If you enjoy reading books by John Stephens then you might also like the following authors:
Cornelia Funke is a German author known for crafting imaginative and adventurous fantasy novels for younger readers. If you’ve enjoyed John Stephens’ engaging tales of magic and adventure, Funke’s storytelling might resonate with you as well.
Her novel “Inkheart” introduces readers to Meggie, a girl whose father holds an extraordinary gift—he can bring storybook characters into the real world simply by reading aloud.
Trouble arises when characters from a dangerous tale step into their lives, launching Meggie on a thrilling quest filled with courage, friendship, and a fight against dark forces unleashed from fiction.
Funke creates a lively narrative with memorable characters, exploring worlds where stories leap off the page into reality.
Rick Riordan is a bestselling author known for combining mythology with contemporary adventures to create action-packed stories filled with magic, humor, and excitement.
If you enjoyed John Stephens’ books, you’ll likely find yourself equally entertained by Riordan’s “The Lightning Thief.” The story follows Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old kid who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
Soon, Percy is accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, and to prevent a catastrophic war among the gods, he and his friends embark on a dangerous cross-country quest.
Along the way, readers are treated to a humorous yet thrilling ride filled with mythological monsters, clever plot twists, and relatable characters.
Readers who enjoy John Stephens’ imaginative adventures and richly detailed worlds may find J.K. Rowling’s storytelling equally captivating. Rowling is best known for her magical series starting with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
The story follows young Harry Potter, who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he’s actually a wizard.
After receiving an invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry enters an enchanted world filled with spells, magical creatures, and hidden secrets.
Alongside his new companions, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, he soon finds that dark forces threaten not only Hogwarts but also the entire wizarding community. Rowling brings together friendship, mystery, and vivid imagination in a way fans of Stephens will surely appreciate.
Eoin Colfer is an Irish author known for clever storytelling, humor, and exciting fantasy adventures. Readers who enjoyed John Stephens’ “The Emerald Atlas” novels may appreciate Colfer’s “Artemis Fowl,” a story of a brilliant 12-year-old criminal mastermind named Artemis.
He embarks on a bold plan to kidnap a fairy and demand a ransom. But Artemis soon realizes fairies aren’t exactly the sparkly creatures of fairy tales — they’re smart, tech-savvy, and willing to fight back.
The book shifts skillfully between the human and fairy worlds, filled with quirky characters, sharp wit, and unexpected twists that keep the pages turning.
Readers who enjoy John Stephens may also find C.S. Lewis a wonderful storyteller. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is the story of four siblings evacuated during World War II who stumble into the magical land of Narnia through an old wardrobe.
Narnia is a place stuck in perpetual winter, ruled by a harsh White Witch who bans Christmas. The children’s arrival fulfills an ancient prophecy, sparking hope among the oppressed creatures of Narnia.
To free Narnia, the siblings must ally with the wise and mysterious lion, Aslan. Lewis weaves familiar themes of courage and family into his magical adventures, making this book inviting for readers who appreciate Stephens’ imaginative storytelling and heartfelt characters.
Books by Brandon Mull are full of adventure and magical worlds, perfect for readers who enjoy John Stephens’ style. In Mull’s “Fablehaven,” siblings Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents’ home and soon discover it’s not just an ordinary residence.
Instead, it’s a secret sanctuary for magical creatures. As they explore this hidden preserve, the kids face mythical beasts, ancient secrets, and unexpected dangers.
The vivid characters and thrilling storyline will hold the interest of anyone drawn to imaginative and exciting tales.
Lemony Snicket is an author who crafts stories filled with clever twists, humor, and a touch of darkness, perfect for readers who enjoy John Stephens.
In “The Bad Beginning,” the first book of “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” Snicket introduces readers to the Baudelaire siblings—Violet, the inventive eldest; Klaus, the bookish middle child; and Sunny, the surprisingly resourceful infant.
After suddenly losing their parents, the three children find themselves under the care of the treacherous Count Olaf, a distant relative determined to get his hands on their family fortune.
As the siblings navigate baffling plots and bizarre guardians, they rely on intelligence, resourcefulness, and loyalty to survive Olaf’s schemes.
Snicket’s clever narrative style and quirky characters combine with moments of genuine suspense, making the Baudelaire siblings’ stories unforgettable adventures.
Philip Pullman is a British author known for his imaginative storytelling and vibrant fantasy worlds. If you enjoy John Stephens’ adventure-packed stories and well-crafted characters, Pullman’s “The Golden Compass” might catch your interest.
