Whether it’s because of their grandeur, political intrigues or something more, stories about kings and queens capture our imaginations. These characters have high stakes attached to their decisions and actions, regardless of whether they’re queens, princesses, princes or kings.
Are you on the lookout for stories featuring these royals? If so, you’re in luck.
Here are 12 fantastic fantasy books about kings and queens you must read:
- Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
- Assassins by David N. Pauly
- Radiance by Grace Draven
- Through Wolf’s Eyes by Jane Lindskold
- Crown of Vengeance by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
- The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
- Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs
- The Broken Crown by Michelle West
- Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
- Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes and Michelle Rowen
- The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
- Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
I’ve included book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book below. On the other hand, if you’d like a quick summary, here’s a comparison chart.
Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Description
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. A brutal war of succession has plunged the court of Kingfountain into a power struggle between a charitable king who took the crown unlawfully and his ambitious rival, Devon Argentine. The balance of power between the two men hinges on the fate of a young boy ensnared in this courtly intrigue. A boy befittingly nicknamed Ransom.
When the Argentine family finally rules, Ransom must make his own way in the world. Opportunities open and shut before him as he journeys along the path to knighthood, blind to a shadowy conspiracy of jealousy and revenge. Securing his place will not be easy, nor will winning the affection of Lady Claire de Murrow, a fiery young heiress from an unpredictably mad kingdom.
Ransom interrupts an abduction plot targeting the Queen of Ceredigion and earns a position in service to her son, the firstborn of the new Argentine dynasty. But conflict and treachery threaten the family, and Ransom must also come to understand and hone his burgeoning powers—abilities that involve more than his mastery with a blade and that make him as much a target as his lord.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.59
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
First on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens is Knight’s Ransom. An Arthurian-inspired tale, this fast-paced, intrigue-filled novel dazzled fans with its legendary elements, heart-pounding action, and appealing protagonist.
These readers described Ransom as an intriguing character who they couldn’t help but admire. In an often cutthroat world, Ransom insists on living out his high moral standards, even as he encounters heartbreaking situations where his knightly code of honor can’t guide him. Fans cared for and rooted for him throughout the book, whether that be through the court intrigues, betrayals or during the battles.
Speaking of which, Knight’s Ransom’s vivid tournaments, suspenseful sword-fights, and more, delighted fans. They described themselves as completely immersed, feeling the adrenaline, viciousness of the fight and fear of death. The book kept them on the edge of their seats and eager to see what would happen next.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Knight’s Ransom, what did they say? For the most part, critics said that they found it difficult to connect with the characters. This is because they didn’t feel they had enough time to get to know them before the plot took off.
Assassins by David N. Pauly
Description
In the aftermath of the Great War, the land of Nostraterra lies in ruins. While the Elves, Dwarves and Men rebuild their kingdoms, a sinister plan has been set in motion: the assassination of Alfrahil, Crown Prince of Eldora.
As fire rains down within the city walls, young prince Alfrahil rides for his life and escapes. Braving unforeseen dangers, he is determined to unmask the conspirators and discover the truth.
Clues point towards Alfrahil’s brother, Prince Daerahil, and the scheming First Minister, Mergin. But who is really behind the conspiracy?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Second on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens is Assassins. This fast-paced fantasy novel grabbed fans from the first page with its suspenseful, action-packed storyline and it’s world, which was inspired by The Lord of the Rings.
Readers praised the book’s drama, intrigues and mystery plot. They were riveted as they tried to piece the clues together and solve the mystery alongside the characters. Nothing was as it seemed and the plot twists were constant.
On top of that, fans said that the story was a delight for fans of Tolkien’s works. Whether it was the elves, dwarves or shadowy evil, these readers enjoyed how the book placed a modern spin on several of their favorite classic fantasy elements.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including Assassins. If readers enjoy this book, what did they say?
For the most part, they had two comments. The first was that they thought the book didn’t have much of a resolution. The second was that the inspiration from The Lord of the Rings seemed too apparent.
Radiance by Grace Draven
Description
The Prince of no value
Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.
The noblewoman of no importance
Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn’t just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she’s known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.
Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.06
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Third on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens is Radiance. Featuring a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, this book enthralled fans with the sense of authenticity and connection between the two leads.
