37 Thrilling Fantasy Books About Assassins
Enter a world where wit is as sharp as daggers, and plots are deadlier than poison. Forget knights in shining armor; we’re here for rogues with well-polished blades and a penchant for one-liners.
Here, sometimes, the pen truly is mightier than the sword, especially when it’s used for signing assassin contracts. Meet a gallery of characters so stealthy they could sneak up on their own shadows. Forget about predictable endings; in this realm, even the plot has a hidden agenda.
So, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a literary escapade where the only thing more deadly than the plot twists is the punchline.
Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Meet the skilled assassin Celaena Sardothien in this highly acclaimed series.
Starting with her chance at freedom in Throne of Glass, Celaena becomes the King’s Champion, facing political intrigue and dark secrets in Crown of Midnight.
The series further unfolds in Heir of Fire, where Celaena navigates internal conflicts and external threats in a world shaped by magic.
Queen of Shadows continues her quest for justice and revenge, while Empire of Storms sees her gathering allies to confront a looming darkness.
In Tower of Dawn, the focus shifts to Chaol Westfall, seeking allies in a foreign land.
The series concludes with Kingdom of Ash, where Celaena and her allies confront the ultimate threat, providing a gripping and epic finale to this tale of assassins, magic, and power.
Lady of Darkness by Melissa K. Roehrich
Scarlet and her lethal sisters reign as the continent’s feared trio, blending torture and unpredictability with a wicked finesse.
But Scarlett’s life takes a turn when she finds herself trapped in a noble’s household after a tragic night. A choice emerges with a tantalizing promise: revenge against the Fae Fire Prince who murdered her mother.
Will Scarlett sacrifice her ideals for retribution? As she grapples with this dilemma, a mystery unfolds – children are vanishing from her home.
Lady of Darkness weaves a tapestry of new adult fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, and adventure.
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
Meet Keera, the kingdom’s lethal spy and the King’s favored assassin.
When the mysterious Shadow challenges the Crown, Keera, the unparalleled King’s Blade, must unmask this elusive figure.
Venturing into the mystical realm of the Fae, she questions the true identity of her foe: Mortal, Elf, or Halfling like herself. The Faeland, however, hides secrets, and the enigmatic Shadow is more than meets the eye.
As Keera unravels the truth, she confronts a dilemma: Is her enemy the King who razed her people, the Prince who torments them, or the elusive Shadow threatening her court standing?
This is the first book in The Halfling Saga, and the story continues with A Shadow Crown and A Vicious Game.
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
Enter a world cloaked in shadows and intrigue.
Azoth, a street-savvy orphan, dreams of escaping the slums and the dangerous underworld. Trained by the city’s most skilled assassin, Durzo Blint, Azoth becomes the deadly Kylar Stern.
As he navigates the treacherous landscape of politics and magic, Kylar discovers a destiny intertwined with ancient prophecies.
With compelling characters, intricate plots, and a touch of the supernatural, The Way of Shadows invites readers into a world where every step holds the weight of secrets and shadows.
A Dance of Cloaks by David Dalglish
Follow Thren Felhorn, a ruthless master assassin, and his son Aaron, torn between the lethal legacy of his family and a desire for a different path.
Set against a backdrop of political machinations and underworld power struggles, the novel unfolds like a carefully choreographed dance of cloaks, where every step could be a deadly move.
As Aaron grapples with his identity and the treacherous world around him, readers are immersed in a tale of shadows, deception, and the high-stakes dance between loyalty and ambition.
With vivid characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, A Dance of Cloaks is a captivating entry into the Shadowdance series.
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Embark on an epic journey through the intricate tapestry of the Six Duchies.
Assassin’s Apprentice introduces us to Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, as he navigates the tumultuous waters of courtly life, training as an assassin under the mysterious Chade.
The narrative deepens in Royal Assassin as Fitz faces political intrigues, royal conspiracies, and the burden of a kingdom’s destiny.
The trilogy concludes with Assassin’s Quest, where Fitz’s journey reaches a poignant crescendo, revealing the true cost of loyalty, sacrifice, and the shadows that shape a kingdom.
Robin Hobb weaves a masterful tale, blending courtly drama, magical elements, and the indelible mark of an assassin’s legacy in this trilogy that leaves an enduring imprint on the fantasy genre.
Fitz and the Fool Series by Robin Hobb
The Farseer saga continues with a poignant and enthralling series.
Here we find FitzChivalry Farseer leading a seemingly quiet life. However, as old friends and foes resurface, Fitz is drawn into a new chapter of destiny and intrigue.
The journey deepens in Fool’s Quest, where Fool’s mysterious past takes center stage, leading the duo on a quest that unravels the threads of time and friendship.
