List of 15 authors like Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is a celebrated author of young adult fantasy novels. Best known for the bestselling series The Mortal Instruments, she creates vivid worlds and memorable characters.

If you enjoy reading books by Cassandra Clare then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Sarah J. Maas

    Sarah J. Maas writes fantasy novels filled with adventure, romance, and complex characters. Her book Throne of Glass  introduces Celaena Sardothien, a skilled but imprisoned assassin.

    Celaena gains an unlikely chance at freedom when the Crown Prince offers her a position in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion. As competitors face dangerous trials, mysterious magical forces surface, threatening not just Celaena, but the entire kingdom.

    Readers who enjoyed Cassandra Clare’s exciting stories filled with intriguing characters and rich fantasy worlds will likely find plenty to enjoy in Maas’s novels.

  2. Leigh Bardugo

    If you enjoy Cassandra Clare’s dynamic characters, rich fantasy worlds, and exciting adventures, you’ll probably appreciate Leigh Bardugo. Bardugo is the author behind the Grishaverse series, which begins with Shadow and Bone. 

    The story introduces Alina Starkov, an orphan soldier whose life changes drastically when she discovers powers she didn’t know she possessed.

    Alina becomes part of the elite magical soldiers known as the Grisha, navigating dangerous politics, gripping battles, and complicated relationships.

    Similar to Clare’s writing style, Bardugo offers a balance between action and emotional depth, complete with memorable friendships and intriguing romance.

  3. Richelle Mead

    If you enjoy Cassandra Clare’s blend of fantasy, romance, and vivid characters, Richelle Mead might be a great author for you to explore next.

    Mead’s Vampire Academy  introduces readers to Rose Hathaway, a fiercely loyal guardian-in-training, and her best friend Lissa Dragomir, a vampire princess with rare magical talents.

    At St. Vladimir’s Academy, they face not only typical school challenges and romance but also danger from sinister forces determined to exploit Lissa’s unique powers.

    With an exciting narrative driven by friendship, forbidden romance, and supernatural adventure, Vampire Academy  delivers a memorable world and cast you won’t easily forget.

  4. Laini Taylor

    Books by Laini Taylor offer the right mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance for anyone who enjoys Cassandra Clare’s novels. In Daughter of Smoke and Bone,  Taylor introduces us to Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague who lives a double life.

    She sketches fantastic creatures in her notebooks, creatures who are real and have raised her in another world. Karou has many unanswered questions about her past.

    When beautiful, winged strangers appear, her separate worlds collide, and she must face the truth about love, war, and her own mysterious identity.

    Taylor blends vibrant, imaginative worlds with emotional depth that fans of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter universe will certainly appreciate.

  5. Holly Black

    Holly Black is an author known for weaving dark fantasy worlds filled with dangerous charm and magical intrigue. If you love Cassandra Clare’s blend of magic, romance, and hidden danger, you’ll likely enjoy Black’s novels as well.

    Her book The Cruel Prince  follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised among ruthless Faeries who despise her humanity. Jude fights to find her place in their treacherous court while confronting powerful enemies, complex alliances, and forbidden attraction.

    The story reveals secrets, betrayal, and an unexpected rise to power, making it hard to put down.

  6. Maggie Stiefvater

    Maggie Stiefvater is an author known for her vivid characters and intricate supernatural narratives. If you’re a fan of Cassandra Clare, you might enjoy Stiefvater’s novel, The Raven Boys.  This book introduces readers to Blue Sargent, a girl raised by a family of psychics.

    Blue has always known her fate is tied to a prophecy: if she kisses her true love, he will die. Her life changes dramatically when she meets Gansey and his friends, students from a prestigious local school known as Raven Boys.

    They’re on a quest to discover hidden mystical secrets, and soon Blue finds herself deeply involved in their adventure, testing fate, friendship, and the limits of their reality.

    If you appreciate rich storytelling that blends youthful energy with aged myths and legends, The Raven Boys  will draw you right in.

  7. Victoria Aveyard

    Victoria Aveyard is an author whose talent for creating vivid fantasy worlds and strong characters will resonate deeply with fans of Cassandra Clare.

    In her gripping debut novel, Red Queen,  readers meet Mare Barrow, a teenage girl born into a world sharply divided by blood color—Red commoners serve the Silver-blooded elite who have extraordinary powers.

    Mare’s life takes a dramatic turn when she unexpectedly discovers that she, a Red, possesses a supernatural ability previously thought exclusive to Silvers.

    Thrown into a life of danger, political intrigue, and surprising revelations, Mare must navigate betrayal and trust to survive.

    For readers eager to explore a world filled with sophisticated court politics, rebellion, and romance, Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen  will be a captivating addition to their bookshelf.

  8. Kiersten White

    Kiersten White is an author who crafts vibrant stories filled with fantasy and intriguing supernatural characters. If you’re a fan of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter world, you might enjoy White’s book Paranormalcy. 

