7 YA Fantasy Duology Books You Should Add to Your TBR Immediately

Fantasy duology books are the perfect middle ground for readers who want more than a standalone but not a whole series. These Two-book wonders allow you to get lost in rich worlds and complex characters without the commitment of a 3-16 book series!

These are complete fantasy series, but with only two books authors can craft complex plots and develop interesting characters without dragging it out. (In fact, I feel many trilogies would have made better duologies. The term “second book syndrome” exists for a reason!)

Here are my top 7 fantasy duologies that are complete fantasy series in and of themselves. They are some of my absolute favorite YA fantasy book recs that are almost guaranteed to get you out of a reading slump!

Be sure to visit back frequently for an updated list of Ya fantasy book recs.

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1. Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer & Muse of Nightmares)

I usually don’t like to come right out and say which book on a list is my favorite, but Strange the Dreamer is easily my favorite duology of all time. This story follows Lazlo Strange, a young librarian with an insatiable curiosity about the mythic lost city of Weep.

Taylor’s writing is pure magic. You’ll get lost in her descriptions and feel like you’re right there with Lazlo. The mix of reality and fantasy makes the world feel familiar and weird.

The story unfolds slowly and reveals its secrets bit by bit. You’ll be turning pages so fast as you devour the budding romance between the main characters and unravel the mysteries of the city. Taylor’s skill at building fantasy worlds is on full display in this duology.

Muse of Nightmares is the sequel, and wraps up the story in a really satisfying way.

Read this if you like:

• Complex characters with secrets

• A beautiful, sweet love story

• A world that comes alive on the page

• Twists that will challenge your idea of good and evi

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2. The Shepherd King (One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns)

One Dark Window features protagonist Elspeth Spindle, a young woman with a peculiar (and somewhat frightening) kind of magic. As a child she survived a fever that bound her to an ancient spirit called the Nightmare. This spirit has a beastly nature, but he protects Elspeth and keeps her secrets.

The story takes place in the misty kingdom of Blunder, with makes for a fabulous gothic setting. The pacing (at least for me) might feel slow at first but by 100 pages you’ll be hooked. As the story goes on an ancient evil awakens and the stakes get higher.

Two Twisted Crowns is the sequel and builds on what was laid down in the first book, and focuses more on other characters. You’ll get new layers of the magical world and deeper character relationships. Many readers find this one even more engrossing than the first, myself included!

The duology’s world-building is rich but not so much so you feel lost at any point. So if you’re new to the genre you’ll definitely appreciate how fluidly the magic and story are introduced without overwhelming you.

This duology is for you if you like:

• Gothic, Dark settings

• Compelling magic

• Otherworldly beings

• Multiple POVs

• Romance romance and more romance!

3. Letters Of Enchantment (Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows)

Rebecca Ross’s duologies are so good she makes this list twice. The first is her most recent works, Letters of Enchantment. The first book, Divine Rivals, takes you to a world where gods and mortals live in a magical world that feels like World War 2. You’ll get lost in a story of revenge, murder and divine interference.

The story follows two rival journalists who (unknowingly to one of them) end up communicating through a magical typewriter and forming feelings for each other. As you get into the story you’ll come to love these characters with deep motivations and personal grudges.

Ross’s writing is beautiful and you’ll feel like you’re right there with the characters. The mix of action, romance and divine drama is unique.

The end of book one sets the stage for its sequel, Ruthless Vows, which delivers the stunning finale to this magical series. Get ready for more twists, turns and divine interference as you follow the characters!

Check out Letters of Enchantment if you dig:

• Love letters and magical typewriters

• World War 2 type setting

• Rivals to lovers

4. Songs Of Cadence (A River Enchanted & A Fire Endless)

You’ll love the magical isle of Cadence in Rebecca Ross’s YA duology. These two books combine magic, romance and Scottish-inspired fantasy in a way that’s fresh and fun.

The story follows childhood rivals forced to work together to solve a mystery. You’ll get drawn into a world where magic is woven into nature and the spiritual realm and you’ll be fascinated by the complex system.

Jack Tamerlaine and Adaira Bonn’s relationship develops beautifully throughout the series. You’ll enjoy watching them move past their troubled past and get closer.