Describing their romance as full of connection and compatibility, readers were delighted that Ildiko and Brishen’s relationship was based on mutual respect and an effort to be good spouses to one another. Comparing it to romances that focused on physical attraction, fans said that this was refreshing. Several mentioned that this was one of the few romances they’d read that came across as a convincing relationship.
Others mentioned how much they appreciated that Ildiko and Brishen were both mature, kind people. Rather than resent each other or their arranged marriage, they approached it with a decision to make the best of it. Seeing them support and care for each other won fans’ praise.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Radiance, what did they say? For the most part, critics said that there wasn’t much conflict in the book to keep them riveted by what was happening. Some expected drama in a relationship between people of two vastly different cultures, while others said that the characters’ immediate compatibility meant there wasn’t suspense or anticipation.
Content Note: Readers said that Radiance contains explicit sexual content
Through Wolf’s Eyes by Jane Lindskold
Description
Born human, raised by wolves, Firekeeper seems the last person anyone would choose to back as a candidate for heir apparent to a royal throne.
Nonetheless, when Firekeeper and her wolf “brother,” Blind Seer, travel with Earl Kestrel’s expedition into the kingdom of Hawk Haven, the earl thrusts the wolf-woman into the midst of the heated intrigue surrounding who will be chosen as the heir of elderly King Tedric.
Soon, the only thing the competing factions seem able to agree upon is that Firekeeper is an enemy. Firekeeper may not be able to read or write. She may struggle to speak a coherent sentence. However, if there is one thing the wolf-woman has learned from her life among wolves, it is that a strong pack needs an even stronger leader.
Will Firekeeper win the fight for the throne? Whatever happens, the wolf-woman’s part in the contest will forever change it, even for those who do not see through wolf’s eyes.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Fourth on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens is Through Wolf’s Eyes. Fans of this novel enthused over its incredible characters, all of whom felt flesh-and-blood.
Readers described these characters, whether main characters or supporting ones, as capturing their hearts and stirring their emotions. Their interactions with each other, their history and growth were touching and organic.
In addition to that, other readers praised the book for its political intrigue. Richly detailed and nuanced, fans were delighted and eager to find out how each new twist and turn would impact the characters.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about Through Wolf’s Eyes? Well, several of them said that the book included too many world-building or character details. However, most of them were generally readers who didn’t enjoy political fantasy.
These readers found the scheming uninteresting and, given that the majority of the book revolves around politics, disengaged with the story.
Crown of Vengeance by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
Description
Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory, bestselling authors individually and together, return to the world of their New York Times and USA Today bestselling Obsidian and Enduring Flame Trilogies with Crown of Vengeance.
Here, readers will learn the truth about the Elven Queen Vielissiar Faricarnon, who was the first to face the Endarkened in battle and the first to bond with a dragon. She worked some of the greatest magics her world has ever known, and paid the greatest Price.
Crown of Vengeance is an exciting fantasy adventure that will appeal to fans of Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series. No previous knowledge of Lackey and Mallory’s collaborations is necessary to enjoy this fast-paced, action-packed novel, but returning readers will be excited to discover this amazing story.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.06
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Fifth on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens is Crown of Vengeance by authors Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory. Readers delighted by this book called it a vast epic, covering a large cast of characters over a great length of time.
These readers praised the story’s complexity, realism and its well fleshed-out characters. When the circumstances of the story turned against their favorite characters, these fans found themselves feeling for their loses as well as rooting for their comebacks.
Negative Comments
If Crown of Vengeance wasn’t a reader’s cup of tea, what did they say?
First off, for those you searching for a book that puts dragons front and center, it doesn’t seem like that’s the main focus of the novel. While readers didn’t mention this as a detractor, they also didn’t mention the dragons at all.
In addition, readers who didn’t enjoy this novel were frustrated by its several over-familiar story elements. For instance, the book features a ‘chosen one’ that’s the subject of a prophecy, a special school for the gifted, and a ‘bonded mate’ romance sub-plot.
Other readers said that the book had plenty of battle scenes – too much, in fact. Crown of Vengeance is action-packed, but the action won’t necessarily have the amount of tension, suspense or stakes to keep readers on the edge of their seats. After a while, these readers found themselves lulled into indifference.
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 about kings and queens 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.
Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs
Description
Most everyone thinks Ward of Hurog is a simple-minded fool — and that’s just fine by him. But few people know that his foolishness is (very convincingly) feigned. And that it’s the only thing that’s saved him from death.
