Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

In 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard, we are thrust into a world divided by blood - the Silver-blooded elite with supernatural abilities ruling over the Red-blooded underclass. Mare Barrow, a Red-blooded girl with a twist of fate, possesses powers that could disrupt the oppressive social order. As she navigates court intrigue, rebellion, and romance, Aveyard weaves a thrilling tale of power, betrayal, and the fight for justice. The story is ripe with themes of class struggle, identity, and sacrifice, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and gripping action sequences.

Holly Black's 'The Cruel Prince' takes readers on a thrilling journey into a world of faeries, intrigue, and betrayal. The story follows Jude, a mortal girl caught in the midst of a dangerous political game in the treacherous Faerie Court. As Jude navigates courtly politics and struggles for power, she must confront her own desires and dark secrets. With its richly developed characters, intricate world-building, and unexpected plot twists, 'The Cruel Prince' is a gripping tale of power, ambition, and the blurred lines between good and evil. This book is a must-read for fans of dark, immersive fantasy.

In Renee Ahdieh's captivating novel 'The Wrath and the Dawn,' readers are transported to a lush world filled with intrigue, romance, and vengeance. The story centers around Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry the Caliph, Khalid, a ruler known for taking a new bride each night and executing her at dawn. Determined to avenge her best friend's death, Shahrzad weaves enchanting stories to captivate Khalid, unraveling mysteries and discovering unexpected truths. Ahdieh masterfully explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice against a backdrop of Middle Eastern folklore and political intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the gripping conclusion.

In 'Serpent & Dove' by Shelby Mahurin, readers are plunged into a gripping world where witches and witch hunters clash in a tale of love, betrayal, and magic. The story follows Lou, a headstrong witch, and Reid, a devout witch hunter, as they are forced into an unlikely alliance and must navigate treacherous political machinations and burgeoning romantic feelings. Mahurin intricately weaves themes of power, duty, and morality throughout the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns. With a richly developed setting and complex characters, 'Serpent & Dove' is a spellbinding fantasy that will leave readers craving more.

In Margaret Rogerson's 'An Enchantment of Ravens', readers are transported to a world where humans and faeries intersect in a tale of forbidden love and high-stakes consequences. The story follows Isobel, a talented portrait artist, whose encounter with the enigmatic faerie prince, Rook, leads to a captivating journey of self-discovery, intrigue, and dangerous enchantments. Rogerson weaves a narrative rich in magic, romance, and intricate world-building that explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. With its lyrical prose and well-drawn characters, 'An Enchantment of Ravens' is a enchanting and immersive read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance alike.

In 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas, readers are introduced to Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin serving a life sentence in the salt mines of Endovier. When the Crown Prince offers her a chance at freedom under the condition that she competes to become the King's champion, Celaena finds herself entangled in a deadly competition that unveils dark secrets and political intrigues. As she navigates through challenges and uncovers her own mysterious past, Celaena must decide where her loyalties lie. This captivating fantasy novel is filled with action, magic, and a touch of romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the thrilling journey.

Set in a world inspired by Tsarist Russia, 'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo follows Alina Starkov, an orphan and soldier who discovers a latent power that could be the key to freeing her war-torn country. The book introduces readers to the Grisha, a group of magical elites led by the enigmatic Darkling, who has his own plans for Alina’s newfound abilities. Themes of identity, power, and destiny are woven throughout Alina’s journey as she battles her insecurities and navigates a complex world of political intrigue and dark magic. With its richly crafted setting and compelling characters, the novel captivates and challenges readers to ponder the nature of light and darkness within us all.

Kristin Cashore’s 'Graceling' is a captivating fantasy novel that introduces readers to a meticulously crafted world where individuals, known as Gracelings, are born with extraordinary abilities. The story follows Katsa, a young warrior with the deadly Grace of killing, who struggles to forge her own path in a society that seeks to exploit her power. As she embarks on a mission to uncover a sinister plot threatening her world, Katsa faces moral dilemmas and an exploration of identity, agency, and choice. The novel seamlessly blends action and romance, creating a compelling narrative that challenges the boundaries of power and self-discovery. 'Graceling' is a riveting tale that will enchant fantasy lovers, offering a rich exploration of character development and ethical complexity, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.

Natasha Ngan's 'Girls of Paper and Fire' is a gripping tale set in a complex world where society is divided into rigid castes. The lowest of these, the Paper cast, is home to Lei, a young girl who is forcibly taken to become one of the king's consorts. Through Lei's eyes, Ngan crafts a poignant narrative that interweaves themes of power, oppression, and resilience. As Lei navigates court life, she discovers her own strength and the possibility of love in the most unlikely of places. The vivid imagery, profound emotional arcs, and the exploration of personal and political defiance make this novel an impactful and thought-provoking read. Not only does it captivate with its intense storyline, but it also provides a platform for voices often left unheard, delivering a powerful message about the courage to fight against injustice.

Brigid Kemmerer's 'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' reimagines the classic 'Beauty and the Beast' tale with refreshing originality and emotional depth. The story follows Harper, a resilient young woman with cerebral palsy, who is unexpectedly thrust into the enchanting and troubled world of Emberfall. There, she meets Prince Rhen, cursed to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year until he can inspire someone to love him. The novel beautifully intertwines themes of redemption, courage, and acceptance, as Harper and Rhen's relationship evolves against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of ruin. Kemmerer's engaging writing and multi-dimensional characters breathe new life into a familiar narrative, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. Readers are taken on a journey rich with tension, intrigue, and tender moments, leaving a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

Elizabeth Lim's 'Spin the Dawn' weaves a mesmerizing tale of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. Set against a richly-imagined backdrop inspired by East Asian cultures, the novel follows Maia Tamarin, a talented seamstress who dreams of becoming the Imperial Tailor—though women are forbidden from practicing the trade. Disguised as her brother, Maia embarks on a perilous journey, competing against master tailors to craft gowns for the emperor's bride from impossible materials: the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With enchanting prose and a strong feminist undercurrent, 'Spin the Dawn' captivates readers with its themes of identity, ambition, and love. The novel succeeds in delivering both a compelling romance and an epic quest that challenge traditional gender roles and encourage resilience. Lim’s elegant storytelling and vivid world-building make this a spellbinding debut in the fantasy genre.

Julie Kagawa's 'The Iron King' is a mesmerising blend of fantasy and adventure, introducing readers to a world where the ordinary collides with the magical. The story follows Meghan Chase, who discovers her true identity as a faery princess destined to save the Nevernever from an encroaching Iron Fey threat. Packed with rich imagery and dynamic characters, the novel explores themes of belonging, courage, and the conflict between technology and nature. Kagawa weaves a narrative that's both enchanting and reflective, drawing readers into its intricate world-building. The book's combination of romance, humour, and suspense makes it an alluring read for young adults and fantasy enthusiasts alike.