The series reaches its stunning conclusion with Assassin’s Fate, as Fitz and the Fool confront their destinies and the profound impact of their choices on the realm.
Majat Code Series by Anna Kashina
In the Majat Code Series, readers are immersed in a world where martial skills and codes of honor shape destinies.
Kicking off with Blades of the Old Empire, the narrative introduces a skilled assassin, Kara, whose journey intertwines with the fate of empires.
As the series progresses through The Guild of Assassins and Assassin Queen, political intrigue, forbidden romance, and ancient secrets weave a complex tapestry.
The Majat warriors, renowned for their prowess, become central figures in a realm where loyalties are tested, and the balance between duty and personal desires is precarious.
The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Ananna of the Tanarau clan, seeking to escape an arranged marriage, inadvertently invokes a deadly curse when she saves the life of the assassin Naji.
The two find themselves bound together on a perilous journey filled with enchanted beings, treacherous seas, and a quest for a way to break the curse. As alliances shift and enemies close in, Ananna and Naji must navigate a world steeped in danger and mystique.
We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson
Princess Miko yearns for power within Kisia’s fractured factions, while assassin Cassandra, haunted by the voices of the dead, accepts a contract that could bring down an empire.
Across the border, Captain Rah e’Torin and his exiled warriors face an ultimatum: fight in a foreign war or perish.
As the Kisian Empire unravels, these three warriors, each chasing their ambitions, must navigate treacherous paths.
With prose that weaves a spell, Madson crafts a tale where loyalty is tested and destinies intertwine in a world torn asunder. In this enthralling narrative, the storm surges, and empires stand on the brink of chaos.
Saint Death’s Daughter by C.S.E. Cooney
Being born into a family of royal assassins sets the stage for the unusual life of Miscellaneous Lanie Stones.
Blessed with an unfortunate allergy to violence and a peculiar talent for resurrecting the dead, Lanie faces the looming burden of family debt and the struggle to retain Stones Manor.
Courtship and threats from powerful entities ensue, seeking to exploit her connection with the goddess of death. In this darkly humorous tale, Lanie’s journey unfolds with demented charm.
Cooney weaves a narrative brimming with diverse characters, rich world-building, and an inventive magic system.
Villains by Necessity by Eve Forward
When the balance between good and evil is disrupted, a mismatched group of reluctant villains embarks on a quest to restore equilibrium.
The dark enchanter, the thief, the assassin, the anti-priest, and the half-demon form an unlikely fellowship compelled by necessity.
As they navigate a realm plunged into discord, the narrative unfolds with wit and twists, challenging traditional notions of morality.
Forward’s tale is a delightful subversion of fantasy tropes, where villains take center stage in a quest that defies expectations.
The Legend of Nightfall by Mickey Zucker Reichert
The shadows come alive with the legend of Nightfall, a renowned and mysterious assassin.
As whispers of his feats spread across the land, Nightfall emerges from the darkness to confront a destiny shaped by both his lethal skills and a complex past.
Reichert has woven a tale where the line between hero and assassin blurs, and Nightfall grapples with the consequences of his actions.
With a blend of intrigue, magic, and the enigmatic allure of a legendary figure, The Legend of Nightfall invites readers into a world where the night holds both danger and the promise of untold tales.
Assassin’s Gambit by Amy Raby
Talented spy and assassin Vitala Salonius finds herself entangled in a web of courtly machinations and danger. Tasked with a mission that demands both cunning and skill, Vitala must navigate a landscape of shifting allegiances and hidden agendas.
As the stakes rise, she becomes a player in a game where loyalty is a luxury and betrayal is a constant companion.
Raby crafts a narrative that blends romance, suspense, and political maneuvering, making Assassin’s Gambit a compelling journey into a realm where secrets are currency and every move carries the weight of consequence.
Ebony Gate by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle
Emiko Soong, once the feared Blade of the Soong Clan, now leads a quiet life in contemporary San Francisco. But when a shinigami calls in a family blood debt, Emiko is thrust back into the world of magic and assassination.
Drenched in blood in a Chinese market, she must recover the Ebony Gate to save the city from hungry ghosts or forfeit her soul.
As Emiko grapples with her ties to the city and confronts ancient myths, Ebony Gate is a modern urban fantasy that breathes life into San Francisco’s streets and cultures.
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Follow the tale of Ismae Rienne, a young woman marked by both resilience and a dark destiny.
Trained as an assassin in the convent of St. Mortain, Ismae serves the god of death with lethal precision. Her mission takes a political turn as she is dispatched to the high court of Brittany, where deception, treachery, and dangerous alliances abound.
