Shannon Messenger has written books that many readers adore, especially the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.
If you are drawn to stories featuring magical abilities, found families, and plenty of mystery, then discovering authors with a similar approach might be something you would enjoy. Her books often explore themes of friendship and adventure within fantastical settings.
Readers who enjoyed Shannon Messenger’s adventurous storytelling and blend of fantasy and mythology may appreciate the works of Rick Riordan. Riordan’s novels mix modern-day settings with ancient myths, humor, and exciting adventures.
In “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” Percy discovers he is demigod, the son of Poseidon.
After Zeus’s powerful lightning bolt is stolen, Percy must embark on a daring journey with his friends Annabeth and Grover to retrieve it and prevent war between the gods.
Along the way, readers meet fascinating creatures, cleverly updated myths, and plenty of memorable characters. Riordan’s style is entertaining, fast-paced, and imaginative, making it highly appealing for fans looking for their next mythological adventure.
Readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger’s imaginative worlds and magical storytelling might also appreciate Holly Black. Black’s novels blend fantasy with real-world grit, creating stories that draw readers deeply into their settings.
In “The Cruel Prince,” readers are introduced to Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised among faeries in the dangerous and fascinating kingdom of Elfhame. Jude must navigate intricate politics, deceptive alliances, and fierce rivalries to secure her place within faerie society.
This book combines adventure and dark enchantment in a vivid narrative that holds readers’ attention until the final page.
Brandon Mull writes action-packed fantasies filled with magic, humor, and adventure. Readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger’s exciting tales and imaginative worlds would appreciate Mull’s series “Fablehaven.”
In book one, siblings Kendra and Seth stay with their grandparents, who secretly care for a hidden sanctuary of magical creatures. When protective barriers weaken, dangerous creatures threaten both the sanctuary and the outside world.
Kendra and Seth discover their courage and strength as they face these threats, test their loyalty, and uncover hidden mysteries. Mull’s novels explore rich and vivid magical realms in fast-paced adventures, appealing to readers who enjoy Messenger’s “Keeper of the Lost Cities.”
Readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger’s imaginative worlds might also appreciate J.K. Rowling’s fantasy storytelling in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Rowling introduces us to Harry, an orphan who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is actually a wizard.
Harry soon arrives at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where magic fills everyday life. With new friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, he must unravel the mystery behind a secret hidden deep within Hogwarts castle.
Rowling creates a vivid, magical setting with humor, friendship, and suspense, making Harry’s journey a joy to follow.
Cassandra Clare is an author who creates imaginative worlds filled with fantasy and adventure.
Her series “The Mortal Instruments” begins with the book “City of Bones”, where readers meet Clary Fray, a teenager whose life turns upside down when she discovers a hidden supernatural realm right in the middle of New York City.
Demons, shadowhunters, and mysterious creatures become part of her reality overnight. Similar to the thrilling adventures by Shannon Messenger, Clare explores themes of friendship, courage, and hidden magic in everyday life.
Readers who enjoyed Messenger’s vivid storytelling and memorable characters will find Clare’s fast-paced writing style and vibrant world-building hard to put down.
Readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger may find Tamora Pierce a perfect next read. Pierce creates immersive fantasy worlds with courageous young protagonists and exciting adventures.
In her book “Alanna: The First Adventure,” Alanna disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight, defying traditions of her kingdom. As she learns sword-fighting and masters magical skills, Alanna confronts dangerous enemies and discovers her own strength and destiny.
Pierce crafts intricate characters and vivid worlds filled with magic, friendship, and bravery, elements fans of Messenger will certainly appreciate.
Chris Colfer is an author known for imaginative storytelling and memorable characters, ideal for fans of Shannon Messenger’s style. In his book, “The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell,” readers meet twins Alex and Conner Bailey.
They find themselves magically transported into a world filled with classic fairy tale characters.
Desperate to return home, the siblings go on a quest to gather items for the mysterious Wishing Spell, facing challenges from figures like Snow White, Cinderella, and a range of villains along the way.
The story mixes adventure, humor, and heart, bringing fresh excitement to familiar tales.
Readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger’s blend of adventure, fantasy, and hidden magic will find a great read in Lisa McMann’s books. McMann is known for stories that combine thrilling mysteries with supernatural twists.
Her novel “The Unwanteds” follows twins Alex and Aaron in a society where creativity is considered dangerous. When Alex is marked as an “Unwanted” for his imaginative nature, he expects a grim fate.
