If you’re anything like me, you love a good series. The longer the better! I love getting invested in characters, and watching their growth and development over multiple books. I like stories with cliff-hangers and plot twists. For all these reasons, it’s so much easier for me to get into series than standalone novels. I’ve had issue with pacing in many standalone novels. The plot sometimes moves too quickly, and characters develop relationships that feel totally forced and lacking real connection. This all makes it really hard for me to be invested in the story. But not all standalone novels don’t work for me. Below are six fantasy and contemporary standalone novels that totally did it for me! Comment and let me know what standalone novels you love.
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
I’m always looking for a good mermaid book, and To Kill a Kingdom does not disappoint. Technically, the mermaids are sirens, and they are lethal killers. The characters are flushed out and complex, and they manage to go on an epic adventure all in one book.
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
It’s pretty rare that I find a contemporary novel I like, and it’s even rarer I find one I love. Eliza and Wallace are such wonderfully written characters, with refreshingly honest struggles. This book is so dear to my heart, and I hope some of you will also love it. Read my full review here.
Roseblood by A.G. Howard
Roseblood is a Phantom of the Opera retelling set in modern times. The main character Rune is an opera singer at a boarding school, where she befriends Thorn, a mysterious masked violinist. The romance in this novel moved at just the right pace, and the plot kept me hooked the whole time. Read my full review here.
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
This is the first contemporary book I read that I really loved. The description really doesn’t do this book justice. In less than 400 pages Jeff Zentner totally makes me fall in love with his characters, then breaks my heart. Read my full review here.
Soundless by Richelle Mead
Soundless takes place in a village where there is no sound, and where the people must mine metals in exchange for food that is delivered to them. The main character Fei decides to save her village when her people start losing their sight and when food runs low. It’s super refreshing to read a book where people communicate with sign language, and I think this book does it really well.
Hunted by Meagan Spooner
Hunted is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Beauty and the Beast retellings are pretty overdone, but this one is refreshingly original. The main character, Yeva, doesn’t suffer from special-snowflake-syndrome, like so many MCs do. The magic system is very unique and fits naturally into the world. I highly recommend if you want a read that will leave you satisfied, but also craving more! Read my full review here.
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