With a blend of historical detail, strong character development, and a touch of the supernatural, Grave Mercy invites readers into a world where a young assassin must unravel the threads of destiny while facing the complexities of love and loyalty.
A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Seraphena Mierel, bound by the Fates as a Maiden of the Primals, faces a destiny predetermined before her birth.
Tasked with upholding her ancestor’s desperate deal, she must become the Consort of the Primal of Death. However, her true role is a closely guarded secret – she is an assassin with a singular mission: to make the Primal fall in love and then end him.
Set against the backdrop of Lasania and the looming threat of the Rot, Sera’s life is a delicate dance between duty and subterfuge.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlà Clark
Eveen the Eviscerator, a skilled professional in the ancient city of Tal Abisi, leads a guild of resurrected assassins sworn to the Matron of Assassins.
With rules that demand just contracts and strict adherence to the mission, Eveen navigates her deadly profession with precision.
When the Festival of the Clockwork King disrupts the city, Eveen’s newest mission unravels a past she shouldn’t remember and a vow she can’t forget.
Clark’s magical and atmospheric narrative, coupled with the dynamic duo of Eveen and Sky, delivers an enthralling tale of memory, magic, and assassination in a fantastical world where clockwork elements and vivid magic reign supreme.
Academy of Assassins Series by Stacey Brutger
Supernatural intrigue and deadly skills converge in a world where the Academy shapes the deadliest assassins.
Morgan, who was abandoned as a child and raised as a hunter, navigates the deadly supernatural world as part of an elite group sworn to protect humans from paranormal threats.
In Heart of the Assassins, a plague threatens the supernatural race, and Morgan must control her powers to prevent destruction.
Claimed by the Assassins sees secrets endangering the Academy, requiring the assassins to unite.
Queen of the Assassins thrusts them into turmoil, facing internal strife and external threats.
The novella Menace to the Assassins introduces Friday the Thirteenth’s deadly game, and in Guardians of the Assassins, war jeopardizes the paranormal community, testing Morgan’s leadership and loyalty.
Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells
Sabina Kane, a half-vampire, half-mage assassin, navigates a world of magical politics and deadly conspiracies.
Born into a powerful vampire family, Sabina rebels against her dark heritage and works as a vampire assassin for the Dominae – an organization that enforces vampire law.
When her mage grandmother is murdered, Sabina is drawn into a web of intrigue that forces her to confront her dual nature and navigate the complex relationships between vampires, mages, and other supernatural beings.
The Bladed Faith by David Dalglish
A usurped prince named Cyrus, haunted by the execution of his parents and the death of his gods, seizes an opportunity for revenge.
Trained as a deadly assassin by a mysterious group of revolutionaries, he adopts the guise of the legendary Vagrant. As he embarks on a quest to reclaim his kingdom, Cyrus grapples with the true cost of vengeance and the shadows that lurk behind his masked hero persona.
The trilogy further unfolds with The Sapphire Altar, where Cyrus questions loyalties.
And in the conclusion, The Slain Divine, he faces the God-Incarnate and grapples with the sacrifices demanded by rebellion.
The Nevernight Chronicle Series by Jay Kristoff
In the Nevernight Chronicles, we follow the journey of Mia Corvere, a young girl seeking vengeance in a world where three suns never truly set.
Trained as an assassin by the mysterious and deadly Red Church, Mia embarks on a quest to avenge her family’s murder.
The trilogy, consisting of Nevernight, Godsgrave, and Darkdawn, delves into a dark and intricate world where shadowy powers, political intrigue, and a talking cat accompany Mia on her path of bloodshed and self-discovery.
With a unique narrative style, intricate world-building, and a relentless protagonist, the series unfolds like a thrilling opera of shadows, revenge, and the pursuit of personal destiny.
Assassin’s Refusal by Kira Stanley
In this reverse harem fantasy series, we focus on Mika, who has been trained since birth as an assassin by her father. She sets out to follow in her father’s footsteps and become the King’s next assassin.
The only problem? To prove her loyalty to King Valkon, she has to kill the three men she loves – Rykon, Ajax, and Zayden – who also happens to be the heirs of the city’s major crime guilds.
Since they are the three men she can’t bring herself to kill, Mika decides to hide in the slums and slowly starts to make a life for herself there, but news from an old friend quickly turns her world upside down, and now she must seek out her three lovers to help her take the revenge she seeks.
The Wounded Kingdom Series by R.J. Barker
Embark on a riveting journey in The Wounded Kingdom trilogy.
Meet Girton Club-Foot in Age of Assassins, a uniquely trained assassin entangled in political webs.
