If you enjoy reading novels by Patrick Ness then you might also like the following authors:
Neal Shusterman writes stories that explore deep questions in unique and engrossing ways. One of his standout books is “Scythe,” set in a future where humanity has conquered death. In this world, scythes are tasked with controlling the population by choosing who dies.
The story follows two teens, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen to apprentice as scythes and must grapple with the heavy responsibility of taking lives while staying true to their own morals.
The dynamics between them and the moral dilemmas they face create a world you can’t stop thinking about. If Patrick Ness’s thought-provoking and emotional stories resonate with you, Shusterman might be a perfect next step.
Victoria Schwab writes stories that often balance between the magical and the dark, with worlds that feel close to our own but touched by something extraordinary.
Her book “Vicious” is about Victor and Eli, two college friends who figure out how to give themselves superhuman abilities. What starts as an experiment turns into a rivalry after their lives take very different paths.
The story follows them years later as Victor hunts down Eli, who sees himself as a hero destined to destroy others with powers. It’s a sharp and intense tale of ambition, morality, and betrayal that stays with you long after reading.
Maggie Stiefvater writes stories with a touch of magic and unforgettable characters. One of her standout books, “The Raven Boys,” follows a group of teenagers searching for a long-lost Welsh king said to grant wishes.
Gansey, a boy driven by obsession, leads the quest with his friends, each carrying their own secrets. Blue, a girl from a family of psychics who’s been warned she’ll cause her true love’s death, gets caught up in their world.
The book weaves together mystery, friendship, and a sense of wonder with a dark undercurrent. Fans of Patrick Ness might appreciate the way Stiefvater mixes real-world struggles with otherworldly elements in a way that feels natural and atmospheric.
Frances Hardinge writes stories that feel unique and full of atmosphere. Her book, “The Lie Tree,” is set in Victorian England and follows Faith, a determined and clever girl who uncovers a strange plant that feeds on lies and reveals hidden truths.
When her father dies under suspicious circumstances, Faith uses the plant to untangle the mystery around his death. The story builds an eerie, almost magical mood while dealing with themes like secrets, ambition, and the role of women at the time.
Fans of Patrick Ness might enjoy the way Hardinge creates layered characters and explores darker sides of human nature.
Marcus Sedgwick was a British author known for his imaginative and unique storytelling. One of his standout books is “Midwinterblood,” a story told through seven interconnected tales that span centuries, all set on the mysterious Blessed Island.
At the heart of the book is a bond between two souls who are repeatedly drawn together in different lives. There’s a mix of love, sacrifice, and a touch of the uncanny.
The book weaves moments of historical drama, strange rituals, and haunting secrets that keep you curious about how it all links together.
David Almond crafts stories that feel grounded in everyday life but carry a touch of the extraordinary. One of his books, “Skellig,” tells the story of a boy named Michael who finds a mysterious figure in his family’s ramshackle garage.
This strange man, who seems frail and almost otherworldly, changes Michael’s life in unexpected ways. The mix of mystery, friendship, and the raw emotions of growing up adds a captivating layer to the story.
If you enjoy how Patrick Ness explores the blend of reality and the unexpected, David Almond might be right up your alley.
Laini Taylor writes vivid and imaginative stories that pull you into worlds that feel both beautiful and strange. One of her books, “Strange the Dreamer,” follows Lazlo Strange, a librarian who has always been fascinated by the lost city of Weep.
When an opportunity arises to visit Weep, he joins a group traveling there and uncovers secrets about the city and himself. The story weaves myths, dreams, and mysteries into a tale that feels larger than life.
If you’re drawn to thoughtful and emotional storytelling like in Patrick Ness’s works, this book could speak to you.
Philip Pullman is an author who crafts imaginative worlds filled with rich characters and thought-provoking ideas. One of his most beloved books is “The Golden Compass,” the first in the *His Dark Materials* series.