    The story centers on Evie, a teenager working for an international agency tasked with tracking paranormal beings. Evie’s life, filled with banshees, vampires, and shape-shifters, becomes even more complicated when she meets a mysterious shape-shifting boy named Lend.

    She struggles with her growing fascination for him and with dark secrets that threaten to unravel her understanding of who she really is. The novel blends humor, action, and romance, making it an entertaining read for fantasy enthusiasts looking for something new.

  9. Julie Kagawa

    Julie Kagawa writes engaging fantasy filled with magic, danger, and strong characters that fans of Cassandra Clare would enjoy. Her book The Iron King  follows teenager Meghan Chase, whose brother is kidnapped into a hidden realm of the faery world.

    Determined to bring him back, Meghan bravely enters Faeryland, guarded by mysterious and powerful creatures. She quickly realizes Faeryland isn’t safe or predictable, with its beautiful yet deadly inhabitants.

    Meghan uncovers surprising truths about her own origins, identity, and the conflicts underlying this magical world. The novel’s blend of adventure, romance, and supernatural drama is perfect for those who loved Clare’s Mortal Instruments. 

  10. Jay Kristoff

    Readers who enjoy Cassandra Clare’s blend of fantasy, adventure, and intriguing characters might find Jay Kristoff’s novels equally exciting. Kristoff is known for creating vivid fantasy worlds filled with action, dark humor, and unforgettable heroes.

    In his book Nevernight,  Kristoff introduces Mia Corvere, a young woman determined to avenge the execution of her family. Mia trains under an infamous guild of assassins and soon discovers she possesses rare powers and dangerous secrets.

    The journey is dark and mysterious, with twists in the shadows and hints of forbidden magic. For readers drawn to Clare’s richly detailed storytelling and memorable protagonists, Kristoff’s Nevernight  offers a captivating new adventure.

  11. Jennifer L. Armentrout

    Jennifer L. Armentrout creates stories full of romance, adventure, and supernatural worlds. Her writing shares the same engaging style that Cassandra Clare fans appreciate.

    In her book Obsidian,  readers meet Katy, who moves to a small town and discovers that her mysterious neighbors, siblings Daemon and Dee, are actually aliens hiding among humans.

    As strange events unfold, Katy finds herself drawn to Daemon, even though he makes it clear he wants nothing to do with her. Soon, she becomes entangled in a dangerous conflict involving powers beyond her imagination.

    Armentrout’s novel blends love, suspense, and the excitement of discovering hidden truths.

  12. Tamora Pierce

    Books by Tamora Pierce offer exciting fantasy worlds filled with strong and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy Cassandra Clare’s fantasy adventures might find Pierce’s Alanna: The First Adventure  equally enjoyable.

    The novel tells the story of Alanna of Trebond, a determined young girl who disguises herself as a boy to fulfill her dream of becoming a knight. Alanna’s journey involves sword fights, magical challenges, and the tension of keeping her true identity hidden.

    Tamora Pierce creates vivid settings and appealing, complex characters in a story filled with courage, magic, and adventure.

  13. Robin LaFevers

    Robin LaFevers crafts fantasy novels full of dark magic, complex characters, and thrilling quests—perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare.

    Her novel Grave Mercy  draws readers into the dangerous world of young assassin Ismae, who escapes a harsh life and finds refuge in a convent devoted to the god of death.

    Soon after, Ismae receives a mission at Brittany’s high court, where she must navigate secrets, betrayal, and forbidden romance.

    With supernatural elements woven into vivid historical settings, LaFevers’ writing offers suspense, action, and deep character connections from beginning to end.

  14. Tomi Adeyemi

    If you enjoy Cassandra Clare’s combination of magic, adventure, and complex characters, you might appreciate Tomi Adeyemi’s vibrant storytelling.

    Her novel, Children of Blood and Bone,  follows Zélie, a fierce young heroine from a land where magic has been outlawed and those who once wielded it brutally oppressed.

    After discovering a way to restore magic to her people, Zélie embarks on a dangerous quest filled with friendship, betrayal, and powerful revelations.

    Adeyemi weaves thrilling scenes of action and emotionally charged moments into a rich narrative that explores themes of oppression, courage, and identity.

  15. Marissa Meyer

    Books by Marissa Meyer have a style and energy that fans of Cassandra Clare will appreciate. Meyer blends fantasy, fairy tales, and futuristic sci-fi in original ways that include plenty of adventure and romance.

    In her book Cinder,  she introduces readers to a creative twist on the Cinderella tale. The story is set in a futuristic city plagued by deadly disease and complicated politics, where Cinder, a talented cyborg mechanic, must navigate prejudice and danger.

    Her mundane life takes a dramatic turn when Prince Kai brings her a broken android for repair, launching Cinder off the sidelines into the heart of intrigue, secrets, and a tense struggle between worlds.

    Readers who like Clare’s vivid worlds and engaging characters might find Meyer offers a fresh and equally enjoyable experience.