12 1920s Fantasy Books
The 1920s were a whirlwind of jazz, flapper dresses, underground speakeasies, and intoxicating liberation. But what happens when you mix that dazzling decade with magic, enchanted realms, and fantastical mysteries? The result is a collection of stories as opulent as a Gatsby party and as spellbinding as moonlit incantations. These 12 fantasy books set in the Roaring Twenties will sweep you away with their otherworldly glamour, forbidden magic, and high-stakes adventures.
1. The Diviners by Libba Bray
🔮 Murder, magic, and the eerie glow of 1920s New York.
Evie O’Neill is thrilled to leave her small-town life behind for the bustling streets of Manhattan. But when a series of occult murders grips the city, Evie’s hidden ability to read objects leads her into a dangerous investigation filled with dark magic and sinister forces.
💭 Why it mesmerizes: Libba Bray’s vivid descriptions capture both the glitz of the Jazz Age and the creeping shadows of the supernatural. Evie’s witty, fearless charm makes her a heroine you’ll root for.
2. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb
👻 A ghostly love story with echoes of the 1920s.
Helen has haunted the living world for decades, invisible to everyone—until one day, a boy actually sees her. Together, they unravel secrets that stretch back to a forgotten past.
💭 Why it haunts: This poetic novel captures both the beauty of love and the ache of longing, blending historical and magical elements seamlessly.
3. Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
🍸 Glamour, betrayal, and secrets as deep as Manhattan’s underworld.
Set against the glimmering backdrop of Prohibition-era New York, three young women chase fame, fortune, and love—but danger lurks beneath the champagne bubbles.
💭 Why it sparkles: The lush atmosphere and tangled relationships make this a riveting blend of historical fiction and fantasy, where every party hides a magical twist.
4. Speakeasy Magic by Elise Kova
✨ A world where gin flows freely, and magic dances in the air.
In a secret speakeasy, jazz musicians aren’t just artists—they’re spellcasters, enchanting their audiences with more than just melodies. But when rival magical factions threaten the city, a spellbinding romance emerges.
💭 Why it enchants: Kova’s seamless fusion of jazz-era ambiance and captivating magic will have you spellbound from the first page.
5. Born of Illusion by Teri Brown
🎭 Illusions, séances, and the magic of self-discovery.
Anna Van Housen performs elaborate magic shows alongside her famous mother, but her real abilities are much more dangerous—and much more real. Set in the glittering world of the 1920s, this story brims with mysticism and forbidden love.
💭 Why it dazzles: The intoxicating mix of high-society glamour and dark secrets creates a page-turner that’s as thrilling as a magician’s greatest trick.
6. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
💎 A mysterious fortune, a deadly game, and secrets buried in time.
Though set slightly later than the 1920s, this book channels the opulence and intrigue of the era. Billionaire Tobias Hawthorne’s legacy ignites a whirlwind of riddles, schemes, and dangerous alliances.
💭 Why it grips: Think of it as Agatha Christie meets The Great Gatsby—with a side of magic and sizzling romance.
7. Vixen by Jillian Larkin
💃 Flappers, forbidden love, and magical mayhem.
Gloria Carmody dreams of being a flapper, sneaking into speakeasies, and falling in love with a handsome stranger. But in a world brimming with secrets and enchantment, danger isn’t far behind.
💭 Why it seduces: The opulent setting and fast-paced drama make this a guilty pleasure packed with heart-pounding twists.
8. The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss
⚗️ Science meets sorcery in a world tinged with 1920s flair.
The daughters of infamous literary madmen band together to solve a gruesome mystery, navigating a world filled with alchemical experiments and shadowy villains.
💭 Why it intrigues: Goss’ rich storytelling and complex characters create a spellbinding tale filled with heart and intrigue.
9. Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
🌹 Secrets, forbidden magic, and love in a repressive world.
In a society that suppresses women and magic alike, one young woman dares to reclaim her freedom and her heart.
💭 Why it captivates: The feminist undertones and enchanting magic make this story both thought-provoking and utterly romantic.
10. The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox
🪄 A darkly enchanting tale with echoes of the Jazz Age.
Amidst family secrets and societal scandal, a young woman discovers her own forbidden magic—and a love that transcends time.
💭 Why it bewitches: Fox’s lush writing and haunting atmosphere make this a spellbinding read.
11. The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
🌙 Vampires, passion, and New Orleans’ glittering underworld.
Though set in the late 19th century, the opulence and forbidden romance have echoes of 1920s allure. Celine Rousseau finds herself caught between desire and danger as she falls for a mysterious vampire prince.
💭 Why it’s irresistible: The heady mix of dark fantasy, forbidden love, and lush atmosphere will captivate you.
12. The Glamourist Histories by Mary Robinette Kowal
🎨 A magical take on art, fashion, and high-society drama.
Imagine if the Roaring Twenties had glamour—literal glamour—woven into fashion and art. Kowal’s enchanting series brings that vision to life.
💭 Why it shines: The meticulous world-building and spellbinding romance make this series a must-read for fantasy lovers.
Which Fantasy from the Roaring Twenties Will Enchant You?
These books capture the glittering decadence of the 1920s, blending it seamlessly with magic, danger, and irresistible romance. Which of these fantastical tales will you dive into first—or do you have a personal favorite we missed? Share your magical recommendations below! ✨📚
