If you are drawn to Katherine Arden’s books, it’s probably because of the way she blends fantasy with Russian folklore and history. Her Winternight trilogy, for example, tells the story of Vasilisa, a young woman in medieval Russia who can see magical creatures.
Arden’s books have a beautiful, almost fairytale-like quality, and they often explore themes of family, courage, and the old ways versus the new. If you enjoy authors who create a similar reading experience, here are some writers you might find interesting.
Books by Naomi Novik often blend folklore, fantasy, history, and vivid storytelling. Readers who enjoyed Katherine Arden’s lyrical folk-inspired worlds may appreciate Novik’s novel “Uprooted.”
It tells the story of Agnieszka, a young woman from a village bordering a dangerous enchanted forest known as the Wood.
The villagers rely on protection from a powerful, mysterious wizard called the Dragon, who demands a price: every ten years, he takes one young woman into his tower.
When surprisingly choosing plain and clumsy Agnieszka instead of the expected candidate, their lives—and the landscape of their entire kingdom—begin to change dramatically.
Novik weaves magic, romance, adventure, and folklore into a captivating tale that explores friendship, bravery, and the timeless struggle against dark forces.
Books by Leigh Bardugo offer vivid worlds inspired by folklore, magic, and complex characters that readers of Katherine Arden can appreciate.
In “Shadow and Bone,” Bardugo introduces us to Alina Starkov, a young soldier whose life changes when she discovers an extraordinary power. Set in a land torn apart by darkness and war, Alina must navigate a dangerous court, hidden intentions, and her own uncertain heart.
The author builds her fantasy on dark legends and nuanced relationships, creating a rich backdrop reminiscent of Arden’s “The Bear and the Nightingale.”
If you enjoy tales steeped in folklore, magic, and conflict, Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse delivers a vibrant and memorable adventure.
Laini Taylor crafts vivid fantasy novels filled with magic, mythical creatures, and richly developed worlds. Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s blend of folklore and atmospheric storytelling will find Taylor’s work appealing.
In her novel “Daughter of Smoke and Bone,” Taylor tells the story of Karou, an art student living in Prague who secretly runs errands for a mysterious creature named Brimstone. Karou soon finds herself caught between two warring worlds of angels and demons.
The story explores identity, love, and conflict through memorable characters set against stunning backdrops of shady Prague streets, hidden doorways, and otherworldly landscapes.
Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s atmospheric storytelling and rich folklore settings might connect with Robin McKinley, a fantasy author known for imaginative retellings of classic fairy tales.
Her novel “The Hero and the Crown” introduces Aerin, a brave and determined princess who faces fearsome dragons and discovers her own unusual magic.
McKinley captures readers with strong, complex heroines who must navigate ancient legends, court politics, and their own inner doubts.
Fans looking for adventure paired with beautifully crafted fantasy worlds will likely find Robin McKinley’s “The Hero and the Crown” an absorbing read.
If you enjoy Katherine Arden’s atmospheric storytelling and vivid folklore, Juliet Marillier might be worth exploring. Marillier beautifully weaves Celtic mythology and history into her novels, creating rich, authentic worlds filled with magic and depth.
Her book “Daughter of the Forest,” the first in the Sevenwaters series, brings to life a striking retelling of the classic fairy tale “The Six Swans.”
The story revolves around Sorcha, the seventh child and only daughter in her family, whose bravery, sacrifice, and quiet strength drive a powerful tale of love, adversity, and enchantment.
Throughout Sorcha’s journey, you experience the magical landscapes of ancient Ireland and witness the powerful bond between siblings tested by dark curses and daunting challenges.
Marillier’s writing gently draws readers into an emotional and captivating adventure set within timeless myths and legends.
Books by Holly Black offer rich storytelling that blends folklore with sharp-edged fantasy. Readers who appreciate Katherine Arden’s thoughtful retelling of myths and legends will find much to enjoy in Black’s worlds.
One standout is “The Cruel Prince,” the first book in a fantasy series about Jude, a mortal girl raised in Faerie after the tragic loss of her parents.
Jude must navigate dangerous court politics, confront ruthless faerie nobility, and defend herself and her family in an unfamiliar society filled with tension and betrayal.
The story features vivid characters, clever plotting, and a new twist on fairy lore, captured convincingly against a backdrop of treacherous glamour.
Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s storytelling may appreciate the imaginative worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin. Her novel “A Wizard of Earthsea” introduces Ged, a talented young magician who accidentally releases a shadow creature into the world.
To correct his mistake Ged must confront this dark force and grapple with his own weaknesses. Le Guin crafts an elaborate and vivid magic system that feels rooted in authentic legends, and her memorable island setting creates a sense of wonder and danger.
