If you enjoy reading books by Shannon Hale then you might also like the following authors:
Gail Carson Levine is a storyteller who weaves classic fairy tale elements into fresh and imaginative worlds. One of her most popular books, “Ella Enchanted,” is a retelling of “Cinderella” where Ella is cursed to obey any command given to her.
Though it sounds simple, this curse turns her life into a series of challenges as she struggles to balance her own will with what others demand of her. The book has humor, danger, and a unique twist on the struggles of growing up.
Fans of Shannon Hale’s mix of fantasy and strong heroines might really enjoy Levine’s work.
Jessica Day George writes engaging fantasy novels that are perfect for readers who enjoy Shannon Hale’s blend of magic and strong heroines. One of her standout books is “Princess of the Midnight Ball.” It’s a fresh take on the fairy tale of the twelve dancing princesses.
The story follows Princess Rose and her sisters, cursed to dance every night in an underground kingdom. A young soldier named Galen stumbles upon the mystery and uses his knowledge of both knitting and magic to help.
The charm lies in the mix of bravery, family bonds, and unexpected twists in this familiar tale.
Robin McKinley writes fantasy stories full of rich worlds and strong characters. One of her most loved books, “The Hero and the Crown,” tells the story of Aerin, a young woman who doesn’t fit the expectations of her royal lineage.
She discovers a forgotten recipe for a fireproof ointment, which leads her to face dragons and uncover truths about her family’s history. The mix of action and personal struggle makes it a story that stays with you.
Fans of Shannon Hale might enjoy the way McKinley blends magic with heartfelt storytelling.
Marissa Meyer is known for her imaginative takes on classic tales. One of her books, “Cinder,” reimagines the story of Cinderella in a futuristic world. Cinder is a young cyborg mechanic living in New Beijing, where her talents keep her busy, but her life is far from easy.
She’s treated unfairly by her stepmother and finds herself caught in a dangerous political struggle when a mysterious plague threatens humanity. To make it even more complicated, a handsome prince crosses her path, and their fates become unexpectedly linked.
It’s a mix of fairy tale inspiration and science fiction, and it pulls you into a rich setting filled with secrets and twists.
Tamora Pierce is a fantasy author known for creating strong, relatable characters and fantastical worlds. One of her most popular books, “Alanna: The First Adventure,” follows a girl who disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight.
Alanna faces tough challenges, builds unexpected friendships, and discovers her own courage as she works toward her dream.
The story is full of magic, bravery, and personal growth, making it an exciting read for anyone who enjoys vivid storytelling and heroines who break boundaries.
Patricia C. Wrede is well-known for her creative fantasy stories that often twist familiar tales in unexpected ways. One of her popular books, “Dealing with Dragons,” introduces Cimorene, a princess fed up with boring royal duties who decides to work for a dragon instead.
Instead of needing rescue, she ends up outsmarting wizards and learning magic while handling dragon business. It’s a fun mix of adventure and humor that flips traditional fairy tale roles on their heads.
Jennifer A. Nielsen writes books filled with adventure and strong characters, perfect for readers who enjoy Shannon Hale. One of her books, “The False Prince,” is about a boy named Sage who gets caught up in a plan to impersonate a lost prince.
The story is packed with twists as Sage tries to outsmart everyone around him, all while keeping his own secrets hidden. It’s full of clever dialogue and moments that make you want to turn the page as fast as you can.
Holly Black is known for creating vivid fantasy worlds with a dark edge. In her book “The Cruel Prince,” she introduces Jude, a mortal girl taken to live in the High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered.
Jude grows up among the faeries, who often scorn her for being human, and she decides to prove her worth by outsmarting them. The story is filled with court intrigue and dangerous power plays.
There’s also Prince Cardan, a faerie with a cruel streak, who becomes deeply tangled in Jude’s life. Readers who enjoy richly imagined realms and flawed, determined characters might like diving into this book.
Katherine Paterson is an author known for creating heartfelt stories that connect with readers of all ages.
One of her most beloved books, “Bridge to Terabithia,” tells the story of Jess and Leslie, two kids who form a powerful friendship and create a magical kingdom in the woods. Their bond helps them face challenges and find courage in their everyday lives.
Paterson’s work often explores themes of friendship and resilience, making her a great match for fans of Shannon Hale.
E.D. Baker is known for writing fun and magical stories that blend fairy tale elements with a fresh twist. One of her books, “The Frog Princess,” tells the story of a princess named Emeralda, or Emma, who isn’t exactly graceful or traditional royalty.
When she tries to help a frog who claims to be a prince, her magic backfires, and she turns into a frog instead. Together, they set off on an adventure to break the curse, facing quirky magical creatures and unexpected obstacles.
It’s a lighthearted tale with clever humor and a unique take on the classic “princess meets prince” story. Fans of Shannon Hale would enjoy the mix of charm and fantasy here.
Sarah Beth Durst writes fantasy stories with heart and imagination. Her book “The Queen of Blood” introduces a world where nature spirits are dangerous and only a queen can keep them in check.
The story follows Daleina, a young woman determined to protect her people, as she trains for the ultimate challenge. The magic feels alive, and the struggles of the characters draw you into a dangerous and beautiful forest world.
Cornelia Funke is a German author known for creating imaginative worlds filled with adventure and heart. One of her best-known books is “Inkheart.” It follows Meggie, a young girl who discovers that her father has the ability to bring characters out of books by reading aloud.
Trouble begins when a villain from one of the stories comes to life, pulling Meggie into a dangerous quest to set things right. The story blends the magic of storytelling with a real sense of danger, making it perfect for fans of Shannon Hale’s work.
Margaret Peterson Haddix is an author known for her engaging stories that often explore questions about identity and society. One of her popular books is “Among the Hidden,” the first in the Shadow Children series.
It tells the story of Luke, a third child in a world where families are forbidden to have more than two children. Forced to live in isolation to avoid being discovered by the Population Police, Luke discovers another hidden child, which changes everything for him.
The series grabs you with its suspenseful moments and thought-provoking premise. Fans of Shannon Hale may enjoy Haddix’s ability to craft characters and worlds that pull readers in.
Jaclyn Moriarty is an Australian author known for her clever and quirky storytelling. One of her books, “The Year of Secret Assignments,” is about three best friends who start a pen pal project with students from a rival school.
Through their letters, they encounter pranks, drama, and unexpected friendships. The story gets interesting when secrets come to light, and the friends have to figure out who to trust. It’s full of humor and charm, with characters who feel real and relatable.
Shannon Messenger writes stories that sweep readers into vivid fantasy worlds. Her series “Keeper of the Lost Cities” begins with Sophie, a girl who discovers she’s not entirely human and belongs to a world filled with elves and amazing abilities.
As Sophie learns about her true identity, she uncovers secrets that could change everything. The story has twists, unique characters, and moments of wonder that make it easy to get lost in.
Fans of Shannon Hale might also enjoy Messenger’s ability to create strong, smart heroines and inventive worlds.