10 Fiery Fantasy Books With Revolutions You Must Read

Sweeping us into a journey filled with fire, courage, hope and sometimes tragedy, fantasy books with revolutions have plenty of fans.

Whether it’s because of their breathtaking scope, grand themes or something else, these stories have the power to inspire and make us reflect. Are you curious what wonderful stories like these are out there?

If so, this list has something for you.

Here are 10 fiery fantasy books with revolutions to read:

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
Nightwatch by Terry Pratchet
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H.G. Parry
Sunbolt by Intisar Khanani
A Kingdom of Exiles by S.B. Nova

I’ve included book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book below. If you’d prefer a quick summary, here’s a comparison chart.

And for more political fantasy, here’s a similar post featuring 10 Enthralling Fantasy Books With Political Intrigue.

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace

Description

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice.

She will reign.

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer — the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder — and more peril — than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 3.74

Most Common Rating: 4

Positive Comments

First on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is All the Stars and Teeth. This thrilling oceanic adventure captivated fans, many of whom were pirate-lovers, with its excitement and likeable characters.

Featuring an epic, sea-faring tale, this story impressed its readers with how immersive it was. Several described it as breathing new life into the traditional pirate story and vividly transporting them into the Heel Haul, the pirate ship.

In particular, fans mentioned that the entire cast delighted them. Not only did they connect with the characters, but the bond between the crew was one of the highlights of the story.

Amora, the protagonist, also won their praise for her relatability and determination. Fans said it was a treat to follow this fiery lead as she fought to save her kingdom.

Negative Comments

What did critics say? In general, these readers had two reasons for disliking the novel.

The first was that they felt the beginning was slow-paced because of the descriptions and world-building.

The second was that they didn’t thought that Amora, the protagonist, was unlikeable. These critics said she came across as spoiled or selfish, and it made it difficult for them to get invested in what happened to her.

Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Description

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.

But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.

Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.

When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival — and vengeance — might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner — and danger is a way of life.

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 3.72

Most Common Rating: 4

Positive Comments

Second on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is Midnight Thief. Featuring a brave, intelligent protagonists and a lightning-fast plot, this novel delighted fans.

These readers praised Kyra for her intelligence, bravery and selflessness. This sympathetic character was a delight to have lead them through an exciting, dangerous and intriguing adventure. Once the story started, it engaged fans and never lost momentum.

Negative Comments

If readers didn’t enjoy Midnight Thief, what did they say?

Overall, they tended to describe Kyra as unrealistically honorable, given her background, or said they didn’t feel connected to the characters in general.

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes and Michelle Rowen

Description

In the three kingdoms of Mytica, magic has long been forgotten. And while hard-won peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest now simmers below the surface.

As the rulers of each kingdom grapple for power, the lives of their subjects are brutally transformed…and four key players, royals and rebels alike, find their fates forever intertwined.

Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are caught in a dizzying world of treacherous betrayals, shocking murders, secret alliances, and even unforeseen love.

The only outcome that’s certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

It’s the eve of war…

Choose your side.

Princess: Raised in pampered luxury, Cleo must now embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of magic long thought extinct.

Rebel: Jonas, enraged at injustice, lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country cruelly impoverished. To his shock, he finds himself the leader of a people’s revolution centuries in the making.

Sorceress: Lucia, adopted at birth into the royal family, discovers the truth about her past — and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Heir: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, firstborn son Magnus begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword…

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 3.80

Most Common Rating: 4

Positive Comments

Third on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is Falling Kingdoms. This story grabbed fans through its likable characters as well as its action and adventure story-line.

Many praised the book for having a character cast with a mixture of virtues and vices. They struck readers as realistic in the way they might self-justify their actions, for example, or fight the ghosts of their pasts. Because of this, readers tended to say they were intriguing and convincing.

In addition, several readers praised the story for its exciting plot. Filled with assassinations, betrayals, secret alliances and more, Falling Kingdoms kept them glued to its pages. All-in-all, fans lauded this book as reminding them of Game of Thrones.

