If you enjoy reading books by John Stephens then you might also like the following authors:
Cornelia Funke writes stories filled with adventure, magic, and characters you can’t help but root for. Her book “Inkheart” is about a girl named Meggie and her father, Mo, who has the strange ability to bring characters out of books and into the real world.
When a villain from a story called “Inkheart” escapes into their lives, everything turns upside down, and Meggie discovers she might share her father’s gift. It’s packed with twists and has a vivid way of bringing books to life—literally!
Funke’s imagination shines in every corner of the story.
Rick Riordan writes stories filled with adventure and mythology, bringing ancient gods and legends into the modern world. One of his books, “The Lightning Thief,” introduces Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon.
When he is accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, he sets off on a dangerous journey to prove his innocence. Along the way, Percy uncovers secrets about his family, encounters strange creatures, and learns the truth about his heritage.
If you enjoy books with young heroes facing epic challenges, you might enjoy Riordan’s work.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the hugely popular “Harry Potter” series. The story begins with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” where an orphaned boy learns he’s a wizard and attends Hogwarts, a school for magic.
Harry discovers a world of spells, strange creatures, and hidden dangers while unraveling secrets about his family and a powerful dark wizard who threatens everything. The mix of adventure and mystery might remind readers of the excitement found in John Stephens’
“The Emerald Atlas.”
Eoin Colfer is an Irish author known for writing stories that mix fantasy and humor. One of his most popular books is “Artemis Fowl.” The story follows Artemis, a young genius and criminal mastermind, as he discovers the secret world of fairies.
Unlike the sweet, delicate fairies of bedtime tales, these fairies are high-tech and armed. Artemis kidnaps one, Captain Holly Short, to ransom her for gold. But Holly isn’t an easy target, and she fights back.
The book blends clever twists with moments of wit, creating an exciting and inventive world where magic meets modern technology.
C.S. Lewis is best known for stories filled with magical worlds and deep lessons about courage and friendship. One of his most famous works, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” tells the story of four siblings who stumble upon a wardrobe that leads to a land called Narnia.
Narnia is under the spell of an evil queen, and the children find themselves part of a fight to bring back hope and light. The presence of talking animals and the mysterious lion, Aslan, creates a sense of wonder that feels timeless.
If you enjoy vivid adventures with heartfelt characters, Lewis might be a good match for you.
Brandon Mull is known for creating imaginative fantasy worlds filled with adventure and magic. One of his books, “Fablehaven,” introduces readers to Kendra and Seth, who visit their grandparents’ mysterious property only to uncover that it’s a sanctuary for magical creatures.
The kids quickly learn that many of these creatures are dangerous. When an ancient force threatens to escape, they have to step up to protect the sanctuary and beyond.
If you enjoyed the intricate magic and young heroes in John Stephens’ stories, you might find yourself drawn into the world of “Fablehaven.”
Lemony Snicket writes with a mix of dark humor and a playful, but sometimes somber, tone.
His book “The Bad Beginning,” part of *A Series of Unfortunate Events*, tells the story of the Baudelaire orphans—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—who lose their parents in a fire and are sent to live with the evil Count Olaf.
Olaf is determined to steal their inheritance and puts them through all sorts of dangerous schemes. The book is full of clever wordplay and strange characters, creating a world where nothing ever seems to go right for the Baudelaires.
It’s a story that feels like a puzzle, with plenty of twists to keep readers curious.
Philip Pullman is an author known for his imaginative storytelling and rich worlds. One of his most famous books, “The Golden Compass,” follows a girl named Lyra and her dæmon, Pantalaimon.
Lyra lives in a world where humans have animal companions that are connected to their souls. She uncovers a secret involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called Dust. This sets her on a journey full of danger, betrayal, and unexpected discoveries.
The book introduces strange creatures, parallel worlds, and a fearless protagonist. Pullman creates a vivid setting that draws readers into a tale of bravery and curiosity.
Diana Wynne Jones wrote stories full of magic, humor, and unexpected twists. One of her books, “Howl’s Moving Castle,” introduces Sophie, a young woman cursed to look like an old lady. She crosses paths with Howl, a wizard living in a moving castle powered by a fire demon.
Together, they unravel the secrets of the curse while dealing with Howl’s odd personality and the dangers of their magical world.
Eva Ibbotson wrote stories filled with magic and charm. One of her books, “Journey to the River Sea,” takes readers to the Amazon. It follows Maia, an orphan sent to live with distant relatives. Instead of kindness, she finds a greedy family only interested in her inheritance.
But Maia’s courage and a friendship with a local boy lead to unexpected discoveries and adventure deep in the jungle. The story is full of lush settings and intriguing characters, with a touch of wonder that feels timeless.
T.A. Barron is an author known for creating rich fantasy worlds with young protagonists who face challenges that shape their destinies.
One of his notable books, “The Lost Years of Merlin”, tells the story of a boy named Emrys who washes up on the coast with no memory of who he is. As the story unfolds, he begins to uncover his identity and power, all while exploring a magical land and encountering its dangers.
Fans of John Stephens might enjoy Barron’s focus on youthful heroes and their journeys into unknown worlds filled with adventure and wonder.
Suzanne Collins is well-known for her ability to create vivid, action-packed worlds with characters who face real struggles.
Her book “The Hunger Games” is set in a dystopian future where a ruthless government holds an annual event forcing teenagers to fight each other for survival. The story follows Katniss Everdeen as she steps into the arena to protect her younger sister.
The book explores themes of survival, loyalty, and rebellion as Katniss navigates a world filled with danger and oppression.
Neil Gaiman is a storyteller known for blending fantasy with a sense of wonder. His book “The Graveyard Book” follows a boy named Nobody Owens, who grows up in a graveyard after his family is murdered.
Raised by ghosts and a guardian who isn’t quite human, Nobody navigates life in a world filled with both supernatural and real-world dangers. The story weaves together a rich, eerie atmosphere with heartfelt moments, creating a unique journey that feels magical yet grounded.
If you’re drawn to tales filled with adventure and unexpected friendships, this book is worth exploring.
Holly Black writes fantasy stories that are perfect for readers who enjoy rich worlds and unforgettable characters.
Her book, “The Cruel Prince,” takes you into Elfhame, a dangerous faerie world where a mortal girl named Jude tries to prove herself among the faeries who despise her. The story is filled with court politics, betrayals, and power struggles.
Jude’s tension-filled relationship with Cardan, a cruel faerie prince, keeps the story lively and intense. Fans of John Stephens might enjoy how Black balances magic and personal growth in a vibrant, otherworldly setting.
Madeleine L’Engle was an author known for mixing science fiction with themes of family and self-discovery.
One of her best-known books, “A Wrinkle in Time,” tells the story of Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s father.
Along the way, they face strange planets, powerful beings, and a dark force threatening the universe. The book blends adventure with questions about love, courage, and the power of being different.