Books Like...

Charlie Hall, a specialty thief with a crooked past, finds herself entangled in a world where shadows hold hidden secrets and dangerous powers. As she navigates through a web of murder and deception, Charlie must confront her traumatic past and face off against those desperate to control the magic of shadows. The book delves into themes of survival, manipulation, and the consequences of wielding dark magic, all set in an urban fantasy world crafted with intricate world-building and a gripping narrative style.

In "Book of Night," Holly Black introduces readers to a unique magic system where shadows can be manipulated for various purposes, leading to a dark and mysterious atmosphere throughout the story. The protagonist, Charlie Hall, is depicted as a morally grey character with a complex backstory, making her journey of self-discovery and overcoming past traumas a central focus of the plot. With elements of secrets, murder, and power struggles, the book offers a blend of suspense, fantasy, and character-driven storytelling that keeps readers engaged till the very end.

In 'The Stolen Heir', Wren and Oak embark on a perilous journey through a fantastical world filled with treacherous creatures and court intrigues. The story follows Wren, a complex character with a harrowing past, and Oak, a charming yet untrustworthy prince. As they navigate through the Stone forest and face numerous challenges, their friendship and budding romance are put to the test. The book is a blend of action-packed events, emotional twists, and a captivating storyline that keeps the reader on edge, culminating in a shocking cliffhanger ending that leaves them eagerly anticipating the sequel.

'Tithe' by Holly Black follows the story of Kaye, a rebellious teenager who finds herself entangled in the world of faeries after moving back to her grandmother's house. As Kaye interacts with various faeries, she becomes embroiled in a battle between two factions of the fae. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil in the faerie realm. The writing style is described as dark and modern, with a focus on urban fantasy elements and intricate world-building that delves into the complexities of faerie politics.

Valiant follows the story of Val, a teenage girl who runs away to New York City after being betrayed by her mother and boyfriend. In the city, she befriends other runaways and delves into a world filled with fairies, trolls, and magical creatures. The book portrays a gritty urban fairy tale with dark undertones, exploring themes of betrayal, drug addiction, and the complexities of relationships. The writing style is described as intense, dark, and immersive, drawing readers into a world that is both fantastical and dangerous.

Valiant is praised for its originality, engaging plot, and well-developed characters. The book is considered a sophisticated sequel to the previous novel, Tithe, showcasing the author's depth of understanding of the imaginary world she has created. Readers appreciate the urban fantasy setting, the exploration of moral ambiguity, and the intricate relationships between the characters. The blend of real-world issues with fantastical elements adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for both young adult and adult audiences.

In a world where vampires are a dangerous problem, a girl named Tana wakes up to a room full of dead people, including a vampire and her infected ex-boyfriend. Together, they must navigate through a vampire enclave known as Coldtown to go through a quarantine period. The story involves modern social media, complex plots, and a unique take on vampires as a disease. The book explores themes of identity, self-awareness, and the fear of a world beyond control, with a fast-paced plot and unflinchingly portrayed vampires.

The book follows Tana's journey as she grapples with the aftermath of a vampire attack, her interactions with a mysterious vampire named Gavriel, and their eventual journey to Coldtown. The writing style is described as vivid, gothic, and engaging, with a realistic teenager protagonist and well-rounded characters. The story is compelling, original, and offers a fresh perspective on the vampire genre, making it a worthwhile read for fans of vampire stories.

In "The Wicked King" by Holly Black, mortal Jude Duarte navigates the treacherous world of Faerie as High King Cardan's seneschal, facing threats from the Queen of the Sea and her own family. The book is filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and schemes, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Holly Black's writing style is described as beautiful, sultry, and enchanting, with a tight plot that immerses the reader in a world of fae creatures and courtly games of power.

In "This Savage Song" by Victoria Schwab, the story unfolds in a divided city, Verity, where humans and monsters coexist in disharmony. The narrative follows two angsty teens, Kate and August, from rival families who are forced to rely on each other for survival. The plot delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the blurred lines between good and evil, set against a backdrop of a unique world filled with monsters. Schwab's writing skillfully details the origins of different monsters and their ties to human violence, creating a dark and intriguing urban fantasy setting.

'Not Even Bones' by Rebecca Schaeffer is a dark and gruesome tale following the protagonist Nita, who dissects bodies of monsters to be sold in parts. The book delves into themes of morality, betrayal, and survival in a world where monsters are bought and sold. The writing style is captivating, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of the characters and their dark world.

"The Darkest Part of the Forest" by Holly Black is a young adult urban fantasy novel that delves into the world of Faerie through the eyes of siblings Hazel and Ben in the town of Fairfold. The story revolves around a horned boy in a glass coffin in the woods, whose awakening disrupts the fragile peace between humans and Folk. Hazel and Ben, along with their friends, find themselves entangled in a series of events that challenge their perceptions and force them to confront their destinies. The writing style is described as descriptive, engaging, and rich in mythology, blending reality with fantasy elements seamlessly.

"How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories" in the series 'The Folk of the Air' by Holly Black provides readers with a deeper insight into Cardan's upbringing and his perspective. Through a series of memories and experiences, readers get to see a different side of Cardan, the newly minted king of Elfhame. The story takes us from Cardan's childhood to his more adult days alongside Jude, revealing his complexities, fears, and motivations. explores the true nature of the Fey and delves into the relationship between Cardan and Jude, showcasing the evolution of their characters.

The writing style of the book is described as immersive, refreshing, and beautifully illustrated. Readers appreciate the unique perspective of seeing the land of the fey through Cardan's eyes, a character who was previously portrayed as harsh and cruel. is praised for its detailed illustrations, fast-paced and enjoyable read, as well as the fantastic job done by Caitlin Kelly in bringing the characters and story to life.