The best standalone fantasy novels from Next Chapter [March 2023]
The standalone fantasy book genre refers to works of fiction that take place in an imaginary world with its own unique rules, characters, and mythology, but are contained within a single book rather than a series. Unlike series that follow a protagonist through several books, standalone fantasy books provide readers with a complete story arc, often with a defined beginning, middle, and end.
One of the benefits of standalone fantasy books is that they allow authors to tell a complete story without the need for lengthy exposition or multiple installments. This can result in tighter, more focused narratives that are easier to follow for readers who don't have the time or patience for lengthy series. Standalone fantasy books can also provide a refreshing change of pace for readers who are used to reading series and want to experience a self-contained story that doesn't require a long-term commitment.
Standalone fantasy books are not limited to a specific subgenre of fantasy, and can incorporate elements such as magic, mythical creatures, or alternate worlds. Some notable examples of standalone fantasy books include Neil Gaiman's "Stardust," Erin Morgenstern's "The Night Circus," and Susanna Clarke's "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell." Whether it's a standalone or a series, the fantasy genre is beloved by many for its ability to transport readers to different worlds and spark the imagination, making standalone fantasy books an excellent choice for readers looking for a self-contained fantasy adventure.
Below, we’ve collected some of Next Chapter’s best standalone fantasy novels, all available from major book retailers. If you like any of the books below, please take a moment to leave the author a review :) Don’t agree with our choices? Please leave a comment and let us know what books are your favorites in the genre!
Books featured on this page
The Morgens' Lair by John Bentley
Book excerpt
David hauled his suitcase out of his father’s Volvo estate, in front of the Heathrow Premier Inn, then leaned through the passenger window to give his mother a farewell kiss.
“Best of luck, son, and keep in touch,” his father chirped.
“I will. Thank you both for everything.” Sounds a bit like the final adieu in a tragedy, ran through his mind.
The car moved off, leaving him alone. Here goes, then, he mused, stoically, independence, at last. It wasn’t the case that he had endured domestic restrictions – far from it. When he was at university, he was his own master, it just felt like his first adult freedom. However, he thought he would not forget one of his father’s philosophical phrases: ‘With freedom comes responsibility.’ His parents had, conveniently, fitted his lift to the airport with visiting friends in London. The flight departed at 0830 hours the next day, so a night in the hotel and afterwards a regular fifteen-minute shuttle was the best way to ensure he checked in on time. The hotel room met its usual high standards of cleanliness and comfort – perfectly adequate for a decent night’s sleep.
He kicked off his shoes and stretched out on the bed, scrolling through the television channels. Typical, no Netflix or Sky. He settled for a crime drama series that he had meant to watch for some time. Still feeling full after the lunch Father had paid for in a swish restaurant he knew, he wasn’t hungry, so he brushed his teeth, got into bed and – remembering to set the alarm on his phone – drifted into a pleasant deep sleep.
Nekromancer's Cage by Kathryn Rossati
Book excerpt
Johnathan fought against the shrill wind that was trying to force him backwards. He was knee-deep in snow, and every step was slow and measured so that he didn’t fall off balance. Strung across his shoulder was the bag of ingredients that Alfred had left him and clutched in his hand was a case full of Super Notes, ready to be presented at the next household he stopped at.
A month had passed since Mr Edwards’ death. Though Johnathan had called a Doktor to formally confirm it at the time, they hadn’t been able to figure out why he’d died. Doktor Mannings had been most insistent that an autopsy be conducted, but Mrs Higgins wouldn’t hear of it, saying that any such inquiries would delay her getting a tenant to replace him, and apparently, that was something she could ill afford. However, no sooner had Doktor Mannings signed the death certificate than two very important looking people came to see Mrs Higgins, and once they’d left, Johnathan saw her smiling – something he didn’t think he’d ever caught her doing before.
It had taken every bit of Johnathan’s self-control not to ask what the visit was about, but at least he’d managed to hide the Super Notes in his own apartment before the people came back to take away the rest of Mr Edwards’ belongings. Who they were was a mystery to him, and he was thoroughly irritated that Mrs Higgins hadn’t even tried to contact any of Mr Edwards’ relatives first, in case they would have liked his possessions. Still, Johnathan supposed it was no use being angry with her; the only thought she ever seemed to spare her tenants was whether they could pay her every month. There was no reason why she would change just because someone had died. And he knew if he ever dared to question her, she’d throw him out without giving him the chance to pack.
