Marie Rutkoski creates stories that linger in your mind long after the last page. She is known for her young adult fantasy. However, these books offer so much more than just magic or adventure. Think about “The Winner’s Trilogy.”
It is full of political games, a romance that unfolds gradually, and characters you become deeply invested in. If you are searching for authors who provide a similar experience when you read, here are a few writers you might want to check out.
Leigh Bardugo creates vibrant fantasy worlds filled with strategic minds, intriguing politics, and heartfelt struggles—qualities readers of Marie Rutkoski will recognize and appreciate.
Her book “Shadow and Bone” introduces Alina Starkov, an orphan soldier whose life changes dramatically when she reveals a dormant magical power.
Suddenly pulled from obscurity into the glamorous yet dangerous Grisha elite, Alina must navigate royal intrigue, hidden agendas, and the mysterious Darkling, whose charisma hides troubling secrets.
Bardugo cleverly blends elements of romance, strategy, and complex character relationships, offering a story that pulls readers into a fantasy realm of power and consequence.
Readers who love Marie Rutkoski’s blend of fantasy, romance, and political drama will likely enjoy Sarah J. Maas. Maas has gained popularity for her fantasy novels full of intricate worlds, memorable characters, and emotional intensity.
Her book “Throne of Glass” introduces Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin pulled from a brutal prison to compete as the Crown Prince’s champion in a dangerous contest. Celaena faces rivals, hidden forces, and courtly intrigue as she seeks freedom and survival.
The story offers thrilling action, strong characters, and a dose of romance, set in a richly imagined fantasy landscape.
If you enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s blend of political intrigue, complicated romance, and strong characters, Victoria Aveyard might be a perfect author to explore next.
Her novel “Red Queen” introduces a world divided by blood—those with red blood live as commoners, while silver-blooded elites rule with supernatural powers. Mare Barrow, a Red girl trapped in poverty, unexpectedly reveals an ability reserved only for Silvers.
This discovery thrusts her into a dangerous world filled with hidden agendas, shifting loyalties, and rebellion. Fans who appreciate Rutkoski’s themes of rivalry and deception may find “Red Queen” equally captivating.
Laini Taylor crafts richly imagined fantasy worlds with complex characters and lyrical writing, qualities readers who enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s novels will appreciate. In her novel “Daughter of Smoke and Bone,” Taylor introduces Karou, a blue-haired art student living in Prague.
She leads a double life filled with strange errands and secretive magical creatures. Karou navigates between two worlds, mystery follows mystery, and a forbidden romance emerges amid an ancient war.
Taylor blends magic, mythology, adventure, and love in a fascinating story that resonates emotionally and visually.
Sabaa Tahir is an author known for her vivid storytelling and memorable characters. Her novel “An Ember in the Ashes” offers a world filled with danger, emotion, and adventure.
In this story readers meet Laia and Elias, two young characters from different backgrounds whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined.
Laia is forced to spy among ruthless leaders in order to save her brother from imprisonment, while Elias struggles within the rigid system as one of its top soldiers.
Tahir builds an intense, fast-paced narrative filled with tough choices and high stakes, which fans of Marie Rutkoski’s “The Winner’s Curse” will certainly appreciate.
Both authors share an ability to blend action-packed plotlines with deep emotional insight, creating books that stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Readers who enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s blend of complex characters, rich worlds, and political intrigue may also appreciate Kristin Cashore. Cashore crafts fantasy novels filled with strong heroines and intricate moral dilemmas.
In her novel “Graceling,” readers meet Katsa, a gifted young woman endowed with a Grace—the rare power to kill. Katsa lives under the shadow of her ruthless uncle, forced to serve as his lead enforcer.
As she rebels against her oppressive role, Katsa embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and alliances. She encounters danger, secrets, and a captivating prince named Po. Together, they uncover truths that reshape their world and their understanding of power itself.
Readers who enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s blend of vivid romantic tension, intriguing plots, and carefully-crafted characters may appreciate Maggie Stiefvater’s novels. Stiefvater creates stories that combine supernatural elements with emotional depth and strong character bonds.
Her book “The Scorpio Races” follows the intense competition held every November on the island of Thisby. Riders risk their lives racing deadly water horses rising from the sea.
At the center of this dangerous event is Puck, the first girl to ever enter, driven by circumstance and courage. Alongside her story runs Sean Kendrick’s quest, a young man whose bond with these wild horses means more than his own survival.
Stiefvater weaves suspense and companionship into a story that echoes Rutkoski’s thoughtful storytelling and memorable character journeys.
Readers who enjoyed Marie Rutkoski’s blend of fantasy, intrigue, and complex characters may find Holly Black’s novels equally captivating. Holly Black is best known for her inventive fairy worlds combined with sharp storytelling and compelling characters.
