There’s just something about getting engrossed in atmospheric books. Being transported away into a totally different world, forgetting the real world for a little while. Writers who are good at this really hook you in from the beginning, fleshing out the world as you go. Plus, atmospheric books make great reads for this time of year, as it’s getting chillier outside.
For the most part, I associate atmospheric books with fantasy, but they can really be whatever you’d like! For this list, I’m going to focus on some of my favorite atmospheric YA fantasy. Most of these include a bit of a darker vibe, also perfect for spooky season!
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Top Ten Atmospheric Books
1. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Kendare Blake is great at world building, at least in the fantasy I’ve read from her. She creates dark, gritty worlds with morally gray characters that you come to love. It’s a slower moving series, but has such a great world.
2. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
The whole Grishaverse is honestly an atmospheric vibe, but this duology is still my favorite. Filled with a cast of excellent characters, you’ll be transported to Ketterdam right from the beginning.
3. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Now this whole series is out now, I highly recommend reading it all at once. That way, you’re not left on any cliffhangers, because there are some doozies. This entire world Tahir has created makes for the perfect epic fantasy to pick up during the winter season.
4. A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
I’m actually not quite done with this book, but from the beginning, the world was so dark and foreboding. I’ll admit, it takes a bit to catch on to what’s actually going on, but it’s worth it once you get into the story.
5. This Savage Song by VE Schwab
Really, you could include almost any VE Schwab book on this list, but I’m including this one because of the entire world of monsters she created. It’s dark, it’s got great tension, and I think this is one of her more overlooked books.
6. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
If you like dark fairytale retellings, then this book is for you. Bonus: a sequel just came out this past summer, so if you like the world in this book, there’s a whole other book for you to enjoy!
7. All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and CL Herman
Basically, take the Hunger Games but add some magic and make everyone a villain. That’s what you get in this book. There’s a dark side to this world that’s been created, filled with characters you’re not quite sure you want to root for.
8. The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
You can’t get any more spooky and atmospheric than following a family of gravediggers who are trying to break a family curse. If you need a book for Halloween, I definitely recommend this one.
9. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
This one features a librarian of sorts, so obviously I have to include it. This is definitely the best of Rogerson’s books, not only for the characters, but also for the world building. It would make an excellent fall read.
10. Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
Rounding out this list with a newer release, with a family of monsters as the protagonists. I loved the way the world was layered in this one, and I believe it is getting a sequel next year!