Namina Forna is best known for her imaginative young adult fantasy novels. Her debut, The Gilded Ones, combines compelling storytelling with rich world-building, exploring themes of empowerment and identity.
If you enjoy reading books by Namina Forna then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Namina Forna's captivating blend of West African mythology and strong, inspiring heroines, you'll appreciate Tomi Adeyemi. Her storylines explore themes of identity, oppression, and magical discovery, colored richly with Nigerian folklore.
Her novel, Children of Blood and Bone, follows Zélie, a young woman battling to restore magic to her oppressed community, offering a powerful story about courage and fighting for justice.
If Namina Forna's story of bravery and overcoming oppression resonated with you, Sabaa Tahir's writing might be a perfect fit. Tahir's stories often confront difficult moral decisions and fierce struggles amid complex political intrigues, set vividly in a fictional empire.
Her book, An Ember in the Ashes, tells the tale of Laia and Elias, whose intertwined lives drive them into a hopeful rebellion against tyranny and ruthless power.
Jordan Ifueko’s stories blend magic, destiny, and beautifully imagined worlds, much like Namina Forna’s novels. Ifueko highlights themes of family, loyalty, and defiance against fate, creating adventures full of discovery and meaningful relationships.
Check out Raybearer, where protagonist Tarisai grapples with her destiny and the emotional pull between loyalty to family and the call to forge her own path.
Roseanne A. Brown writes engaging fantasy novels that weave West African-inspired folklore into stories filled with dark magic, intrigue, and thoughtfully drawn characters.
Like Namina Forna, Brown captures readers by exploring themes like sacrifice, legacy, and the complexities of survival. Her novel, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, centers on Malik and Karina, two characters caught in a deadly game of political intrigue and enchanted danger.
Bethany C. Morrow creates unique narratives combining powerful themes of identity, resistance, and social justice. She crafts relatable characters whose challenges mirror contemporary struggles with discrimination and inequality, much as Namina Forna does.
Morrow's novel, A Song Below Water, introduces readers to Tavia, a Black siren balancing the tensions of adolescence, racism, and her hidden magical identity.
Hafsah Faizal writes YA fantasy stories filled with adventure, lyrical language, and rich settings inspired by Middle Eastern culture and mythology. Her stories explore complex friendships, struggles against overwhelming odds, and characters discovering their inner strength.
A great example is her novel We Hunt the Flame, which follows characters searching for an ancient artifact in a magical but dangerous land.
Renée Ahdieh brings lush worlds and romantic storylines to young adult novels. Her storytelling often involves immersive settings inspired by diverse cultures, vivid characters, and emotionally charged relationships.
In The Wrath & the Dawn, a rich retelling of "One Thousand and One Nights," she tells a tense yet romantic story filled with intrigue, betrayal, and redemption in a beautifully realized setting.
Dhonielle Clayton creates imaginative stories that thoughtfully examine power dynamics, beauty standards, and societal expectations. Her writing combines intricate worldbuilding and nuanced characters with a lyrical style that draws the reader in.
Her novel The Belles imagines a world obsessed with beauty, where a select few possess the magic to change appearances, raising compelling questions about social expectations and that's definition of true beauty.
Tracy Deonn weaves fantasy elements and real-world social issues into captivating narratives. Her storytelling style engages readers through dynamic characters and carefully structured storytelling as she explores grief, cultural heritage, and the search for identity.
Her notable work, Legendborn, blends a modern-day magical setting with Arthurian legend and a powerful exploration of legacy, family, and race.
Nnedi Okorafor is a writer who excels at weaving African culture, futuristic imagination, and insightful commentary within her science fiction and fantasy stories.
Her writing style is clear and impactful, inviting readers to reflect deeply on themes like identity, technology, nature, and the legacy of colonialism.
Her celebrated novel Akata Witch follows a young girl named Sunny as she discovers hidden magical abilities, drawing upon Nigerian culture and traditions to create a story filled with adventure, magic, and personal growth.
Sarah J. Maas writes powerful stories featuring strong female protagonists and richly constructed fantasy worlds. Her narratives blend action, romance, and magic, often highlighting themes of resilience and empowerment.
If you enjoyed Namina Forna's books, try Maas's Throne of Glass, a thrilling tale about an assassin named Celaena Sardothien who battles powerful enemies, personal demons, and hidden truths.
Leigh Bardugo crafts fantasy stories filled with vivid world-building, complex characters, and intricate plots. She explores themes like personal identity, power struggles, and found family in her novels.
Readers who enjoyed Namina Forna may appreciate Bardugo's Shadow and Bone, which introduces Alina Starkov, a young woman thrust into a dangerous world of magic, power, and dark forces.
Victoria Aveyard writes engaging fantasy stories that often examine class struggles, rebellion, and political intrigue. Her compelling heroines grapple with high stakes and difficult choices, qualities similar to those you might enjoy in Namina Forna's works.
Red Queen showcases Mare Barrow, a girl caught between two worlds and forced into a dangerous revolution.
Adrienne Young tells immersive stories that center on adventure, family bonds, and personal growth. Her vivid plots and strong characters, combined with elements of magic and folklore, tend to resonate with readers who like Namina Forna.
Check out Sky in the Deep, a gripping tale about Eelyn, a warrior who must confront deeply-held beliefs and questions of identity and loyalty.
Tochi Onyebuchi creates inventive speculative fiction that examines themes of social justice, identity, and power. His thoughtful storytelling aligns well with the thought-provoking style of Namina Forna.
Consider reading Beasts Made of Night, which follows Taj, a young sin-eater who wrestles with morality, corruption, and his own agency in an oppressive society.