10 Fantasy Books About Explorers
There’s something undeniably thrilling about a great fantasy adventure—especially when it’s led by fearless explorers venturing into the unknown. Whether they’re charting uncharted lands, searching for lost civilizations, or unlocking secrets hidden deep within ancient ruins, these characters embody the heart of discovery. They sail across storm-tossed seas, navigate treacherous jungle ruins, and decipher cryptic maps that could lead to either untold riches or unimaginable danger.
If you crave a story full of wonder, peril, and the intoxicating thrill of exploration, this list is for you. These 10 fantasy books about explorers will transport you to worlds teeming with mystery, magic, and the relentless pull of the unknown.
1. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
📚 Why You’ll Love It: A stunning blend of apocalyptic world-building, intense emotional depth, and explorers seeking to save a broken world.
The world in The Broken Earth is anything but ordinary. In a planet on the brink of environmental collapse, Essun, a powerful orogene (a person capable of controlling seismic energy), must navigate her personal grief and the politics of survival. As she journeys to find her lost daughter and uncover the origins of a cataclysmic event, her exploration of the world becomes as much an inward journey of self-discovery as it is an external adventure.
💡 Unforgettable Element: Jemisin’s world-building is legendary, and the tension between survival and power dynamics creates a compelling backdrop to the emotional journeys of her characters. Essun’s fight to reclaim her family—and perhaps even the world—will leave you breathless.
2. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
📚 Why You’ll Love It: A captivating blend of exploration, magic, and a hero’s journey that unfolds in lyrical prose.
Kvothe is a legendary figure—known as much for his incredible magical abilities as for his tragic past. As he recounts his life’s story to a chronicler, we follow his path from a humble traveler to a renowned, powerful figure. Along the way, Kvothe explores magical lands, uncovers ancient secrets, and pursues the meaning of life’s greatest mysteries, all while trying to recover from the destruction of his childhood. His journey is full of heartache, romance, and a search for truth.
💡 Unforgettable Element: The sheer depth of Kvothe’s character and the intricate world-building make this book impossible to put down. His journey is both a literal and emotional exploration, and you’ll find yourself lost in his world for hours.
3. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
📚 Why You’ll Love It: Thieves, tricksters, and world-class adventurers combine in this action-packed, witty tale.
Locke Lamora isn’t your typical explorer. A master thief and con artist, Locke’s adventures lead him into the depths of the corrupt city of Camorr, a world full of danger, deception, and intrigue. As he navigates a labyrinth of crime, magic, and politics, Locke’s journey is one of constant risk and unexpected romance. He’s a man with a plan—but love and betrayal are never far behind, turning his explorations into thrilling, high-stakes games.
💡 Unforgettable Element: Locke’s razor-sharp wit and the dynamic world of heists and schemes keep the tension high. You’ll love the blend of humor, danger, and romance in this tale of outlaws, and the unexpected moments of tenderness will steal your heart.
4. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
📚 Why You’ll Love It: A thrilling exploration of a world full of magic, political intrigue, and forbidden romance.
In The City of Brass, Nahri, a young woman from Cairo, is drawn into a magical world of jinn, magic, and ancient empires. After accidentally summoning a powerful djinn warrior, she embarks on an adventure to the magical city of Daevabad, where hidden agendas, brutal politics, and deep secrets shape every corner. As Nahri navigates this treacherous world, her explorations reveal not only external dangers but a passionate relationship that could upend everything she’s ever known.
💡 Unforgettable Element: The world-building in this series is incredibly rich and immersive, and the romantic tension between Nahri and her companions adds a captivating layer to the narrative. This book will leave you on the edge of your seat, both for the political intrigue and the sizzling romantic dynamics.
5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
📚 Why You’ll Love It: An enchanting journey through a magical, mysterious circus where love and exploration go hand in hand.
In The Night Circus, two young illusionists are pitted against one another in a magical duel, the circus being their battleground. The circus itself is a place of wonder and mystery, constantly shifting, expanding, and changing. As the two lovers explore their magical powers and push the boundaries of their rivalry, they must also navigate their intense connection, leading to a romance that is as enchanting as it is forbidden.
