If you enjoy reading novels by Marie Lu then you might also like the following authors:
Leigh Bardugo is an author who creates rich, immersive fantasy worlds with characters who feel real and flawed. One of her books, “Shadow and Bone,” introduces readers to Alina Starkov, a young mapmaker who discovers a hidden power within herself.
This power could be the key to saving her war-torn country from a brutal darkness known as the Shadow Fold. The story follows Alina as she is swept into the world of the Grisha, a magical elite.
It’s a journey filled with danger, betrayal, and the pull between light and dark that shapes her fate. Fans of Marie Lu’s strong heroines and world-building might find something to love in Bardugo’s work.
Veronica Roth is an author known for creating intense, character-driven stories set in vividly imagined worlds. Her book, “Divergent,” is set in a future Chicago where society is divided into five factions, each based on a specific virtue.
The story follows Tris, a teenage girl who learns she doesn’t fit neatly into any one faction. This dangerous discovery forces her to navigate a politically unstable world where being different could mean death.
It’s full of risky choices, hidden agendas, and moments that test loyalty and courage. Fans of Marie Lu’s action-packed yet emotional writing might find themselves drawn to Roth’s work.
Suzanne Collins is an author known for creating stories that explore survival, sacrifice, and rebellion. Her book “The Hunger Games” introduces readers to Katniss Everdeen, a teenager living in a dystopian society called Panem.
Every year, the Capitol forces children from different districts to fight to the death in a televised event. When Katniss steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games, her journey becomes a battle not just to survive but to challenge the system’s control.
Fans of Marie Lu’s intense and fast-paced stories might enjoy the high stakes and fierce characters found in Collins’ work.
Cassandra Clare writes fast-paced stories with rich characters and exciting twists. One of her popular books, “City of Bones,” kicks off the *The Mortal Instruments* series.
It follows Clary Fray, a teenager who discovers she is part of an ancient group of warriors called Shadowhunters. While navigating a hidden world full of demons, vampires, and werewolves, Clary searches for her kidnapped mother and the truth about her family.
The mix of action, forbidden romance, and secrets creates a world that feels full of life. Fans of Marie Lu’s stories might enjoy the layers of danger and the fight for survival in Clare’s books.
Sarah J. Maas is an author known for imaginative worlds and strong characters. In her book “Throne of Glass,” we follow Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin who has been pulled from a brutal prison to compete in a tournament.
The prize is the chance to serve the kingdom as the king’s champion. As Celaena trains and battles against her opponents, dark forces stir in the castle. The twists are unexpected, and there’s plenty of danger, magic, and mystery to keep readers hooked.
Fans of Marie Lu might enjoy how Maas builds tension and crafts bold protagonists.
Victoria Aveyard is known for crafting stories set in vividly imagined worlds filled with danger, power struggles, and unforgettable characters.
Her book, “Red Queen,” introduces a society divided by blood—those with red blood live as commoners while those with silver blood wield incredible powers and rule as elites. Mare Barrow, a red-blooded girl, suddenly discovers she has a power no one can explain.
This revelation threatens the balance of their world and forces her into a dangerous game of lies and survival at the royal court. It’s a story packed with twists, betrayal, and high stakes. Fans of Marie Lu’s intense plots and strong heroines will find a lot to love here.
Sabaa Tahir is an author known for creating intense, character-driven stories set in vivid, dangerous worlds. One of her standout works is “An Ember in the Ashes.”
The book follows Laia, a girl forced to become a spy for a rebel group after her brother is arrested, and Elias, a soldier questioning the brutal empire he serves. Their paths cross, and they find themselves caught in a deadly struggle for survival and freedom.
The story is packed with high-stakes action, betrayal, and moments of unexpected connection. Fans of Marie Lu’s ability to weave fast-paced plotlines and strong characters may enjoy exploring Tahir’s work.
Brandon Sanderson is known for writing fantasy stories packed with unique worlds and gripping characters. One of his standout books is “Mistborn: The Final Empire.” In this story, the world is ruled by a brutal immortal tyrant, ash falls from the sky, and the sun burns red.
