7 Must Read Fantasy + Sci-Fi Novellas to Add to Your TBR and Help You Hit Your Yearly Reading Goal
Summer reading time is here (BTW, have you joined the third annual BAMTP Summer Reading Challenge yet?!), which means lots of sunny days, reads by the pool, and the best? More daylight! But it also means you’re out and about doing things with friends and family, neighborhood BBQs, traveling, and maybe your TBR feels like a mountain of impossibility. Sometimes with all of the running around, you don’t have time to sit down and read a massive tome (looking at you Brandon Sanderson). But you still want to make progress on your yearly Reading Goal, so a novella will be your best friend in this instance. And I’ve got some of my favorite novellas I love to recommend, including a brand new release that I’ve since added to this list. You’ll find both sci-fi and fantasy recs below, and most can be read in one sitting if you so desire.
What makes a good novella? For me, even if it’s short, I love there to be a solid plot, beautiful or clever writing, and characters that still have some depth. I’m not expecting tons of detail on magic systems (although it’s great if there is), but I don’t want to feel like the world isn’t fully formed if that makes sense. This is really hard to do, and for me, these books below hit the spot. I hope you’ll enjoy them too! Have any favorite novellas not on the list? Drop them in the comments below and help people add to their TBRs!
The River Has Roots by Amal el-Mohtar
I binged this short novella in one sitting this past weekend, and this is the solo debut novella of one of the two authors that wrote This is How You Lose the Time War (which you’ll also find on this list!), but reading this short novella fully cemented that of the two authors, Amal is my favorite. This gives lush folktale vibes, with unique, but vague magic, clever and beautiful writing, a love story, a murder and revenge plot, and the bond between sisters.
If anything, I do wish this was longer!
Available in Kindle Unlimited? No
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
aka The Murderbot Diaries. If you love the idea of a snarky sentient security robot that just wants to be left alone to watch reality TV, you will love this novella (and the rest of the series)! The audiobook is fantastic, and I would recommend grabbing it on libro.fm. I haven’t watched the recently released show on Apple TV yet, but it’s high on my list!
Available in Kindle Unlimited? No
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Published before the “lady knight” trend we’re seeing this year, it was before its time apparently. Traditional dragons and knights, but some amazing twists, and also has dragon history. A lady knight trying to prove herself and win back honor. I loved it.
Available in Kindle Unlimited? No
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal el-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
This is one of those books where you have no idea what is going on and it makes no sense…until it does. And then it blows your mind. I’ve read this novella twice and loved it even more the second time. It can read a bit pretentious, but it’s so beautiful, and it might just make you cry.
Available in Kindle Unlimited? No
Anthem by Ayn Rand
One of my favorite dystopian novels of all time. You don’t have to agree with Rand’s personal philosophies to appreciate her writing and storytelling abilities.
Available in Kindle Unlimited? No
Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
If you’re looking for a short, but perfect romantasy with vampires and Autism rep, look no further. While this technically should be read between books 1+2 of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, this novella is a standalone within the same world and can be read on its own. For it being so short, I was so impressed with the depth of the characters and the plot. I absolutely loved it (even more than the main series!).
Available in Kindle Unlimited? Yes
The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow
Ok, technically, it’s a short story because it’s only about 30 pages, but this little novella will blow your mind. I honestly think this novella is best read going in completely blind. Just trust me.
Available in Kindle Unlimited? No
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