In her book “The Cruel Prince,” she introduces readers to Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who is whisked away into the dangerous and enchanting realm of Faerie. Jude must navigate courtly schemes, deadly rivalries, and the cruelty of the captivating prince Cardan.
As Jude struggles to carve out her own place in a realm that despises mortals, the stakes grow higher, and loyalties are tested at every turn.
Black’s vivid writing, intricate plotting, and morally layered characters offer the kind of immersive read that fans of Rutkoski will likely appreciate.
Roshani Chokshi is an author whose stories blend intricate plots and lush fantasy worlds with rich cultural settings. Her novel “The Star-Touched Queen” weaves together mythology and romance in a story that follows Maya, a princess born under a cursed horoscope.
Facing suspicion and rejection from her father’s court, Maya enters into an unexpected marriage with a mysterious king. In a palace full of secrets, she must unravel the true nature of her new home and her own heart.
Readers who enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s combination of court intrigue and emotional depth in “The Winner’s Curse” may find Chokshi’s storytelling similarly captivating.
Books by Elizabeth Lim offer readers a rich blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Her novel “Spin the Dawn” is a magical tale that reimagines the story of Mulan. Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the emperor’s tailor, but in her world, this profession is reserved only for men.
When her father is summoned to court, she takes his place disguised as a boy. To prove her worth and secure her position, Maia must complete three impossible tasks: sewing dresses from the laughter of the sun, tears of the moon, and blood of the stars.
Fans of Marie Rutkoski’s “The Winner’s Curse” will enjoy Lim’s engaging storytelling, strong characters, and vibrant world-building filled with intrigue, romance, and high stakes.
Samantha Shannon is a British author known for creating mesmerizing fantasy worlds filled with political drama, deep characters, and powerful storytelling. Her novel “The Priory of the Orange Tree” transports readers to a land divided by faith and fear.
Queen Sabran must secure her kingdom’s future by producing an heir, but threats loom from enemies and assassins determined to end her lineage.
Ead, a lady-in-waiting with secret magical abilities, is tasked to protect the queen at all costs—and unravel mysteries that could alter the fate of their entire world.
Readers who enjoyed Marie Rutkoski’s careful blend of royal intrigue, complex characters, and gripping romance in “The Winner’s Curse” may find themselves similarly pulled into Shannon’s richly built universe.
Erin Morgenstern is an author known for her atmospheric storytelling and strong characters, perfect for readers who enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s carefully crafted worlds.
Her novel “The Night Circus” invites you into a magical competition set in an enchanting circus that mysteriously appears and disappears without warning. At its heart are two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, bound since childhood to an intense duel of skill.
The catch—they don’t know the rules or how it’ll end. Morgenstern weaves romance, wonder, and suspense into the story, all within an unforgettable, dream-like atmosphere that pulls you in from page one.
Alwyn Hamilton is an author you might enjoy if you’ve liked Marie Rutkoski’s books with their blend of clever characters, political drama, and romance. Hamilton’s novel “Rebel of the Sands” introduces readers to Amani, a sharpshooter desperate to escape her stifling desert town.
Her life changes dramatically when she crosses paths with Jin, a mysterious stranger who pulls her into a world of rebellion, magic, and dangerous secrets.
Set against a desert landscape rich with folklore and adventure, the story explores loyalty, inner strength, and love in a vividly imagined fantasy world.
Hamilton creates nuanced relationships along with a fast-paced plot, in a style fans of Rutkoski’s “The Winner’s Curse” series will likely appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s blend of fantasy, historical setting, and rich character development might appreciate Katherine Arden’s writing as well. Arden beautifully weaves folklore and history into her tales.
Her novel, “The Bear and the Nightingale,” is set in medieval Russia. The story follows Vasilisa, a young woman who sees creatures others believe exist only in old stories.
She lives in a village at the edge of the wild Russian wilderness and must defend her people from threats both supernatural and human. Arden’s novel offers vivid characters, magical elements, and the tension of a world caught between tradition and change.
Readers who enjoy Marie Rutkoski’s intricate plots and rich storytelling will appreciate Marissa Meyer’s imaginative worlds and vivid, layered characters.
Meyer’s book “Cinder” offers a fresh and unique spin on the classic Cinderella story, set in a futuristic city threatened by disease and political unrest. The protagonist, Cinder, is a gifted young cyborg mechanic whose life changes dramatically when she meets Prince Kai.
As her mysterious past unfolds, Cinder discovers secrets connecting her fate to the survival of the entire kingdom. Meyer’s storytelling blends fantasy and science fiction beautifully, with a plot full of surprising twists and memorable moments readers won’t easily forget.