The heroine, Vin, is a street thief who discovers she has powerful abilities. She joins a group of rebels trying to overthrow the Lord Ruler.
The magic system in the book, based on metals and alloys, is unlike anything I’ve come across before and plays a crucial role in the twists and challenges the characters face. If you’re into thrilling stories like Marie Lu’s, Sanderson’s work might catch your interest.
Tahereh Mafi is an author who knows how to create worlds that pull you in and characters who stick in your mind. Her book “Shatter Me” tells the story of Juliette, a girl whose touch is deadly.
Locked away by a repressive government, she struggles with isolation and the weight of her power. When an opportunity for freedom appears, she faces choices that test her courage and trust.
The story combines intense emotion and danger, with a twist of romance that keeps the tension high.
Marie Rutkoski is an author known for her ability to craft stories that mix tension and emotion with vivid worlds.
One of her books, “The Winner’s Curse,” introduces Kestrel, the daughter of a powerful general, who takes a surprising risk by purchasing a slave named Arin at an auction.
The story follows the consequences of that decision as Kestrel navigates class expectations, political schemes, and a connection with Arin that grows more complex as secrets come to light.
The book weaves themes of duty, rebellion, and forbidden bonds, making it a gripping read for fans of layered character dynamics.
James Dashner is known for writing fast-paced, action-filled stories that are packed with twists. One of his most popular books is “The Maze Runner.” It follows a boy named Thomas who wakes up in a massive maze with no memory of his past.
He finds himself trapped with other kids who are trying to survive while searching for a way out. Each night, the walls of the maze shift, and dangerous creatures roam, keeping everyone on edge.
The constant mystery around who put them there and why creates tension that keeps the pages turning. Fans of Marie Lu’s adventurous and high-stakes writing might enjoy this book’s mix of danger and teamwork.
Amie Kaufman writes action-packed stories set in vivid, imaginative worlds. One of her books, “These Broken Stars,” follows Lilac, a wealthy socialite, and Tarver, a young soldier, after their luxury spaceship crashes on a mysterious, deserted planet.
Forced to rely on each other to survive, they uncover secrets about the planet that could change everything. It’s full of danger, unexpected twists, and a lot of heart, with characters who grow through the challenges they face.
If you enjoy Marie Lu’s blend of high-stakes adventure and character-driven storytelling, this might be the perfect pick for you.
Margaret Stohl is an author known for writing stories filled with strong characters and exciting twists. One of her books, “Icons,” is set in a world where Earth has been taken over by mysterious beings called the Lords, who wield strange powers.
The story follows Dol, a girl who survived the day the Lords arrived, as she discovers she has a connection to their control over humanity. Along with a small group of others like her, she unravels secrets that could reshape their future.
The book explores survival, resistance, and hidden truths in a dangerous world. Fans of Marie Lu’s intense and adventurous novels might find themselves hooked on Stohl’s unique world-building and characters.
Scott Westerfeld is an author best known for writing gripping young adult novels filled with fascinating worlds and unique characters. One of his most popular books, “Uglies,” imagines a future where everyone undergoes surgery at sixteen to become stunningly beautiful.
Tally, the main character, eagerly waits for her operation, but her perspective shifts when she meets someone who questions the system. The story explores identity, society’s obsession with appearances, and the choices that influence who we are.
If you enjoyed the action and thought-provoking stories in Marie Lu’s books, Westerfeld’s work might catch your interest.
Renee Ahdieh crafts rich, vibrant tales filled with emotion and tension. Her novel “The Wrath and the Dawn” reimagines the story of Scheherazade, weaving romance and revenge into a lush, atmospheric world.
In “Flame in the Mist,” she draws readers into a setting inspired by feudal Japan, where honor, loyalty, and self-discovery take center stage. Fans of Marie Lu might find a similar balance of strong characters, fast-paced plots, and immersive settings in Ahdieh’s works.