For those of us who love both fantasy and contemporary fiction, magical realism is certainly the best of both worlds. Below are some of the top Magical Realism in Fiction of 2020 so you can escape this world for one that is a little bit more… spellbinding. 


1. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab 

This tale of growing pains and heartache for a young French girl in 1714 who makes a deal with the devil that gives her immortality at one gut-wrenching cost: the inability for anyone she meets to remember her… until finally, centuries later, one boy does. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore 

Described as “magical, surprising, and heart-wrenching”, this novel explores the question: what if we’re all living our lives out of order? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow 

Part historical fiction, part magical-realism, this novel packs a feminist punch as the readers follow the witchcraft, activism, and lives of three sisters in New Salem, 1893. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke 

In this dream-like alternate reality, Piranesi lives his life in relative solitude as he explores the labyrinth-like house he occupies. That is, when the man he dubs The Other is not asking for help with his research into A Great and Secret knowledge. Piranesi is happy with this simple existence… until evidence of another within his walls becomes apparent and, apparently, nothing was ever as it seemed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. The Boy Who Kissed the Rain by Shane Wilson 

In this sweeping stage play, “The forest outside of Wasser is filled with magic. When the rains fall over the land, it is because of the dances of mystical beings called Little Thunders. Long ago, the people of Wasser agreed not to explore the wilderness beyond the river. That land belonged to the Thunders. In exchange, the Thunders would continue to bring rain to Wasser if the people there respected the boundaries and rules. All was well until Lance ventured beyond those boundaries and met Luna, a Little Thunder.” 

Purchase now from GenZ Publishing to be swept away! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. The Haunting of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb 

A hauntingly dangerous romance novel gives hints of the supernatural in this magical realism novel that is sure to have you considering sleeping with the lights on… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard by Echo Brown 

Written as a powerful autobiography with magical realism swirled in for good measure, this moving coming-of-age novel explores racism, sexism, poverty, and more. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle 

For any of us Type-A control-freaks (guilty as charged!), the main character of this novel will certainly seem relatable. Follow the journey of a Manhattan lawyer in 2020 as she struggles with planning her future and letting destiny take the reigns. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Every Bone a Prayer by Ashley Blooms 

TW: Depictions of Sexual Abuse 

In this novel of a young girl who hears whispers everywhere, her world changes forever when a man she never thought would hurt her suddenly does the unthinkable. Written by a survivor of sexual assault, this novel explores both coping and the process of healing when you think you couldn’t possibly be any stronger. 

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