If you enjoy reading books by Justina Ireland then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Justina Ireland’s blend of historical insight and imaginative storytelling might find Rivers Solomon equally captivating. Solomon writes speculative fiction that tackles important themes of race, identity, and society.
Their novel “The Deep” follows Yetu, a mermaid-like being known as a wajinru, descended from the unborn African slaves thrown overboard during the transatlantic slave trade. Yetu carries the painful memories of her people, memories too heavy for others to bear.
This poignant and imaginative narrative explores community, history, and the weight of memory in a powerful and lyrical style.
If you enjoy Justina Ireland’s stories that blend fantasy, adventure, and powerful characters, Tomi Adeyemi is an author worth discovering. Her book “Children of Blood and Bone” introduces readers to a unique world inspired by West African mythology.
In this tale, we meet Zélie, a young woman who remembers when magic flowed freely through Orïsha. Now, magic is forbidden and brutally suppressed by a ruthless king.
Zélie’s journey to restore magic leads her through intense battles, unexpected friendships, and deep discoveries about herself and her heritage.
Adeyemi’s vivid storytelling and rich world-building capture themes of power, resistance, and identity, strongly resonant with fans of Ireland’s work.
Roshani Chokshi writes fantasy novels rich with myth and magic, woven into adventurous stories that fans of Justina Ireland can easily enjoy.
Her novel “The Gilded Wolves” is set in a mystical version of nineteenth-century Paris, where history blends with secret societies and powerful artifacts. We meet Séverin, a charismatic treasure-hunter who gathers together an unlikely but talented crew.
Their quest: track down an ancient artifact with the power to rewrite reality itself. Filled with clever puzzles, daring heists, humor, and friendship, “The Gilded Wolves” blends history and fantasy in a way that readers of intricate, imaginative adventures will appreciate.
Elizabeth Acevedo is a talented writer known for vibrant young adult novels filled with strong characters and powerful storytelling. If you enjoy Justina Ireland’s handling of bold themes and dynamic protagonists, you’ll want to check out Acevedo’s “The Poet X”.
This novel centers around Xiomara Batista, a fierce and thoughtful teenager in Harlem who pours her feelings into poetry. Xiomara struggles with family expectations, faith, and finding her voice in a world that tries to silence her.
Through beautifully crafted verse, Acevedo captures Xiomara’s authentic voice and offers a memorable coming-of-age tale that stays with you long after finishing the book.
Books by Nnedi Okorafor often blend science fiction and fantasy with rich African culture and storytelling traditions.
In her novel “Binti,” Okorafor introduces readers to a brilliant young woman named Binti who is the first from her Himba community to earn acceptance into an interstellar university.
Despite her people’s reluctance, she chooses to pursue this remarkable opportunity and boards a spaceship toward her new life. But the journey quickly goes wrong when alien invaders threaten her entire crew.
Binti must reconcile her deep cultural identity with new, unknown challenges to survive and negotiate peace.
This story combines themes of identity, courage, and cross-cultural understanding, making it appealing for fans who enjoyed Justina Ireland’s thoughtful and adventurous narratives.
Readers who enjoy Justina Ireland’s blend of adventure, well-crafted characters, and exploration of identity will find a new favorite in author Angeline Boulley.
Her debut novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” tells the story of Daunis Fontaine, a young woman caught between her Ojibwe community and the outside world. After witnessing a shocking murder, Daunis agrees to help an FBI investigation into dangerous drug activity on the reservation.
As the investigation deepens, Daunis uncovers secrets about her family, community, and her own identity as an indigenous person.
With strong characters, suspenseful twists, and powerful storytelling, Boulley’s book immerses readers into Ojibwe culture and contemporary Native American life.
If you enjoy Justina Ireland’s blend of fantasy, history, and powerful storytelling, Tracy Deonn might be your next favorite author.
Her novel “Legendborn” combines Arthurian legend with contemporary themes, telling the story of Bree Matthews, a teenager who uncovers a hidden world of secret societies and magic at the University of North Carolina.
Bree’s quest to understand her mother’s mysterious death leads her into battles and ancient mysteries, intertwined perfectly with issues of identity, legacy, and race.
Tracy Deonn weaves together a fresh, exciting fantasy adventure with plenty of emotional depth, memorable characters, and unexpected twists.
Sabaa Tahir is an author known for powerful storytelling filled with adventure, magic, and memorable characters.
Readers who enjoy the books of Justina Ireland will appreciate Tahir’s intense plots and richly created fantasy worlds, particularly evident in her novel “An Ember in the Ashes.”
This story is set in a brutal empire where Laia, a young girl, becomes a spy against her will in hopes of saving her brother’s life. Elias, a soldier training at the oppressive military academy, struggles against a violent empire he despises.
