Holly Black writes books that pull you right in, doesn’t she? Her stories often have a dark, fantastical edge. If you love tales about faeries, complicated characters, and plots that keep you guessing, you might be on the lookout for authors who create a similar kind of magic.
Readers who enjoy Holly Black might find Cassandra Clare’s novels equally captivating. Clare writes urban fantasy with vivid characters, exciting worlds, and supernatural intrigue.
Her book “City of Bones”, the first entry of “The Mortal Instruments” series, introduces us to Clary Fray. Clary is a teenage girl who discovers she belongs to a hidden lineage of demon fighters called Shadowhunters.
When her mother mysteriously vanishes, Clary is thrust into an underground New York City where vampires, werewolves, demons, and Shadowhunters collide. Clare mixes fantasy with humor and romance, making “City of Bones” hard to put down and easy to get lost in.
Readers who enjoy Holly Black’s vivid worlds and rich fantasy tales might find Leigh Bardugo equally captivating. Bardugo crafts unique, detailed realms filled with magic, complex characters, and shadowy intrigue.
Her novel “Shadow and Bone” introduces Alina Starkov, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers a rare power that could unite or destroy her war-torn kingdom.
As Alina navigates treacherous court politics and comes face-to-face with the mystifying and dangerous Darkling, readers are pulled into a world filled with secrets, unexpected alliances, and thrilling discoveries.
Leigh Bardugo brings her darkly magical setting to life, making it hard to put the book down.
Laini Taylor crafts lush fantasy worlds filled with dark magic and vivid imagery, qualities readers of Holly Black will certainly appreciate.
Her novel “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” begins in the streets of Prague, where Karou, a blue-haired art student, secretly runs errands for a monstrous family hidden in an otherworldly shop. She collects teeth in exchange for wishes without fully understanding their dark purposes.
Karou soon finds herself at the center of a centuries-long war between angels and monsters. The deeper truths she uncovers blur the lines between enemy and ally, secrets and revelations.
Taylor’s storytelling skillfully mixes romance, magic, and adventure, perfect for fans seeking their next imaginative read.
Readers who enjoy Holly Black’s dark tales of faeries and magic will likely find Sarah J. Maas’s novels equally captivating. Maas is known for powerful storytelling, vivid characters, and rich fantasy worlds.
Her novel “A Court of Thorns and Roses” follows Feyre, a young woman taken captive to a treacherous magical kingdom as punishment for killing a wolf. There she discovers her captor, Tamlin, is no ordinary faerie lord but cursed, along with his lands, by mysterious dark magic.
Feyre must navigate dangerous alliances, deadly secrets, and her own conflicted heart as she faces an ancient evil threatening human and faerie worlds alike.
If you enjoy Holly Black’s blend of magic, complex characters and darker themes, Maggie Stiefvater may catch your interest too. Her novel “The Raven Boys” combines the supernatural with deeply personal stories.
The book follows Blue, a girl from a family of psychics who isn’t gifted herself, and four private school boys known as the Raven Boys. They’re on a mission to find an ancient king buried along mysterious and powerful ley lines.
Blue has always known that, according to prophecy, she’ll cause the death of her true love. Things get tense when visions, hidden motives and personal secrets make this search far more dangerous and intriguing than they ever expected.
Neil Gaiman is a writer known for creating fantastical worlds rooted in myth and folklore. His novel “Coraline” takes readers into a strange hidden reality behind a door in young Coraline’s new home.
When Coraline discovers that alternate world, everything appears better and more exciting than her ordinary life—at first. Soon, she realizes something dangerous lurks beneath the welcoming smiles.
Full of eerie atmosphere and imaginative storytelling, Gaiman’s work captures themes of bravery and cleverness readers of Holly Black’s books will likely appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Holly Black’s dark fantasy worlds will likely connect with Melissa Marr’s atmospheric storytelling and compelling characters. Marr’s novel “Wicked Lovely” introduces readers to Aislinn, a teenage girl who can secretly see the faeries hidden among humans.
These faeries aren’t harmless creatures from childhood stories—they’re dangerous beings with their own agendas. When Keenan, the Summer King, sets his sights on Aislinn, she faces difficult choices about love, loyalty, and the high stakes of entering the faery realm.
With romance, danger, and intricate faerie politics woven throughout, “Wicked Lovely” offers an exciting journey into supernatural drama and complex relationships.
Readers who enjoy Holly Black’s blend of fantasy and folklore should check out Juliet Marillier. Marillier is known for weaving enchanting tales filled with old magic, deep connections to nature, and relatable characters.
Her novel “Daughter of the Forest” is the first in the Sevenwaters series. It follows Sorcha, a young girl tasked with completing a difficult and painful quest to save her six brothers. She faces trials rooted deeply in Celtic mythology and human courage.
