E.K. Johnston writes books that really stay with you. She works in different genres. You might pick up science fiction like *Prairie Fire*, or historical fiction such as *Exit, Pursued by a Bear*, but her books share some key traits.
She creates characters that feel incredibly real. Her stories often put strong female characters at the center. The plots are about more than just action.
If you love books like hers, you will want to know about other authors with a similar approach to character-driven stories and thoughtful plots.
Leigh Bardugo writes stories filled with rich worlds and fascinating characters that pull you in from the start. One of her well-known books, “Six of Crows,” follows a group of misfits brought together for an impossible heist.
Kaz Brekker, the sharp and cunning leader, assembles a crew where each member has their own skills and secrets. The story takes readers into the dark corners of Ketterdam, a city of crime and opportunity, where danger and betrayal are always near.
Bardugo’s characters stay with you long after the final page.
Marissa Meyer is known for writing imaginative twists on classic tales. Her book “Cinder,” the first in the Lunar Chronicles series, reimagines Cinderella in a futuristic world.
Cinder is a cyborg mechanic living in New Beijing, where humans and androids face threats from a deadly plague and tensions with the lunar people. When she meets Prince Kai, her quiet life turns upside down as she becomes tied to secrets that could change everything.
The mix of technology and fairy tale elements creates a unique backdrop for this engaging story.
Sarah J. Maas is known for creating immersive fantasy worlds filled with strong characters and high-stakes drama. Her book “A Court of Thorns and Roses” kicks off with Feyre, a mortal huntress, killing a wolf in the woods.
This act pulls her into the magical world of the fae, where she must navigate danger, romance, and a haunting curse that threatens everything. The story blends tension and emotion, with a richly imagined setting that keeps readers hooked.
Naomi Novik is a fantasy author known for weaving folklore and magic into her stories. One of her standout books, “Uprooted,” takes place in a quiet village haunted by a corrupt forest called the Wood.
Every ten years, a mysterious wizard known as the Dragon selects a young woman to serve him in exchange for protecting the village. The story follows Agnieszka, a messy and ordinary girl, who is unexpectedly chosen.
The book dives into her struggle to master magic and uncover the secrets of the dark forest. It’s filled with lush settings and a mix of danger and discovery.
Renee Ahdieh is an author known for weaving stories with strong characters and lush settings. Her book “The Wrath & the Dawn” is a retelling of the tale of Scheherazade from *One Thousand and One Nights*.
Ahdieh spins a story centered on Shahrzad, a girl who volunteers to marry a king rumored to kill his brides at dawn. Instead of waiting for her fate, Shahrzad plans to uncover the truth and seek revenge, all while surrounded by palace intrigue and forbidden secrets.
Fans of EK Johnston may enjoy Ahdieh’s storytelling, especially the way she balances emotional depth with rich cultural backdrops.
Sabaa Tahir writes stories filled with strong characters and emotional depth. Her book “An Ember in the Ashes” is set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome. It follows Laia, who becomes a slave to save her brother, and Elias, a soldier torn between duty and freedom.
Their paths cross in unexpected ways, creating a world of danger, sacrifice, and secrets. The story is intense, and the stakes always feel high, making it hard to put down.
Victoria Aveyard is known for writing stories with intense stakes, strong characters, and twists that keep you hooked. Her book “Red Queen” stands out as a gripping tale of power and rebellion.
In a world divided by blood—red for the commoners and silver for the elite—Mare Barrow discovers she has a deadly power that should only belong to the silver-blooded rulers.
Caught between betrayal and revolution, she ends up navigating dangerous alliances and keeping secrets that could change everything. Fans of stories with political intrigue and betrayals might enjoy the journey her characters take.
Laini Taylor writes stories that feel dreamy and otherworldly. One of her books, “Strange the Dreamer,” tells the story of Lazlo Strange, a librarian who has always been fascinated by the lost city of Weep.
When an opportunity arises to join an expedition to uncover its mysteries, he takes the chance. The book introduces strange gods, a beautiful city cloaked in sorrow, and characters whose fates feel tangled with magic.
Taylor’s writing brings the city of Weep alive, and there’s plenty of wonder and heartbreak to keep you hooked.
Adrienne Young writes fantasy stories with vivid worlds and strong characters that pull you in right away.
One of her books, “Sky in the Deep,” follows Eelyn, a young warrior from a Viking-like clan, who discovers her brother fighting for the enemy years after she thought he was dead. The story is filled with loyalty, clan conflicts, and questions about family bonds.
It’s fast-paced and heartfelt, making it hard to put down. If you enjoy EK Johnston’s storytelling, Adrienne Young could be a great discovery.
Elizabeth Lim writes stories that bring magic and rich worlds to life. One of her books, “Six Crimson Cranes,” is a reimagining of a classic fairy tale.
It follows Shiori, the only princess of her kingdom, who is cursed to stay silent after her stepmother discovers her magical abilities. Her six brothers are turned into cranes, and Shiori must find a way to break the curse.
Along the way, she faces dangers, uncovers secrets, and learns the value of inner strength. Fans of EK Johnston who appreciate strong heroines and immersive fantasy worlds might enjoy Lim’s storytelling.
Megan Whalen Turner is known for writing stories that mix clever characters with rich settings. Her book, “The Thief,” introduces readers to Gen, a skilled thief who is unexpectedly recruited for a dangerous mission to steal a legendary treasure.
The story unfolds with twists as Gen’s true abilities and motivations slowly come to light. Fans of E.K. Johnston might enjoy the way Turner layers her characters with secrets, making each reveal feel satisfying and earned.
Kiersten White is an author known for creating vivid and imaginative worlds in her stories. One of her books, “The Guinevere Deception,” reimagines the Arthurian legend. In this tale, Guinevere isn’t who she seems to be.
She arrives in Camelot to marry King Arthur, guarding him against magical threats. The catch? She’s not the real Guinevere but a changeling sent to protect the king. The story explores loyalty, identity, and secrets in a fresh way.
If you enjoy EK Johnston’s ability to rework familiar myths and stories, you might find this book an exciting read.
Holly Black writes stories that pull you into magical worlds where danger and beauty walk hand in hand. In her book “The Cruel Prince,” she introduces Jude, a mortal girl raised in the realm of faeries.
Jude struggles to find her place among the cruel and powerful beings around her. Her battle for influence and survival gets tangled with betrayals, deadly politics, and her complicated relationship with Prince Cardan.
Black creates characters who feel raw and real, while wrapping them in an unforgiving world of faerie lore.
Roshani Chokshi writes stories filled with mythology and magic. In her book “The Gilded Wolves,” she takes readers to 1889 Paris, where a treasure hunter named Séverin Montagnet-Alarie leads a group on a mission to recover a magical artifact.
Each member of the group has their own unique skills, and their quest weaves together puzzles, secrets, and a world inspired by history and legend. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy layered worlds and characters who are bound together by loyalty and shared purpose.
Marie Rutkoski is known for her imaginative and emotionally rich storytelling. Her book “The Winner’s Curse” kicks off a trilogy set in a world of conquest and rebellion.
The story follows Kestrel, the daughter of a powerful general, as she buys a young slave named Arin at an auction. Their relationship grows more complicated as secrets unfold, leading to choices that could change both their lives and the fate of their world.
The tension between loyalty and love creates a powerful pull throughout the narrative.