Laini Taylor writes books full of beautiful prose, fantastical worlds, and romances that readers love. If you enjoy stories like *Daughter of Smoke and Bone* or *Strange the Dreamer*, you may be searching for authors similar to Laini Taylor.
Readers who enjoyed Laini Taylor may also appreciate Leigh Bardugo’s captivating fantasy worlds and rich storytelling style. Bardugo is particularly well-known for her imaginative world-building, dynamic characters, and stories steeped in magic and mystery.
In her novel “Six of Crows,” she introduces us to Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy who leads a group of misfits and thieves on an almost impossible heist. Their mission: to break into a high-security fortress, rescue a valuable prisoner, and pull off an incredible crime.
With intriguing backstories, clever twists, and engaging dialogue between vividly drawn characters, “Six of Crows” creates a fantasy world filled with risks and adventure, appealing to the same readers who loved Taylor’s vivid imagination and beautifully detailed narratives.
Maggie Stiefvater creates stories rooted in magic, mythology and captivating relationships, perfect for fans of Laini Taylor’s vivid worlds and emotional depth. Her novel “The Scorpio Races” blends fantasy and reality on the island of Thisby.
Each November, riders dare to race fierce, dangerous water horses emerging from the ocean. At its heart is the story of Kate Connolly, called Puck, who enters the deadly race to save her family home.
The mysterious Sean Kendrick shares an unbreakable connection with the most intense and feared horse of all.
Stiefvater crafts powerful characters and a magical atmosphere around love, danger, tradition, and courage, offering readers emotional stakes that stay long after the final page.
Holly Black writes vivid fantasy worlds full of dark magic, cunning plots, and fascinating characters that fans of Laini Taylor will easily appreciate. Her novel “The Cruel Prince” centers around Jude, a mortal girl raised in the dangerous world of Faerie.
Jude struggles to find her place among the powerful fae, especially against Prince Cardan, whose cruelty matches his charm. In a kingdom built on deception, Jude must carefully navigate shifting alliances to secure her own survival and position.
Holly Black crafts intricate court politics, tense relationships, and chilling surprises, all wrapped in beautifully atmospheric prose. Anyone drawn to the imaginative tales and complex characters of Laini Taylor will find “The Cruel Prince” irresistibly intriguing.
Sarah J. Maas is an author known for immersive fantasy worlds full of memorable characters, vivid settings, and magic that feels real. If you love Laini Taylor’s combination of romance, fantasy, and lush storytelling, consider picking up “A Court of Thorns and Roses.”
This story introduces Feyre, a young woman taken to the magical kingdom of the Fae after killing a wolf in the woods. Feyre’s journey takes her from suspicion and distrust into a world of beauty, peril, and passion.
The book balances adventure and mystery with emotional depth and complex magic. Readers looking for intriguing characters and epic romance might find plenty to enjoy in Maas’s imaginative storytelling style.
Victoria Schwab crafts vibrant fantasy novels filled with intricate worlds, magic, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoy the lyrical storytelling and vivid imagination of Laini Taylor, consider “A Darker Shade of Magic.”
In this novel, Kell travels between parallel versions of London, each one distinct and fascinating. But when a forbidden object from a dark, dangerous world comes into his possession, Kell’s life shifts dramatically.
Alongside the quick-fingered thief Lila Bard, he faces fierce dangers and incredible magic. Schwab’s storytelling captures a powerful sense of adventure, wonder and suspense.
Readers who enjoy Laini Taylor’s imaginative worlds and strong characters may also find Cassandra Clare’s novels appealing. Clare is best known for her Shadowhunter universe, a blend of urban fantasy, magical intrigue, adventure and complex relationships.
In one of her popular works, “City of Bones,” teenager Clary Fray discovers a hidden magical dimension within New York City after witnessing a strange encounter in a nightclub. Soon she’s pulled into the dangerous world of demon wars and supernatural secrets.
Filled with magic, unexpected revelations, forbidden romance, and a vividly depicted secret society, “City of Bones” introduces readers to a new fantasy realm they won’t want to leave.
If you enjoy the lush and imaginative worlds crafted by Laini Taylor, you might also appreciate the stories of Roshani Chokshi. Chokshi builds captivating fantasy worlds from myths and legends, with intriguing characters and enchanting prose.
Her book “The Star-Touched Queen” follows Maya, a princess cursed with a horoscope predicting a marriage filled with death and destruction. As Maya navigates a mysterious and magical kingdom, she uncovers secrets, betrayal, and unexpected love.
Rich in Indian mythology and storytelling, this novel weaves magic, romance, and adventure into one vivid, unforgettable tale.
Books by Stephanie Garber offer readers fantastical worlds filled with wonder, magic, and rich romance. If you enjoyed Laini Taylor’s lush writing and imaginative settings, you may quickly lose yourself in Garber’s debut novel, “Caraval.”
