24 Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” is a fantasy novel written by Sarah J. Maas. It’s the first book in a series of the same name. The story is set in a richly crafted fantasy world and follows the journey of a young woman named Feyre Archeron, who is dragged into the world of faeries after killing a wolf in the woods.
As she navigates the treacherous politics and magic of the faerie realm, she uncovers dark secrets and finds herself entangled in a complex web of love, betrayal, and sacrifice.
Here are some books that share similarities with “A Court of Thorns and Roses”.
Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas
“Throne of Glass” is the first book in a thrilling series by Sarah J. Maas, featuring Celaena Sardothien, a young and lethal assassin, who is dragged from the salt mines of Endovier to compete to become the king’s champion.
Throughout the series, Celaena’s journey is filled with battles, betrayals, and a quest for freedom, unfolding in a richly detailed fantasy world replete with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient secrets. Maas weaves a tale of strength, resilience, and the fight for justice, making it a captivating read for fans of strong female protagonists and complex fantasy narratives.
“Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood” by Sarah J. Maas
“Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood” marks Sarah J. Maas’s foray into adult fantasy, blending elements of urban fantasy, mystery, and romance. The story follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae, half-human, as she seeks revenge in the wake of a brutal murder that shatters her life.
As Bryce delves into the depths of her vibrant, dangerous city, she uncovers a series of dark secrets and an ancient power. Maas crafts a world of intrigue, with dynamic characters, and a gripping plot that explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience.
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
“The Cruel Prince” is the first book in The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, introducing readers to a dark and twisted fairy world. Jude, a mortal girl living in the High Court of Faerie, dreams of becoming a knight and earning her place among the fae, despite her mortal status.
However, her ambition puts her at odds with the cruel Prince Cardan. Black’s storytelling is rich in political intrigue and the complexities of power dynamics, set against the backdrop of a beautifully brutal fairy world, making it a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and cunning characters.
“Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo
In “Shadow and Bone,” Leigh Bardugo transports readers to the Grishaverse, a world inspired by Russian folklore, where dark magic and danger loom large. The story follows Alina Starkov, a young orphan who discovers she possesses a rare power capable of fighting the Shadow Fold, a swath of impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters.
As Alina trains as part of the magical elite, the Grisha, she uncovers secrets that could change the fate of her world. Bardugo combines a richly imagined fantasy setting with complex characters and a compelling plot, exploring themes of identity, power, and love.
“An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir’s “An Ember in the Ashes” is inspired by ancient Rome, presenting a brutal world of oppression and resistance. The story alternates between Laia, a slave fighting for her family’s survival, and Elias, a soldier questioning his role in the Empire’s ruthless machinery.
Their paths intertwine as they both seek freedom and redemption. Tahir’s narrative is intense and fast-paced, filled with action, moral dilemmas, and a touch of the supernatural, making it a gripping read from start to finish.
“Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin
“Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin is a captivating tale of magic, enmity, and unlikely love. Set in a world where witches are hunted by the Church, it follows Lou, a witch hiding in plain sight, and Reid, a witch hunter bound to her by an unexpected marriage.
Their relationship, built on deception and slowly evolving into something more, is at the heart of a conflict between witchcraft and those sworn to eradicate it. Mahurin masterfully blends romance, fantasy, and adventure, creating a story that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of love and belief.
“The Wrath & the Dawn” by Renée Ahdieh
Renée Ahdieh’s “The Wrath & the Dawn” is a lush, romantic retelling of the Arabian Nights. It tells the story of Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry the Caliph of Khorasan, a ruler known for murdering his brides at dawn.
Determined to end his reign of terror, Shahrzad not only survives the dawn but also begins to fall for the troubled king, uncovering the pain and secrets that drive him. Ahdieh’s storytelling is rich with magic, intrigue, and the power of stories, making it a mesmerizing read that captivates with its deep emotional layers and beautiful prose.