💡 Unforgettable Element: The atmosphere of The Night Circus is unlike any other, blending magic, romance, and intrigue. The exploration of the circus and the growing tension between the characters creates a world you’ll want to get lost in.
6. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
📚 Why You’ll Love It: A sweeping, epic fantasy where dragons, magic, and the power of exploration lead to a world-changing journey.
This magnificent tale weaves together the stories of dragon riders, mages, and warriors in a world on the brink of destruction. As the dragon-riding queen, the witch-ridden mage, and the dragon-riding warrior navigate the treacherous politics of their lands, their explorations lead to confrontations with ancient powers that could change the world forever. Along the way, fierce loyalties and even fiercer romances blossom, making every new chapter pulse with excitement.
💡 Unforgettable Element: The world-building is rich with dragons, political intrigue, and complex relationships. Each character’s exploration—whether of their land or their own feelings—adds an unforgettable depth to the story.
7. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
📚 Why You’ll Love It: Parallel worlds, magical explorations, and a sizzling romance you won’t be able to resist.
Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who can move between parallel Londons, each more dangerous than the last. His journey as an explorer between these worlds leads him to an unlikely ally: Lila Bard, a cutthroat thief with her eyes set on more than just riches. Together, they uncover dark forces that threaten all the worlds. Amidst magic, adventure, and peril, a romance simmers, making this a story full of heart-pounding tension and deep passion.
💡 Unforgettable Element: The chemistry between Kell and Lila adds the perfect spark to this high-stakes adventure, with every leap into new worlds feeling both thrilling and intimate. Their dynamic will keep you hooked from the first page.
8. The Bone Ships by RJ Barker
📚 Why You’ll Love It: The world of sea-bound explorers, ancient ships, and legendary beasts brings a sense of wonder and awe.
In a world where ships are crafted from the bones of long-extinct sea dragons, The Bone Ships follows a ragtag crew on a perilous voyage to battle a monstrous threat. As the crew sails across treacherous seas, each member’s personal journey unfolds—brimming with adventure, camaraderie, and unexpected romance. Their exploration of a brutal, unforgiving ocean is mirrored by their exploration of trust, loyalty, and the power of human connection.
💡 Unforgettable Element: The world of sea exploration is vividly brought to life, and the sense of wonder surrounding the ships and the monsters they encounter will captivate you. The camaraderie of the crew, along with its simmering romantic undercurrents, makes this a must-read for any adventure lover.
9. The Wanderers by Meg Howrey
📚 Why You’ll Love It: A deep dive into the exploration of space, self, and love.
In The Wanderers, a group of astronauts are sent on a year-long mission to Mars in a simulated environment. As they journey into the unknown, the characters wrestle with their own personal demons, their relationships with one another, and the overwhelming isolation that space exploration brings. While this book focuses more on internal exploration, the profound emotional journeys and the slow-burning romances that develop between characters will leave you captivated.
💡 Unforgettable Element: The exploration of isolation, human connection, and the vast unknown make this a deeply introspective yet romantic adventure. It’s a story that will make you reflect on both outer and inner journeys.
10. The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells
📚 Why You’ll Love It: A fast-paced, adventurous exploration of new worlds and new identities.
Moon, an outcast and shapeshifter, must navigate a world filled with danger, political intrigue, and hidden secrets. As he uncovers more about his origins and his place in the world, Moon embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery, gaining unlikely allies and encountering dangerous enemies. The exploration of Moon’s evolving identity and the blossoming relationships with those he meets along the way will keep you hooked.
💡 Unforgettable Element: Wells’ lush world-building and Moon’s journey from an isolated wanderer to a hero make this an unforgettable fantasy adventure. The characters’ deep emotional connections and the exploration of identity will leave a lasting impression.
Ready to Embark on Your Next Fantasy Adventure?
These 10 fantasy books feature explorers who embark on journeys that transcend the ordinary, uncovering secrets, forging relationships, and, of course, falling in love along the way. From magical cities to parallel worlds, these tales of discovery, danger, and romance will steal your heart and ignite your sense of adventure.
Which explorer’s journey did you love the most? Or perhaps you have another favorite adventure story you can’t stop thinking about? Share your favorite explorer-themed fantasy books in the comments below! ✨
