Today's Read Contributor Bestselling romantasy author Callie Hart offered readers an intimate look into her literary tastes by revealing a list of her favorite books in a feature interview. Known for her emotionally charged fantasy romances Quicksilver and Brimstone, Hart’s reading recommendations arrive just in time for holiday gift buyers and year-end reading lists. Her selections, which range from dark fantasy to science fiction, reflect the same storytelling values she infuses in her novels: unpredictability, emotional depth, and genre-defying narratives.
Hart has built a loyal readership with stories that combine slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, and surprising character arcs. In the interview, she explained that the books she gravitates toward often echo these qualities, but with a twist. She singled out Joe Abercrombie’s The Blade Itself as a standout for its gritty realism and morally complex characters. Hart described the novel as a powerful reminder that “fantasy can be messy, raw, and deeply human,” a sentiment that clearly resonates with her own approach to world-building and character development.
Her list also included Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, a science fiction bestseller that captivated her with its blend of science, isolation, and unexpected friendship. Hart emphasized that genre isn’t a limiting factor in her preferences — instead, she seeks out narratives that take bold risks and reward readers with emotional payoffs. She praised Weir’s protagonist for being both intelligent and vulnerable, calling the book a rare example of “a science thriller that made me cry.”
Another title on Hart’s radar was Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman, a haunting blend of medieval horror and religious fantasy. The book’s dark atmosphere and moral complexity stood out to her, particularly its willingness to challenge reader expectations. “Stories that don’t follow a straight line — that twist your gut and make you rethink everything — those are the ones I carry with me,” she said, explaining why such titles have influenced her writing process over the years.
In a nod to her love of genre mashups, Hart included Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. Known for its chaotic humor and inventive game-like setting, the novel struck her as a wildly entertaining break from convention. “It’s the kind of book you read with a grin,” she noted, “and then realize there’s more heart in it than you expected.”
Hart’s enthusiasm wasn’t limited to books she’s already finished. She expressed high anticipation for R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis, calling Kuang “one of the boldest writers of our time.” While still reading it at the time of the interview, she cited Kuang’s ability to blend political commentary with fantasy narrative as something she aspires to in her own work.
Beyond the book titles, Hart discussed how reading has always been her creative lifeline, especially during the intense drafting and editing periods of her own releases. With Brimstone launching just weeks earlier and climbing sales charts, she said reading helps her stay connected to the art of storytelling from a reader’s perspective. “When you’re deep in your own world, sometimes the best thing you can do is step into someone else’s,” she explained.
Her holiday recommendations serve as a reflection of what she seeks to deliver to her audience — immersive stories filled with tension, transformation, and emotional resonance. It’s no surprise that many of her picks focus on characters navigating extreme circumstances, wrestling with identity, or forging unexpected connections, much like the protagonists of her own romantasy universe.
The release of her book list was well-timed. With the end-of-year book rush in full swing and readers searching for unique holiday gifts, Hart’s selections offered a welcome mix of genres and tones. Independent bookstores reported a bump in interest for some of her highlighted titles, and online fan groups were quick to share their own reactions and personal favorites in response to her list.
For longtime fans of Quicksilver and Brimstone, Callie Hart’s reading recommendations offer a deeper window into the creative forces behind her storytelling. For new readers, her list is an invitation to discover compelling books that cross genre boundaries while delivering unforgettable emotional journeys. As the romantasy genre continues to grow in mainstream popularity, authors like Hart are helping shape a broader literary conversation — one where plot twists, genre fusion, and emotional catharsis go hand in hand.
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