The story follows sisters Scarlett and Tella Dragna, who live on a small island under the watchful and oppressive gaze of their strict father. Scarlett dreams of attending Caraval, an enchanting, mysterious game hosted yearly by the mysterious magician Legend.
When she finally receives an invitation, the lines blur between fantasy and reality. Readers step alongside Scarlett into a beautiful yet dangerous game, where clues unravel one after another and nothing is exactly as it appears.
Garber builds a romantic atmosphere full of unexpected twists, vivid descriptions, and heartfelt bonds—elements readers admired in Laini Taylor’s stories.
Sabaa Tahir is an author known for fantasy novels filled with vivid worlds and strong characters. Her debut book, “An Ember in the Ashes,” explores a dark empire inspired by Ancient Rome.
The story follows Laia, a slave girl who becomes a spy to save her brother, and Elias, a soldier determined to break free from the cruel empire that raised him. Together, their paths cross in an epic tale of rebellion, destiny, and the cost of freedom.
Readers who enjoyed Laini Taylor’s rich storytelling and powerful characters might find this blend of magic, adventure, and emotion captivating.
Books by Erin Morgenstern offer fantasy lovers something special if they’re fans of Laini Taylor’s style. In “The Night Circus,” Morgenstern unfolds the story of two young magicians bound to compete against each other from childhood.
Set in an enchanting circus that appears without notice and vanishes mysteriously, the tale reveals dazzling magic, romance, and secrets entwined with destiny.
If you’re drawn to imaginative worlds, poetic storytelling, and characters who stay in your thoughts, Erin Morgenstern’s writing will captivate you.
If you enjoy Laini Taylor’s lyrical storytelling and richly crafted fantasy worlds, Naomi Novik might be exactly what you’re looking for. Novik creates vivid settings and strong, engaging characters woven into imaginative plots.
In her novel “Uprooted,” a village depends on a mysterious wizard, the Dragon, for protection from an evil, haunted forest that threatens their land. Every ten years, as payment, the Dragon selects one young woman from the village to live with him in his tower.
When this selection falls unexpectedly on Agnieszka, the young heroine discovers powers and dangers she never imagined. Both authors blend folklore-inspired fantasy with emotional depth and unique storytelling, making Novik’s work a natural next choice for Taylor fans.
Susan Dennard creates imaginative worlds filled with magic, intricate relationships, and compelling narratives, elements readers of Laini Taylor will appreciate.
Her book “Truthwitch” follows two best friends, Safiya and Iseult, who share a rare magical connection in a fantasy landscape torn by war and political intrigue.
Safiya possesses the unique ability to discern truth from lies, a powerful gift that many leaders, kings, and enemies would kill to control.
Together, these two women navigate dangerous alliances, treacherous waters, and dark secrets as their bond—and their magic—is tested at every turn. Dennard skillfully blends adventure and friendship, crafting a story filled with tension, humor, and heart.
If you enjoy Laini Taylor’s blend of fantasy, romance, and vivid storytelling, Marie Rutkoski is an author worth exploring. In her novel “The Winner’s Curse,” Rutkoski creates an absorbing world filled with tension, strategy, and unexpected emotion.
The story follows Kestrel, a clever young woman and daughter of a conquering general, who unexpectedly buys a slave named Arin at auction. Kestrel soon finds herself drawn to Arin’s strength, intelligence, and hidden motives.
Their complicated bond intensifies as she’s forced to confront difficult choices between loyalty, love, and freedom.
Rutkoski weaves a rich narrative filled with political intrigue, complex characters, and emotional depth that will resonate with readers who appreciate imaginative fantasy.
Readers who enjoy the lyrical storytelling and vivid worlds of Laini Taylor might also find Renée Ahdieh’s work appealing. Ahdieh crafts lush, captivating environments filled with romance, intrigue, and touches of magic.
In her book “The Wrath and the Dawn,” she offers a fresh retelling inspired by the classic tale “One Thousand and One Nights.” Shahrzad, her fearless heroine, becomes the bride of a notorious young king who takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise.
Determined to survive and seek revenge for her best friend’s death, Shahrzad weaves gripping stories to captivate the king and extend her life one day at a time. Yet, as her plan unfolds, unexpected emotions and hidden mysteries alter her course.
Fans of vivid, emotional storytelling and complex heroines may find this novel very engaging.
Books by Katherine Arden offer readers a rich blend of folklore, fantasy, and historical depth that fans of Laini Taylor often enjoy. Arden weaves old Russian legends into vibrant narratives filled with magic and mystery.
Her novel “The Bear and the Nightingale” takes place in medieval Russia, in a small village surrounded by forests thick with secrets and ancient spirits.
The story follows Vasya, a strong-willed young girl who senses and connects with magical creatures and spirits, much to the suspicion of her family and neighbors.
As traditional beliefs clash with new religious teachings, Vasya must protect her community from dangers both natural and supernatural.
Arden’s atmospheric setting, vivid folklore, and a brave, unconventional heroine create a story that readers passionate about magical realism and fairytale elements will eagerly dive into.