Leigh Bardugo is widely praised for her compelling fantasy fiction. Her novels, such as Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows, offer fascinating heroes and magical worlds, appealing to readers who enjoy vibrant storytelling.
If you enjoy reading books by Leigh Bardugo then you might also like the following authors:
If you love Leigh Bardugo's magical worlds, you'll find yourself right at home with Sarah J. Maas. Maas often writes about fierce, complex heroines facing challenges and discovering their own strength.
Her book Throne of Glass introduces Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin fighting for survival in a dangerous kingdom filled with deep secrets, political intrigue, and magical threats.
Fans who appreciate Bardugo's dark, nuanced stories will enjoy V.E. Schwab's compelling characters and morally ambiguous worlds. Schwab creates imaginative settings with complicated heroes, villains, and conflicts arising from power struggles, ambition, and devastating choices.
A great example is A Darker Shade of Magic, which explores parallel Londons filled with magic, adventure, and danger.
Holly Black's fiction taps into themes of complex faerie world politics, dark enchantments, and morally grey characters that Leigh Bardugo readers will love. Her writing is vivid and crisp, capturing elements of dark magic and edgy romance.
The Cruel Prince is an engaging novel about Jude, a mortal girl determined to prove herself within the treacherous and enthralling realm of faerie courts.
Cassandra Clare writes imaginative urban fantasies with intricate mythologies and lovable, flawed characters that Bardugo fans will quickly embrace. Clare's stories blend action-driven plots with deep relationships, hidden secrets, and supernatural conflicts.
Her popular book City of Bones begins the adventure-filled journey of Clary Fray as she discovers an underground world of demon hunters and magic concealed right within modern New York City.
Sabaa Tahir presents intense stories with strong emotions, high stakes, and brutal oppression, similar in tone to Bardugo's darker novels. Her storytelling is powerful and her characters resilient and deeply portrayed.
Check out An Ember in the Ashes, a novel that follows Elias and Laia, two young people from very different worlds who become entangled in dangerous rebellion and desperate quests for freedom.
If you enjoy Leigh Bardugo's imaginative worlds and complex characters, check out Laini Taylor. She writes beautifully crafted stories filled with dreamlike images, powerful emotional depth, and intricate fantasy worlds.
Her novel Daughter of Smoke and Bone follows Karou, a young art student living in Prague who secretly runs errands for mysterious creatures. The book explores themes of identity, love, and the blurred lines between good and evil, wrapped in vivid storytelling.
Naomi Novik writes fantasy that creatively blends folklore, mythology, and richly detailed worlds. Fans of Bardugo's unique settings and complex relationships will appreciate Novik's writing style.
In her novel Uprooted, Novik weaves the tale of Agnieszka, a young woman chosen by a powerful wizard living in an enchanted forest. This book balances magic, suspense, and strong female characters, highlighting themes of friendship, courage, and the fight against dark forces.
Marie Lu offers readers strong, compelling characters and imaginative storytelling filled with action and suspense. Like Bardugo, she blends vivid imagery and emotional depth with gripping narratives in fascinating settings.
Her book Legend revolves around June and Day, two teens from opposite sides of a divided society whose paths collide amidst political intrigue, rebellion, and loyalty. Lu explores themes of power, inequality, love, and sacrifice through her engaging, fast-paced plot.
Fans drawn to Leigh Bardugo's dramatic storytelling and vivid world-building will appreciate Renee Ahdieh's vibrant narratives and richly detailed settings.
In her novel The Wrath and the Dawn, Ahdieh tells the story of Shahrzad, who enters into a dangerous marriage with a king notorious for executing his brides.
This romantic fantasy draws heavily from Middle Eastern folklore and highlights themes of revenge, love, and redemption with emotionally complex characters and lyrical prose.
If you're looking for beautifully descriptive fantasy worlds that blend mythology and captivating characters, try Roshani Chokshi. Her writing style shares Bardugo's elegant balance of detailed world-building and nuanced character relationships.
In the novel The Star-Touched Queen, Chokshi follows Maya, a princess born under a cursed horoscope. When circumstances propel her into an otherworldly marriage, Maya must navigate dark magic, betrayal, and destiny.
Themes of fate, love, and identity shine through Chokshi's mesmerizing storytelling.
Adrienne Young writes immersive fantasy stories with strong female characters and rich, descriptive worlds. Her novels often center around family loyalty, survival, and self-discovery.
In her book Sky in the Deep, Young tells the story of Eelyn, a fierce warrior who must unite with enemy clans to combat a common threat. Fans of Leigh Bardugo will appreciate Young’s powerful heroines and vivid storytelling.
Margaret Rogerson creates enchanting fantasy novels that blend romance, magic, and captivating characters. Her work often focuses on the personal growth of protagonists who find courage in unexpected places.
In her novel Sorcery of Thorns, Rogerson follows Elisabeth, a determined librarian who becomes entangled in a magical conspiracy involving sorcery and enchanted books.
Rogerson’s accessible writing style and exciting magical elements will appeal to readers who enjoy Leigh Bardugo.
Hafsah Faizal crafts exciting, atmospheric fantasy drawn from Middle Eastern mythology and culture. Her writing explores themes of identity, redemption, and the balance between darkness and hope.
In her debut novel We Hunt the Flame, Faizal invites readers into the desert world of Arawiya, following a courageous hunter, Zafira, and Nasir, a conflicted assassin prince.
Readers who love Bardugo’s engaging characters and darkly magical plots will find much to enjoy in Faizal’s storytelling.
Tomi Adeyemi is an author who blends West African mythology with engaging fantasy adventures centered around powerful characters and intense emotional journeys. Her writing often tackles challenging themes like injustice, oppression, and empowerment.
Adeyemi’s novel Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman determined to restore magic and freedom to her oppressed people.
Adeyemi’s gripping narrative and distinctive magical systems are perfect for fans who enjoy Bardugo’s blend of compelling characters and rich worldbuilding.
Kerri Maniscalco writes intriguing novels filled with mystery, romance, and atmospheric historical settings. Her books often focus on strong young women who take risks to uncover dark secrets.
In her book Stalking Jack the Ripper, Maniscalco presents Audrey Rose Wadsworth, who uses her forensic skills and sharp intelligence to solve gruesome crimes in Victorian London.
Readers who appreciate Bardugo’s dark, atmospheric storytelling and confident characters may enjoy Maniscalco’s compelling mysteries.