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi’s “Children of Blood and Bone” is a powerful fantasy inspired by West African mythology, exploring themes of oppression, racism, and the fight for justice. The story follows Zélie Adebola as she embarks on a quest to bring magic back to the kingdom of Orïsha, where it has been banned by a ruthless king.
Alongside a rogue princess and her brother, Zélie battles to overcome the king’s forces and ignite a rebellion. Adeyemi creates a world of magic and danger, with compelling characters and a gripping narrative that addresses real-world issues through the lens of fantasy.
“Daughter of Smoke and Bone” by Laini Taylor
Laini Taylor’s “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” is a novel that transports readers to a world as enchanting as it is brutal, where a young art student in Prague is caught up in an ancient war between angels and demons.
Karou, a girl with blue hair and mysterious origins, finds herself tangled in a story far bigger than she imagined, involving star-crossed love and a struggle that spans worlds. Taylor’s lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling create a captivating universe, blending elements of romance, mystery, and epic fantasy.
“A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab’s “A Darker Shade of Magic” introduces readers to a universe of parallel Londons, each with its own degree of magical influence. The story centers around Kell, one of the last Travelers—rare magicians with the ability to journey between these worlds.
When Kell unwittingly brings a dangerous artifact from one London to another, he sets off a chain of events that threatens the balance between the worlds. Schwab crafts a tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, with a richly developed universe and complex characters, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern is a dreamlike novel set in a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are unknowingly bound to a duel that spans years and tests the limits of their skills and emotions.
Set against the backdrop of an enchanting circus that appears without warning, their story unfolds in a series of mesmerizing events and magical acts.
Morgenstern’s writing is lush and evocative, weaving a tale of love, destiny, and magic that captivates and transports readers to a world where anything seems possible.
“Caraval” by Stephanie Garber
“Caraval” by Stephanie Garber invites readers into a mesmerizing world where a magical performance, part game, part competition, is held each year.
Scarlett has dreamed of seeing Caraval for as long as she can remember, and with the help of a mysterious sailor, she finally makes it to the game, only to find her sister, Tella, has been kidnapped by the show’s mastermind organizer, Legend.
The game revolves around finding Tella, and Scarlett must navigate a series of dangerous illusions and manipulations to save her. Garber crafts a vivid, magical world filled with surprises, romance, and danger, making “Caraval” a captivating read.
“The Bone Season” by Samantha Shannon
“The Bone Season” presents a dystopian future where clairvoyants are persecuted by a totalitarian regime. Paige Mahoney, working in the criminal underworld of London, navigates her life hiding her gift until she’s captured and taken to a secret city controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race.
Shannon constructs a vividly detailed world combining elements of fantasy and dystopia, exploring themes of freedom, survival, and the complex nature of power.
The novel stands out for its originality, intricate plot, and the depth of its clairvoyant society.
“Graceling” by Kristin Cashore
“Graceling” tells the story of Katsa, a young woman graced with the skill of killing, in a world where certain individuals are born with an extreme skill known as a Grace.
Katsa struggles against her destiny as a tool for her uncle, the king, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and love.
Cashore’s fantasy world is richly drawn, with a strong, morally complex heroine and a narrative that delves into themes of autonomy, identity, and the nature of power.
“Strange the Dreamer” by Laini Taylor
Laini Taylor’s “Strange the Dreamer” is a lyrical and imaginative tale that follows Lazlo Strange, a librarian obsessed with the lost city of Weep.
When he gets the chance to join an expedition to the mysterious city, Lazlo discovers a world of gods, monsters, and dreams that challenge everything he knows.
Taylor’s storytelling is lush and evocative, weaving a complex narrative of love, loss, and the power of dreams, making it a captivating read for those who love their fantasy with depth and beauty.
“The Queen of the Tearling” by Erika Johansen
Erika Johansen’s “The Queen of the Tearling” is a compelling blend of fantasy and dystopian fiction, following Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn as she reclaims her throne from her corrupt and tyrannical uncle.
