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List of 15 authors like Sarah J Maas

Sarah J. Maas has become a favorite for many readers of fantasy. People really enjoy her series because of the memorable female main characters, the detailed magical worlds, and the romance mixed with big adventures.

If you want to discover authors with a similar approach, you might find some new favorites here.

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    Leigh Bardugo

    Readers who enjoy Sarah J. Maas may also appreciate Leigh Bardugo’s imaginative fantasy worlds filled with rich characters and intriguing magic systems. Bardugo has gained recognition for her vivid storytelling and intricate plots.

    Her novel “Shadow and Bone” introduces Alina Starkov, a young soldier who discovers a hidden magical talent that could change the fate of her war-torn country.

    Alina’s journey through a dangerous world full of political intrigue, mysterious powers, and sinister enemies will likely appeal to readers drawn to gripping adventures with emotionally complex heroes and villains.

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    Victoria Aveyard

    If you enjoy Sarah J Maas’s combination of romance, fantasy, and high-stakes adventure, you might also like Victoria Aveyard.

    Her novel “Red Queen” introduces readers to Mare Barrow, a young woman living in a society divided by the color of blood—Silvers who hold power, and Reds who serve them. Mare, a Red citizen, discovers she has an extraordinary ability that upends everything her world believes.

    Pulled into the dangerous intrigue of the Silver court, she navigates betrayal, secrets, and forbidden attraction. This story offers a vibrant fantasy world mixed with themes of power, identity, and rebellion that Sarah J Maas fans often appreciate.

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    Cassandra Clare

    Cassandra Clare is a popular author known for fantasy series filled with vivid worlds, magic, and complex characters. Readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas often appreciate Clare’s “City of Bones,” the first book in “The Mortal Instruments” series.

    In this story, Clary Fray is a teenager whose life turns upside down when she discovers her connection to the Shadowhunters—warriors who fight hidden threats in New York City.

    Clare mixes action and romance and creates a world that feels real, even amid magical battles, hidden societies, and friendships tested by dark secrets.

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    Sabaa Tahir

    Sabaa Tahir is an author known for intense fantasy worlds filled with strong characters, dramatic storytelling, and passionate journeys, qualities many fans of Sarah J Maas might appreciate.

    Her debut novel, “An Ember in the Ashes,” introduces readers to a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome.

    In this dangerous world, we meet Laia, a girl forced to become a spy to save her brother from execution, and Elias, a reluctant warrior seeking freedom from an oppressive life. Together, their fates become intertwined as they fight for survival, freedom, and justice.

    The book offers readers action, mystery, and complicated characters worth rooting for until the very end.

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    Holly Black

    If you enjoy Sarah J Maas’s vivid fantasy worlds and dynamic character relationships, you might find Holly Black equally captivating. Black is known for blending the magical with the gritty realities of human feeling.

    Her book “The Cruel Prince” tells the story of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who finds herself living among the ruthless and cunning faeries of Elfhame. Jude is determined to prove herself amid treacherous royal plots and unsettling fairy intrigues.

    With complex relationships, shadowy alliances, and a heroine who faces danger at every turn, “The Cruel Prince” is a thrilling entry into a richly imagined fairy world.

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    Patrick Rothfuss

    If you enjoy Sarah J Maas for her rich fantasy worlds and memorable characters, Patrick Rothfuss might become one of your favorites. His novel, “The Name of the Wind,” follows the life of Kvothe, a gifted but mysterious figure whose own story has become legend.

    This story takes readers from a humble traveling troupe into a prestigious magical academy, uncovering secrets, rivalries, and magical intrigue.

    Rothfuss creates a vibrant world filled with music, lore, and complex relationships which readers can explore deeply through Kvothe’s remarkable adventures.

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    Naomi Novik

    If you enjoy Sarah J Maas’s blend of magic, adventure, and richly developed worlds, Naomi Novik is an author you might like to explore. Novik crafts engaging characters and imaginative settings, which shine through beautifully in her novel “Uprooted.”

    This standalone fantasy follows the story of Agnieszka, a young woman chosen unexpectedly by a mysterious wizard known as the Dragon. The tale mixes magic and folklore, centered on the ominous Woods that threaten to engulf villages in darkness.

    Agnieszka must confront hidden abilities and ancient dangers to protect her community. The book offers memorable journeys, intense magic, and a strong heroine worth rooting for.

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    Laini Taylor

    Laini Taylor crafts lush fantasy worlds and bold, memorable characters that fans of Sarah J. Maas will likely appreciate. Her novel “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” features Karou, a daring young art student living in Prague.

    Karou’s bright blue hair and sketchbooks filled with strange creatures hint at secrets beyond her human existence. She navigates the shadowy world of portals, monsters, and intriguing wishes, unaware of the true identity she carries within herself.

