12 Fantasy Books With Multiple Povs
There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping into the minds of multiple characters within a single story. With each shift in perspective, we uncover new secrets, hidden desires, and motivations that weave a more intricate tapestry of the world, the stakes, and the relationships within it. In fantasy, where realms are vast, and battles between light and darkness are often decided by the faintest of threads, having multiple points of view allows us to witness the epic unfolding from every angle — and adds a delicious complexity to the characters, their struggles, and, of course, their forbidden passions.
These 12 fantasy books with multiple POVs will draw you into worlds of magical intrigue, heart-pounding tension, and high-stakes drama. You’ll find yourself torn between competing forces, swept up in tangled romances, and on the edge of your seat as loyalties shift and alliances form. With every new perspective, the stakes feel higher and the emotional intensity sharper. Ready to lose yourself in these worlds where every whisper, every glance, every choice could change everything?
1. The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Multiple POVs: Vin, Kelsier, Elend Venture
In the dark, oppressive world of the Mistborn series, power is controlled by the nobility, while the skaa (peasants) struggle in the shadows. Vin, an orphan, is swept into a world of intrigue and rebellion when she discovers she possesses a mysterious magical power. As her journey intertwines with that of the daring Kelsier and the idealistic Elend, the multiple POVs add layers to the story, revealing the complex interplay of politics, loyalty, and forbidden desires.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The multiple perspectives allow you to fully understand the internal struggles of each character, and the romantic tension that simmers between Vin and Elend is both tender and intense. Each character’s POV builds a deep emotional connection, making every moment of peril feel personal.
2. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Multiple POVs: Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister, and many more
Few fantasy novels have mastered the art of multiple POVs as effectively as A Game of Thrones. With a vast array of characters from different factions and regions, Martin’s work offers a deep, often grim dive into politics, betrayal, and passion. From the cold, calculating Starks to the fiery Targaryens and cunning Lannisters, the shifting perspectives give us insight into a tangled web of alliances, all leading toward a singular, high-stakes game for power.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: Each character’s voice is so distinct that they become unforgettable. The deepening love triangle between Jon Snow, Daenerys, and the iron throne itself keeps us coming back for more. The tension is palpable—one wrong move could cost them everything, and in a world so beautifully brutal, romance often feels as fleeting as life itself.
3. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Multiple POVs: Tané, Ead, Loth, and others
In this sweeping epic, dragons soar across a divided world, with women fighting for control of the future. From Tané, a dragon-rider-in-training, to Ead, a protector of the queen, and Loth, a warrior with a tragic past, The Priory of the Orange Tree weaves together rich perspectives filled with breathtaking magic, fierce loyalty, and epic battles between good and evil.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The complex relationships that unfold are enchanting, particularly the romantic tension between Ead and her forbidden love, as well as the multilayered friendship and loyalty between Tané and her dragon. The diversity of the characters and their perspectives makes the story feel alive, with the tension between them so raw and real that you’ll be hooked from the very first page.
4. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Multiple POVs: Kaladin Stormblessed, Shallan Davar, Dalinar Kholin
In The Stormlight Archive, Sanderson invites us into a world of vast landscapes, political intrigue, and magic unlike any we’ve seen before. With multiple POVs from characters like Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar, we’re granted a front-row seat to the internal struggles that accompany epic battles, deadly alliances, and personal growth. As these characters face incredible odds, they’re also navigating their deepest fears and desires—especially as the romance between Kaladin and Shallan heats up.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The slow-burn romance between Kaladin and Shallan is full of yearning and heartache, and the intricate dynamics between the POVs build an atmosphere of mounting tension and inevitable disaster. The emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones, leaving readers anxiously turning pages.
5. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Multiple POVs: Kvothe, Chronicler, Bast
Kvothe’s life story is recounted in a series of flashbacks told to the Chronicler, and through these varying perspectives, the layers of Kvothe’s tragic and romantic journey unfold. From his tragic childhood to his days at a prestigious university of magic, his growing love for Denna weaves a complex web of obsession, longing, and unresolved emotions that linger throughout the series.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: Kvothe’s relationship with Denna is beautifully messy—a romance marked by both intense passion and profound sadness. The shifting perspectives between Kvothe, Chronicler, and Bast give us tantalizing glimpses into the enigma that is Kvothe, making every new revelation feel like a whispered secret.
6. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Multiple POVs: Gavin Guile, Kip, Karris
The Lightbringer series is one of those epics that juggles a multitude of POVs with grace, blending magic, politics, and family drama into an intricate tapestry of betrayal and romance. Gavin Guile, the world’s most powerful person, and Kip, a seemingly unremarkable boy, both struggle with their identities and powers, while Karris, Gavin’s wife, navigates the delicate balance of love and duty.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The central romance between Gavin and Karris is loaded with tension, particularly as their marriage is tested by secrets, lies, and a looming war. The shifting perspectives allow for a deeper understanding of the heartache that comes with leadership and love, making every romantic moment feel as precarious as the fate of the world itself.
7. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Multiple POVs: Locke Lamora, Jean, and others
Locke Lamora, the charming thief, steals not only gold but also hearts in The Lies of Locke Lamora. With his crew of fellow criminals and his close friendship with the brutishly loyal Jean, the book flips between different characters’ viewpoints, giving us insight into their cunning heists, dangerous enemies, and unexpected emotional bonds.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The romantic undercurrent between Locke and his crew, especially his witty, sharp relationship with Jean, adds a delightful tension to this high-stakes world of deceit. Locke’s brilliant, chaotic schemes are tempered by moments of tenderness and surprising loyalty, making the stakes of every action feel emotionally charged.
8. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Multiple POVs: Paige Mahoney, Warden, and others
Paige Mahoney is a dreamwalker—a rare individual who can navigate the realm of dreams. As she becomes entangled in a deadly world of inter-dimensional conflict, the novel shifts between different POVs, including that of the enigmatic Warden, a mysterious figure who both captivates and repels. As their relationship deepens, the forbidden romance between them begins to unravel the delicate threads of power and control that bind them.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The tension between Paige and Warden is palpable—a slow-burn romance marked by mistrust, forbidden attraction, and the dangerous world they navigate together. The shifting POVs deepen the mystery, making every moment of their interactions feel charged with possibility.
9. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
Multiple POVs: Essun, Damaya, Syenite
Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy explores a world devastated by natural catastrophes, where certain individuals can control the earth itself. The narrative shifts between the lives of three powerful women—Essun, Damaya, and Syenite—whose paths intertwine in a world of oppression, survival, and unspeakable truths. Through each of their eyes, we see different facets of the same world, and the romance that surfaces is as tragic as it is beautiful.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The emotional depth and the beautifully nuanced romance in the trilogy pull at the heartstrings. The way the characters’ POVs reveal their innermost desires, fears, and painful decisions makes every interaction feel urgent and layered.
10. City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
Multiple POVs: Shara Thivani, Sigrud, and others
In the city of Bulikov, gods once ruled, but now they are gone, and their power is buried deep within the bones of the city. Shara Thivani, an intelligent and fiercely independent investigator, uncovers a web of intrigue and danger, her journey guided by her mysterious partner, Sigrud. Together, their multiple perspectives lead us through a thrilling world of political maneuvering, divine secrets, and forbidden affection.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The chemistry between Shara and Sigrud is electric, their partnership crackling with unspoken tension and mutual respect. The alternating POVs create a sense of unpredictability, keeping readers hooked as each layer of mystery is peeled away.
11. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Multiple POVs: Daniel Sempere, Julián Carax, and others
Set in post-World War II Barcelona, The Shadow of the Wind blends mystery, romance, and the haunting magic of books. As Daniel Sempere uncovers a forgotten novel by Julián Carax, his investigation into the life of the enigmatic author leads him into a dark world of betrayal, love, and obsession.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The romantic tension between Daniel and his love interests is beautifully complicated, while the shifting perspectives keep the narrative fresh, unraveling the mysteries of Carax’s life and his entangled relationships. The melancholy and passion of the story are unforgettable.
12. The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
Multiple POVs: Yeine Darr, Nahadoth, and others
In this rich and intoxicating world, gods, mortals, and everything in between collide. The Inheritance Trilogy follows Yeine Darr, a half-god, as she navigates a volatile family legacy and a forbidden romance with the powerful god Nahadoth. Through multiple POVs, we experience the grand tapestry of politics, power, and desire in a world that shifts beneath the feet of those who try to control it.
💖 Why it’s unforgettable: The romance between Yeine and Nahadoth is both tragic and electrifying, set against the backdrop of divine intrigue and cosmic betrayal. The multiple POVs create a sense of vastness, making the world feel alive and full of potential danger—and passion.
What’s Your Favorite Fantasy With Multiple POVs?
These twelve books have woven together the magic of multiple perspectives with deep, complex romance and high-stakes drama. Each character’s journey becomes even more compelling when viewed through the lens of another’s mind. Now, we want to hear from you! Which fantasy books with multiple POVs have captivated your imagination? Share your favorites, and let’s dive into a world of magic, passion, and power. ✨
