If you enjoy reading books by Rae Carson then you might also like the following authors:
Robin McKinley is known for reimagining fairy tales in rich, imaginative ways. Her book “The Hero and the Crown” tells the story of Aerin, a young woman considered an outsider in her own kingdom.
Despite being overlooked, she takes on dangerous challenges, including battling a monstrous dragon that has been terrorizing the land. Aerin’s journey is filled with courage, magic, and the kind of determination that leaves you wanting to follow her every step.
Tamora Pierce writes fantasy stories full of strong characters and worlds that feel alive. One of her books, “Alanna: The First Adventure,” follows Alanna, a girl who switches places with her twin brother to train as a knight in a kingdom where only boys can do so.
She disguises herself and works hard to prove her strength while keeping her secret. The story has sword fights, magic, and moments of friendship that make it unforgettable. Fans of Rae Carson’s heroines will likely find Alanna’s determination and courage fascinating.
Leigh Bardugo is a well-known fantasy author who creates worlds filled with magic and danger. Her book “Six of Crows” takes place in Ketterdam, a city packed with crime and opportunity.
It follows Kaz Brekker, a teenage criminal mastermind, who is hired to pull off an impossible heist. He assembles a group of misfits with their own skills and secrets. Each character feels vivid and unique, from Inej the acrobat to Jesper the sharpshooter.
The story is packed with twists and makes you root for a crew that’s rough around the edges but unforgettable.
Kristin Cashore writes fantasy novels filled with strong characters and richly imagined worlds. Her book “Graceling” is set in a kingdom where certain people, called Gracelings, are born with special skills that make them stand out.
The story follows Katsa, a young woman with a deadly fighting ability who works as a thug for her corrupt uncle, the king. As she begins to question her role, she uncovers secrets that threaten the balance of power in the kingdom.
The plot is packed with action, political intrigue, and a journey that pushes Katsa to discover who she truly wants to be. If you’ve enjoyed Rae Carson’s tales of adventurous heroines, Kristin Cashore might be worth checking out.
Laini Taylor is an author known for vivid worlds and imaginative storytelling. One of her novels, “Daughter of Smoke and Bone,” tells the story of Karou, a blue-haired art student who secretly runs errands for a mysterious figure named Brimstone.
Brimstone is not human, but a creature called a chimaera who trades in teeth. As Karou starts to uncover pieces of her past, she’s drawn into an ancient war between angels and these strange beings. The mix of magic, secrets, and stunning settings makes it hard to put down.
Marie Rutkoski is an author known for creating rich, character-driven stories. One of her books, “The Winner’s Curse,” kicks off a trilogy set in a world of political intrigue and forbidden romance.
The story follows Kestrel, the daughter of a powerful general, who impulsively buys a slave named Arin at an auction. What begins as an act of curiosity unravels into something far more dangerous as secrets come to light.
The tension between Kestrel and Arin grows with each chapter, as their loyalties and emotions are tested in surprising ways. Fans of Rae Carson might enjoy the way the book balances personal stakes with a larger, unpredictable world.
Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy author known for creating immersive worlds and strong characters. Her book “Throne of Glass” introduces Celaena Sardothien, an assassin pulled from a brutal prison to compete in a contest to become the king’s champion.
While navigating court intrigue, she uncovers secrets about her past and the kingdom’s dark forces. The mix of danger, mystery, and unexpected alliances makes her stories hard to put down.
Sabrina Benulis is an author who writes imaginative and emotionally intense stories. Her book, “Archon,” is the beginning of a dark fantasy series set in the haunted city of Luz.
The story follows Angela Mathers, a girl believed to be the Archon, a figure with the power to bring angels to Earth. This prophecy has made her a target for both angels and demons desperate to control her fate.
The book is filled with secrets, dangerous alliances, and a sense of foreboding as Angela starts to uncover her role in an ancient struggle. Fans of Rae Carson’s strong heroines and rich world-building might find themselves drawn to Benulis’s unique take on fantasy.
Garth Nix is an author known for creating rich fantasy worlds with strong characters and unexpected twists.
One of his most popular books, “Sabriel,” introduces readers to a young woman tasked with taking up her father’s role as Abhorsen, a magical necromancer who lays the dead to rest.
The story moves between life and death, as Sabriel faces dangerous foes and untold secrets while exploring a mysterious and vividly imagined Old Kingdom. Fans of Rae Carson’s mix of determination and magic will find a lot to love here.
Megan Whalen Turner is best known for crafting clever and unpredictable stories set in richly imagined worlds. One of her standout works is “The Thief,” which introduces readers to Gen, an audacious thief dragged out of prison by the king’s magus for a dangerous journey.
The goal is to steal an ancient treasure, but nothing is as simple as it seems. Gen is sharp-tongued and full of surprises, keeping everyone, including the reader, guessing about his true intentions.
The story mixes political intrigue and surprising twists, offering layers that make it impossible to stop reading. Fans of Rae Carson might enjoy Turner’s knack for weaving adventure and intrigue together with memorable characters.
Susan Dennard writes fantasy stories with strong characters and rich world-building. One of her books, “Truthwitch,” takes place in a land where magic plays a central role in survival and conflict.
The story follows Safiya, a rare Truthwitch who can sense lies, and her Threadsister Iseult as they navigate dangerous alliances and unravel secrets. The stakes are high, with war looming and enemies everywhere.
Fans of Rae Carson might enjoy the way Dennard weaves friendship and courage into a story full of action and magic.
Holly Black writes fantasy stories that pull readers into vivid, magical worlds. One of her books, “The Cruel Prince,” kicks off a tale about Jude, a mortal girl thrust into the dangerous and enchanting realm of Faerie after her parents are killed.
Raised by the general of the High Court, Jude finds herself trying to navigate the ruthless politics of this world while dealing with the cruel and arrogant Prince Cardan.
The story blends court intrigue with a heroine who refuses to back down, even when the odds are stacked against her. Fans of Rae Carson’s layered characters and adventurous plots might enjoy Holly Black’s work.
Victoria Aveyard is known for writing fantasy stories that combine politics, action, and some twists you don’t see coming.
Her book “Red Queen” is set in a world where society is split by blood—those with red blood are commoners, while those with silver blood have powers that elevate them to royalty and dominance.
Mare Barrow, a Red, suddenly shows she has powers of her own during a public display, and it throws both her life and the entire kingdom into chaos. It’s full of betrayals and power struggles, with a strong main character who’s thrown into a situation far bigger than herself.
If you’ve enjoyed Rae Carson’s mix of magic and character growth, this could catch your attention.
Sabaa Tahir is an author known for creating vivid, emotionally-driven stories with rich characters. Her book “An Ember in the Ashes” follows Laia, a young scholar who risks everything to save her brother after he’s arrested by the brutal Martial Empire.
To do so, she agrees to spy on the Empire from within its military academy, which forces her into a dangerous world. At the same time, Elias, a soldier at the academy, begins questioning his role in the oppressive system.
The story weaves their paths together in a tense struggle for freedom and survival. Fans of Rae Carson would likely enjoy the mix of high-stakes action and personal journeys.
Stephanie Garber writes fantasy stories with vivid worlds and emotional twists. Her book “Caraval” is about Scarlett, a girl invited to a magical game where reality and illusion blur.
Scarlett’s search for her missing sister pulls her into this strange contest, where every decision could change her life entirely. If you enjoy Rae Carson’s mix of strong characters and enchanting worlds, Garber’s work could be a great next read.