Negative Comments

What did critics say? Overall, these readers focused on Falling Kingdom‘s characters.

Some of them felt the characters were unlikable and, as such, couldn’t get invested in what happened to them. Others thought that they were painted in broad strokes and didn’t have much complexity.

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

Description

Over their father’s deathbed, young Meliara Astiar and her brother Branaric promise to lead their people against the evil King. The impoverished count and countess discover that even when the cause is right, leading a war is much tougher than it appears.

When Meliara falls into the hands of the elegant Marquis of Shevraeth, the enemy commander, she knows she has to either escape or die. After a desperate chase across country, she discovers that she and Bran are not alone — but the alliance is offered by the person she hates the most.

Once the king is gone, she faces a new type of battlefield: not muddy fields and sharpened steel, but marble palaces. The weapons now are fashion, manners, and the subtle and secret language of fans.

Finally, there is the toughest challenge of all, courtship. For how do you defend yourself when the one who draws your eye, and your heart, is your worst enemy?

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 4.19

Most Common Rating: 5

Positive Comments

Another story on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is Crown Duel.

This novel includes two sections, one of which features action and battles, while the second takes place in a royal court and is full of political machinations. Both captivated fans with their fast-paced plot, portrayal of Meliara’s growth, and the slow-burn romance.

Readers described Meliara as a likable, selfless and brave protagonist. While she was also brash and headstrong, she realized her mistakes and grew from them. Seeing her evolve, both personally and in her political skills, delighted them.

In terms of the romance, several readers also appreciated that the story doesn’t feature the common ‘bad boy’ love interest or a love triangle. Instead, they described the characters’ growing relationship as authentic and a slow-burn romance.

Negative Comments

What about critics? If readers didn’t enjoy the novel, they typically mentioned that they found it unrealistic how many times Meliara ended up unconscious during battle during the first section of the book.

Others said they found her quick temper and stubborn grudge, particularly against the male lead, unreasonable. As a result, they were frustrated with her.

Nightwatch by Terry Pratchet

Description

‘Don’t put your trust in revolutions. They always come round again. That’s why they’re called revolutions. People die, and nothing changes.’

For a policeman, there can be few things worse than a serial killer at loose in your city. Except, perhaps, a serial killer who targets coppers, and a city on the brink of bloody revolution. The people have found their voice at last, the flags and barricades are rising…

And the question for a policeman, an officer of the law, a defender of the peace, is: Are you with them, or are you against them?

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 4.48

Most Common Rating: 5

Positive Comments

Next on our list of fantasy nooks with revolutions is Nightwatch. This novel captured readers’ attention with its intriguing time-travel premise, humor and poignancy.

Praising the story’s wittiness, fans described themselves as grinning throughout the book. Whether it was the revolutionaries or the oligarchs, the book poked fun at all the characters in a way that delighted these readers. Many described themselves as thoroughly entertained.

Adding to that, they mentioned that while Nightwatch was a humorous fantasy, it was also inspirational, tragic and insightful. Universal themes filled the story, especially regarding human nature, that made fans think and reflect. The sense of ‘humanness’ pervading the book made it a stand-out novel to these readers.

Negative Comments

No book is without its critics, including Nightwatch. If readers didn’t enjoy this book, what did they say?

Overall, these readers said that the humor wasn’t their style and struck them as glib. Others said that the book spent longer than they would like elaborating on world-building and characters’ politicking.

The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart

Description

In an empire controlled by bone shard magic, Lin, the former heir to the emperor will fight to reclaim her magic and her place on the throne. The Bone Shard Daughter marks the debut of a major new voice in epic fantasy.

The emperor’s reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire’s many islands.

Lin is the emperor’s daughter and spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.

Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright – and save her people.

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 4.31

Most Common Rating: 5

Positive Comments

Next on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is The Bone Shard Daughter. Fans praised this novel for its refreshing and intriguing mix of story elements, as well as its likeable characters.

