12 Books Like Throne of Glass
If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series and find yourself craving more thrilling adventures, intricate plots, and strong female protagonists, then you’re in for a treat.
Delve into these handpicked novels that share similar elements of magic, intrigue, and epic battles, promising to sweep you away to fantastical realms where danger lurks at every turn and heroes rise against all odds.
Whether you’re seeking tales of royal intrigue, fierce warrior heroines, or immersive world-building, these books are sure to satisfy your appetite for gripping fantasy escapades.
Books Like Throne of Glass
1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
“Graceling” follows the story of Katsa, a young woman graced with the skill of killing. Living in a world where people with exceptional skills, known as Graces, are feared and exploited, Katsa struggles against the constraints of her society and her own nature to find her path.
As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she meets Prince Po, and together they uncover a secret that could change their world forever.
Major Similarities: Similar to “Throne of Glass,” “Graceling” features a strong, skilled female protagonist who defies societal expectations. Both novels are set in intricately built fantasy worlds with elements of magic, political intrigue, and a hint of romance. The themes of personal growth, the quest for freedom, and the fight against tyranny are central to both stories.
2. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
“Shadow and Bone” introduces Alina Starkov, a soldier in a war-torn world who discovers she possesses a rare power that could be the key to setting her country free from the darkness that divides it.
As she trains with the Grisha, an elite magical military group, she uncovers secrets about her power, her heart, and a potential threat to the very fabric of her world.
Major Similarities: Like “Throne of Glass,” “Shadow and Bone” is set in a richly detailed fantasy universe with a complex political landscape and dark forces at play. Both novels feature young female protagonists who uncover their true power and potential while navigating a path fraught with danger and betrayal. Themes of loyalty, love, and the struggle between light and dark are prevalent in both narratives.
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
In “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, is taken to a magical land as punishment for a crime she committed. There, she discovers that her captor is not the beast she expected but one of the immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As Feyre learns about the faerie lands, she finds herself at the heart of ancient curses and deadly politics.
Major Similarities: Written by the same author, this book shares the high fantasy setting, strong character development, and a blend of romance and action that fans of “Throne of Glass” will appreciate. Both novels involve a strong, resilient female lead who must navigate through a world of magic, danger, and political intrigue, transforming significantly along the way.
4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
“The Cruel Prince” tells the story of Jude, a mortal girl living in the High Court of Faerie. Despite her human vulnerability, Jude wants nothing more than to belong in this treacherous world.
To achieve this, she must defy the cruel Prince Cardan and navigate the complex politics of the court, ultimately discovering her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed.
Major Similarities: Both “The Cruel Prince” and “Throne of Glass” immerse readers in a beautifully dark world filled with magic, political intrigue, and morally ambiguous characters. The novels share a young female protagonist who is both fierce and determined to forge her destiny against the odds.
Themes of power, revenge, and identity are explored in depth in both stories.
5. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
“Red Queen” features Mare Barrow, a common girl living in a world divided by blood—red or silver. Mare’s world is turned upside down when she discovers she possesses a deadly power of her own, one that could upset the balance of power.
Forced into the Silver elite, she must navigate a dangerous game of betrayal and revolution.
Major Similarities: Like “Throne of Glass,” “Red Queen” presents a fantasy world where the protagonist is thrust into a position of power and danger, challenging the status quo. Both novels explore themes of rebellion, the corrupting influence of power, and the journey of self-discovery, set against a backdrop of a society on the brink of change.
6. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
“An Ember in the Ashes” is set in a brutal, ancient-like world under Martial Empire rule. The story alternates between Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a soldier fighting for his freedom.
Their paths intertwine as they both seek to overthrow the oppressive forces that control their fates.
Major Similarities: Both “An Ember in the Ashes” and “Throne of Glass” feature complex worlds with a blend of ancient and fantastical elements. The protagonists in both stories are fighting against oppressive regimes, with themes of survival, loyalty, and the quest for freedom at their core. The dynamic character development and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters echo the experiences of Celaena in “Throne of Glass.”
7. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
In “The Kiss of Deception,” Princess Lia flees on her wedding day to escape a life she didn’t choose. Her pursuit of freedom leads her to a new life in a distant village, where she meets two mysterious strangers. Unknown to Lia, one is the prince she was supposed to marry, and the other an assassin sent to kill her.
Major Similarities: This novel shares the theme of a strong, determined female protagonist challenging the expectations placed upon her, much like “Throne of Glass.” The elements of mystery, romance, and political intrigue are woven into a fantasy setting where choices carry weighty consequences. Both stories involve a journey of self-discovery and the fight against predestined paths.
8. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
“Daughter of Smoke and Bone” follows Karou, a young art student in Prague who is caught between two worlds. Her life is filled with secrets and mysteries, including her regular errands to collect teeth for her chimaera father figure.
However, when angelic beings appear, the truth about her identity and the war that spans worlds begins to unravel.
Major Similarities: Like “Throne of Glass,” “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” features a strong, mysterious female protagonist with a hidden past. Both novels explore themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between two opposing forces. The rich, imaginative settings and the blend of romance and action make both books appealing to fans of fantasy and adventure.
9. The Selection by Kiera Cass
“The Selection” is set in a dystopian world where a young woman named America Singer is chosen to compete in a competition to win the heart of Prince Maxon and become the future queen.
As America navigates the opulent world of the palace, she finds herself torn between her feelings for the prince and her love from home, all while a rebellion threatens the kingdom.
Major Similarities: Although “The Selection” leans more towards romance and dystopia than “Throne of Glass,” both novels feature strong female leads navigating complex social hierarchies and political intrigue. The themes of love, choice, and rebellion against a backdrop of societal expectations resonate in both stories.
10. Frostblood by Elly Blake
“Frostblood” tells the story of Ruby, a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame in a world ruled by frost. When tragedy strikes her family, Ruby finds herself caught in the struggle between Firebloods and the frost-ruled kingdom.
Her journey leads her to ally with Frostbloods, including a young warrior, to overthrow the cruel Frost King.
Major Similarities: Both “Frostblood” and “Throne of Glass” present a universe where magic and power are central, with a young female protagonist possessing unique abilities that set her apart. Themes of vengeance, the journey of mastering one’s powers, and the unlikely alliances formed in the face of a common enemy are key elements in both narratives.
11. Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
In “Truthwitch,” Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie, making her a powerful ally and a dangerous enemy. Alongside her best friend Iseult, a Threadwitch, they navigate a world on the brink of war.
Their powers attract the attention of empires and mercenaries alike, as they strive to stay free and protect their freedom.
Major Similarities: Like “Throne of Glass,” “Truthwitch” is set in a vivid fantasy world enriched with magic, where the bonds of friendship and loyalty are tested. Both novels feature strong female leads with unique abilities, embroiled in political and magical conflicts that span their worlds. The emphasis on friendship, power, and destiny aligns closely with the themes explored in “Throne of Glass.”
12. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
“Seraphina” takes place in a world where dragons can take human form but are reviled by humans. Seraphina, a gifted musician, has a secret that ties her to both worlds.
As she becomes involved in court intrigue and investigates a murder, she must navigate the dangers of her dual heritage while discovering the truth about herself and her unusual family.
Major Similarities: Both “Seraphina” and “Throne of Glass” delve into a complex world where the protagonist harbors a secret that could change the course of the kingdom. Themes of identity, acceptance, and the intersection of human and magical realms are explored, with a strong, intelligent female lead at the heart of the story, making it a compelling read for fans of high fantasy and intrigue.
