6 Magical Fantasy Books with Elves
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Did you know that elves used to be terrifying, cruel creatures in folklore until Tolkien got hold of them and made them the ethereal, kind creatures we see in Lord of The Rings?
I love Legolas anyway, but we definitely need more books about killer elves that hunt humans... If you have any specific recommendations for that, let me know!
Here’s a list of the best fantasy books with elves, magic, epic quests, and even steam-punk goblins — enjoy!
Prefer your books with dragons and brave dragon riders? Check out our dragon book list here!
6 Best Fantasy Books with Elves
Daggerspell
By Katharine Kerr
We start off strong with Daggerspell, book one in the Deverry series. This magical high fantasy book is about a powerful sorcerer, a human with special gifts, and the Wildfolk.
When Nevyn breaks an ancient promise, he is cursed and trapped forever, waiting for someone to come and free him.
Jill is the daughter of a Silver Dagger, a gang of swordsmen who fight for money. But she’s got a gift: She can talk to the Wildfolk—gnomes, elves, and sprites.
But even with her gift that marks her as different, Jill’s destiny has something big in store that she’ll never see coming.
If you read this book, be prepared to get lost in the entire series. It’s such a gripping read with a twisty storyline.
Elvish
By S. G. Prince
In a world where elves and humans are kept separate, it’s against the law for humans to enter elflands. So, when Venick is caught creeping around, he faces death.
Ellina is an Elvish soldier and doesn’t trust Venick. Elves can’t lie, but humans can. And she knows better than to trust one. So when she finds one stuck in a bear trap on elflands, she doesn’t have much pity for him.
But she takes pity on the human and gives him a choice. He can learn Elvish, so he can’t tell lies, or he can face his death.
But the more time Venick spends with the Elves, the more he learns. Will he risk his own race to save the ones who hate him so deeply?
Elvish is incredibly well-written and has an interesting take on fae-folk. The character of Ellina goes through a full character arc, and she definitely steals the show.
The Sword of Shannara
By Terry Brooks
Terry Brooks has sold over 50 million books worldwide, and The Sword of Shannara is now a TV series. A master of the genre, we couldn't make a list of fantasy books with elves without including this one.
Centuries ago, the Four Lands were torn apart by wars. Now, it lives in relative peace. That is until Allanon arrives with news that the long-dead Warlock Lord is alive.
If it’s true, he’ll start the war again and destroy the peaceful lands people have come to love.
Vale can’t have that. The half-human half-elf goes on a quest to find the Sword of Shannara – a fabled weapon said to possess the power to stop the Warlock Lord once and for all.
Fierce Heart
By Tara Grayce
Essie is a human princess, betrothed to an Elf prince in an arranged marriage that will prevent the races going to war. She’ll do anything to protect her people, including going to live among the elves – not an easy task for an opinionated, talkative princess.
But with alliances feeling thin and war brewing, it’s up to her to unite the elves and her people and keep peace.
This one is a heart-warming, cosy read with a developing romance theme. It’s interesting to see how Essie deals with the culture shock, and the bond between her and Farrendel is sweet.
Homeland
By R. A. Salvatore
Finally, our list of best fantasy books with elves takes an action-packed turn with Homeland. This fantasy book is based on Dungeons and Dragons and follows the story of Drizzt Do’Urden.
As the third son of weapon master Zaknafein, Drizzt is destined to be sacrificed to Lolth, the evil Spider Queen.
But after the death of his older brother, Drizzt is spared and becomes a deadly warrior at the Melee-Magthere Academy.
Drizzt is actually first introduced in Salvatore’s Icewind Dale Trilogy, but this book is his origins story.
The Goblin Emperor
by Katherine Addison
I know, I know, I promised elves and not goblins. But this book actually takes place in an Elven court.
Maia is the half-goblin son of the Elven Emperor, but he lives in exile because of his lineage.
After his father and three brothers are all killed in an “accident”, he’s brought in to (unwillingly) take the throne. Of course, there’s clearly an assassin who will probably attempt to kill him at any moment, and none of the advisors will so much as look at him.
Even so, Maia has no choice but to adjust to his new life as an Emperor and rule over his new people.
You’ll fall in love with Maia within a few pages, which is rare for any book. It’s really not a typical fantasy, but the politics and courtly intrigue will leave you wanting more.
What Are Your Favourite Fantasy Books with Elves?
I love the different approaches different authors take to elves in fantasy books. Some are stoic, reserved creatures, others are deadly warriors. But no matter what kind of fantasy elf books you love, you’ll definitely enjoy one on this list.
If you’re a member of Kindle Unlimited, read the next book list of the best free fantasy eBooks you can download right now!
