Laura Sebastian crafts young adult fantasy novels that often feature strong female leads, political drama, and a touch of romance. If you are on the hunt for authors who create stories with a similar feel, here are some writers you might want to check out.
Books by Marie Lu offer exciting reads if you enjoy Laura Sebastian’s blend of adventure and complex characters. You might start with “Legend,” the first book in Lu’s dystopian trilogy.
Set in a divided America, it follows June, a talented military prodigy from the elite class, who is determined to hunt down Day, the country’s most wanted criminal.
Day, however, is more than he appears, and June soon uncovers truths about her society that make her question everything she believes. The tension builds as both characters navigate loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice in a fast-moving story that’s hard to put down.
Leigh Bardugo is an author known for fantasy novels filled with detailed worlds, complex characters, and exciting plots. If you enjoyed Laura Sebastian’s “Ash Princess” series, then Bardugo’s “Shadow and Bone” might interest you.
In this novel, Alina Starkov, an orphan soldier with a simple life, discovers a powerful magic within herself. This revelation turns her into a key figure for her country’s future, drawing her into the dangerous politics of a magical elite.
The plot combines adventure, intrigue, and a memorable setting called Ravka—a kingdom divided by darkness and threatened by dark creatures.
Bardugo’s storytelling effortlessly weaves twists, romance, and richly crafted lore, providing a fresh adventure for fans of thoughtful fantasy fiction.
Readers who enjoy Laura Sebastian might also appreciate Victoria Aveyard, an author known for crafting vivid fantasy worlds filled with power struggles and strong, resilient characters.
In her book “Red Queen,” Aveyard introduces us to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old girl living in a society sharply divided by blood color. Here, the elite Silvers rule with supernatural abilities while the Reds endure poverty and oppression.
When Mare unexpectedly discovers she possesses unique powers despite her Red blood, she becomes caught up in a dangerous game of politics, rebellion, and betrayal in the royal court.
The book cleverly blends adventure, romance, and complex moral questions, making it highly engaging for readers who enjoy depth and intrigue in their fantasy stories.
Sabaa Tahir is an author known for stories that blend vivid fantasy worlds with intense character journeys. If you’ve enjoyed Laura Sebastian’s novels, you might appreciate Tahir’s story “An Ember in the Ashes.”
This tale follows Laia, a young woman from a conquered people, and Elias, a skilled soldier trained by the oppressive Martial Empire. Their lives become intertwined as they each face difficult choices that can determine the fate of an entire empire.
Tahir’s characters confront power, rebellion, and destiny in a narrative that keeps you invested from beginning to end.
Readers who enjoyed Laura Sebastian’s blend of magic, politics, and vivid heroines will likely appreciate Sarah J. Maas. Maas is best known for creating strong, relatable characters and immersive fantasy worlds filled with complex relationships and epic adventures.
Her book “Throne of Glass” introduces us to Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin freed from prison to compete as a ruthless king’s champion.
As Celaena navigates deadly trials and dangerous court intrigues, she must confront her own mysterious past and uncover secrets hidden beneath the glittering surface of the kingdom.
Fans of intricate storytelling and courageous protagonists will find plenty to enjoy in Sarah J. Maas’s captivating tale.
If you enjoy Laura Sebastian’s stories of fierce heroines overcoming powerful odds, Tahereh Mafi might become a favorite author of yours. In her novel “Shatter Me,” Tahereh Mafi introduces readers to Juliette, a girl whose touch can kill.
Locked away by a frightened society, Juliette struggles with loneliness and guilt until the oppressive regime decides she could become their weapon. As Juliette faces choices that could change the world, her journey explores freedom, love, and the courage to fight back.
Mafi writes in an emotional style, full of poetic descriptions and deep personal conflict, making Juliette’s story unforgettable.
Holly Black is an author known for her darkly enchanting fantasy worlds packed with tricky faeries, curses, and intense court intrigue. Readers who enjoy Laura Sebastian’s character-driven plots and elaborate fantasy courts may find Black’s books equally captivating.
A great example is “The Cruel Prince,” the story of Jude, a mortal girl trying desperately to find her place among the treacherous fey court after being taken from her own world.
While navigating twisted court politics and deceptive alliances, Jude must decide where loyalty lies—even as the stakes rise dangerously high. Fans of gripping court drama combined with vivid magic and morally complex characters shouldn’t miss Holly Black’s work.
Renee Ahdieh is an author known for crafting vivid fantasy worlds and strong characters who face impossible challenges head-on. Her novel, “The Wrath and the Dawn,” follows Shahrzad, a courageous young woman set on avenging her best friend’s death.
