Soman Chainani is widely loved for young adult fantasy, especially for his bestselling series The School for Good and Evil.
If you enjoy his mix of magic, friendship, fairy-tale twists, and high-stakes adventure, these authors are well worth exploring:
If you were drawn to the enchanted settings and layered friendships in Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil, Shannon Hale is a natural next pick.
Her novel The Goose Girl follows Princess Ani, who is betrayed on the way to her wedding and forced to hide her identity by working as a goose girl.
As she adjusts to her new life, Ani discovers inner strength along with surprising magical abilities. Hale brings warmth, heart, and rich fairy-tale atmosphere to this retelling, making it especially appealing for readers who enjoy resilient heroines and beautifully imagined worlds.
Readers who love Soman Chainani’s playful take on fairy tales may also enjoy Chris Colfer. His books blend humor, magic, and emotional family dynamics with an inviting sense of wonder.
His book, The Wishing Spell, is the first novel from the series The Land of Stories. It follows twins Alex and Conner Bailey, who are swept into a magical world through a mysterious book.
Inside, they encounter familiar fairy-tale figures such as Snow White, Cinderella, and a far more complicated Evil Queen than they expected. As the twins search for a way home, they uncover secrets about courage, family, and the hidden stories behind legendary characters.
Colfer’s fast-paced style and clever reimagining of classic tales make his work especially fun for readers who like fantasy that feels both lighthearted and heartfelt.
Marissa Meyer writes imaginative retellings packed with vivid characters and inventive world-building. If Chainani’s fairy-tale twists appealed to you, Meyer’s books may be just as irresistible.
Her novel Cinder, the first book in The Lunar Chronicles, introduces a futuristic world where Cinder, a gifted mechanic and cyborg, is underestimated and mistreated by her stepmother.
Everything changes when Prince Kai seeks her help with a broken android, drawing her into palace politics, looming danger, and an unexpected connection that could alter her future.
Meyer’s blend of science fiction, romance, and fairy-tale inspiration gives the story a fresh energy while preserving the charm that fantasy readers love.
Victoria Schwab is a strong choice for readers who enjoy imaginative settings, morally complex characters, and the tension between light and darkness.
Her novel City of Ghosts follows Cassidy Blake, a girl who can slip between the living world and the spirit realm after a near-death experience. With her ghost best friend Jacob at her side, she travels to Edinburgh, where the city’s haunted history feels very much alive.
As Cassidy uncovers eerie secrets, she finds herself facing increasingly dangerous supernatural forces. Schwab balances creepy atmosphere with humor, friendship, and adventure, creating a story that is both accessible and memorable.
Cornelia Funke is an excellent recommendation for anyone who loves stories about magic, danger, and the power of books themselves.
In her novel Inkheart, Meggie learns that her father has an extraordinary gift: when he reads aloud, characters can be brought out of books and into the real world.
That talent soon pulls them into a thrilling conflict with villains who have escaped from the page and have no intention of going back. With its rich atmosphere, literary magic, and strong emotional core, Inkheart is a great fit for readers who enjoy fantasy that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Rick Riordan is known for fantasy adventures that combine mythology, humor, and loyal friendships, making him a great match for fans of Soman Chainani.
In The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson discovers that he is the son of Poseidon and is suddenly thrown into a world of gods, monsters, and ancient rivalries.
Tasked with recovering Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, Percy sets off on a dangerous journey with Annabeth and Grover. Along the way, he faces mythological threats while learning hard truths about bravery, belonging, and who he really is.
Riordan’s books are especially enjoyable for readers who like quick pacing, sharp humor, and adventures that never stay still for long.
For readers who like their fairy tales with a sharper edge, Holly Black is well worth picking up. Her fantasy often feels darker and more dangerous, without losing its sense of wonder.
Her book The Cruel Prince follows Jude, a mortal girl raised in the High Court of Faerie after the murder of her parents.
Determined to win power in a place that looks down on her, Jude must navigate cruel politics, shifting loyalties, and her volatile relationship with Prince Cardan. The result is a tense, atmospheric story full of ambition, betrayal, and moral ambiguity.
