If you were swept away by “The Lunar Chronicles” by Marissa Meyer and its unique blend of fairy tales and futuristic settings, you’re probably on the hunt for more magical reads. Good news! We’ve got a list of books that share the same charm and adventure as “The Lunar Chronicles”. These books will transport you to fantastic worlds, filled with brave heroes, thrilling quests, and twists you won’t see coming. Just like “The Lunar Chronicles”, these stories are a fresh take on classic tales, giving them a new and exciting spin. Whether you love action, romance, or both, these books have it all. Explore this list and find your next read that’s sure to keep you hooked from the first page to the last!
See also: Best Fantasy Books with LGBT Characters.
Books Similar to The Lunar Chronicles
Kiera Cass
The Selection
"The Selection" by Kiera Cass is the first book in the "Selection" series. It follows the story of America Singer, one of thirty-five girls chosen to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon. While many girls see this as a chance to escape their predetermined lives, America sees it as a nightmare. She must leave behind her secret love and enter a dangerous competition for a crown she doesn't desire. However, as America gets to know Prince Maxon, she begins to question her own plans and discovers that the life she always dreamed of may not be as perfect as she imagined.
Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen
In the book "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard, the world is divided into two groups: the Reds and the Silvers. The Reds are commoners, while the Silvers are an elite group with superpowers. Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl, believes that nothing will ever change for her impoverished community. However, everything changes when she starts working in the Silver Palace and discovers her own deadly power. The Silvers, fearing Mare's potential, hide her in plain sight and claim she is a long-lost Silver princess. Despite the danger, Mare secretly helps the Red Guard, a resistance group, in their mission to overthrow the Silver regime. In this world of betrayal and deception, Mare finds herself caught in a dangerous dance between Reds and Silvers, princes, and her own heart.
Ally Condie
Matched
In the book "Matched" by Ally Condie, Cassia lives in a society where everything is decided for her, including who she loves and where she works. She has always trusted these choices, until her best friend appears on the Matching screen and another face briefly appears. Now Cassia is faced with difficult decisions between her best friend and this mysterious person, and between the life she knows and a path
Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief
"The Lightning Thief" is the first book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series by Rick Riordan. The story follows Percy Jackson, a regular kid who struggles with school and controlling his temper. When Percy's mom discovers that he is a demigod, she sends him to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods. There, Percy learns that his father is Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Alongside his friends, a satyr and a demigod, Percy embarks on a quest across the United States to stop a war between the gods, with the gates of the Underworld located in a recording studio in Hollywood.
Veronica Roth
Divergent
In the book "Divergent" by Veronica Roth, Beatrice Prior lives in a dystopian Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on virtues. At sixteen, everyone must choose a faction for life. Beatrice faces a difficult decision between staying with her family and being true to herself. She surprises everyone, including herself, with her choice. As she goes through the initiation process, Beatrice, now called Tris, faces physical and psychological challenges. She must figure out who her true friends are and navigate a complicated romance. Tris also has a dangerous secret that could save or destroy her. As she uncovers unrest in her society, she realizes her secret may be the key to saving her loved ones.
James Dashner
The Maze Runner
"The Maze Runner" is the first book in the thrilling "Maze Runner" series by James Dashner. The story follows Thomas, a young boy who wakes up in a lift with no memory of his past. He finds himself surrounded by other boys who are also suffering from amnesia. Together, they live in the Glade, a place enclosed by towering stone walls and a dangerous maze. No one has ever escaped the maze alive. However, everything changes when a girl arrives, the first one ever. She brings a terrifying message that urges them to remember, survive, and run. This gripping tale is filled with suspense and adventure as Thomas and his friends embark on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of the maze and find a way out.
Stephanie Garber
Caraval
In the book "Caraval" by Stephanie Garber, Scarlett Dragna has always dreamed of attending the legendary Caraval, a once-a-year performance where the audience becomes part of the show. However, her cruel father arranges a marriage for her, crushing her hopes. Just when she thinks she will never experience Caraval, Scarlett receives an invitation. With the help of a mysterious sailor, her sister Tella takes her to the show. But upon arrival, Tella is kidnapped by the mastermind behind Caraval, Legend. Scarlett is told that Caraval is all just a performance, but she soon finds herself caught up in a game of love, magic, and heartbreak. She must find her sister before the game ends, or Tella will be lost forever.
