These books are based in our own world, either contemporary or historical, but with a small twist: magic and/or mythological beasts exist alongside everything that we know.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
In a circus that appears overnight without warning, two magicians fall in love. However, they have been trained to compete in a contest as rivals. Except that no one tells them the rules.
Book / eBook / CD Audiobook / Audio eBook
His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
Love historical war fiction? How about the Napoleonic wars – but with dragons? Sea Captain Will Laurence finds his life suddenly changed when he happens to save a dragons egg.
Book / eBook / Audio eBook
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
In a land based on Victorian England, different species of dragons are a common sight in the natural world. Lady Trent works to defy what is expected of her, become a naturalist, and study these creatures around her. These are the journals of her journey.
Every Heart a Dooorway by Seanan McGuire
Eleanor West runs a home for wayward children. But these children are not ordinary ones, they have explored magical doorways to other realms and then return changed.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
The ancient gods are alive and living in the United States. A battle is brewing between these old gods and the new gods who came into being through modern money and media.
Written in Red by Anne Bishop
In a world reminiscent of our own, beings known as the Others control the wild places and tolerate humans living only in approved areas. A mysterious girl with a hidden past seeks safety with the shapeshifters living near a human town.
Book / eBook / CD Audiobook
Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal
Taking place during World War I, the Spirit Corps is a special force made up of mediums who can speak to the spirits of the dead. Specifically, the soldiers who have just died on the battlefield. Ginger Stuyvesant, discovers a traitorous plot against them and must solve the mystery before it is too late.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell by Susanna Clarke
In the past, England had magicians. However, they have since lost their power and magic has been relegated to a research subject. Mr. Norell, through lost and forgotten books, has managed to acquire the power of English magicians once again. He takes on Jonathan Strange as an apprentice but they have very different ideas about the current use of magic.