Sarah J. Maas writes the kind of fantasy that is almost impossible to put down. Her books blend sweeping romance, dangerous magic, fierce heroines, and just enough emotional devastation to keep readers turning pages far too late into the night. From Throne of Glass to A Court of Thorns and Roses, she has a talent for building immersive worlds and filling them with characters readers become deeply invested in.
If you enjoy reading books by Sarah J Maas then you might also like the following authors:
If you love Sarah J. Maas for expansive fantasy settings, layered characters, and high emotional stakes, Leigh Bardugo is a natural next pick. Bardugo is known for imaginative worldbuilding and stories that balance magic, danger, and character-driven tension.
Her novel Shadow and Bone introduces Alina Starkov, a young soldier who discovers a hidden power that could alter the fate of her war-ravaged country.
As Alina is drawn into a world of court politics, ancient magic, and unsettling loyalties, the story builds into a gripping fantasy adventure. Readers who enjoy conflicted heroes, powerful enemies, and a strong sense of atmosphere will likely find plenty to love here.
If Sarah J Maas’s blend of romance, fantasy, and political drama keeps you hooked, Victoria Aveyard is well worth exploring.
Her novel Red Queen introduces Mare Barrow, a young woman in a society divided by blood—Silvers, who rule with supernatural powers, and Reds, who live under their control. Mare is Red, yet she discovers an astonishing ability that should not be possible.
That revelation pulls her into the dangerous heart of the Silver court, where every alliance comes with a cost. With betrayal, rebellion, and tangled attraction at its center, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy power struggles and heroines forced to adapt quickly.
Cassandra Clare is a popular fantasy author whose books are packed with hidden worlds, supernatural conflict, and emotionally complicated relationships. Fans of Sarah J Maas often enjoy Clare’s City of Bones, the first novel in The Mortal Instruments series.
In it, Clary Fray learns that the world around her is far stranger than she ever imagined when she discovers her connection to the Shadowhunters, warriors tasked with battling dark forces in New York City.
Clare combines action, romance, and urban fantasy in a way that feels fast-paced and immersive. If you like magic, tension, and friendships tested by dangerous secrets, this series is an easy recommendation.
Sabaa Tahir writes intense fantasy with sharp stakes, compelling characters, and plenty of emotional momentum, all qualities that tend to resonate with Sarah J Maas readers.
Her debut novel, An Ember in the Ashes, is set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome.
The story follows Laia, who risks everything to save her brother, and Elias, a soldier desperate to escape the violent system that shaped him. Their paths collide in a world defined by fear, resistance, and impossible choices.
With action, suspense, and two protagonists easy to care about, this is a strong choice for readers who want fantasy that feels urgent from the first page.
If you’re drawn to Sarah J Maas for lush fantasy settings and tense character dynamics, Holly Black should be on your list. Black excels at writing magical worlds that feel alluring and dangerous at the same time.
Her book The Cruel Prince follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised among the ruthless faeries of Elfhame. Determined to earn power in a court that looks down on her, Jude steps into a web of schemes, rivalries, and royal manipulation.
The result is a story full of sharp dialogue, shifting alliances, and constant tension. For readers who enjoy ambition, court intrigue, and morally complicated relationships, this one is especially satisfying.
If Sarah J Maas’s immersive worldbuilding and memorable characters are what keep you reading, Patrick Rothfuss may be a great fit. His novel, The Name of the Wind, tells the story of Kvothe, a gifted and enigmatic figure whose life has already become legend.
The novel traces his journey from a traveling troupe to a prestigious magical university, weaving in music, mystery, hardship, and rivalry along the way.
Rothfuss writes with a strong sense of atmosphere, and his world feels textured and lived-in. Readers who enjoy fantasy with depth, lore, and a compelling central voice will likely be drawn in quickly.
Naomi Novik is a wonderful choice for readers who enjoy magic, adventure, and richly imagined settings. Like Sarah J Maas, she creates heroines who grow into their strength while facing forces far larger than themselves.
Her novel Uprooted. follows Agnieszka, a young woman unexpectedly chosen by a mysterious wizard known as the Dragon. Nearby, the corrupted Woods loom as a constant threat, spreading darkness and fear.
Drawing on folklore and fairy-tale atmosphere, the novel mixes eerie magic with a satisfying character arc. It’s an excellent pick for readers who want a standalone fantasy with heart, danger, and memorable enchantment.
