If you enjoy reading books by Justina Ireland then you might also like the following authors:
Rivers Solomon writes stories that feel alive and daring. Their book, “The Deep,” tells the story of water-dwelling descendants of African slaves who were thrown overboard during the transatlantic slave trade.
The story follows Yetu, a historian for her people, burdened by memories meant to anchor their history. It’s emotional and powerful, exploring identity and the weight of tradition.
If you like the way Justina Ireland weaves history with the speculative and the emotional, Solomon might catch your attention too.
Tomi Adeyemi is a bestselling author known for her work in young adult fantasy. Her book, “Children of Blood and Bone,” is set in a world inspired by West African culture where magic has been stripped away by a ruthless king.
The story follows Zélie, a determined young girl who discovers she has a chance to bring magic back. Along the way, she faces dangerous enemies and uncovers secrets about her own past.
The book is rich with vivid settings and memorable characters, making it a great choice for fans of historical fantasy who enjoy stories with strong heroines.
Roshani Chokshi writes stories filled with rich mythology and characters that feel alive. One of her standout books, “Aru Shah and the End of Time,” follows a young girl named Aru, who accidentally awakens an ancient demon while telling a fib to impress some classmates.
What follows is a wild adventure, where she must journey into the Otherworld, encounter figures from Hindu mythology, and face challenges that test her courage. It’s a mix of action, humor, and heart, with a protagonist who’s flawed but incredibly relatable.
If you’ve enjoyed Justina Ireland’s ability to blend history and fantasy, you might find Chokshi’s way of weaving myth into modern life just as exciting.
Elizabeth Acevedo is a talented author known for creating powerful stories with unforgettable characters. One of her books, “With the Fire on High,” introduces Emoni Santiago, a high school senior who dreams of becoming a chef.
Balancing school, her responsibilities as a young mother, and her passion for cooking, Emoni throws herself into her culinary craft. Her dishes are described as magical, and her cooking seems to touch the lives of those who taste her food.
Through Emoni’s journey, the story explores ambition, family, and the challenges of pursuing a dream while carrying the weight of real-life responsibilities.
Nnedi Okorafor is a writer known for blending science fiction and fantasy with African culture and folklore.
In her novel “Akata Witch,” she introduces Sunny, a twelve-year-old who discovers she has magical abilities despite living in a world where she often feels like an outsider.
Sunny joins a secret magical society and is tasked with confronting an evil force that threatens their world. The book paints a rich, imaginative setting while balancing themes of identity and belonging.
Fans of fantastical stories with strong, young protagonists might enjoy her work.
Angeline Boulley is an Ojibwe author who writes stories rooted in Native American culture and experiences. Her debut novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” introduces Daunis Fontaine, an eighteen-year-old biracial girl torn between her family’s tribal community and the outside world.
When she witnesses a shocking event and finds herself tied to an FBI investigation into drug trafficking, she agrees to help uncover the truth. The story weaves in Daunis’s knowledge of traditional Anishinaabe medicine and her resilience as she faces betrayal and danger.
It’s a mystery filled with cultural depth and a protagonist determined to fight for what’s right.
Tracy Deonn is an author who blends modern settings with stories rooted in legend and history. Her debut novel, “Legendborn,” takes readers into a secret society at a North Carolina college filled with descendants of King Arthur’s knights.
The story follows Bree, a teenager who uncovers hidden truths after the death of her mother. The book weaves themes of ancestry and power with a lot of emotional depth. Readers who enjoy immersive worlds with strong characters might find her work interesting.
Sabaa Tahir is known for her gripping fantasy worlds and strong characters. Her book “An Ember in the Ashes” is set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome.
It follows Laia, a young girl who goes undercover as a slave to infiltrate a military academy in order to save her brother, and Elias, a soldier there who secretly wants to escape the harsh life he’s been forced into.
The story is full of danger, rebellion, and heart-pounding twists. The characters face tough choices that shape their paths, with high stakes every step of the way.
L.L. McKinney is an author who writes bold and imaginative stories that reimagine familiar tales. One of her books, “A Blade So Black,” offers a modern twist on “Alice in Wonderland.”
The story follows Alice, a young Black girl from Atlanta, who battles creatures called Nightmares in a dark otherworld. With witty dialogue, fierce action, and surprising allies, the book blends urban settings and fantasy elements in an exciting way.
Nalo Hopkinson is a writer who weaves together elements of folklore, fantasy, and the everyday lives of her characters. Her book “Brown Girl in the Ring” is set in a dystopian Toronto where the wealthy have abandoned the city’s core. Those left behind must find ways to survive.
The story centers on Ti-Jeanne, a young woman grappling with her new role as a mother and her family’s deep roots in Caribbean magic.
When she’s forced to confront a dangerous gang leader and tap into her ancestral powers, the book explores family ties, heritage, and survival in a world that feels both strange and familiar.
Dhonielle Clayton is a talented author known for creating vibrant worlds and unforgettable characters. Her book “The Belles” is set in a world where beauty is a commodity controlled by a select group of young women.
Camellia Beauregard, the main character, dreams of being the favorite Belle who tends to the royal family. But as she learns more about her role, she uncovers dark secrets about the kingdom and the true cost of beauty.
Fans of Justina Ireland might enjoy this rich, imaginative story with its themes of power and self-discovery.
Justina Chen writes heartfelt stories that often explore identity, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Her novel, “North of Beautiful,” follows Terra, a girl with a port-wine stain on her face who feels the constant weight of judgment and her father’s controlling nature.
When she meets Jacob, a boy who challenges her perceptions of beauty and self-worth, her journey takes an unexpected turn. The book weaves in themes of inner strength and the courage it takes to redefine how you see yourself.
If you enjoy authors who bring depth and emotion to young adult fiction, you might appreciate Chen’s work.
Victor LaValle writes stories that blend everyday life with unsettling horror.
In “The Ballad of Black Tom,” he takes the 1920s New York setting and builds a tale about Charles Thomas Tester, a street musician drawn into strange events that involve forbidden magic and terrible forces.
The story revisits themes of racism and power, while exploring how an ordinary man gets pulled into something far larger than himself. Readers who appreciate historical settings with supernatural twists might find this book intriguing.
Cherie Dimaline is a Métis author known for her strong storytelling and memorable characters. Her book, “The Marrow Thieves,” is set in a dystopian future where most people have lost the ability to dream, with catastrophic effects on their health.
Indigenous people, however, still can dream because of a connection to their ancestors, which makes them targeted by recruiters who harvest their bone marrow to steal this gift.
The story focuses on a young boy named Frenchie, who escapes into the wilderness and joins a group of survivors. Their journey is about survival, family, and keeping their stories alive in a crumbling world. It’s a haunting and thought-provoking read.
Rebecca Roanhorse is an author who blends myth, history, and action into her stories. In “Trail of Lightning,” she introduces a post-apocalyptic world where gods and monsters from Navajo legends walk the Earth.
The story follows Maggie Hoskie, a monster hunter with a dark past, as she takes on dangerous jobs and confronts her own struggles. The book is filled with vivid landscapes, intriguing characters, and a unique take on dystopia.
Readers who enjoy richly imagined worlds with strong female leads may find this one worth picking up.