    The story unfolds into romance, ancient prophecies, and the powerful conflicts between the worlds of angels and chimaeras. For readers who enjoy fantasy adventures with vivid imagery and emotional depth, Taylor’s book offers a captivating escape.

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    Tamora Pierce

    Readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas might also appreciate Tamora Pierce, a fantasy author known for strong female leads and vivid magical worlds.

    In her book “Alanna: The First Adventure,” Pierce introduces readers to Alanna of Trebond, a spirited young girl determined to become a knight.

    Alanna disguises herself as a boy, swaps places with her twin brother, and embarks on adventures filled with swordplay, magic, and rich friendships.

    Faced with challenges at every turn, she struggles to hide who she truly is while mastering skills that demand courage and determination. Pierce creates a powerful character you can’t help but root for, set in a world rich with wonder and danger.

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    Susan Dennard

    Books by Susan Dennard offer readers a rich fantasy world filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable friendships. If you enjoyed Sarah J Maas, Susan Dennard’s “Truthwitch” might be your next favorite read.

    At the heart of “Truthwitch” are two best friends, Safiya and Iseult, bound by loyalty and unique magical gifts.

    Safiya’s rare ability to discern the truth in others makes her a target for those who crave power, while Iseult struggles with a mysterious power she doesn’t fully understand. These heroines must navigate dangerous kingdoms, intricate politics, and looming war.

    Dennard creates characters and relationships readers deeply care about, set against a vivid backdrop of fantasy and tension.

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    R.F. Kuang

    R.F. Kuang is an author whose stories combine rich fantasy worlds, intriguing characters, and intense emotions. Her book “The Poppy War” follows Rin, a fierce, determined young woman who fights to escape poverty and earns her way into the prestigious Sinegard military academy.

    There, she faces ruthless competition and discovers terrifying powers within herself. When war breaks out, Rin confronts devastating moral choices, betrayal, and brutal warfare inspired by historical events.

    Readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas’s strong heroines and vivid, complex storylines will find plenty to love in Kuang’s gripping fantasy narrative.

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    Marie Lu

    Readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas may find Marie Lu a great author to explore next. Lu crafts exciting stories set in vivid worlds, full of adventure and characters you’ll quickly become attached to.

    In her book “Legend,” readers meet June and Day, two young people from opposite sides of a divided society, brought together by loss and suspicion. June is an elite prodigy within the ruling establishment, while Day is the country’s most wanted outlaw.

    When tragedy strikes close to home, their paths collide in unexpected ways. The book offers action-packed moments, emotional depth, and an intriguing look at loyalty and rebellion.

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    Sarah Rees Brennan

    Sarah Rees Brennan is a fantasy author known for crafting stories filled with magic, complex characters, and witty dialogue. Readers who enjoyed Sarah J Maas will likely appreciate how Brennan combines compelling romance with fantasy adventures.

    Her novel “In Other Lands” follows Elliot, a sarcastic, unconventional hero transported to a magical land called the Borderlands. There, Elliot navigates diplomacy, friendship, and romance while learning how things aren’t as straightforward as legends suggest.

    Brennan’s vivid writing style and her talent for creating multi-dimensional relationships between characters make her stories highly enjoyable for fans of Maas’s emotionally rich tales.

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    Kristin Cashore

    Readers who enjoy Sarah J. Maas may find Kristin Cashore’s novels equally captivating. Cashore’s novel “Graceling” invites us into a vividly imagined fantasy world where rare individuals possess exceptional gifts—or Graces.

    The story follows Katsa, a skilled warrior known for her deadly fighting ability, as she navigates her complex identity and challenges a corrupt kingdom.

    Along the way, Katsa meets Prince Po, who possesses his own mysterious Grace, and together they uncover secrets and dangers that threaten their entire world.

    Rich with adventure, strong characters, and emotional depth, Kristin Cashore’s storytelling offers the type of fantasy and romance that fans of Maas will appreciate.

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    Jay Kristoff

    Jay Kristoff crafts vibrant fantasy worlds filled with memorable characters, intense action, and dark, immersive storytelling. Readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas will appreciate Kristoff’s imaginative plots and strong protagonists found in his novels.

    In “Nevernight,” Kristoff introduces Mia Corvere, a fierce young woman driven by vengeance after witnessing the downfall of her family.

    Mia seeks training within a ruthless school of assassins, known as the Red Church, where survival means outsmarting fellow initiates in deadly contests.

    Filled with unexpected twists, political intrigue, and shadowy motives, this novel offers readers a richly detailed setting and the relentless determination of a heroine willing to sacrifice everything for revenge.