In Blood of Assassins, Girton faces new challenges and threats while navigating the complexities of his profession.
The series culminates in King of Assassins, where Girton’s past is unveiled, weaving a tale of shadows, power, and consequences.
Together, these books explore the intricacies of courtly life, unravel mysteries, and depict the toll of a life shaped by the art of assassination, all set against a richly crafted fantasy world.
Hero of Darkness Series by Andy Peloquin
Meet the Hunter, an assassin with a moral code determined to silence hell’s blackest hearts.
In the Hero of Darkness Series, the cursed dagger-wielding Hunter seeks redemption, facing dark enemies and a tormented mind. The first book, Darkblade Assassin, introduces a deadly protagonist, Dex, blending elements of Dexter and the Punisher.
As the series unfolds with Darkblade Outcast, Darkblade Protector, Darkblade Seeker, Darkblade Slayer, and Darkblade Savior, the Hunter confronts his cursed nature and exposes the secrets of the killing blade.
The series culminates in Darkblade Justice, offering pages of demons, dark reckonings, and an assassin’s quest for redemption.
In the Shadow of Their Dying by Michael R. Fletcher and Anna Smith Spark
In the war-torn city of Sharaam, the third-best assassin, Tash, is enlisted by mercenary leader Pitt to end the siege by assassinating the king.
As Tash navigates the chaos, he encounters a demon, Iananr the Bound One, bound to a woman’s body.
While Pitt aims for escape, Iananr seeks freedom from her bondage, her poetic voice contrasting with Tash’s gritty reality.
In the Shadow of their Dying is a grimdark masterclass, blending fierce prose, dark poetry, unexpected twists, and the eerie backdrop of war and necromancy.
The Gatekeeper Chronicles by Jasmine Walt
This unique blend of Hindu mythology and urban fantasy introduces Malina Hayes, an assassin with a twist of destiny.
Adopted by Brahma Corp’s Assassin Guild, she’s on the brink of her fiftieth kill, expecting a milestone mark and a luxurious life. Yet, her fate takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her previous kills were innocent, staining her soul.
In Hunted by Sin, Malina, now the Gatekeeper-in-Training, faces rogue vampires and witch-blood kidnappings, unveiling a complex web of deceit.
In the final book, Claimed by Sin, she grapples with personal loss while striving to liberate her mother, navigating a perilous journey with allies and confronting challenging truths.
Shaede Assassin Series by Amanda Bonilla
The Shaede Assassin Series takes readers on a thrilling journey through a shadowy world where Darian, the last immortal Shaede, navigates the complexities of love, betrayal, and supernatural threats.
In Shaedes of Gray, Darian, a deadly assassin, faces unexpected challenges when tasked with a dangerous assignment involving the King of the Shaede Nation.
The series unfolds with twists and turns in Blood Before Sunrise, Crave the Darkness, and Against the Dawn, as Darian’s missions and relationships become increasingly entangled.
The boxed set also includes novellas like When Shadows Call and Lost to the Gray, providing glimpses into Darian’s past and the intricate web of her supernatural existence.
Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields
A young assassin named Marinda possesses a unique and deadly ability – her kisses are poisonous.
Bound by duty, she serves the Raja by dispatching his enemies with her lethal lips. However, everything changes when she receives a target she cannot bring herself to kill.
In the sequel, Poison’s Cage, the gripping tale continues as Marinda grapples with the aftermath of her choices.
Faced with the consequences of her forbidden love and the intricacies of court politics, Marinda finds herself entangled in a dangerous game where trust is a rare commodity.
The Riyria Chronicles Series by Michael J. Sullivan
Embark on a captivating journey into the formative adventures of the iconic duo Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater as they establish the rogues-for-hire group known as Riyria.
In The Crown Tower, a warrior and a thieving assassin unite for an impossible mission, unraveling the origins of their legendary partnership.
The Rose and the Thorn explores the aftermath of their initial quest, solidifying Riyria’s presence.
The Death of Dulgath reveals the duo’s involvement in thwarting an assassination plot, providing insights into their pasts.
The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter takes them on a quest to find a missing child, unraveling mysteries in an ancient city.
The highly anticipated Drumindor promises a new challenge for Riyria, blending adventure, friendship, and the return of beloved characters.
Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
Meet Nona Grey, a young girl with a dark past and extraordinary abilities.
Trained by the nuns of the Convent of Sweet Mercy, Nona learns the deadly arts of blade and shadow to become a Red Sister, a skilled warrior on a path of vengeance.
Set in a world threatened by encroaching ice and political intrigue, the story weaves elements of magic, combat, and complex relationships.