Cassandra Clare
City of Bones
In the book "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when she witnesses a group of teenagers with strange tattoos and weapons commit a murder. However, no one else can see the murderers or any evidence of the crime. Clary soon discovers that these teenagers are Shadowhunters, warriors who fight demons, and she is pulled into their world when her mother goes missing and she is attacked by a demon. Clary must uncover the truth about her newfound abilities and why demons are interested in her and her mother.
Kiera Cass
The Elite
"The Elite" is the second book in "The Selection Series" by Kiera Cass. The story follows America, one of the remaining six girls competing for Prince Maxon's heart. As the competition intensifies, America finds herself torn between Prince Maxon and her first love, Aspen. She desperately wants more time to make her decision, but the other Elite girls are determined to win. America's chance to choose is running out, and she must make a decision soon.
Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass
In a kingdom ruled by a strict king, a skilled assassin named Celaena Sardothien is brought to the castle. Instead of assassinating the king, she is given a chance to earn her freedom by defeating other dangerous individuals in a competition. As she competes, the Crown Prince tries to provoke her while the Captain of the Guard protects her. However, there is a sinister presence in the castle that is determined to kill. As her competitors mysteriously die, Celaena's fight for freedom turns into a fight for her life and a mission to uncover the evil threatening her world.
Anastasis Blythe
Maiden of Candlelight and Lotuses
In the book "Maiden of Candlelight and Lotuses" by Anastasis Blythe, a poor farm girl named Song Liena unexpectedly becomes a student at a highly competitive magic Academy. Despite being behind her peers and having weak magic, Liena is determined to work hard for a better life for her family. However, she didn't anticipate catching the attention of the handsome Crown Prince, who possesses powerful fire magic. As Liena navigates the Academy, she discovers hidden dangers and a mysterious individual with sinister intentions towards her.
Elise Kova
Vortex Visions
In the book "Vortex Visions" by Elise Kova, Crown Princess Vi Solaris is faced with a difficult decision. In a world facing destruction, Vi must choose between her magical abilities and her rightful place on the throne. As her empire struggles with political turmoil and a deadly plague, Vi's unique and dangerous powers may hold the key to saving her people. To harness her abilities, she secretly trains with a mysterious sorcerer from a distant land. Despite her initial fear, Vi finds herself drawn to him, and their forbidden love jeopardizes everything she knows. Balancing duty and desire, Vi embarks on a thrilling journey filled with adventure, romance, and the discovery of her true destiny. However, achieving victory will require a sacrifice like no other, forcing Vi to make the toughest decision of her life: to follow the rules and claim her throne or defy them for the sake of magic and a love that could alter the fate of her world forever.
Brianne Wik
One Iridescent Night: A Cinderella Retelling
"One Iridescent Night: A Cinderella Retelling" is the first book in The Iridescent Series trilogy by Brianne Wik. This enchanting fantasy romance is a retelling of Cinderella, filled with hidden secrets and a touch of darkness. The story follows Evelyn, an oppressed daughter of a Lord, who longs to attend the Summer ball to reunite with her first love, the Prince's Captain of the Guard. Meanwhile, Prince Ryker reluctantly agrees to find a bride for the good of the kingdom, but is captivated by a mysterious beauty he meets at the ball. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed and a love triangle emerges, keeping readers on their toes. Set in the same world as "Married by Dusk," this book takes readers on a journey of loss, magic, and love, as Evelyn tries to find her place and voice while overcoming the trauma she has endured.
Heidi Catherine
Breaking: After the Thaw
"Breaking: After the Thaw" is a captivating book by Heidi Catherine, part of The Thaw Chronicles series. The story follows four teenagers - Nova, Kian, Dex, and Wren - as they navigate the aftermath of the Proving. While three of them have successfully completed the challenge, one of them has not. They believed that Askala, their home, was safe, but now a threat looms as a connection to the Outlands has been established and a Remnant invasion is imminent. In a world plagued by hunger and destruction, Askala possesses something that others desire. However, the fight for survival is not simply a matter of right or wrong, or us versus them. It delves into the complex struggle between humanity and the Earth itself. As relationships are tested and new alliances are formed, the characters must grapple with how to protect their world while also safeguarding their own hearts.
