Reigns and Rebellions: 10 YA Books Fueled by Political Intrigue

Hey there, fellow bookworms! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a cozy fantasy book to escape the everyday hustle and bustle. Fantasy books have this incredible ability to whisk us away to distant lands filled with mythical creatures, and unforgettable adventures. And when the weather turns chilly, there’s no better time to snuggle up with a good book.

So, let’s grab our favorite blankets, brew some tea, and explore 10 delightful cozy fantasy books that are bound to keep you warm and captivated. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy aficionado or just dipping your toes into the genre, there’s something here for everyone.

She Who Rides the Storm by Caitlin Sangster

1. She Who Rides the Storm by Caitlin Sangster:

In a world where shapeshifting monsters once ruled, four individuals are drawn into a high-stakes heist within the perilous tomb of an ancient shapeshifter king. Each character has their own motives for braving the dangers of the tomb, which include a cursed sword and dark secrets.

Key Features:

Ancient shapeshifting king’s tomb
High-stakes heist
Multiple characters with diverse motives
Cursed sword
Secrets and legends

Tropes:

Tomb raiding
Reluctant alliances
Treasure hunting
Revenge and redemption

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

2. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson (Magic Political Intrigue)

Elisabeth, raised in a Great Library filled with dangerous magical grimoires, inadvertently unleashes a powerful grimoire and becomes entangled in a conspiracy. She forms an unlikely alliance with a sorcerer and a demonic servant, challenging her long-held beliefs about sorcerers and their magic.

Key Features:
Magical grimoires with dangerous secrets
Alliance between unlikely characters
Conspiracy and political intrigue
Reevaluation of beliefs

Tropes:
Forbidden magic
Unlikely alliances
Secrets in books
Coming-of-age

Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift

3. Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift

Adraa and Jatin, heirs to two powerful kingdoms, are set to marry in an arranged marriage. However, they are unaware of each other’s true identities, and their paths cross in a complex, perilous world filled with secrets, magic, and political intrigue.

Key Features:
Arranged marriage
Hidden identities
Rival kingdoms
Secrets and rivalry

Tropes:
Arranged marriage and forbidden love
Hidden identity
Political intrigue
Quest for the truth

From the Mouths of Sirens by Abigail Hair

4.From the Mouths of Sirens by Abigail Hair

Princess Saoirse seeks to win a gladiator-style competition to overthrow the oppressive Aura people who have won for a century. Along the way, she forms a complicated relationship with the Auran prince, and they uncover long-forgotten lore and secrets that threaten both their nations.

Key Features:
Gladiator-style competition
Oppressive rulers
Forbidden love
Ancient lore and mythology

Tropes:
Tournament of champions
Oppressed heroine seeking revenge
Enemies turned lovers
Mythical secrets and legends

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

5. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Jude, a mortal, wants to belong in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, even if it means defying the wicked Prince Cardan. As she becomes embroiled in palace politics and conspiracies, she discovers her own capacity for cunning and must risk her life to protect her family and Faerie.

Key Features:
The treacherous High Court of Faerie
Political intrigue and manipulation
Complex relationships
Betrayal and power struggles

Tropes:
Mortal in a magical world
Ambitious heroine
Enemies-to-lovers
Courtly politics and schemes

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

6. Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (Royal Political Intrigue)

In the kingdom of Kandala, a sickness ravages the land, and two brothers, one a king and the other a ruthless enforcer of justice, maintain a fragile peace. A young apothecary apprentice, Tessa, defies the royals to help those affected by the sickness, leading her on a dangerous path within the palace.

Key Features:
Kingdom on the brink of disaster
Sickness and rebellion
Apothecary apprentice
Palace politics and secrets

Tropes:
Plague-ridden kingdom
Young heroes in dire circumstances
Forbidden entry into the palace
Political intrigue and conspiracy

Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb

7. Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb

Rossana Lacertosa and Damian Venturi must confront the corrupt system of saints and disciples ruling Ombrazia, a city filled with secrets and oppression. As they investigate a series of murders, they uncover sinister truths that could change the city’s fate.

Key Features:
Oppressive rule by saints and disciples
Murder mystery
Corrupt system
Dark secrets and hidden pasts

Tropes:
Heroine defying an unjust system
Murder investigation
Dark secrets and hidden truths
Complex relationships

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi

8. This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi

Alizeh, a servant girl with hidden powers, and Prince Kamran find their destinies intertwined in a world of clashing empires and forbidden romance. Their actions could upend their kingdom and the world.

Key Features:
Clashing empires
Forbidden romance
Long-lost heir
Prophecies and destiny

Tropes:
Hidden royalty
Forbidden love
Prophecies and destinies
World-changing events

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

9. Graceling by Kristen Cashore

Katsa, gifted with a killing Grace, becomes a thug for her uncle, the king. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Po and uncovers secrets that could change the fate of the seven kingdoms.

Key Features:
Characters with unique abilities (Graces)
Political intrigue and power struggles
Strong female protagonist
Romance and adventure

Tropes:
Gifted protagonist with a unique skill
Strong female lead
Courtly politics and power dynamics
Epic romance and adventure

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

10. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (High Fantasy Political Intrigue)

In a world where the Lord Ruler holds absolute power and a rebellion is brewing, Kelsier, a skilled thief, assembles a crew of allomancers to take down the oppressive regime. A young girl named Vin joins them, and together, they challenge the dark lord’s reign.

Key Features:
Dark and oppressive world
Rebellion against an oppressive ruler
Unique magical system (Allomancy)
Heist and overthrowing a dark lord

Tropes:
Oppressed society
Rebellion and overthrowing the villain
Unique magic system
Epic heist and quest

Up Next: My Top 15 All Time YA Fantasy Reads