When his abusive father dies, Ward becomes the new lord of Hurog…until a nobleman declares that he is too dim-witted to rule. Ward knows he cannot play the fool any longer. To regain his kingdom, he must prove himself worthy — and quickly.
Riding into a war that’s heating up on the border, Ward is sure he’s on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly serious turn. For he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep.
The bones can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and Ward is certain his enemies will stop at nothing to possess them…
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.06
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens books about royalty is Dragon Bones. Whether it was main characters or supporting ones, this story’s delightful and likable characters captivated readers. Fans said that all of the characters came across as unique and had their own charming traits.
In particular, several of them mentioned that Ward, the protagonist, impressed them with his righteousness in the face of his dark circumstances. Oreg, on the other hand, interested and entertained them with his wit.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy Dragon Bones though, what did they say? These critics generally said that while the book started off well, it began to meander and lose focus as it progressed.
They found themselves encountering moments in the book where they didn’t understand how it tied into the overall story. Because of this, these readers eventually found the book confusing and slow.
Others said that they didn’t connect strongly enough to the protagonist, Ward. Some explained that they expected him to experience more emotionally. When he didn’t, he came across to them as unconvincing.
The Broken Crown by Michelle West
Description
The first novel of the acclaimed Sun Sword series introduces readers to a war-torn world of noble houses divided and demon lords unleashed…
Tor Leonne — the heart of the Dominion of Annagar, where the games of state are about to become a matter of life and death — and where those who seek to seize the crown will be forced to league with a treacherously cunning ally….
Tor Leonne, ancestral seat of power, where Serra Diora Maria di’Marano — the most sought-after beauty in the land, a woman betrayed by all she holds dear — may strike the first blow to change the future of the Dominion and Empire alike….
Averalaan Aramarelas — that most ancient of civilized cities, the home of the Essalieyan Imperial court, has long been a center of magics both dark and bright. And though the Empire won its last war with the Dominion, and survived a devastating, magic-fueled battle with a far deadlier foe, both those victories were not without their cost….
But now the realm is on the brink of a far greater confrontation, faced with an unholy alliance that could spell the end of freedom for all mortalkind.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.93
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Eighth on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens out royalty is The Broken Crown. Inspired by ancient Arabia, this political intrigue novel stood out to fans with its refreshing setting and poetic prose. Mostly though, it delighted them with its fantastic characters.
Readers described the protagonists as coming from all different walks of life: they were princesses, street urchins and more. Each came across to them as well-fleshed out and authentic, and each had their own unique story to tell.
Fans admired them for making difficult decisions and charting their paths, regardless of the political and social challenges. Many of them could easily identify a favorite character, even as they enjoyed and sympathized with the rest of the character cast.
Negative Comments
What did critics say?
Overall, these readers focused on the world-building, saying it confused them. Some said this was because the book was heavily detailed. Others said that the world was complex in general and that the book’s slow pacing made it difficult for them to stay focused when it was explained.
Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Description
Danica Shardae is an avian shapeshifter, and the golden hawk’s form in which she takes to the sky is as natural to her as the human one that graces her on land. The only thing more familiar to her is war: It has raged between her people and the serpiente for so long, no one can remember how the fighting began.
As heir to the avian throne, she’ll do anything in her power to stop this war — even accept Zane Cobriana, the terrifying leader of her kind’s greatest enemy, as her pair bond and make the two royal families one.
Trust. It is all Zane asks of Danica — and all they ask of their people — but it may be more than she can give.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.15
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens overs YA fantasy books is Hawksong. Filled with lush and captivating world-building, this story captivated fans with its fantastical world. Whether it was the well-drafted descriptions, subtle legends and traditions woven throughout the tale, or different people groups, Hawksong whisked readers into its pages.
The story focuses on the growing relationship between the two leads, Danica and Zane, and how they join their two very different and hostile cultures: avian and cobra shapeshifters. Fans remarked that the two nation’s cultures and traditions were distinct and fascinating, and the gradual trust Danica and Zane created a moving story.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including Hawksong. If they didn’t enjoy the novel, what did they say?
Overall, some readers found the period and setting of this book unclear since it referenced myths and legends from vastly different time periods and locations. For instance, some said it included legends from Egypt and Greece.
