If you love Tamora Pierce’s books, with their focus on determined heroines, magical realms, and stories of courage and friendship, you might wonder who else writes books with a similar spirit.
Her books often feature young women who not only discover they have powers, but also learn to use them to protect the people they love and stand up for what is right.
She creates worlds like Tortall or Emelan that just pull you in, places where you can meet knights, mages, and spies, and go on quests.
So, if you want to find more books that give you that same feeling of adventure and feature characters you really care about, here are some authors to check out.
Readers who enjoy Tamora Pierce’s adventures of strong, independent heroines may also appreciate Robin McKinley’s storytelling style.
Her novel “The Blue Sword” follows the journey of Harry Crewe, a young woman abruptly transplanted from her comfortable home to a remote desert outpost.
After she’s kidnapped by Corlath, a mysterious hill king who sees potential in her, Harry discovers a world full of magic, ancient legends, and destiny.
As she navigates unfamiliar traditions and her growing abilities, Harry faces challenges that will decide the fate of kingdoms.
If you enjoy fantasy worlds built around courageous heroines, magic, and adventure, Robin McKinley’s “The Blue Sword” might become your next favorite read.
Books by Diana Wynne Jones offer fantastic worlds filled with rich characters, magic, and adventure. One that particularly stands out is “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
The story follows Sophie, a practical and dutiful young woman transformed by a spiteful witch into an elderly version of herself. Sophie sets out on a quest to reverse her curse and meets Howl, a wizard whose moving castle wanders unpredictably about the countryside.
Sophie navigates spells, enchanted beings, and humorous mishaps as she discovers hidden strengths within herself.
If you’re a fan of Tamora Pierce’s combination of strong, resourceful characters and imaginative magic, Diana Wynne Jones presents a similar charm and warmth in her whimsical storytelling.
Garth Nix writes fantasy novels with strong characters and imaginative worlds, appealing to readers who enjoy authors like Tamora Pierce. In “Sabriel,” he introduces a fascinating heroine who inherits the dangerous role of necromancer.
Sabriel must venture beyond the safety of her boarding school into the Old Kingdom, where magic is wild and mysterious. Her quest to find her missing father places her face-to-face with evil creatures, ancient spells, and powerful magic.
Readers who appreciate adventure and intriguing heroines similar to Pierce’s Alanna will likely find “Sabriel” captivating.
Books by Patricia C. Wrede offer readers memorable characters, exciting adventures, and captivating worlds. If you enjoyed Tamora Pierce’s strong heroines, you may also appreciate Wrede’s “Dealing with Dragons.”
This novel introduces Cimorene, an unconventional princess bored by etiquette lessons and royal expectations. Instead of waiting for rescue, Cimorene runs away and volunteers to work for a dragon named Kazul.
Soon she meets witches, wizards, and princes determined to “save” her, whether she likes it or not. Her encounters reveal secrets, create friendships, and uncover plots that threaten dragons everywhere.
Cimorene’s quick wit and cleverness make this humorous and imaginative fantasy tale a joy to read.
Readers who enjoy Tamora Pierce’s strong characters and vivid fantasy worlds will appreciate Mercedes Lackey’s writing. Lackey blends magic, adventure, and relatable protagonists in her stories. One great place to start is with her book “Arrows of the Queen.”
The story centers on Talia, a young girl chosen by a magical Companion horse. She leaves her restrictive village life behind and becomes part of the Heralds, heroes who uphold justice and protect their kingdom.
Through courage, friendship, and growing confidence in herself and her abilities, Talia faces danger and uncovers secrets that could threaten the entire kingdom. Lackey creates both appealing characters and a thoroughly immersive world that’s easy to get lost in.
Shannon Hale is a notable author appreciated by readers who enjoy vivid fantasy worlds, strong heroines, and thoughtful storytelling, similar to Tamora Pierce’s work. Her novel “The Goose Girl” reimagines a classic fairy tale with fresh depth and excitement.
It follows Ani, a princess who discovers her gift for speaking with animals and nature, and who must rely on courage and cleverness when treachery overturns her life.
Hale crafts a tale filled with magic, friendship, and a heroine who learns to stand tall despite adversity, exactly the elements fans of Pierce’s novels often seek out.
If you enjoy Tamora Pierce’s fantasy novels with strong heroines and vivid worlds, you might also appreciate Kristin Cashore. Cashore writes stories filled with intriguing characters, adventure, and believable magic systems.
In her book “Graceling,” readers follow Katsa, a fierce young woman with a magical skill called a Grace. Because her Grace is that she can kill easily, Katsa has become a feared weapon for her uncle, the king.
As she faces conflicts, secrets, and alliances, Katsa must come to terms with herself and with the real nature of her power. The novel blends action, romance, and personal growth.
It’s full of compelling themes around identity and independence and offers readers a richly realized fantasy realm to explore.
