Well, 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson could be considered a fantasy spy novel in a way. The characters are constantly plotting, uncovering secrets, and trying to outwit their enemies in a world full of magic and political intrigue. Then there's 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' which is set in a vivid fantasy world where the main character is a sort of con - man spy, getting in and out of tricky situations. Also, 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik has elements of a young woman having to figure out the secrets of a powerful wizard, a bit like a spy mission in a fantasy land.
The 'Gentleman Bastard' series by Scott Lynch is also worth mentioning. Locke Lamora, the main character, is constantly involved in elaborate schemes and deceptions, much like a spy. The world - building is richly detailed with elements of magic and political intrigue, making it a great choice for those who enjoy fantasy spy novels.
'The Paris Agent' by Kelly Rimmer is a 2023 spy novel that stands out. It delves into the lives of spies during World War II in Paris. The characters are vividly drawn, and the plot is filled with suspense as it shows the risks and sacrifices these agents had to make in the name of their missions.
One great 2018 spy novel is 'The Kremlin's Candidate' by Jason Matthews. It's full of intrigue and complex characters. Another is 'Red Sparrow' which was also very popular in 2018. It has a strong female lead and a lot of spy - related action and espionage.
Another notable 2020 spy novel could be 'Red Widow' by Alma Katsu. It combines elements of historical fiction with spy - thriller aspects. It's set against the backdrop of the Cold War and has a strong female lead, which makes it an interesting read for those who like spy novels with a different perspective.
One great 2017 spy novel is 'The Punishment She Deserves' by Elizabeth George. It combines elements of mystery and espionage in an engaging way.
One great spy novel is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a classic in the genre, full of complex characters and intricate plots. The story follows George Smiley as he tries to uncover a Soviet mole within the British intelligence service.
Fantasy spy novels often combine the elements of magic or the supernatural with the covert operations typical of spy stories. For example, spies might use magical powers to gather intelligence or to deceive their enemies. There's also usually a complex web of political intrigue and power struggles in the fictional world.
They usually have complex political and social settings within the fantasy world. There are different factions, kingdoms or groups vying for power. The spy element comes in as characters try to uncover the secrets and plots of these different entities. It's not just about physical spying but also magical or supernatural means of gathering information. There might be enchanted objects or spells that help in surveillance or communication. The combination of the two genres makes for a very exciting and unique reading experience as it blends the mystery and intrigue of spying with the wonder and magic of fantasy.
There's also 'Our Man in Havana' by Graham Greene. This novel is a satirical take on the spy genre. You may find it for free on certain platforms. It's a great read as it combines humor with the typical elements of a spy story, like espionage and international intrigue.
Espionage, secret agents, double agents, code-breaking, international intrigue, hidden identities, and surveillance are great keywords for spy novels.