Others focused on the ending, saying it was abrupt and left them with more questions than answers.
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
Another story on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens 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.
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Description
The youngest, half-goblin son of the Emperor has lived his entire life in exile, distant from the Imperial Court and the deadly intrigue that suffuses it.
But when his father and three sons in line for the throne are killed in an “accident,” he has no choice but to take his place as the only surviving rightful heir.
Entirely unschooled in the art of court politics, he has no friends, no advisors, and the sure knowledge that whoever assassinated his father and brothers could make an attempt on his life at any moment.
Surrounded by sycophants eager to curry favor with the naïve new emperor, and overwhelmed by the burdens of his new life, he can trust nobody.
Amid the swirl of plots to depose him, offers of arranged marriages, and the specter of the unknown conspirators who lurk in the shadows, he must quickly adjust to life as the Goblin Emperor.
All the while, he is alone, and trying to find even a single friend . . . and hoping for the possibility of romance, yet also vigilant against the unseen enemies that threaten him, lest he lose his throne – or his life.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.04
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Eleventh on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens is The Goblin Emperor. Rather than an action-packed tale about battles and wars, this story captivated readers with court intrigue and a coming of age story.
Readers praised the book for giving them Maia, the kindhearted main character. Especially given the current slew of grim dark fantasy novels around, he stood out to them as a refreshing change.
He’s a noble and heroic character that they immediately bonded with and wanted to see succeed. In particular, his efforts to improve his new kingdom him and serve his people endeared him to them.
Other readers mentioned the world-building. Some mentioned the nuanced way characters spoke to each other, which took into account the social standing of the person they conversed with. Others mentioned the description of court life. But in either case, readers thought the world was fascinating and vividly realized.
Negative Comments
So why didn’t critics like The Goblin Emperor? Overall, readers tended to cite either the plot or the way the author used language to portray court life.
In terms of the plot, critics said that it meandered: there didn’t seem to be a connecting thread between the events or an ultimate point the plot drove toward.
Others, though, were frustrated by the terminology the story used in its dialogue. For instance, Maia would use the royal ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ to refer to himself when he acted in the capacity of a monarch. While this was and is standard protocol for kings and queens, it nevertheless was too off-putting for critics.
Similarly, some were either confused or bothered by how the story used both ‘you’ (formal second person) and ‘thou’ (informal second person). While there’s a historical basis for using the terms, these readers found it grating.
Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
Description
Zoe Ardelay receives astonishing and unwelcome news: she has been chosen to become the king’s fifth wife. Forced to go to the royal city, she manages to slip away and hide on the shores of the mighty river.
It’s there that Zoe realizes she is a coru prime ruled by the elemental sign of water. She must return to the palace, not as an unwilling bride for the king, but a woman with power in her own right.
But as Zoe unlocks more of the mysteries of her blood and the secrets of the royal family she must decide how to use her great power to rise above the deceptions and intrigue of the royal court.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.01
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Last on our list of fantasy books about kings and queens is Troubled Waters. This novel enchanted readers primarily through Zoe, it’s protagonist, and the authentic romance between her and her love interest.
Fans described Zoe as a refreshing heroine, one that starts off in a vulnerable state but grows into a strong and self-possessed individual. Her journey moved these readers, who found her relatable and appreciated that she wasn’t the hyper-competent protagonist type.
In addition, others said that Troubled Water’s romance caught their attention. They contrasted it with romances in other fantasy books, which they said tended to say relied on ‘love at first sight’ with little substance behind it. Not so with this novel, which fans praised as having two strong characters who have gain trust and mutual respect for each other. These readers praised it as heartwarming.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about Troubled Waters? Well, they tended to focus on either Zoe as a protagonist or the story’s means of characterizing its cast.
For the former, these readers described Zoe as overly favored by the story. For example, some of them said she adapted too easily to the changes around her while others said she’d make frustrating decisions but face no consequences for it. As a result, these readers found her unlikeable.
In terms of the latter, critics said that the book tended to characterize its cast by astrology descriptions rather than showing those traits in action.
On the other hand, other readers didn’t mind being told about a character’s traits, but didn’t like how frequently those traits were attributed to the character’s astrological sign. This group of readers started to feel that the astrological signs dominated characters instead of informing about them.
12 Dazzling Fantasy Books About Kings and Queens to Read
How Do These Fantasy Novels Compare?
