List of 15 authors like Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld creates captivating young adult science fiction series. Best known for the innovative Uglies series, he explores complex ideas about society and identity in accessible ways.

If you enjoy reading books by Scott Westerfeld then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Cassandra Clare

    Books by Cassandra Clare often appeal to readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld’s intriguing stories and vivid worlds.

    Clare’s City of Bones  introduces us to Clary Fray, a teen who discovers she’s connected to Shadowhunters, secret warriors trained to battle demons hidden in plain sight.

    When her mother disappears, Clary joins forces with a group of Shadowhunters to untangle her family’s past and face dangerous threats lurking in New York’s dark corners.

    The novel combines elements of urban fantasy, action, and mystery with a lively cast of characters you quickly get attached to. Fans of Westerfeld’s exciting storytelling will find plenty to enjoy here.

  2. Suzanne Collins

    Readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld’s imaginative worlds and engaging characters will likely find Suzanne Collins equally appealing.

    Collins’ The Hunger Games  introduces a grim future, where North America has become Panem, a nation divided into districts controlled by a ruthless Capitol.

    Every year, each district must offer two teenagers to compete in the Hunger Games—a televised survival contest where only one person emerges alive.

    Katniss Everdeen steps forward to compete in place of her younger sister, facing tough choices, danger, and the watchful eyes of viewers across the nation.

    The story moves quickly, the characters have depth, and there’s plenty of suspenseful moments that keep readers hooked from page one.

  3. Rick Yancey

    Rick Yancey writes science fiction thrillers that feature complex characters and suspenseful storylines. His novel The 5th Wave  imagines a world devastated by alien invasion through systematic attacks, each wave destroying more of humanity.

    Cassie, a teenage survivor, must navigate a landscape filled with deception and danger to save her younger brother, Sam. Readers who appreciate Scott Westerfeld’s sharp storytelling and strong protagonists will find Yancey’s narrative style both familiar and exciting.

  4. Marie Lu

    If you enjoy Scott Westerfeld’s futuristic worlds and memorable characters, try Marie Lu’s novels. Lu creates vivid dystopian settings with action-filled plots and conflicted characters who stay in your mind long after reading.

    Her book Legend  is set in a divided North America, now known as the Republic, where two teens come from opposite worlds: June, an elite military prodigy; and Day, the Republic’s most wanted rebel. When June’s brother is murdered, Day becomes the prime suspect.

    But as their paths cross, they uncover shocking secrets about their ruthless government and must decide whether they’re enemies or allies. The twists and suspense in Legend  make it hard to put down, especially if you’re a Westerfeld fan.

  5. James Dashner

    Books by James Dashner often appeal to readers who enjoy the fast-paced adventures and imaginative worlds crafted by Scott Westerfeld. Dashner’s novel The Maze Runner  is set in a mysterious place called the Glade, surrounded by deadly labyrinthine walls.

    Thomas, the main character, wakes up there with no memory of his past, soon realizing survival depends on solving the maze.

    Along with other trapped teenagers, he struggles to piece together hints of their forgotten lives, all while facing dangerous challenges and unsettling discoveries.

    Dashner keeps his readers hooked through constant suspense, surprising turns, and vivid storytelling that will resonate strongly with Westerfeld fans.

  6. Veronica Roth

    Veronica Roth is known for her fast-paced and vivid young adult dystopian novels. If you’re into Scott Westerfeld’s style, Roth’s Divergent  might be your next favorite read.

    The story follows Beatrice Prior, a sixteen-year-old living in a future Chicago separated into factions that value certain virtues above all else.

    When she chooses Dauntless, the daring group that celebrates bravery and risk, Beatrice reinvents herself as Tris and finds both friendship and danger in unexpected places.

    Divergence—being suited for more than one faction—is dangerous, and Tris learns she must hide her true nature to survive. This book blends thrilling action, complex characters, and a richly built dystopian setting.

  7. Garth Nix

    Readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld’s imaginative worlds and quick-paced adventures will likely appreciate Garth Nix’s fantasy novels. Nix blends rich storytelling, compelling characters, and unique magic systems in ways fans of Westerfeld often seek.

    A great place to start is Sabriel,  the first novel in the Abhorsen series. Sabriel  follows the journey of a young woman thrust suddenly into the role and responsibilities of the Abhorsen—a necromancer whose purpose is to put the dead to rest rather than summon them.

    As she travels into the perilous Old Kingdom in search of her missing father, Sabriel must rely on her courage and magic to confront dark forces and dangerous creatures intent on destruction.

    Nix’s style, combining fantastic elements with relatable characters, makes Sabriel  an exciting and memorable read for Westerfeld enthusiasts.

  8. Maggie Stiefvater

    Readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld’s imaginative storytelling and fresh ideas will likely find Maggie Stiefvater’s novels equally captivating. Stiefvater combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and adventure, creating characters who seem to leap right off the page.

