9 Fantasy Books Under 300 Pages That Are Must-Reads

I love getting lost in fantasy worlds but sometimes I don’t have the time to commit to a long book. Other times, I like a nice “palette cleansing” book between epics. That’s why I’ve become a big fan of shorter fantasy books under 300 pages; they have all the magic of longer books but in a more bite-sized format.

Fantasy doesn’t need a sprawling series or be able to double as a doorstop to transport have a profound effect on you as a reader, and many authors have learned to craft worlds and stories in less space. From fairy tale retellings to newly invented worlds, there are plenty of quality short fantasy books to be found.

To that end, here are my top 8 recommendations.

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When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

If you enjoy slavic folklore or contemporary urban fantasy, When Among Crows by Veronica Roth is a brilliant combination of both. It’s also a Goodreads nominee for the best fantasy book of 2024!

This short read follows our protagonist, Dymitr as he embarks on a mission to meet the Baba Jaga. We’re not really sure who Dymitr is or why he wants this audience with the city’s most legendary witch, and he doesn’t seem too forthcoming about telling anyone, either.

He makes a bargain with a fear-eating zmora named Ala, who is afflicted with a curse that makes her witness the death of her own kind every day: He will give her the mythical fern flower he’s obtain if she helps him get an audience with the Baba Yaga. The catch is they only have 36 hours before the flower’s power is rendered useless.

Full of stellar writing and fascinating creatures reminiscent of The Witcher, this sub-200-page book packs a lot in a short amount of time.

Also, can we just take a second to appreciate how stunning the cover is? It’s a work of art!

The Tale of the Last Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

This book took me to a world of secrets and beauty. I was swept up in the story of two girls growing up in the mysterious House of Dreams. The nameless narrator, known only as “Bridegroom”, drew me into a hypnotic and treacherous world.

Chokshi’s writing is beautiful. Her prose is lyrical and dreamy and I got lost in the pages. The characters are well-developed and add to the gothic fantasy.

For dark romance with a fantasy twist this is a must-read. I loved how Chokshi blended literary fiction with subtle fantasy elements. It’s a combination that kept me hooked.

While the book is short it packs a punch. I savored every word and was fully in the world. The Tale of the Last Flower Bride is proof that sometimes the best stories come in small packages.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

I read this odd book one sitting during a plane ride and it made the day of travel go by in the blink of an eye!

The story follows Piranesi as he navigates a vast and mysterious labyrinth filled with statues. It’s an odd story right from page one: Piranesi’s childlike, muddled optimism if as funny as it is endearing and you’ll be rooting for him while wondering what the heck is going on.

Clarke’s writing style is so engrossing. I was able to follow the plot despite the surreal elements. The small cast of characters helped me stay focused on the mystery.

What I loved was the magical realism and suspense. As I turned each page I uncovered more clues about Piranesi’s world. The labyrinth became a character and its secrets slowly revealed themselves.

I have to admit I was a bit confused at first. But that confusion quickly turned to fascination. Before I knew it I’d devoured the whole book in one sitting!

If you’re looking for a short fantasy that will keep you guessing try Piranesi. It’s a great introduction to the genre for newbies or a change of pace for seasoned fantasy readers.

The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson

I loved this little book. Although under 200 pages long, Sanderson packs a lot in. Shai is a Forger – someone who can rewrite the history of objects and even people. When she’s caught trying to steal from the palace she’s given an impossible task – recreate the Emperor’s soul or die.

The book blends fantasy and science fiction beautifully. I was blown away by the magic system Sanderson created. The concept of Forgery – using special stamps to alter reality – was so original and cool. And the Asian-inspired setting was so lush and vivid.

Shai is such an interesting character; she’s clever, resourceful, and determined. I loved watching her navigate the treacherous situation she found herself in. The interactions between her and Gaotona were the best part.

Despite the short length, the book deals with some big themes – art, identity, and what makes us human. It will make you think.

The pacing is perfect, with plenty of tension as Shai races against time to complete her mission. I couldn’t put it down.

If you want a short fantasy that’s a punch packer I can’t recommend this one enough. If you aren’t ready to dive into Sanderon’s larger works yet, this novella is a good one to start with. (Check out my ultimate cosmere reading order guide when you are ready!)

Sanderson has also written many other short stories such as The Sixth of Dusk and Shadows for Silence in the Forest of Hell, if you need more reading material before launching into his full length novels.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t this a classic children’s book from the 1950s?

Yes, yes it is.

BUT – if you haven’t read it, you really need to. Although the book is intended for children, it tackles some surprisingly deep themes—betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of belief. These are handled with such care that readers of any age can appreciate the lessons hidden beneath the whimsical surface.

The pacing is brisk, and the action ramps up perfectly towards the final battle. The sense of wonder and discovery never lets up, making it hard to put down.

If you’re looking for a short, classic fantasy that will whisk you away to another world, I highly recommend The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

It’s technically the second book in the series, but is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the Chronicles of Narnia series. His other books in the series, notably The Magician’s Nephew, Prince Caspian, and The Silver Chair are excellent as well. (Unlike many book series, these books can be read in just about any order or independently of each other.)

I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle

This short fantasy novel follows Robert a reluctant dragon exterminator who secretly loves the dragons he’s supposed to kill. I liked his inner conflict.