Set in a future world that has lost much of its technology, Kelsea must navigate political intrigue, dark magic, and her own inexperience to save her kingdom.
Johansen crafts a narrative that is both epic and intimate, exploring themes of leadership, justice, and the weight of destiny.
“The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi
Set in a magical, alternate history Paris of 1889, “The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi combines heist elements with historical fantasy.
The story follows Séverin Montagnet-Alarie, a wealthy hotelier with a talent for finding lost objects, and his team of experts as they seek a powerful artifact.
Chokshi’s Paris is lush and imaginative, filled with puzzles, magic, and a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and agendas, exploring themes of colonialism, identity, and belonging.
“Furyborn” by Claire Legrand
“Furyborn” follows two fiercely independent young women, Rielle and Eliana, living centuries apart but whose destinies are intertwined by the fate of the world.
Rielle must undergo seven magical trials to prove she is the prophesied Sun Queen, while Eliana, known as the Dread of Orline, fights for survival in a world falling into chaos.
Claire Legrand weaves a complex narrative of magic, power, and rebellion, exploring themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the moral ambiguity of their choices.
“Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard
In “Red Queen,” Victoria Aveyard creates a world divided by blood—red for commoners and silver for the elite with superhuman abilities.
Mare Barrow, a red-blooded girl, discovers she possesses a deadly power of her own, thrusting her into the heart of the Silver court and a burgeoning rebellion.
Aveyard blends dystopian elements with fantasy, crafting a story of betrayal, intrigue, and revolution, exploring the themes of power, identity, and the fight for equality.
“The Selection” by Kiera Cass
“The Selection” is set in a dystopian world where thirty-five girls are chosen to compete for the heart of the prince and the crown.
America Singer, reluctantly enters the competition, only to find herself caught between feelings for her first love and the prince.
Kiera Cass presents a blend of royal elegance and dystopian harshness, exploring themes of love, social class, and the choices that define us, all while offering a critique of society’s fascination with reality TV.
“From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “From Blood and Ash” is a high fantasy romance that weaves together the fates of Poppy, a Maiden waiting for her Ascension, and Hawke, a guard with mysterious motives.
Their world is filled with vampires, gods, and forbidden magic, challenging their beliefs and their hearts.
Armentrout delivers a story rich with action, intrigue, and steamy romance, exploring themes of freedom, destiny, and the complexity of truth and lies.
“Wicked Saints” by Emily A. Duncan
“Wicked Saints,” the first book in the Something Dark and Holy series by Emily A. Duncan, introduces a gothic world of gods, saints, and war. Nadya, a cleric who can communicate with the gods, finds herself caught in a bloody struggle for power.
Duncan crafts a dark, atmospheric fantasy that explores themes of faith, power, and identity, through the lens of a war-torn land and characters who must question their beliefs and loyalties.
“Rhapsodic” by Laura Thalassa
“Rhapsodic” by Laura Thalassa, the first book in The Bargainer series, combines elements of urban fantasy and romance in a story about Callie, a siren with a complicated past, and Desmond, the Bargainer, who returns to her life after seven years.
Their story delves into themes of redemption, secrets, and the deep bonds of a debt that spans years. Thalassa’s world is filled with fae, monsters, and magic, offering a darkly romantic and compelling tale.
“Uprooted” by Naomi Novik
Naomi Novik’s “Uprooted” is inspired by Polish folklore, telling the story of Agnieszka, a girl from a quiet village, chosen to serve the Dragon, a powerful wizard.
The novel explores the deep, dark woods filled with malevolent forces and the complex relationship between Agnieszka and the Dragon, as they confront an ancient and corrupting magic.
Novik combines elements of fairy tale and fantasy to create a story that is at once familiar and entirely new, exploring themes of growth, courage, and the power of friendship.