These readers said that the story featured multiple points of view, each of which had a captivating character. While the book was full of plot twists and emotions, the characters kept them glued to The Bone Shard Daughter’s pages. Each had their own distinct personality, moving struggles and authentic relationships. Fans were eager to stay with them through their triumphs and struggles, wanting to find out what would happen.

Negative Comments

What did critics of The Bone Shard Daughter say?

In general, these readers didn’t feel an emotional investment in the characters. Some of them said this was because of the multiple points of view. Since there were several, these readers didn’t feel they had enough time to get to know the cast.

The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

Description

Two men rebel together against tyranny — and then become rivals — in this first sweeping book of an epic fantasy series from Ken Liu, recipient of Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards.

Wily, charming Kuni Garu, a bandit, and stern, fearless Mata Zyndu, the son of a deposed duke, seem like polar opposites. Yet, in the uprising against the emperor, the two quickly become the best of friends after a series of adventures fighting against vast conscripted armies, silk-draped airships, and shapeshifting gods.

Once the emperor has been overthrown, however, they each find themselves the leader of separate factions — two sides with very different ideas about how the world should be run and the meaning of justice.

Fans of intrigue, intimate plots, and action will find a new series to embrace in the Dandelion Dynasty.

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 3.73

Most Common Rating: 4

Positive Comments

Another story on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is The Grace of Kings. This East Asian-inspired epic novel dazzled fans with its rich world, grandeur and character cast.

Several praised the book for its non-European influence, which stood out to them as refreshing and different in the fantasy genre. Inspired by legends and mythology, The Grace of Kings blended its world with steampunk technology, action and historicism. Many fans described it as complex, philosophical and just plain epic.

In addition to that, these readers were delighted by the character cast. Bristling with warriors, politicians, family members and more, each one came across to fans as adding new depth, dimension and impact to the story. Fans describe themselves as feeling a wide range of emotions for the cast, whether that be anger, affection or anything in between.

All in all, these readers loved following these characters and eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen to them.

Negative Comments

No book is without its critics, including The Grace of Kings. If readers didn’t enjoy it, what did they say?

Overall, critics pointed to a lack of character connection for their main reason for disliking the book. For some, there were so many characters that they could neither keep up nor bond with them. Regardless of what happened in to the characters, they felt apathetic, whether that was during their triumphs, losses or deaths.

A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H. G. Parry

Description

A sweeping tale of revolution and wonder in a world not quite like our own, A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians is a genre-defying story of magic, war, and the struggle for freedom in the early modern world.

It is the Age of Enlightenment – of new and magical political movements, from the necromancer Robespierre calling for revolution in France to the weather mage Toussaint L’Ouverture leading the slaves of Haiti in their fight for freedom, to the bold new Prime Minister William Pitt weighing the legalization of magic amongst commoners in Britain and abolition throughout its colonies overseas.

But amidst all of the upheaval of the early modern world, there is an unknown force inciting all of human civilization into violent conflict. And it will require the combined efforts of revolutionaries, magicians, and abolitionists to unmask this hidden enemy before the whole world falls to darkness and chaos.

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 3.90

Most Common Rating: 4

Positive Comments

Next on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians. Blending historical fiction and fantasy, this novel dazzled fans with its intriguing blend of story elements as well as its rich, thematically gripping world.

These readers described A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians as packed with everything they enjoyed about fantasy and historical fiction. For some, this involved magical creatures or character types, such as vampires, necromancers and mages. For others, the story’s reimagining of the French Revolution and the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire, were the aspects that captured their imaginations the most.

Overall, they described it as an epic, sweeping tale with all the wonder of fantasy and all the gravity and complexity of historical fiction.

Negative Comments

No book is without its critics, including A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians. What did they say?

Overall, these readers focused on two aspects. The first was the story’s pace, which they characterized as slow. The second was that they thought the blend of fantasy elements with historical ones diminished the seriousness of real life events.