Shadow of the Wolf by Malcolm Archibald
Book excerpt
Dunkeld was once the capital of old Scotland and it is finely situated as such. To the south lies excellent agricultural land, while it sits by the banks of a powerful river and to the north lies an easy pass that leads into the Highland hills. It was through this gap that Seonaid led me, riding as easily as any man and with her hood thrown back despite the chill of winter.
“Enjoy the cold,” she told me with her face healthily glowing, “and enjoy the frost. It makes the track easier to ride.”
I told her we had frost and chill in the Borders too, but she merely laughed at me. In truth, I had never seen her so animated as she rode north into the pass with the densely wooded hills crowding upon us and the sky ahead pregnant with storm clouds.
“How far north are you travelling?” Seonaid asked, after we had been riding for about an hour.
“I am not sure.”
“Today we will ride as far as Aberfeldy,” she decided for us both.
I did not know the name, and admitted as much. “I will know my destination when I arrive,” I told her, remembering the atmosphere of the place in my vision more than the specific geography.
“We will be in Aberfeldy before dark,” Seonaid informed me, “and then we will see about getting you a real sword, not a boy’s toy.”
The Slow Rise Of Clara Daniels by Christy English
Book excerpt
Twelve-year-old Clara pulled on the too-tight collar of her pink chiffon dress. She stood next to the antique vanity table, watching as her mother put on her makeup, layer by careful layer.
Jessica Daniels was dressed in a white satin gown that clung to her figure like a second skin, skimming over her hips to swirl around her ankles. It had belonged to Clara’s great-grandmother in the 1930’s. She imagined that the satin would feel smooth and cool under her hand, if she had the courage to reach out and touch it. Her mother’s hair was gathered in a golden chignon.
She watched as her mother smoothed gloss over her lipstick. Jessica met her daughter’s gaze in the antique mirror.
“Want some lipstick, honey?”
Clara blinked. Her mother never spoke until her beauty ritual was complete. Today was an exception. Today was her mother’s wedding day.
“Yes, Mom. I would.”
Jessica slid over on the mahogany bench of the dressing table and laid her hand on the seat beside her.
“Sit down, honey, and I’ll paint you face.”
Clara sat very still, praying that no one would come in and distract her mother before she finished. Jessica was so easily distracted. Many times, she had begun to make-up Clara’s face, only to be interrupted by a phone call or a visit. She would rush off to speak to the adult, leaving Clara forgotten.
Whirligig by John Broughton
Book excerpt
Whipping out of the sky, the snow began to settle thickly, making their progress very difficult. Since Adam was so much bigger than the pixies, Emily ordered him to make a pathway for them by dragging his feet. As she pointed out, he had shoes whereas she didn’t. At first, he grumbled about not taking orders from a girl, but the pixies looked so upset at his words that he agreed quickly and got on with it. He decided he’d sort out his arrogant sister later. Even though he was big and strong compared to the rest of the band, it was tiring work for him. At last, they came to their destination, where he and Emily were the only ones relieved by the sight of the troll’s cave lying at the foot of the hill.
“The lair of the troll,” Lar muttered darkly.
“Listen, Lar,” Emily said, “you and the others must work hard. You must each build a snowman as tall as Adam and I. We’ll help—”
“No, Mistress! Think of the danger!” Lar cried; his yellow eyes opened wide with fear. To the pixy, this was an invitation far worse than being snapped and crushed in the troll’s heavy jaws. But the Mistress seemed to know what she was doing.
“What’s dangerous about making snowmen?” Emily grumbled, “Come on, it’s an important part of my plan!”
Lar shrugged and looked as if he wanted to say much more, but he bit his lip and stared at the snow as if it were a deadly creature. After a short silence, he began to organise his followers. Emily took Adam aside and explained her plan. He resented her bossing him about, but Emily stamped a bare foot and hissed that it was hard enough to get the pixies to do anything and did he want to freeze to death out in the cold? So, he nodded his head and swallowed his pride. Reluctantly, muttering all the while, the pixies began to build snowmen. They worked so unwillingly that Emily had to threaten to leave them several times to make them hurry. At last, there was a snowman for each pixy and five each for the children, so it seemed that a silent army was standing before the troll’s cave.
There you go: the best standalone fantasy books from Next Chapter in 03/2023. We hope you enjoy the stories - and if you do, please leave a comment below, or a review in Goodreads or your favorite store. It would mean a lot!
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