Laini Taylor writes with a lush, dreamlike style that many Sarah J. Maas fans will appreciate. Her fantasy worlds feel expansive and imaginative, and her stories often combine romance with deep emotional undercurrents.
Her novel Daughter of Smoke and Bone centers on Karou, an art student in Prague whose blue hair, unusual errands, and mysterious past hint at a life far stranger than it appears.
As the story unfolds, portals open, ancient conflicts resurface, and Karou begins to uncover the truth about who she is. With striking imagery and a powerful emotional core, this book is ideal for readers who want fantasy that feels both epic and intimate.
Readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas’s determined heroines may also love Tamora Pierce, a beloved fantasy author known for strong female leads and vividly developed worlds.
In her book Alanna: The First Adventure, Pierce introduces Alanna of Trebond, a girl who is determined to become a knight despite the restrictions placed on her.
Disguising herself as a boy and trading places with her twin brother, Alanna enters training filled with swordplay, magic, friendship, and danger. Her story is full of grit and heart, making it a rewarding read for anyone who loves watching a heroine fight for the life she wants.
Susan Dennard writes fantasy packed with magic, adventure, and strong character bonds. If one of your favorite parts of Sarah J Maas’s books is the relationships between characters, Dennard is especially worth trying.
Her novel Truthwitch follows two close friends, Safiya and Iseult, whose loyalty to one another remains central even as the world around them grows more dangerous.
Safiya possesses a rare power that makes her valuable to the wrong people, while Iseult struggles to understand the magic within herself. Surrounded by political tension and the threat of war, they are forced to make difficult choices fast.
The book delivers a lively fantasy setting, strong momentum, and friendships that feel as important as the plot itself.
R.F. Kuang writes fantasy that is intense, ambitious, and emotionally heavy. Her stories are darker than Sarah J Maas’s, but readers who enjoy powerful heroines and high-stakes conflict may find her work deeply compelling.
In The Poppy War Rin escapes poverty by earning a place at the elite Sinegard military academy, only to discover that survival there is only the beginning of her struggle.
As war erupts, Rin is forced to confront violent power, impossible decisions, and the cost of vengeance. This is a gripping, often brutal novel that will appeal to readers looking for fantasy with sharp edges and real weight.
Marie Lu is another strong choice for readers who like fast-paced stories, vivid settings, and characters caught between loyalty and rebellion. Her books tend to be highly readable and emotionally engaging.
In her novel Legend, readers meet June and Day, two teenagers from opposite sides of a divided society. June is a military prodigy loyal to the government, while Day is the nation’s most wanted fugitive.
When tragedy pushes them together, both begin to question everything they thought they knew. The result is a tense, propulsive story with action, heart, and a compelling push-and-pull between its two leads.
Sarah Rees Brennan brings together fantasy, romance, and sharp wit in a way that can be very appealing to fans of Sarah J Maas. Her characters are often messy, funny, and surprisingly affecting.
Her novel In Other Lands follows Elliot, a sarcastic and unconventional protagonist who is transported to the magical Borderlands. Once there, he finds that diplomacy, friendship, and growing up are much more complicated than heroic stories make them sound.
Brennan’s voice is lively and distinctive, and her character work gives the novel real charm. If you want fantasy with humor alongside heart, this is a great option.
Readers who enjoy Sarah J. Maas may also be drawn to Kristin Cashore’s novels, which combine adventure, emotional depth, and capable heroines.
In Graceling Cashore introduces Katsa, a young woman living in a world where certain people are born with extraordinary abilities known as Graces. Katsa’s gift makes her a formidable fighter, but it also complicates how others see and use her.
As she uncovers dangerous secrets alongside Prince Po, the story grows into a compelling mix of political tension, self-discovery, and romance. Fans of strong heroines and expansive fantasy will find a lot to enjoy here.
Jay Kristoff writes dark, stylish fantasy filled with high stakes, intense action, and unforgettable protagonists. If you like the fiercer, more dangerous edges of Sarah J Maas’s work, his books may be a strong match.
In Nevernight, Kristoff introduces Mia Corvere, a young woman driven by revenge after her family’s ruin.
To gain the power she needs, Mia enters the Red Church, a brutal school for assassins where competition is deadly and trust is rare. The novel is packed with twists, shadowy motives, and a richly atmospheric setting.
For readers who enjoy vengeance-driven plots, morally gray characters, and relentless momentum, Nevernight is an easy pick.