Sunbolt by Intisar Khanani

Description

The winding streets and narrow alleys of Karolene hide many secrets, and Hitomi is one of them. Orphaned at a young age, Hitomi has learned to hide her magical aptitude and who her parents really were.

Most of all, she must conceal her role in the Shadow League, an underground movement working to undermine the powerful and corrupt Arch Mage Wilhelm Blackflame.

When the League gets word that Blackflame intends to detain — and execute — a leading political family, Hitomi volunteers to help the family escape. But there are more secrets at play than Hitomi’s, and much worse fates than execution. When Hitomi finds herself captured along with her charges, it will take everything she can summon to escape with her life.

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 4.23

Most Common Rating: 5

Positive Comments

Another story on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is Sunbolt. This short, fast-paced novel seized readers from page one and engaged them throughout the entire story. Fans particularly praised Hitomi, its protagonist, as well as its refreshing, seamless world-building.

Hitomi won them over with her intelligence, resourcefulness and resilience. Several fans mentioned how they admired her strength, particularly in moments where she experienced prejudice for her biracial heritage. Moreover, in a genre where many protagonists are powerful warriors, readers enjoyed seeing her use her wits to overcome challenges rather than combat skills.

Other fans raved about the story’s world building, which captivated them with its richness and creativity. It included many of readers’ favorite elements: magic, supernatural creatures, and politics. Not only did these aspects of the world mesh seamlessly together, but the magic stood out as especially convincing. Though it inspired awe, it also felt dangerous.

Negative Comments

What did critics of Sunbolt say? For the most part, these readers focused on the characters and the plot.

In terms of the characters, critics typically said they couldn’t connect with the protagonist. This made it difficult for them to invest in the story.

As for the plot, critics described it as feeling either incomplete or as more of a setup for the next book. Some mentioned that this was because the story brought up several plot threads but didn’t complete them. Others, however, said that the incomplete threads made it seem like the book diverted into too many directions.

A Kingdom of Exiles by S.B. Nova

Description

The brightest of stars are always born on the darkest of nights.

Serena Smith is unusual.

Growing up in a backwoods village, her life is lonely and dull. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, she’s gifted a magical heirloom only to be snatched by fae and condemned to a lifetime in chains.

Dragged to Aldar, a fae kingdom ruled by a tyrant witch, Serena discovers a forbidden love, and meets fellow outcasts, each with their own dark secrets.

As the lives of warriors, rebels, and witches clash, they find a shared destiny. For only together, and with Serena’s unique gifts, can they survive long enough to build the flames of a revolution. Only together can they go to war…

What Do Readers Say?

Goodreads Rating: 4.18

Most Common Rating: 5

Positive Comments

And last on our list of fantasy books with revolutions is A Kingdom of Exiles. This entrancing novel grabbed readers with its twists and turns, as well as its vibrant cast of characters.

Fans said that the plot kept them glued to the edge of the seat, surprising them with the directions it took. Just when they thought they knew where the book was headed, it would veer in an exciting new direction. As an added bonus, many mentioned that the story also had a lightning-fast pace, suspense and plenty of action.

In addition to that, these readers often applauded A Kingdom of Exiles for its cast of characters. Whether it was the main characters or the supporting ones, fans said that they dazzled them. Each character had their own motives, personality and growth, as well as something that made them sympathetic or fascinating.

By the end of the story, fans said that it wasn’t just Serena who captured their hearts – they came to care for the entire cast as well.

Negative Comments

What did critics say about A Kingdom of Exiles? Well, they typically focused on two reasons for disliking the novel.

The first had to do with the relationships. These readers tended to say that the characters became friends or fell in love with little development.

The second reason had to do with Serena. Critics thought she had an unrealistic amount of characters showing romantic interest in her, which weren’t justified by either her actions or personal qualities.

Especially since many of them thought she had clear character flaws – some said she came across as immature or helpless – they found this frustrating.