The story unfolds beautifully, with themes of bravery, sacrifice, and family bonds, all set against the wild landscapes of ancient Ireland. Fans of Holly Black’s storytelling will appreciate Marillier’s captivating style and thoughtful approach to mythical elements.
Readers who enjoy Holly Black’s novels filled with dark fairy tales and intriguing worlds might also appreciate Patrick Rothfuss and his book “The Name of the Wind.”
Rothfuss builds an immersive fantasy world through the eyes of Kvothe, a musician and magician of legendary status.
Kvothe narrates his life’s story from his humble beginnings in a theatrical troupe to his time at an ancient, mysterious university where magic is scholarly and complex. The story mixes adventure, music, friendship, romance, and a hint of darkness and tragedy.
Rothfuss crafts storytelling that balances poetic prose with sharp character dialogues and clever plot twists. If you’re seeking a rich fantasy tale with depth and emotional weight, “The Name of the Wind” could be an excellent choice.
Readers who enjoy Holly Black’s blend of dark fantasy and vivid storytelling could find Libba Bray an exciting author to explore.
Bray’s novel “A Great and Terrible Beauty” introduces Gemma Doyle, a spirited young woman who is sent from her life in India to a gloomy boarding school in England after tragedy strikes.
At Spence Academy, Gemma discovers she has supernatural abilities and uncovers a hidden realm filled with mystery, magic, and threats. Bray combines historical settings, sharp character dynamics, and eerie magical elements to craft a story rich in secrets and suspense.
Fans of complex heroines and intriguing fantasy worlds might find this novel an engaging read.
Books by Victoria Schwab blend fantasy and darker elements in ways readers of Holly Black might appreciate.
For instance, “The Near Witch” tells of Lexi, a girl living in the isolated village of Near, where the arrival of a mysterious stranger coincides with children going missing. The story weaves together folklore, mystery, and atmospheric magic.
Schwab’s lyrical prose builds suspense, and her attention to character detail makes the supernatural feel vividly real. If stories of hidden magic, spooky folklore, and characters facing darkness intrigue you, Schwab offers a compelling read.
Renee Ahdieh crafts captivating fantasy worlds filled with vivid characters and intriguing stories. Her novel “The Wrath and the Dawn” reimagines the classic tale of “One Thousand and One Nights.”
Shahrzad volunteers to marry Caliph Khalid, a ruler notorious for marrying a new bride daily only to execute her the next morning. Determined to end the killings, Shahrzad plans to survive by spinning enchanting stories each night to keep Khalid eager for the next tale.
Yet as time passes, she discovers there’s much more to Khalid than the ruthless killer he appears to be. Fans of Holly Black’s imaginative and nuanced storytelling will appreciate Ahdieh’s blend of romance, adventure, and richly developed characters.
Books by Gail Carriger blend supernatural fantasy with Victorian elegance and witty banter. If you enjoy Holly Black’s vivid worlds filled with intriguing magical characters, Carriger’s engaging stories could resonate with you.
In her novel “Soulless,” readers follow Alexia Tarabotti, a young Victorian woman born without a soul. This gives her the curious ability to neutralize the powers of supernatural beings.
When she accidentally kills a vampire—breaking all sorts of social etiquette in the process—Alexia must team up with the arrogant but charismatic werewolf Lord Maccon to unravel a series of dangerous mysteries.
Filled with sharp humor, paranormal elements, and delightful Victorian manners, “Soulless” offers an imaginative twist on fantasy storytelling.
Samantha Shannon is a British author known for inventive storytelling, intricate characters, and dark, magical worlds that readers of Holly Black will appreciate.
Her book “The Bone Season” introduces us to Paige Mahoney, a young clairvoyant living in a dystopian London where clairvoyance is considered a serious crime. Paige is soon captured and taken to Oxford, which has become a hidden, eerie city controlled by otherworldly beings.
As Paige struggles to survive, she must untangle alliances, secrets, and her own abilities to find freedom.
With a tough and resourceful protagonist in a mysterious supernatural setting, Shannon’s blend of paranormal drama and suspenseful plotting speaks directly to fans who enjoyed books like Holly Black’s “The Cruel Prince.”
Books by Tamora Pierce share the magical adventure, strong-willed characters, and vivid fantasy worlds found in Holly Black’s novels. Pierce is a favorite among readers who enjoy stories about fierce heroines overcoming incredible odds.
One standout is “Alanna: The First Adventure,” the first book in the Song of the Lioness series. It follows a young girl named Alanna who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight in the medieval kingdom of Tortall.
Alongside struggles against bullies, powerful magicians, and royal intrigues, Alanna learns to master her magic gift and forge lasting friendships.
Pierce’s stories offer distinctively rich worlds filled with magic, courage, and engaging characters who linger in your imagination long after the book ends.