Leigh Bardugo’s books offer a compelling blend of magic, danger, and richly drawn characters that many Soman Chainani fans will appreciate.
In Shadow and Bone, Alina Starkov, an ordinary soldier, discovers a rare power that could change the fate of her country.
Her awakening places her at the center of a conflict involving the terrifying Shadow Fold, a darkness filled with monstrous creatures and political intrigue. As Alina enters a glamorous but treacherous new world, she must decide whom to trust.
Bardugo’s writing shines in its atmosphere and complexity, making this a strong recommendation for readers who enjoy fantasy with high stakes and layered relationships.
Brandon Mull writes imaginative fantasy filled with hidden worlds, magical creatures, and a strong sense of adventure. That makes him a great choice for readers who enjoy the charm and momentum of Chainani’s stories.
In Fablehaven, siblings Kendra and Seth discover that their grandfather’s estate is actually a secret refuge for mythical beings.
As they learn the rules of this dangerous sanctuary, they encounter fairies, witches, and far darker creatures than they expected. Mull combines mystery, humor, and suspense in a way that keeps the story moving while preserving a sense of wonder.
Jessica Townsend is a wonderful pick for readers who love magical worlds, clever humor, and unforgettable young protagonists.
Townsend is the author of Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, a novel about Morrigan, a girl cursed to die on her eleventh birthday.
Instead, she escapes into Nevermoor, a hidden city bursting with strange creatures, dazzling magic, and endless surprises. To remain there, Morrigan must compete in a series of difficult trials to earn a place in the mysterious Wundrous Society.
With its witty tone, inventive setting, and lovable cast, this is an especially strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys whimsical fantasy with heart.
Jennifer A. Nielsen writes fantasy full of twists, danger, and smart protagonists forced to make difficult choices.
Readers who liked the surprises and clever plotting in Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil may be especially drawn to Nielsen’s novel The False Prince.
The story centers on Sage, a resourceful orphan chosen as one of several boys who might be trained to impersonate a missing prince and claim the throne. Surrounded by secrets and manipulation, Sage must rely on his wit to stay alive.
Nielsen builds tension masterfully, delivering a fast, engaging story with memorable characters and a satisfying sense of intrigue.
Sarah J. Maas may appeal to readers who enjoy immersive fantasy worlds, strong heroines, and stories with rising danger and emotional intensity.
Her book Throne of Glass introduces Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin offered a chance at freedom if she can survive a brutal competition to become the king’s champion.
As Celaena faces deadly trials, she also uncovers dark secrets lurking within the kingdom. The novel combines suspense, magic, romance, and court intrigue, creating a gripping start to a popular fantasy series.
If Soman Chainani’s magical schools and imaginative world-building hooked you, J. K. Rowling is an obvious and rewarding author to revisit or discover.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone , Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard and that his past is far more extraordinary than he ever imagined.
At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he forms close friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger while uncovering mysteries hidden throughout the castle. Rowling’s blend of wonder, danger, and emotional warmth makes this first installment especially enduring.
Margaret Peterson Haddix writes gripping stories with strong young characters, unsettling mysteries, and thought-provoking premises.
Readers who enjoy Soman Chainani’s imaginative storytelling may find Haddix’s Among the Hidden especially compelling. In this novel, Luke is a forbidden third child living in secret under a government that strictly enforces a two-child law.
When he meets Jen, another hidden child determined to fight back, Luke is forced to confront questions of freedom, courage, and risk. The story is suspenseful and accessible, with a concept that lingers long after the final page.
Gail Carson Levine is a great choice for readers who enjoy fairy-tale retellings with humor, heart, and a strong sense of individuality.
Her book Ella Enchanted reimagines Cinderella through the story of Ella, who is cursed at birth with perfect obedience.
As Ella searches for a way to break the spell, she faces danger, friendship, and growing self-discovery. Filled with charm, wit, and magical encounters, the novel offers a smart and memorable take on what it means to choose your own path.