Readers drawn to Arden’s rich folklore and thoughtful, complex characters could find a similar depth and charm in Le Guin’s exploration of self-discovery and magic.
Maggie Stiefvater writes atmospheric novels that blend folklore and fantasy seamlessly into everyday life, appealing to readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s rich narratives.
One of her best-known books is “The Scorpio Races,” a tale set on a rugged island where the dangerous Scorpio Races happen every November. Riders compete on mysterious, deadly water horses called capaill uisce, creatures born from legend and sea-spirit.
We follow Puck Connolly and Sean Kendrick, two young contestants driven by desperate personal stakes, whose worlds collide as race day approaches.
With vivid characters and a hauntingly beautiful setting, this story explores courage, love, and connection to the land, all wrapped in lore and tradition.
Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden may also appreciate the imaginative storytelling of Katherine Applegate. Applegate is known for her ability to weave warmth and empathy into her narratives.
In her book, “The One and Only Ivan,” she introduces Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in captivity at a shopping mall.
While Ivan reflects on his life, friendships with other animals, and dreams of freedom, readers experience a touching and thoughtful tale about compassion, resilience, and what it truly means to find home.
Fans of Arden’s sensitive narratives and strong character development might find themselves equally drawn to Applegate’s emotional and heartwarming storytelling.
Hannah Whitten is an author whose work blends dark fantasy, folklore, and emotional depth, offering a similar atmospheric feel to stories by Katherine Arden.
Her novel, “For the Wolf,” introduces readers to Redarys, known as Red, who must enter the mysterious Wilderwood as part of an ancient tradition meant to safeguard her kingdom.
Inside, Red discovers the Wolf—a figure misunderstood in legend—and secrets that hold the fate of her world. Whitten weaves romance, mystery, and a richly dark forest setting into a tale about sacrifice, duty, and misunderstood legends.
Fans of nuanced storytelling with fairytale undertones will find “For the Wolf” an immersive read.
Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s atmospheric storytelling and intricate folklore may find a new favorite in V.E. Schwab.
Her novel “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” introduces Addie, a young woman who makes a desperate pact for immortality but becomes cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
For centuries she navigates a solitary existence, until one day she encounters someone who remembers her name. Schwab blends magic with history, creating a vivid world of loneliness, longing, and unexpected connection.
This book offers a thoughtful look at identity and memory wrapped in a beautifully haunting narrative.
Joanne Harris crafts stories rich in atmosphere, folklore, and mystery, qualities that readers of Katherine Arden will appreciate.
Her novel “Chocolat” introduces readers to Vianne Rocher and her young daughter Anouk, as they settle into a quiet French village to open a chocolate shop.
Through quiet charm and mysterious intuitions, Vianne slowly transforms the conservative community, tempting them away from tradition and austerity toward joy and indulgence.
With whispers of magic, insightful characters, and vivid settings, Harris’s story warmly invites readers into a tale that engages the senses and unfolds the hidden tensions beneath everyday village life.
Angela Carter was a British writer famous for her dark, fantastical fairytales and imaginative storytelling. Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s blend of folklore and fairy tales might appreciate Carter’s “The Bloody Chamber.”
This book reimagines well-known fairy tales into darker and more vivid narratives, exploring themes of desire, danger, and transformation.
In stories such as “The Company of Wolves,” a fresh twist on Little Red Riding Hood brings rich, shadowy atmospheres and intriguing characters into a suspenseful tale.
Carter’s fiction combines lush storylines and eerie Gothic touches, making it a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys Arden’s atmospheric style.
Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s rich storytelling and vivid folklore may find Tasha Suri equally engaging. Suri crafts atmospheric fantasy that draws from South Asian history and mythology.
In her novel “Empire of Sand,” readers meet Mehr, the daughter of an imperial governor. She secretly possesses forbidden magical abilities inherited from her mother’s mystical desert tribe.
When these powers catch the attention of powerful spiritual forces, Mehr must navigate dangerous political schemes and ancient rituals to survive. Suri offers a blend of magic, powerful characters, and a captivating setting sure to resonate with Arden’s fans.
Readers who enjoy Katherine Arden’s blend of folklore, magic, and history may find themselves drawn to the imaginative worlds created by Susanna Clarke.
Her novel “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” is set in an alternate 19th-century England, where practical magic has faded into mere myth. Two rival magicians, Jonathan Strange and Gilbert Norrell, bring enchantment back into society but soon find darker forces at play.
With richly detailed storytelling, Clarke crafts a tale full of historical references, mysterious prophecies, and complex characters.
Fans of Arden’s vivid atmospheres and subtle magical layers are likely to appreciate Clarke’s skill in creating compelling stories filled with wonder and intrigue.