    In her book The Raven Boys,  Blue Sargent, the daughter of a psychic, has always been warned that her true love’s kiss will cause his death.

    Keeping this firmly in mind, Blue’s life grows complicated after meeting Gansey, a student from a private boys’ school, along with his group of close-knit friends. The boys are on a mysterious quest connected to ancient legends and hidden magic that draws Blue into their circle.

    Secrets and supernatural events unfold around them, resulting in tense discoveries and unexpected dangers. Fans who appreciated the blend of realistic teen dynamics and speculative twists in Westerfeld’s work may connect strongly with The Raven Boys. 

  9. Tahereh Mafi

    Books by Tahereh Mafi often explore creative worlds and fresh perspectives, appealing to readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld’s imaginative storytelling.

    One of her popular novels is Shatter Me,  a dystopian tale set in a world where society has collapsed under authoritarian rule. The story follows Juliette, a young woman whose touch is lethal.

    Locked away in isolation for years, she struggles with loneliness and fear, until she is offered a chance at freedom—and told she could become a weapon.

    With vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and action-filled chapters, Shatter Me  combines elements readers might recognize from Westerfeld’s works, including intriguing characters, skillfully built dystopias, and strong personal journeys.

  10. Neal Shusterman

    Neal Shusterman is a versatile author known for creating vivid worlds and thought-provoking stories. If you like Scott Westerfeld’s imaginative narratives and exploration of future societies, Shusterman’s Unwind  is a book worth your time.

    In Unwind,  teenagers face a society where their parents can choose to unwind  them—a process that harvests their organs for transplantation.

    The book introduces readers to three teens: Connor, Risa, and Lev, each with distinct backgrounds that bring them together on a tense and emotional journey.

    The characters confront hard decisions, ethical dilemmas, and moments that linger in your mind long after you’ve closed the book.

    Shusterman blends a gripping plot with intriguing social commentary, making Unwind  an absorbing read, especially if you enjoyed Westerfeld’s portrayal of young people navigating dark futures.

  11. Ally Condie

    Books by Ally Condie often explore worlds where society controls every aspect of life. Readers who enjoyed Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian stories might connect strongly with Condie’s novel Matched .

    The story follows Cassia, a girl living in a society where choices are predetermined by the government.

    On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia finds out who her ideal partner is supposed to be, but soon discovers there’s another boy whose face briefly appears on her matching screen. The government’s mistake makes her question the system she always trusted.

    Matched  offers themes of rebellion, forbidden love, and the importance of choosing your own path.

  12. Patrick Ness

    Readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld’s imaginative worlds and engaging storytelling will appreciate Patrick Ness. Ness offers stories with powerful emotional depth and unforgettable characters.

    His book The Knife of Never Letting Go  introduces Todd Hewitt, a boy raised in a town where everyone’s thoughts can be heard by everyone else. In this noisy and chaotic place, Todd discovers silence for the first time—a dangerous secret.

    He must set out on a tense and urgent journey to learn the truth about his town and himself. This fast-paced story blends adventure, mystery, and a unique twist that keeps readers hooked until the last page.

  13. Laini Taylor

    Books by Laini Taylor feature imaginative worlds, intriguing characters, and sharp storytelling. If you enjoyed Scott Westerfeld’s creative settings and clever plots, you’ll probably find Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone  fascinating.

    The story follows Karou, an art student in Prague with vibrant blue hair and a secret life. She runs errands for mysterious creatures who raised her behind a hidden door.

    Karou’s carefully balanced two-world existence is thrown into chaos when she meets Akiva, a stranger who reveals secrets about magic, star-crossed lovers, and an age-old war that threatens her very identity.

    Taylor combines elements of fantasy and adventure in a story with unique characters you’ll remember long after reading.

  14. Jonathan Stroud

    Jonathan Stroud creates imaginative fantasy worlds filled with humor, magical adventure, and vivid characters. His style often appeals to fans of Scott Westerfeld because of the unique worlds he builds and the relatable young heroes he brings to life.

    A perfect entry into Stroud’s storytelling is The Amulet of Samarkand.  The story centers around Bartimaeus, a witty and sarcastic djinni summoned by Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice eager to prove himself.

    Nathaniel orders Bartimaeus to steal a powerful magical artifact, but he soon discovers his quest is far more dangerous than he ever imagined.

    The djinni’s snarky humor and the novel’s fast-paced action make it hard to put down, especially as the pair navigate magical conspiracies in an alternate London.

  15. Kiera Cass

    Readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld might also appreciate Kiera Cass, an author known for vivid storytelling and engaging, character-driven plots.

    Cass’s novel The Selection  introduces readers to America Singer, a determined young woman chosen to compete for the heart of a prince and a chance to become queen.

    Set in a society divided strictly by social class, the book cleverly blends romance, drama, and intrigue, while exploring themes of love, rebellion, and the struggle against societal expectations.

    Fans of Westerfeld’s dynamic characters and thoughtful exploration of identity will find much to enjoy in Cass’s absorbing worlds.