Summary
- August 2024 brings fantastical new releases, including anticipated sequels and exciting debuts for fantasy fans.
- Authors like P. Djèlí Clark, T. Kingfisher, and Hayley Dennings offer atmospheric and thrilling fantasy reads.
- From dark retellings to magical adventures, August’s diverse selection of fantasy novels promises something for every reader.
2024 is a great year for fantasy books, and while things slow down a bit in August, there are still exciting new releases to add to your TBR pile this month. Some of the biggest fantasy books of 2024 hit shelves at the beginning of the year, and titles like John Gwynne’s The Fury of the Gods and Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth leave more to look forward to in the fall and winter. Summer feels like a time for fast-paced beach reads over complex, lengthy fantasy books. However, diehard fans will still be diving into magical new worlds.
And August offers fantastical new stories for them to explore, including a couple of highly anticipated sequels. Releases like Apprentice to the Villain and Born of Blood and Ash will return fantasy readers to worlds they already know and love. Meanwhile, several new stories and debuts will introduce them to characters, settings, and magic systems that could become favorites. Overall, August 2024 offers a diverse selection of new fantasy stories to read, and the biggest releases are ones that fans of the genre won’t want to miss out on.
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10 The Dead Cat Tail Assassins By P. Djèlí Clark
Release Date: August 6, 2024
A blend of fantasy and sci-fi, The Dead Cat Tail Assassins is P. Djèlí Clark’s August 2024 release — and its overwhelmingly positive Goodreads reviews suggest it’s worth picking up. Clark is known for hits like Ring Shout and A Master of Djinn, and if these stories are anything to judge by, the author’s latest novella will be one of summer 2024’s biggest genre releases. The Dead Cat Tail Assassins follows Eveen the Eviscerator, an assassin who lives by the rules of her guild. When a job dredges up her past, however, her dedication will be tested.
P. Djèlí Clark rarely misses, so that’s enough to sell us on this August 2024 fantasy release.
Although the synopsis of The Dead Cat Tail Assassins doesn’t reveal too much about Eveen’s journey, it sounds like it will be dark and thoughtful. Clark rarely misses, so that’s enough to sell us on this August 2024 fantasy release. The fact that the titular assassins are also “assuredly dead” raises some intriguing questions. Readers will need to pick up the book for answers.
9 A Sorceress Comes To Call By T. Kingfisher
Release Date: August 6, 2024
T. Kingfisher is another author known for high-quality work in both the horror and fantasy genres, and A Sorceress Comes to Call will expertly blend both categories. Pitched as a “dark retelling” of the Brothers Grimm tale Goose Girl, Kingfisher’s August 2024 book follows Cordelia, whose mother is a sorceress — a reality that puts unfortunate limitations on their lives. Cordelia is often quiet and isolated, left with only her mother’s horse as a friend. And when someone in their town dies, Cordelia and her mother are forced to flee.
The pair seek refuge with a wealthy squire and his sister, Hester, the latter of whom becomes suspicious of their intentions. Hester sets out to save her brother and Cordelia from Cordelia’s mother, which is no easy feat. Given that the titular sorceress has magic, Hester will have her work set out for her. Kingfisher’s latest sounds atmospheric and tense, promising a thrilling ride for anyone who loves dark fantasy.
8 This Ravenous Fate By Hayley Dennings
Release Date: August 6, 2024
This Ravenous Fate is Hayley Dennings’ debut novel, and the August 2024 release will kick off a fantasy duology that dips heavily into the supernatural. Set in Harlem in 1926, This Ravenous Fate unfolds in a world where reapers — “once-human vampires with a terrible affliction” — and reaper hunters continually clash. The story follows Elise Saint, a member of a successful reaper-hunting family, and a reaper named Layla, both of whom have history. Their paths cross again when Layla is framed for a murder and offered the chance to save herself by working with Elise.
This Ravenous Fate
sounds like a stunningly atmospheric fantasy novel with LGBTQ+ elements weaved into it.
Layla and Elise investigate the latest string of attacks, as well as a phenomenon that sees reapers becoming human again. As they do, they’re forced to confront the overarching conflict between their people — and the more personal issues among themselves. This Ravenous Fate sounds like a stunningly atmospheric fantasy novel with LGBTQ+ elements weaved into it. It’s a must-read for August 2024, especially for anyone who loves a good vampire story.
7 Apprentice To The Villain By Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Release Date: August 6, 2024
Hailing from the same publisher as Fourth Wing, Assistant to the Villain became one of the biggest romantasy books on BookTok in 2023. Needless to say, its sequel is one of the most-anticipated books of the summer — and Apprentice to the Villain‘s impressive 4.42 average Goodreads rating suggests it will live up to the hype. Hitting shelves at the beginning of August, Apprentice to the Villain will continue Evie Sage’s story, preparing her to transition from her evil overlord boss’ assistant to his apprentice.
Apprentice to the Villain
sounds every bit as comical and charming as its predecessor, and it’s a must-read for August 2024.
This jump will require Evie to master new skills, from committing treason to wielding daggers. She’ll need to do all this while protecting her boss’ lair while he’s out of the office, so multitasking will be a must. Apprentice to the Villain sounds every bit as comical and charming as its predecessor, making it an ideal August read. Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s sequel will no doubt be the talk of BookTok this month, so those who keep up with the latest romantasy hits will want it on their radars.