Their paths cross, leading them into incredible dangers, difficult decisions, and sacrifices that may affect an entire empire. Tahir pulls the reader in with vivid battles, deep emotional connections, and a narrative that keeps the stakes incredibly high.
L.L. McKinney is an author known for weaving fantasy, action, and strong, engaging characters. Her book “A Blade So Black” is a thrilling fresh take on Alice in Wonderland, set in modern-day Atlanta.
The story follows Alice, a fierce teenage heroine who juggles school, family, and friendships while secretly protecting the real world from dangerous creatures.
Alice hunts monstrous Nightmares from a dark realm called Wonderland, facing challenges both supernatural and personal.
Readers who loved Justina Ireland’s ability to create believable, courageous characters, and blend history with fantasy in “Dread Nation,” will find excitement and depth in McKinney’s unique, action-packed stories.
If you enjoy Justina Ireland’s vivid blend of speculative fiction, history, and folklore, you’ll likely appreciate the work of Nalo Hopkinson. Her novel “Brown Girl in the Ring” takes place in a run-down, future Toronto isolated by poverty and political neglect.
Ti-Jeanne, a young woman dealing with family tensions and powerful Caribbean spirits, must confront a dangerous and ambitious crime boss. Hopkinson weaves rich Afro-Caribbean folklore and urban sci-fi into an immersive, gritty tale that keeps you hooked page after page.
If you enjoy Justina Ireland’s stories filled with vibrant characters, bold adventures, and creative worlds, Dhonielle Clayton is another author worth exploring. Clayton offers fresh takes on fantasy and magic.
Her book “The Belles” is set in Orléans, a world where beauty is not something you’re born with—it’s something controlled by a select few. Camellia Beauregard is one of the elite Belles, young women who use their power to shape beauty and appearance.
But behind the glamour lies darkness and dangerous secrets. The deeper Camellia steps into this glittering court, the more she sees the hidden truths beneath society’s surface.
Clayton’s writing is beautifully descriptive, and her books explore complex themes of power and identity.
Readers who enjoy Justina Ireland’s powerful voice and relatable characters may find novelist Justina Chen equally captivating.
Chen’s novel “North of Beautiful” tells the story of Terra, a talented artist who struggles with her self-image due to a prominent birthmark on her face. Terra’s world changes significantly after meeting Jacob, a boy who challenges her views on beauty, identity, and self-worth.
Chen’s honest approach and authentic dialogue create a vivid picture of personal growth, family, and first love. Fans of realistic characters and thoughtful storytelling will find “North of Beautiful” both inspiring and heartfelt.
Victor LaValle is an author who blends elements of fantasy and horror to address issues of race, history, and family. His novel “The Changeling” begins as the story of Apollo Kagwa, a new father plagued by nightmares and strange events.
When tragedy turns his world upside down, Apollo embarks on a dark journey through hidden magical realms beneath the familiar streets of New York City. Like Justina Ireland, LaValle uses supernatural themes and vibrant storytelling to confront real social issues.
Apollo’s quest through eerie landscapes and mythical creatures uncovers deep-seated fears and reveals thought-provoking truths about parenthood, identity, and trust.
Readers drawn to the ways Justina Ireland connects fantasy elements with authentic social insights will find plenty to enjoy in Victor LaValle’s imaginative and meaningful storytelling.
Cherie Dimaline is a Métis writer whose storytelling blends themes of indigenous resilience, vibrant characters, and dystopian settings.
In her novel “The Marrow Thieves,” readers follow a teenage boy named Frenchie in a world where most people’s ability to dream has vanished, except among the indigenous population.
Hunted for their bone marrow, Frenchie and a group of survivors travel north through forests and abandoned towns, searching for safety and community amid persistent danger.
Fans of Justina Ireland’s fiction, especially her novel “Dread Nation,” will find similar appeal in Dimaline’s powerful characters, intense narrative, and exploration of historical injustices through exciting and thought-provoking speculative fiction.
If you enjoy Justina Ireland’s stories blending history and fantasy with vibrant characters, Rebecca Roanhorse is another author worth exploring.
Roanhorse often draws inspiration from Indigenous cultures, creating original and immersive worlds with strong, unforgettable protagonists.
In her novel “Trail of Lightning,” readers meet Maggie Hoskie, a fiercely independent monster slayer who hunts supernatural creatures across a post-apocalyptic landscape.
After a devastating climate event known as the Big Water, traditional Navajo legends and gods come alive again. Maggie fights dark forces while confronting mysteries from her own complicated past.
Roanhorse’s distinct blend of exciting storytelling, Native American mythology, and action-driven narrative creates a thoughtful adventure readers won’t easily forget.