Instead, he discovers a secret, magical world named Artimé, where creativity isn’t a threat but a powerful gift. But Artimé holds its own challenges, secrets, and dangers that Alex must face head-on.
Readers will find excitement, danger, and heartfelt moments in McMann’s imaginative narrative.
Books by Katherine Applegate offer engaging and heartfelt stories that readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger might appreciate. In “The One and Only Ivan,” Applegate presents the bittersweet tale of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a shopping mall.
Ivan spends his days quietly observing people until friendship with a young elephant named Ruby prompts him to reevaluate life in captivity. Told gently from Ivan’s perspective, the story explores friendship, compassion, and how hope can transform even difficult situations.
Readers who value the emotional depth and relatable characters of Shannon Messenger’s books will find warmth and tenderness in Applegate’s storytelling.
Jennifer A. Nielsen writes stories filled with adventure, rich characters, and journeys that pull readers into worlds of danger and courage.
If you enjoy the way Shannon Messenger builds suspense and creates lovable heroes, Nielsen’s novel “The False Prince” might capture your attention.
The story centers on Sage, a quick-witted orphan boy chosen by a mysterious nobleman to compete in a risky deception—to pretend to be a kingdom’s lost prince. Sage faces secret plots, fierce rivals, and threats to his very life.
Throughout the book, hidden alliances and his clever personality drive the story forward, keeping readers eagerly flipping pages to discover if the risky plan will succeed or collapse into disaster.
Readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger’s imaginative worlds and captivating characters may find Lloyd Alexander a wonderful discovery. Alexander is best known for his fantasy series, “The Chronicles of Prydain,” starting with “The Book of Three.”
This story introduces readers to Taran, an assistant pig-keeper who dreams of adventure and heroism. When the magical pig he tends runs away, Taran is suddenly faced with dangers and mysteries he never imagined.
Along with an eccentric group of companions, Taran journeys through Prydain confronting dark forces and discovering what bravery really means. Alexander fills his tale with humor and warmth, creating a fantasy landscape readers won’t soon forget.
Suzanne Collins is an author known for creating stories that blend thrilling adventures, relatable characters, and complex moral dilemmas.
Her book “The Hunger Games” is set in a dystopian future, where a harsh government selects young people from different districts to battle to the death in a televised event.
Katniss Everdeen, a girl from the impoverished District 12, volunteers for the brutal contest to protect her younger sister. Once within the games, Katniss faces difficult choices between survival and preserving her humanity.
Readers who enjoyed the strong character bonds and vivid action scenes found in Shannon Messenger’s books will likely find Suzanne Collins’ storytelling equally engaging.
Tui T. Sutherland is an author best known for her exciting fantasy stories, lively characters, and vivid imagination. Readers who love Shannon Messenger’s magical worlds and adventure-filled plots may enjoy Sutherland’s engaging series “Wings of Fire.”
In the first book, “The Dragonet Prophecy,” five dragonets are raised in secret to fulfill a prophecy meant to end a long-standing war among dragon tribes. Each dragonet must face danger, betrayal, and surprising discoveries as they uncover their own strengths and destinies.
Sutherland weaves themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage into a captivating dragon-centered adventure, packed with action and warmth.
Readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger’s imaginative worlds filled with magic and adventure might also appreciate Jessica Townsend. Townsend is known for vivid storytelling and rich, enchanting settings.
Her debut novel, “Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow,” introduces readers to Morrigan, a young girl cursed from birth and destined to die on her eleventh birthday.
But Morrigan’s fate takes an unexpected turn when the mysterious Jupiter North whisks her away into the magical city of Nevermoor. There, Morrigan must compete against others in a series of extraordinary trials to secure a place in the legendary Wundrous Society.
Filled with unexpected twists, captivating characters, and the magic of discovery, Townsend’s writing offers a fresh, exciting world readers can easily lose themselves in.
Diana Wynne Jones is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy Shannon Messenger’s imaginative worlds and strong characters. Her fantasy novels feature relatable heroes who often face magical challenges and unexpected adventures.
One of her most popular stories is “Howl’s Moving Castle,” a tale about Sophie, a young woman transformed into an elderly version of herself by a witch’s curse.
Determined to lift her curse, she seeks out the mysterious wizard Howl, who lives in a castle that moves from place to place. Inside the castle, Sophie encounters magic doors, talking fire demons, and surprising revelations about herself and those around her.
The story is filled with enchanting magic, humor, and characters you can’t help but root for.