait in line.

It was A Problem, but one I’m glad to have because I just want to hug this book to my chest (and it’s free on Amazon First Reads and $8.99 for the hardback early, if you want to read). I even started an Incorrect The Fever King twitter account because I love this book so much.

Seriously, give this book an add because it is so awesome! And the way the fantasy and sci-fi mesh together in the future with the powers that the Level IV student soldiers have are very, very cool.

A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna

This book is so darn underappreciated, and it deserves ALL the love! I was sucked into the story and had such a hard time stopping, and then the ending completely wrecked me.

Like . . . is it legal to inflict these types of emotions upon me? Idk, but this book had me CRYING late at night as I read a bout [redacted]. And it’s a sort of space fantasy that’s based on Indian mythology and has me swooning.

Gosh. My heart still hurts and I need the sequel ASAP. If this book isn’t on your TBR, you’re doing something wrong because it is AMAZING and the ending is so horrible (for my heart) but so worth it.

You can read my review here!

The Dysasters by P.C. and Kristin Cast

This book is a mix of like, fantasy powers and genetic manipulation and I am very very excited to dive into this soon! My ARC is on the way, and my hands are itching to start because (1) THAT COVER (2) THE SYNOPSIS AHH.

I am just the biggest sucker for teens with super powers, and that’s exactly what The Dysasters has. And the teens ~bond to the elements~ which seems really exciting, and something I’m super excited to pick up!

I will let you know how this book goes, but in the meanwhile, peep that Godreads add button! I just–YAY SUPERPOWERS.

What the Woods Keep by Katya de Becerra

You all probably know just how much I enjoy this dark fantasy x paranormal x mystery x sci-fi mashup, but if you don’t, let me tell you a little more about just how much I love this book!

It’s just so spooky, and de Becerra does an amazing job of capturing the mystery of the whole situation Hayden is going through, as well as mashing up the INSANE number of genres in this book.

And I swear, it actually works in the book.

Hayden learns so many things, and uncovers the conspiracy her dad has been hiding from her. And somehow, de Becerra weaves it all together masterfully into a dark, magical sort of haunting tale. (Also, I’m really excited for her sophomore novel, Oasis, in the fall!)

You can read my review here!

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor

ANOTHER QUEER FANTASCI FOR THE BOOKS!

I just–this sounds so amazing? A mix of science fiction and fantasy in the clockwork heart that the main character Anna harbors in her chest, along with all the other mechanical parts she tries to distribute to the sick and injured.

And throw in an assassin and the son of a corrupt tyrant, all working together to end a deadly epidemic–SIGN ME UP. I just have been so so hyped for Tarnished Are the Stars and cannot wait for this book to be in my hands! I’ve heard wonderful things about the ace and lesbian rep too, and I just–I’m so ready.

A Soldier and a Liar by Caitlin Lochner

And last but not least, I have another book about superpowered teens for your list (this time, they’re called Nytes, ahh), and I am so excited to dive into this book!

Four teens working towards peace feat. lots of action sounds like just my jam. And throw in some superpowers, and you have me hooked. Seriously.

I have heard wonderful things and this book sounds like the action-packed adventure that I have been waiting for! If action, books feat. squad goals, or superpowers sound appealing to you, I definitely suggest the use of that cute little button right below!

The Raging Ones by Becca & Krista Ritchie

Even though this book had its flaws, I ultimately really enjoyed reading (stayed up wayyy too late doing so) and cannot wait for book 2 to come!

It’s like, addictive–the friendship and the (m/m) relationship, the magic and the science, the story and the characters. I just gobbled this book up! It’s got this sort of mind-meld thing going on with some of the characters, plus prescribed death days and other planets and I think the sci-fi/fantasy mix in this book was really unique!

Plus, I had a really fun time reading, even if I did think that the writing/plotting was a little messy. So much fun, though.

Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta & Cori McCarthy

I CAN’T BELIEVE I INITIALLY FORGOT THIS.

Can we all take a moment to scream about the queer King Arthur retelling of our dreams? McCarthy & Capetta are AWESOME at giving us all the queer rep we desire, and I’m so so excited for Once & Future and its teenage Merlin and female Arthur.

Plus, all the interplanetary/galactic things to save and corporations and AMGIC SWORDS just all sound so cool, and I’m really excited to read this and dive into my ARC. It looks amazing!

🌸 What fantasci books can you think of?
🌸 Have you ever read any fantasci books that you love?
🌸 Are any of these going on your TBR?