Princess Cerise and Prince Reginald are the other main characters. Their bits had me laughing as they battled evil wizards and of course dragons.

Beagle’s writing is light and humorous. He pokes fun at fantasy tropes in a way that made me smile. The whimsical bits – talking animals – add to the magic of the story. The dragons are treated as pests not fearsome beasts which I found hilarious.

You’ll love watching the characters grow and challenge their roles. Robert’s journey from exterminator to something more was particularly satisfying.

Although not really “laugh-out-loud funny,” it has a whimsical tone and high stakes that will keep you interested. The cover art is beautiful too, so what’s not to like?

If you want a fun, dragon filled romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously I’d recommend this one. It’s a great choice for fantasy fans looking for a quick read.

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar

This little novel is just 209 pages long, but it’s a wild ride through time and space and you will be riveted from the first page. The speculative elements about two human races, like H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine, add depth to the story.

The story follows two rival agents in an epic time war. Their unlikely correspondence starts with a taunting letter and becomes something really special. I loved the romance amidst the chaos of their conflict.

El-Mohtar’s writing is gorgeous. It’s like poetry. She paints vivid scenes across different timelines and realities. It’s a treat for the imagination.

Despite the short length, it’s packed with action, intrigue, and emotion. The concept is handled perfectly, with plenty of twists and turns.

Beware – this isn’t a linear story. The non-linear structure and poetic style might not be for everyone. But if you like your fantasy/sci-fi creative and boundary-pushing it’s a must read.

It’s a story that shows love can transcend time, space and opposing loyalties.

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

At 299 pages, it’s a dense read with beautiful prose and complex characters.

The story follows Constanta, Dracula’s first bride, as she recounts centuries of love, devotion and betrayal. I loved her journey from innocent victim to survivor.

Gibson’s writing is beautiful – poetic and emotional. I highlighted almost every page. The emotions are real and raw.

Beware – this isn’t a light read. It gets into some heavy themes like abuse and manipulation. But overall I found it an empowering story of breaking free from toxic relationships.

For a shorter but intense fantasy read I highly recommend this beautiful, lyrical take on a classic. The characters and prose will stay with you long after you finish.

Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher

I’ve found a treasure with “Nettle and Bone” by T. Kingfisher. It’s a punchy read at well under 300 pages.

The story transported me to a world where fairy tales go off the rails. It has the same wholesome charm as a children’s book, pulling you into its whimsy and magic, but with a darker, slightly disturbing edge to it. The vibe is what I like most about it; it’s like a blanket with dark threads – warm and slightly creepy.

You’ll meet skeleton dogs, creepy puppets, and strange tasks that will keep you turning the pages. It’s the perfect book for those nights when I want to snuggle up with a book that’s both familiar and new.

T. Kingfisher’s writing is lovely and it will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Why You Should Add Short Fantasy Books To Your TBR

Short fantasy books tend to get a bad reputation, as though they aren’t “real” fantasy books if they aren’t thick enough to give someone a concussion. But people who think this way are missing out on some great books, and have the other following benefits:

Quick In

Other stories in the fantasy genre can be slow paced to start because of the heavy world-building involved,but short reads, authors can craft tight plots that hook you from the start.

Characters, magic systems, and plot twists unfold fast, and you’re engaged from the get-go. These little tales often have a fast pace, world-building in fewer words, and are more focused primary character development with fewer side characters and subplots.

Busy Schedules

As someone with a full calendar, you’ll love how short fantasy books fit into your day. You can finish one over a weekend or a few lunch breaks. You no longer have to put off reading because of time. These little novels let you escape into fantasy without disrupting your routine.

Low-Commitment Way to Try Out New Authors

Short fantasy books are your way of trying out new authors. They’re like literary canapés, a taste of an author’s style and imagination without the big time commitment.

Take Brandon Sanderson. His main series, The Stormlight Archive, is more than a thousand pages per book, which is way too intimidating for most readers to jump into. But The Emperor’s Soul gives you a taste of what you can expect from the author so you can decide if you like his storytelling and style as a writer.

You can try out different writing styles, explore different fantasy subgenres, and find new favorite authors fast. If you don’t like a book, you haven’t lost much. But if you do like it, you’ll be excited to read more of the author.

Get Out of a Reading Slump

Short fantasy books can be your savior if you find yourself in a reading slump. Their short length and engaging stories get reading momentum back, feel accomplished after finishing quickly, and rediscover the love of story. The satisfaction of finishing a book makes you pick up another and end your reading drought.

Ideal For Fantasy Newbies

If you’re new to fantasy, short books are the perfect introduction to the genre. They introduce the fantasy elements without overwhelming you with world-building or long character lists.

Beginner-friendly features include simple magic systems, focused plots with fewer subplots, and clear characters. You might recommend these books to friends who are curious about fantasy but intimidated by long epics.

If you’re a newbie fantasy reader, be sure to check out my guide on how to get into fantasy as well as my favorite beginner fantasy books!

Final Thoughts

I love these fantasy books under 300 pages just as much as I do their longer epic counterparts. It can be nice occasionally to read complete stories that don’t require a big time commitment.

Whether you’re a fantasy aficionado or a casual reader try these out. You might be surprised how much adventure can fit in a small book.

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