The setting is beautiful. You’ll feel like you’re walking through forests and island communities as you read. Ross’s writing brings the Scotland-inspired landscape to life.

This duology is a fresh take on fantasy romance. You’ll be turning pages fast, caught up in the story and characters. It’s a series that lingers long after you’ve finished.

Read this duology if you like:

• Music-based magic system

• Spirit worlds

• Gorgeous writing

• Beautiful romance

5. Six Of Crows (Six Of Crows & Crooked Kingdom)

This fantasy duology is set in Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, the same setting as her famous Shadow and Bone Trilogy. Six of Crows introduces you to a group of misfits in the city of Ketterdam.

Kaz Brekker leads the team on an impossible heist that could make them rich beyond their wildest imagination. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as they navigate the treacherous waters and impossible odds.

Crooked Kingdom picks up where Six of Crows left off with the crew fighting for their lives and their fortune. A failed assassination attempt is the catalyst for the characters and sends them into a desperate escape filled with danger and high stakes. You’ll be hooked on the plot twists and character relationships.

Bardugo’s world-building is great, you’ll be immersed in a gritty magical Amsterdam. The diverse cast of characters, each with their own abilities and backstories will keep you hooked throughout both books.

You’ll enjoy the witty banter and unexpected humor. The high stakes and clever plotting will have you reading late into the night.

Read this if you like:

• Heist stories

• Morally grey characters

• High fantasy with romance

6. Dance Of Thieves (Dance Of Thieves & Vow Of Thieves: Dangerous Secret)

Beloved by many a BookToker, Mary E. Pearson’s Dance of Thieves series introduces you to a world of intrigue, deception, and unexpected alliances.

In the first book, Dance of Thieves, you’ll meet Kazi, a reformed thief turned Queen’s soldier. Her mission takes a turn when she meets Jase, the young leader of a powerful outlaw family. Kazi’s past and motivations are shaped by only her father, whose ambitions and expectations have defined her path.

They dance a dangerous dance of secrets and lies. You’ll be hooked on the chemistry between these two characters as they navigate the treacherous political waters.

The second book, Vow of Thieves, picks up where the first left off. You’ll follow Kazi and Jase as they face new threats and old enemies. Their loyalties will be tested and the stakes are higher than ever.

Pearson’s writing will transport you into a world of vivid detail. You’ll feel the tension in every scene and be rooting for the characters as they fight to survive and be just.

Read these books if you like:

• Romance and politics

• A plot twist

• Complex characters

7. Monsters Of Verity (This Savage Song & Our Dark Duet)

Victoria Schwab’s Monsters of Verity duology is a dark urban fantasy. In a world where violent acts birth monsters, these books combine gritty realism with the supernatural.

The first book, This Savage Song, introduces you to a divided city – one side humans pay for protection. The other side monsters roam free. You’ll meet Kate Harker and August Flynn, two teens from opposite sides who form an unlikely alliance.

Schwab’s strength is in her character work. Kate and August’s relationship develops organically, no romance required. Their identity and morality struggles propel the plot.

Our Dark Duet ups the ante. New monsters emerge and the fragile peace is threatened. You’ll be invested in the characters as they make impossible choices.

The duology explores humanity and monstrosity. Schwab will make you question what is good and evil and who is the hero and villain.

Read this series if you:

• Are not a fan of romance in your fantasy

• Like detailed but digestible world-building

• Like urban fantasy with a touch or horror

Schwab’s worldbuilding is detailed but not dense. You’ll slip into the dark world of Verity easily. Her writing is lyrical but direct and you’ll be hooked from start to finish.

Conclusion

Fantasy duologies are a special kind of reading experience. You get more than a standalone but less than a trilogy or series. Two books allows you to fully dive into a world of magic.

You’ll find many to choose from. Some duologies retell old fairy tales, others create new worlds. Some are set in a broken world where characters must fix balance and hope. There’s something for every fantasy fan.

When choosing your next duology, think about what you like:

• Epic quests

• Politics

• Romance

• Coming of age

Many duologies combine multiple themes so you get a rich and complex story to get lost in.

Don’t forget to check out reviews and summaries before you start. That will help you find a duology that’s for you. You might just find a new favourite author or subgenre.

Enjoy! There are so many duologies out there, your next adventure is just around the corner.

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