The book follows Lyra Belacqua, a curious and fearless young girl who sets off on an exciting journey to rescue her friend from mysterious kidnappers.
Lyra’s quest leads her to fierce armored bears, mysterious witches, and a powerful truth-telling instrument called the alethiometer. The lines between good and evil blur as Lyra explores secrets hidden by adults who control her world.
Fans of magical quests and engaging heroes will find Pullman’s storytelling delightful and memorable.
Books by Diana Wynne Jones blend magic, adventure, and a warm sense of humor. If you enjoyed John Stephens’ imaginative stories, Diana Wynne Jones might be just what you’re looking for.
In “Howl’s Moving Castle,” she tells the tale of Sophie Hatter, a young girl cursed by a witch to become an elderly woman. Sophie finds herself in Howl’s strange and enchanted castle, where the front door opens onto many places, depending on the direction it’s set to.
There, Sophie meets Howl, a vain but charming wizard who proves far more complex than he first appears. As Sophie navigates magic spells, fiery demons, and hidden secrets, her journey unfolds into an adventure that’s full of heart.
Eva Ibbotson was an author known for her imaginative and adventurous children’s novels, filled with memorable characters, magic, and richly crafted worlds.
Readers who enjoy John Stephens may find similar enjoyment in Ibbotson’s work, such as her novel “The Secret of Platform 13.” The story centers around a hidden doorway at King’s Cross Station in London, which opens once every nine years for nine days.
During one of these openings, the kingdom beyond the door faces trouble; someone steals the infant prince. Years later, a group of magical beings sets out to find their missing royal, hoping to save their beloved kingdom before it’s too late.
With humor, suspense, and a touch of magic, this book draws readers into a world of wonder and charm.
T.A. Barron is an author known for imaginative storytelling and powerful fantasy worlds. Fans of John Stephens’ “The Emerald Atlas” will find Barron’s themes of magic, destiny, and heroic journeys especially engaging.
In his book “The Lost Years of Merlin,” young Emrys washes ashore in an unfamiliar land with no memories, not even his own name. As he explores this mysterious new world, Emrys slowly discovers his remarkable magical abilities and the difficult choices he must face.
His quest reveals secrets of his past and a prophecy about his future, making this story a memorable start to an epic adventure.
If you enjoy books by John Stephens, Suzanne Collins is another author worth trying. Collins creates stories full of suspense, adventure, and characters you connect with deeply. A good place to start is her book “Gregor the Overlander.”
It’s about Gregor, an ordinary kid from New York City, who suddenly falls through the laundry-room grate in his apartment and finds himself in a mysterious underground world. He encounters creatures who can speak, giant rats who are enemies, and prophecies pointing toward him.
To save his family and find his way home, Gregor must survive danger and face surprising truths. Collins takes readers into a whole new world below the surface, full of twists around every corner.
Readers who enjoy John Stephens may find Neil Gaiman’s imaginative storytelling equally captivating. Neil Gaiman writes stories full of myths, magic, and adventures that transport you into richly woven fantastical worlds.
In his novel “Coraline,” he tells the story of young Coraline Jones, who stumbles across a secret door in her new home. On the other side waits a strangely familiar but hauntingly different reality, complete with button-eyed versions of her parents.
Coraline must use all her courage and wit to escape that sinister alternate world and return to her own family. The tale blends dark wonder, gripping suspense, and heartfelt bravery, complementing Stephens’ style well.
If you enjoy John Stephens’ adventurous fantasy stories filled with magic and unforgettable characters, you might enjoy Holly Black’s captivating books, too. She is known for crafting vivid and imaginative fantasy worlds that blend magic with compelling characters.
In her novel “The Cruel Prince,” Holly Black transports readers to Elfhame, an alluring yet dangerous kingdom inhabited by faeries. The story follows Jude, a mortal girl taken to the faerie world as a child who dreams of belonging despite the cruelty she faces.
The book immerses readers in dark palace intrigues, complex relationships, surprising betrayals, and a struggle for power. If you appreciate stories of bravery, cunning, and complicated alliances in magical worlds, “The Cruel Prince” could become your next favorite read.
Readers who enjoy John Stephens’ imaginative worlds and adventurous storytelling may also appreciate Madeleine L’Engle. Her well-loved novel, “A Wrinkle in Time,” introduces Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe.
Together, they set out on a daring journey through space and time to find and rescue Meg’s missing father. The story blends science fiction, fantasy, and family bonds into a narrative that’s exciting yet deeply touching.
Themes of courage, love, and the battle against darkness create a memorable reading experience, ideal for fans drawn to imaginative adventures.