In the sequel, Grey Sister, Nona faces choices of paths and colors, navigating the challenges of enemies, ambition, and vengeance.
The trilogy concludes in Holy Sister, as Nona confronts the final challenges, battles looming enemies, and grapples with the corrupting power of shiphearts in a world under siege.
Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep
Spider’s Bite is the first book in the Elemental Assassin series.
The story follows Gin Blanco, also known as the Spider, an assassin with elemental powers. Gin is an elemental assassin who can control stone and ice, making her a formidable and deadly killer.
Haunted by her tragic past, she tries to leave the assassin’s life behind, but circumstances draw her back into the world of crime. When her handler is murdered, Gin seeks revenge and uncovers a web of deceit and conspiracy.
As she navigates the dangerous underworld of Ashland, Gin must use her skills to survive and unravel the mysteries surrounding her past.
The series is a vast universe encompassing a total of 41 works! We suggest starting with Spider’s Bite and diving in.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Meet Locke Lamora, the audacious leader of the Gentlemen Bastards: a band of elite con artists navigating the treacherous city of Camorr.
In this gripping fantasy novel, Locke, a master of disguise and deception, orchestrates elaborate cons while infusing humor into his high-stakes exploits.
However, when a mysterious adversary and assassin, the Gray King, disrupts the delicate balance of power, Locke finds himself facing a threat that could unravel his meticulously crafted schemes.
Scott Lynch’s narrative, brimming with assassins, suspense, and unexpected twists, ensures readers embark on an unforgettable journey through a world where wit and danger collide.
The Graceling Realm Series by Kristin Cashore
The Graceling Realm Series by Kristin Cashore unfolds across three captivating books.
Graceling introduces a world where Graces, extraordinary abilities, shape destinies. Katsa, blessed with the Grace of killing, challenges her ruthless role alongside Prince Po, uncovering kingdom-altering secrets.
In the prequel-like Fire, land on the brink of war sees the monster-human Fire navigating political intrigue, wielding her mind-influencing abilities in a perilous power game.
Bitterblue, a sequel to Graceling, follows young Queen Bitterblue of Monsea as she rebuilds her kingdom after a corrupt reign. Unraveling truths becomes paramount, steering the fate of the Graceling Realm.
The series continues with two more captivating additions: Winterkeep, revealing secrets in a new land, and in Seasparrow, we explore the consequences of wielding world-shaping power amidst storms and icy challenges on the journey home.
The Tower and Knife Trilogy by Mazarkis Williams
The Tower and Knife Trilogy by Mazarkis Williams delves into a world of intricate politics, dark magic, and familial struggles.
The saga begins with The Emperor’s Knife, where the city of Cerana grapples with a deadly curse known as the Pattern. As the ruling family succumbs to its effects, Eyul, the emperor’s brother, becomes the last hope. Armed with a mystical knife, he must unravel political conspiracies and navigate a court teeming with dangers.
The second installment, Knife Sworn, continues the tale as Eyul faces the consequences of his choices and seeks to protect the kingdom from internal and external threats.
The trilogy concludes with The Tower Broken, where the threads of destiny and magic intertwine, leading to a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of Cerana.
Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne Series by Brian Staveley
The Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne series navigates a realm of political intrigue and familial bonds.
Starting with The Emperor’s Blades, the novel crafts a tale of imperial turmoil following an assassination, intertwining the lives of the emperor’s three children: Valyn, Adare, and Kaden.
The series expands with novellas like The Last Abbot of Ashk’lan, exploring the fates of minor characters.
Subsequent books, The Providence of Fire and The Last Mortal Bond, delve deeper into a conspiracy, war, and the destiny of the Annurian Empire.
Skullsworn is a standalone piece focused on Pyrre Lakatur, a priestess-assassin. The saga continues with The Empire’s Ruin, where the remnants of the Kettral embark on a perilous mission.
Foul Lady Fortune Series by Chloe Gong
In this riveting duology, the immortal assassin Rosalind Lang, code-named Fortune, takes center stage in 1930s Shanghai, a city teeming with secrets and danger.
In Foul Lady Fortune, Rosalind, saved from death by an experiment, becomes an unaging assassin. Her mission takes a twist with the Japanese invasion, leading her to pose as the wife of Nationalist spy Orion Hong.
Despite their tumultuous alliance, they must uncover a terror plot threatening their people.
The sequel, Foul Heart Huntsman, sees Rosalind exposed as a spy, racing to rescue Orion. As winter looms and the Japanese invasion nears, the stakes rise.
To save her love and nation, Rosalind navigates a perilous journey filled with old ghosts, unexpected allies, and a ticking clock against impending foreign invasion.