Readers who enjoy Tamora Pierce’s fantasy adventures featuring strong characters and vivid worlds will likely appreciate Lloyd Alexander’s books as well. Lloyd Alexander is known for his engaging storytelling and memorable characters.
In “The Book of Three,” readers meet Taran, a young pig-keeper who dreams of heroism and adventure. His peaceful life changes abruptly when Hen Wen, the magical pig he cares for, suddenly runs away.
Taran must leave home to find her, quickly stumbling into unforeseen dangers and an unexpected company of companions. His quest soon grows larger and more perilous, setting him on a thrilling journey filled with mythical creatures, powerful magic, and self-discovery.
Fans of Pierce will find the courage, humor, and heart in Alexander’s tale familiar and inviting.
Cinda Williams Chima is an author loved by readers who enjoy fantasy worlds with strong, memorable characters, similar to the works of Tamora Pierce.
Her novel, “The Demon King,” introduces readers to Han Alister, a former street lord with a mysterious magical past, and Princess Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Gray Wolf throne.
The story revolves around powerful magic, dangerous political tensions, and deep secrets that could shape or destroy the kingdom they both call home.
Throughout the narrative, readers will encounter rich world-building, dynamic characters, and engaging conflicts that draw them deeper into the realms of the Seven Realms series.
Philip Pullman writes imaginative fantasy novels known for vivid characters, creative world-building, and thoughtful storytelling. If you’re a fan of Tamora Pierce, Pullman’s “The Golden Compass” is a good place to start.
It’s the first in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy, a fantasy series about a brave young girl named Lyra. Lyra lives in a world where people have daemons—animal companions that reflect one’s inner self.
She sets out on a risky journey north to find her missing friend and uncovers a sinister scheme involving kidnapped children, mysterious northern lights, and powerful, hidden truths.
Pullman’s storytelling draws readers into an intricate adventure full of wonder, suspense, and deep questions about courage and freedom.
If you enjoy Tamora Pierce’s rich fantasy worlds and characters who leap off the page, you might also appreciate Megan Whalen Turner.
Her book “The Thief” introduces readers to Gen, a cocky young thief released from prison by the king’s scholar on one condition—that Gen must steal a legendary artifact hidden deep within enemy lands.
The journey ahead tests his cleverness and bravery, and reveals hidden motives, shifting alliances, and surprising twists.
Gen’s witty narration and Turner’s beautifully crafted setting make “The Thief” an easy pick for anyone who admires Pierce’s engaging storytelling and memorable heroes.
Cornelia Funke is a German author known for her exciting fantasy novels filled with magic, adventure, and courageous characters. If you enjoy Tamora Pierce’s tales of strong female leads and rich worlds, you’ll find Funke’s stories equally satisfying.
In her book “Inkheart,” readers meet Meggie, a young girl whose father has the unusual ability to bring fictional characters into the real world simply by reading aloud.
When characters from a mysterious story invade her life, Meggie and her father must confront dangers they’ve only imagined in books. Funke’s vivid imagination and engaging storytelling make her work a captivating choice for fans of Tamora Pierce.
Readers who enjoy Tamora Pierce’s combination of fantasy, adventure, and strong female characters may also appreciate the works of Danish author Lene Kaaberbøl.
Her novel “The Shamer’s Daughter” introduces Dina, a young girl who inherits her mother’s powerful but isolating gift: the ability to see people’s deepest shame. Dina struggles to accept this difficult ability.
Soon she becomes caught up in a dangerous conflict involving a royal murder, deception, and a dragon. Kaaberbøl builds an authentic, engaging world and characters you quickly care about.
Readers will appreciate Dina’s bravery and resourcefulness as she searches for truth in a world of shadows and secrets.
Holly Black is an author known for her dark yet enchanting fantasy worlds featuring vivid characters and intriguing plots. Readers fond of Tamora Pierce’s fearless heroines and immersive worlds may enjoy Holly Black’s novels.
A great place to start is her book “The Cruel Prince,” the first book in the “Folk of the Air” series. It follows Jude, a mortal girl raised among the ruthless faerie nobility.
Jude faces complicated alliances and ruthless betrayals as she fights to secure her own place and power within this dangerous world. With its blend of romance, suspense, and faerie lore, this book offers an exciting adventure filled with unexpected turns.
If you enjoy Tamora Pierce’s adventurous stories with strong, independent heroines, Naomi Novik might interest you as well.
Novik’s fantasy novel “Uprooted” features Agnieszka, a spirited and unconventional young woman chosen unexpectedly by a mysterious wizard known as the Dragon.
Set in a village surrounded by a sinister, ever-threatening forest, Agnieszka must learn to navigate magical powers she never anticipated. As danger grows, Agnieszka uncovers hidden truths about herself, the Dragon, and the lurking darkness in the eerie woods beyond her village.
Fans of Pierce’s engaging storytelling and vivid characters could find a similar sense of excitement and adventure in Novik’s magical world.