Heidi Catherine
Reckoning: After the Thaw
In the book "Reckoning: After the Thaw" by Heidi Catherine, Nova, Kian, Dex, and Wren, four teenagers, are reunited only to find that their world has been torn apart. Askala has been taken over by a cruel army that rules with greed and fear, making it seem impossible to defeat. The people are forced into the forest and must use their knowledge from the harsh Outlands to survive. Bound, Unbound, and Remnant individuals must come together and create unity in a divided world if they want to succeed. This book explores the possibility of carving a better future, where everyone can thrive, not just a select few. Loyalties will be tested and love and intelligence may hold the key to victory in the greatest battle for Askala.
Laurie Woodward
Artania - The Pharaoh's Cry
In "Artania - The Pharaoh's Cry" by Laurie Woodward, young Bartholomew finds solace in sketching secretly since he is not allowed to go to school, play outside, or make art. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Alexander DeVinci, a skateboarding artist. Together, they are transported to Artania, a mythical realm filled with living paintings and breathing sculptures. In this extraordinary world, they discover that Artania is in danger of being destroyed. With the help of Egyptian gods and goddesses, Bartholomew and Alexander embark on daring battles and thrilling skateboarding escapes. Their ultimate mission is to defeat Sickhert's evil army and restore art to the world.
Karen Harris Tully
Exile: A YA Sci-Fi Adventure
"Exile" is a thrilling YA sci-fi adventure by Karen Harris Tully. The story follows fifteen-year-old Sunny Price, who dreams of becoming an Olympic gymnast. However, her plans are shattered when she discovers she is half-alien and is forced to leave her best friend and gymnastics career behind to live with her absentee mother on a distant planet. On the environmentally devastated planet Macawi, Sunny's unique green hair becomes her lifeline. She finds herself in a clan of women warriors and is fascinated by their giant cat warrior partners. However, she also faces challenges such as bullying cousins, water rationing, and dangerous alien birds. When her DNA makes her a target for kidnappers, Sunny's mother saves her but is then arrested for murder. Sunny must decide whether to return to Earth or stay and save her mother, all while coming to terms with her true identity.
Ryver Knight
Smoke and Spells
In the book "Smoke and Spells" by Ryver Knight, we follow the story of fifteen-year-old Asha Olinger. Asha has always followed her sister's rules and worked hard as a cleaner to survive in the city of Althuria. However, everything changes when she discovers she has a rare and dangerous power. Her sister warns her to be careful, and suddenly, a wealthy and charming boy named Lex Sylvester starts showing interest in her. Asha also receives an acceptance letter from the prestigious Luminus Academy. As she tries to understand her power and navigate her new opportunities, she becomes aware of a dark secret at the Academy - someone is murdering girls. Asha must uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim.
Annie O'Connell
THE LUNAR CODEX
"The Lunar Codex" is a book in the Codex Chronicles series by Annie O'Connell. It tells the story of Jace Northall, who becomes an orphan at three years old after a car accident. As a teenager, Jace struggles with frequent relocations, feeling lonely and frustrated. However, after making new friends, Jace realizes that his life is far from normal. He must fight to protect his loved ones and uncover the truth about himself. With the help of his friends, Jace embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and find his place in the world.
Annie O'Connell
The Legend of the Lost Child
"The Legend of the Lost Child" is a captivating book by Annie O'Connell, part of the Codex Chronicles series. The story follows Jace, a young boy who has faced many challenges in life. Now, with a new family and a new name, he returns to his childhood home. However, things quickly become more complicated when he discovers that he is being hunted. To survive, Jace must learn to control his newfound powers at an accelerated rate. Feeling like an outsider in his supposed forever home, Jace embarks on a journey to find where he truly belongs. Along the way, he realizes that his unique witch-werewolf hybrid presence has caught the attention of various supernatural beings. As attacks escalate, Jace must determine who he can trust and who poses a threat. The stakes are high, and failure could result in the death of Jace, his family, and his friends.