Each dawn, the ruthless young king Khalid executes his newest bride, but Shahrzad volunteers to marry him despite the danger. She uses her bravery, wit, and storytelling talent to survive each night and uncover the secrets behind Khalid’s brutal curse.
Fans of Laura Sebastian’s richly woven plots and fierce heroines will find themselves captivated by Ahdieh’s gripping tale of survival, romance, and defiance.
If you enjoy Laura Sebastian’s stories full of magic, complex characters, and intriguing worlds, Margaret Rogerson is another author worth discovering.
Her novel “Sorcery of Thorns” introduces readers to Elisabeth, an apprentice in a library filled with dangerous, magical grimoires.
Elisabeth has always believed that sorcerers are evil; however, when she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit, her only ally is Nathaniel Thorn, a mysterious sorcerer, along with his unsettling demonic servant.
Together, they must unravel a conspiracy that threatens the world she loves. Rogerson creates a vivid universe with engaging characters, thoughtful storytelling, and unexpected twists that keep readers turning pages.
Readers who enjoy Laura Sebastian’s vivid storytelling and fierce young heroines may also appreciate Adrienne Young. Young crafts immersive tales full of adventure, survival, and strong characters facing impossible choices.
In “Sky in the Deep,” we meet Eelyn, a fearless Viking fighter raised to hate and battle the enemy Riki clan. Her world shatters when she sees her brother on the battlefield—alive and fighting among their rivals.
Pulled into enemy territory, Eelyn faces questions of loyalty, family, and identity as old hatreds are tested by unexpected alliances. Young presents a world steeped in myth and action, creating a story that’s hard to put down.
Katharine McGee is an author known for her engaging, imaginative storytelling and strong character-driven plots. If you enjoyed Laura Sebastian’s adventurous narratives and memorable heroines, you might like Katharine McGee’s “American Royals.”
This novel reimagines a modern-day America in which George Washington accepted a crown rather than the presidency, creating a royal family that rules today.
The story follows Princess Beatrice as she deals with pressure, forbidden romance, and the heavy weight of expectations from an entire country. The vivid details of glamorous royal life and intriguing personal dramas make the novel hard to put down.
It’s a fresh twist on history filled with romance, secrets, and tough decisions that any Laura Sebastian fan would appreciate.
Cassandra Clare is an author known for crafting vivid fantasy filled with adventure, romance, and richly imagined worlds. Her novel “City of Bones” follows Clary Fray, a teenage girl who stumbles upon a hidden world of demon hunters called Shadowhunters.
Within a gritty urban landscape, Clary discovers she belongs to this mysterious race destined to battle supernatural threats. As she uncovers secrets about her own past and faces dangerous creatures, she’s drawn deeper into a thrilling world of magic and intrigue.
Fans of Laura Sebastian’s strong heroines and captivating fantasy settings may find Cassandra Clare’s storytelling equally engaging.
Anna Bright crafts immersive fantasies that blend magic, intrigue, and thoughtful character growth. Her book “The Beholder” follows Selah, a sheltered princess sent abroad to secure a politically advantageous marriage after her own proposal goes disastrously awry.
On her journey, Selah encounters various suitors who challenge her perceptions of love, duty, and independence.
Bright builds an emotional narrative filled with mystery and complex romance, appealing to readers who enjoy the empowering journeys and court intrigues found in Laura Sebastian’s stories.
If you enjoy Laura Sebastian’s captivating worlds and resilient heroines, Tricia Levenseller is another author worth exploring.
Her book “Daughter of the Pirate King” introduces readers to Alosa, a spirited and cunning pirate captain who purposely lets herself get captured to uncover a legendary hidden treasure map.
Alosa outmaneuvers enemies with sharp wit and secret abilities, all while navigating dangerous seas, shifting loyalties, and intriguing relationships.
With action-packed scenes, adventure, and a charismatic main character, Levenseller delivers a memorable tale filled with excitement.
If you enjoy Laura Sebastian’s blend of fantasy, adventure, and memorable characters, you might want to explore Susan Dennard’s novels.
Dennard’s “Truthwitch” introduces readers to Safiya, a Truthwitch who can discern lies from truth, and her best friend Iseult, a Threadwitch who perceives emotions as visible threads.
These two young women find themselves caught up in political intrigue, magical dangers, and quests for freedom. Full of engaging relationships and fast-paced action, Dennard’s book offers an intricate world of witchery, friendship, and complex stakes that keep the pages turning.