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Books In The Assistant To The Villain Series |
Release Year |
|---|---|
|
Assistant to the Villain |
2023 |
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Apprentice to the Villain |
2024 |
6 The Girl With No Reflection By Keshe Chow
Release Date: August 6, 2024
Keshe Chow’s debut novel hits shelves in August 2024, and the book’s stunning cover is sure to get it plenty of attention this summer — though its intriguing synopsis and positive Goodreads reviews will also help. The Girl With No Reflection follows Princess Ying Yue, who is set to wed a prince. This development is initially exciting, but Ying quickly becomes disappointed with her soon-to-be husband. He’s standoffish and forces her to her room, and Ying begins to suspect his motives for marrying her are more sinister than she believed.
While she’s isolated in her quarters, Ying discovers the gateway to a mirror world, complete with a Mirror Prince. This prince is one Ying is capable of loving, but he reveals the dark truth about her real world and husband-to-be. Ying’s story sounds gripping and unique, placing The Girl With No Reflection high on our TBR pile for August 2024.
5 Lady Macbeth By Ava Reid
Release Date: August 13, 2024
August 2024 is a big month for fantasy retellings and reimaginings, and Ava Reid’s new book adds another one to the lineup. Reid is known for novels like The Wolf and the Woodsman and A Study in Drowning, and now the author is back with Lady Macbeth. The novel promises to give the titular Shakespeare character a genuine perspective, one that “transforms the story men have written for her.” That prospect is exciting on its own, but it seems like this version of Lady Macbeth will also possess magic.
Readers will watch as Lady Macbeth navigates these obstacles, adding context to her role and character in Shakespeare’s classic play.
Lady Macbeth‘s synopsis teases its heroine having more power than she ever realized — and seemingly the ability to drive men mad. It seems as though the book’s lead will need such abilities as she marries a brutish husband who is surrounded by a dangerous court. Readers will watch as Lady Macbeth navigates these obstacles, adding context to her role and character in Shakespeare’s classic play. Knowing Reid’s previous work, it’s safe to assume the author’s August 2024 novel will excel at this.
4 Born Of Blood And Ash By Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: August 13, 2024
The highly anticipated finale of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Flesh and Fire series debuts in August, and it’s easily one of the most anticipated books of summer 2024. Born of Blood and Ash sounds like an epic conclusion to Armentrout’s story, and its 4.50 average Goodreads rating suggests early reviewers are satisfied with the ending. Although Sera has escaped Kolis’ clutches, the novel will raise the stakes for her significantly. Born of Blood and Ash will task Sera with winning enough support to become Queen of the Gods.
The final book will also reveal difficult truths about Sera’s bloodline and destiny, proving that Kolis isn’t the only obstacle to her goal. In the midst of all this chaos, Armentrout will also need to give Sera and Nyktos a proper send-off romantically. Needless to say, Born of Blood and Ash has a lot to do in its 700+ pages. It also has the potential to become one of Armentrout’s best books yet — and that’s saying something.
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Books In The Flesh And Fire Series |
Release Year |
|---|---|
|
A Shadow in the Ember |
2021 |
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A Light in the Flame |
2022 |
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A Fire in the Flesh |
2023 |
|
Born of Blood and Ash |
2024 |
3 Mistress Of Lies By K.M. Enright
Release Date: August 13, 2024
K.M. Enright’s debut novel, Mistress of Lies, will kick off his new fantasy book series in August 2024. And the opening of The Age of Blood sounds like a must-read summer release full of blood magic and vengeance. Mistress of Lies follows Shan LeClaire, whose early life is spent mastering blood magic and clawing her way to power. She kills her father, who is a disgraced Blood Worker, then embarks on a violent path of revenge that catches the attention of the Eternal King.
The vampire king tasks Samuel Hutchinson — a man who’d prefer to avoid magic, despite his own gift — with tracking down the person behind Shan’s recent killings. This draws Samuel into Shan’s sphere, forcing him to make difficult decisions about how he wants to use his power. Mistress of Lies sounds like a dark story with compelling and complicated characters. Its 4.05 average Goodreads score is impressive for a debut, and the book’s positive reviews mean fantasy lovers should keep it on their radar this month.
2 Hera By Jennifer Saint
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Jennifer Saint’s Hera has come out in the U.K. already, but the fantasy retelling will be available in the U.S. starting August 13. Saint is known for mythological retellings like Ariadne and Elektra, and now the author is tackling a new figure: Hera. Hera gets a bad rap in Greek mythology, as Zeus’ wife is often portrayed as jealous and cruel. Saint seeks to rethink that narrative, showing the challenges Hera faces as she and Zeus form Mount Olympus.
Hera gets a bad rap in Greek mythology, as Zeus’ wife is often portrayed as jealous and cruel. Saint seeks to rethink that narrative.
Knowing how impressively Saint unpacks other Greek heroines, it’ll be interesting to see how the author handles Hera — though it’s a pretty safe bet she’ll nail this new retelling. Hera is a must-read August release for anyone passionate about Greek mythology. Its 4.03 average Goodreads rating also suggests it will appeal to readers across the board, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for.
1 Voyage Of The Damned By Frances White
Release Date: August 20, 2024
Voyage of the Damned by Frances White is also out in the U.K., and August 2024 marks the book’s U.S. debut. White’s novel seamlessly blends the mystery and fantasy genres, delivering a narrative that’s both magical and thrilling. Set in the kingdom of Concordia, the novel sees the emperor embarking on a journey to celebrate peace among the 12 different provinces. The emperor sets sail with the heirs of these provinces, but when they begin dying off, it becomes clear that there’s a killer on the ship.
The only heir without magic — Ganymedes Piscero — sets out to solve the mystery of who’s behind these attacks before it’s too late. This is Ganymedes’ chance to prove himself, even though he’s always been a “disappointment.” This whodunit has high stakes, an intriguing setting, and magic, leaving little to be desired. Voyage of the Damned is already getting attention online, and it’s certain to become one of the most popular BookTok books of the year once it’s more widely available.
