If you liked the Graceling series…
I’m super excited about the arrival this week of the fifth book in the Graceling series, Seasparrow. Graceling is one of my all-time favorite books. I love the world of magic and politics in the world that Kristin Cashore has created. I love her powerful female characters and the complex relationships they develop. If you are waiting for your copy of Seasparrow or have already finished all the books in the Graceling series, here are other YA books you might enjoy that include similar aspects of magic, adventure, and feminism.
Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson (started in 2011)
A fantastic series about a girl who starts unsure of herself, forced into an arranged marriage, and a reluctant “chosen one” of her religion. Through the events and trials of the three novels, she understand and accepts her power and role in her religion and becomes a true leader.
Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard (started in 2015)
Aveyard created a fantasy world where people are divided by blood: common folk have red blood and the elite have silver blood and special powers. But somehow Mare has both red blood and powers. This series is full of war, battles, and politics and is exciting from start to finish.
Three Dark Crowns series by Kendare Blake (started in 2016)
Blake’s series about sisters with elemental powers who are fated to fight each other to the death is a great read. The details of the powers and the ever-changing relationship of the sisters create a rich world. As the series develops, the triplets learn more of their history and discover secrets never meant to be uncovered.
Legacy of Orisha series by Tomi Adeyemi (started in 2018)
Starting with Children of Blood and Bone, this African-set series tells of a land where magic has been silenced by those in power. The heroine Zelie, who has the potential to wield magic, tries to bring it back. She is swept into the world of the monarchy as she goes on a quest to reignite magic. She forms a trio with her brother and a noble, who turns out to be the princess, to collect objects they need to perform a ritual to return magic to their people.
The Half Class by Kayvion Lewis (2021)
Written by my fabulous critique partner (Hi, Kayvion!), this book centers on Evie, who is mixed-race and therefore caught between the two castes of her world. She’s part of an underground rebellion and given a mission to befriend the prince and use the information she learns from him against the monarchy. But she didn’t expect to like him so much!
Lore by Alexandra Bracken (2021)
The gods of the ancient world still exist. And every seven years, there is a battle in which those descended from ancient families can fight to claim their powers. Lore has left that world behind until a friend and a goddess ask for her help before the latest battle.
Wings of Ebony series by J. Elle (started in 2021)
Rue is caught between two worlds: her home in Houston with her sister and Ghizon, her magical homeland. Although she thought she was the only connection between her worlds, she discovers that the powerful of Ghizon are manipulating her community in Houston and vows to bring their interference to an end.