It follows Lyra, a brave and curious girl, as she embarks on a journey through a world where every person has a physical animal companion called a dæmon.
The story weaves through themes of friendship, loyalty, and power, with moments of danger as Lyra uncovers secrets about a mysterious substance called Dust. The mix of adventure and deeper ideas makes it a memorable read.
Holly Black writes vivid and imaginative stories that often explore magic and the darker sides of fairy tales. One of her books, “The Cruel Prince,” introduces Jude, a mortal girl raised in the treacherous High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered.
Jude wants to prove herself worthy of respect among the immortal faeries, who look down on humans. Her struggles pull her into dangerous games with cunning nobles and the cruel Prince Cardan.
The book has tense alliances, dangerous foes, and a heroine who isn’t afraid to fight for her place in their world.
Patrick Rothfuss is a fantasy author best known for “The Name of the Wind,” the first book in *The Kingkiller Chronicle* series.
The story follows Kvothe, a gifted young man who grows up as a poor orphan but dreams of learning magic and uncovering the truth behind his parents’ murder.
He makes his way to the prestigious University, where he studies arcane knowledge and navigates challenges ranging from rivalries to love. The book is told as a personal narrative, with Kvothe recounting his life’s highs and lows.
Rothfuss combines lyrical prose with moments of wit and heartbreak, creating a world rich with details and filled with mysteries.
Leigh Bardugo is known for creating stories that blend magic with characters who feel real and flawed. In her book “Six of Crows,” she introduces a ragtag crew brought together for a dangerous heist that could change their lives.
Kaz, the criminal mastermind, leads the team, which includes a skilled spy, a sharpshooter with a gambling problem, and a runaway with a gift for magic.
The book dives into their personal struggles alongside the main mission, and every member of the crew has secrets that could unravel everything. It’s a fast-paced story where the stakes always feel high and the characters keep you hooked.
Becky Chambers writes thoughtful, character-driven stories set in intriguing sci-fi worlds. One of her books, “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet,” is about a crew aboard a spaceship called the Wayfarer. They take a risky job to tunnel through space toward a distant planet.
Along the way, the story focuses on their relationships, personal struggles, and how they navigate being so different from each other. The characters include a pilot who’s part bird, a cheerful AI, and a human grappling with her past.
It’s a story that makes you care deeply about the people at its heart.
Andrew Smith is an author known for creating strange and unforgettable worlds with a strong emotional core. One of his standout books is “Grasshopper Jungle,” a wild mix of humor, teenage angst, and apocalyptic chaos.
The story follows Austin and his best friend, Robbie, as they accidentally unleash six-foot-tall praying mantises that threaten to destroy everything.
Amid the madness, Austin wrestles with his complicated feelings for both Robbie and his girlfriend, Shann, while navigating the chaos of adolescence. It’s a book that’s weird but also deeply personal, full of raw honesty and unexpected heart.
Lauren DeStefano is an author known for creating unique worlds that feel both strange and familiar. One of her books, “Wither,” is set in a future where genetic experimentation has gone horribly wrong, shortening lifespans to just twenty-five years for women and twenty for men.
The story follows Rhine, a young girl kidnapped and sold to a wealthy man as a bride. Trapped in a mansion with two other wives, she secretly plans her escape while uncovering dark secrets about this society.
The book combines a haunting setting with questions about survival, freedom, and morality.
China Miéville is an author known for creating strange and fascinating worlds. In his book “Perdido Street Station,” the story unfolds in a gritty city called New Crobuzon, where humans live alongside a variety of bizarre creatures.
The plot follows a rogue scientist, Isaac, whose research into flight goes terribly wrong when he accidentally releases a nightmare entity into the city.
With strange technologies, odd creatures, and sinister forces at play, the book pulls you into its weird and unsettling atmosphere. Fans of Patrick Ness might enjoy Miéville’s unique ability to blend the fantastical with the unsettling realities of a broken society.