If you’re a fan of the Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo, you’re probably on the lookout for other books that can capture that same magic and adventure. Luckily, there are plenty of books out there that will satisfy your craving for richly imagined worlds, complex characters, and high-stakes action. Here are just a few book suggestions for fans of Shadow and Bone:
The Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore
This series is another YA fantasy series that explores themes of power, destiny, and love. In this world, some people are born with “graces,” special abilities that set them apart from others. The protagonist, Katsa, has a lethal grace that makes her a formidable warrior, but also an outcast. When she meets a prince with a grace of his own, they team up to uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens their entire world.
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
This series is a little more urban fantasy than high fantasy, but it still has plenty of magic and adventure to offer. Set in contemporary New York City, this series follows a group of demon hunters known as Shadowhunters. The protagonist, Clary Fray, discovers that she is also a Shadowhunter, and must navigate the dangerous world of demons, werewolves, and vampires to save her mother and uncover the truth about her family.
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
If you haven’t already read it, Leigh Bardugo’s own Grisha Trilogy is a great place to start. This series is set in the same world as Shadow and Bone and follows a different group of characters as they navigate the political intrigue and magical powers of the Grisha. The protagonist, Alina Starkov, discovers that she has a rare and powerful gift, and must use it to stop the dark forces that threaten her world.
The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
This series is a little less well-known than some of the others on this list, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of complex, morally ambiguous characters and intricate world-building. The series follows a thief named Eugenides as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of a fantasy world loosely based on ancient Greece. The first book, The Thief, is a masterful example of storytelling that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson
This series is a bit of a doorstopper, but if you’re up for a big, epic fantasy adventure, it’s definitely worth your time. Set in a world where magical storms sweep across the land, this series follows a diverse cast of characters as they fight to save their world from ancient, world-ending threats. Sanderson is known for his intricate world-building and complex magic systems, and this series is no exception.
No matter which of these books you choose, you’re sure to find plenty of magic, adventure, and high-stakes action to satisfy your craving for more stories like Shadow and Bone.
