Books Like...
Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller is a thrilling fantasy novel featuring a genderfluid protagonist named Sal who embarks on a journey of revenge and self-discovery. Sal auditions for a position among the Queen's assassins, facing brutal competitions and challenges while navigating a world filled with political intrigue and dark magic. The book offers a richly detailed world, engaging plotlines, and a diverse cast of characters that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
If you liked Mask of Shadows, here are the top 51 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The Brilliant Death' by Amy Rose Capetta is a lush Italian fantasy novel that follows Teodora, a strega with the power to turn people into animals or objects using magic. When her father falls ill due to a poisoning, Teodora must navigate a world of mafia-style crime families and shape-shifting abilities to save her family. Alongside her brother Luca and the genderfluid strega Cielo, Teodora embarks on a journey filled with intrigue, self-discovery, and a unique exploration of gender fluidity and form.
The novel blends elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, creating a fast-paced and captivating story that keeps readers engaged. Through beautiful prose and respectful handling of social themes, 'The Brilliant Death' offers a rich and hyper queer narrative that delves into the fluidity of gender, love, and identity within a vividly imagined world.
One perfectly ripe summer day, I left the castle wearing a clean red dress and carrying a basket. I told a man from the village that I wanted to have supper in my favorite field, and he should join me... - #2
Save:"Symptoms of Being Human" by Jeff Garvin is a novel that delves into the world of teenager Riley Cavanaugh, a gender fluid teen struggling with their identity while facing the challenges of high school and coming from a political family. The story alternates between feeling real and fictional, portraying Riley's authentic emotions and struggles with honesty and respect. Through Riley's anonymous blog, the book explores themes of gender identity, mental health, and the journey of self-discovery in a relatable and engaging manner.
The author, Jeff Garvin, successfully crafts a narrative that is not just about gender fluidity but also about the universal themes of acceptance, understanding, and navigating the complexities of teenage life. The book offers a genuine representation of a genderqueer experience without feeling like an issue book, focusing on the personal growth and resilience of a teenager trying to find their place in the world.
I glance at the clock. I’m not really running that late—but I want to get the lay of the land while the campus is still mostly empty. “I’ll be down in a minute!” I say, then click Delete, slam my lapt... - #3
Save:Drag King Dreams by Leslie Feinberg is a raw and honest journey into the reality of life, showcasing the intertwined lives we live and the need for us to join in struggle with one another. The book traces the journeys of the protagonist, Max Rabinowitz, through various challenges, including late-night commutes fraught with threats and dangers, lingual journeys through Yiddish, and virtual trips into alternative worlds. Feinberg's writing skillfully navigates through the complexities of contemporary New York, portraying the characters' emotional journeys towards self-discovery and hope.
The narrative of Drag King Dreams is a nuanced exploration of trans identities in a complex cultural, political, and technological landscape. Feinberg challenges the reader to conceptualize the characters without revealing all, much like our own multifaceted identities. The author's controlled prose leads the reader through the twists and turns of the narrative, revealing the characters' complexities and the power of unity among Max and his friends, ultimately leading towards self-acceptance and community.
- #4
Save:'I Wish You All the Best' by Mason Deaver is a powerful and important YA novel that follows the story of Ben, a nonbinary teen who gets kicked out by their parents after coming out. Ben moves in with their estranged sister and begins a new life in North Carolina. The book delves into Ben's struggles with anxiety, depression, and the challenges of coming out, all while navigating new relationships and finding acceptance. The writing style is emotional and impactful, focusing on themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of recognizing and respecting one's identity.
Mom plucks the plate from in front of me, with most of my dinner still on it, untouched. I’d taken maybe one or two bites before it fell into my stomach like a rock and what little appetite I’d had to... - #5
Save:Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler follows Isoka, a powerful and confident protagonist who is caught by the Empire for being a mage adept and is tasked with stealing a ghost ship named the Soliton to save herself and her sister. The story is set on the mysterious Soliton, an enormous haunted ship full of ancient technology and dangerous creatures, where Isoka navigates through political intrigue, mystery, and danger to unravel the goals and methods of the ship's creators. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and features a unique magic system called Wells, with a focus on strong female characters, LGBTQ representation, and intricate world-building.
I move quickly, losing myself among the crumbling tenement blocks of the Sixteenth Ward. The streets smell of salt water and rotting fish, piss and misery. Huddled shapes crowd against the pitted bric... - #6
Save:'Summer Bird Blue' by Akemi Dawn Bowman follows the story of Rumi, a teenage girl who is sent to live with her aunt in Hawaii after her sister's tragic death. Rumi struggles with overwhelming grief and abandonment, but finds solace in her relationships with her neighbors and aunt as she tries to complete the song she and her sister started. The book beautifully portrays themes of grief, healing, and asexuality, with a focus on the importance of connection and acceptance during difficult times.
“I’m good,” I say, rolling my eyes as Lea settles back next to me. It’s not that I don’t love my mother, but I’m not really the affectionate type. I’d blame it on the fact that I’m going to be a senio... - #7
Save:"The Perfect Assassin" by K.A. Doore is a fantasy novel set in the desert city of Ghadid, where a young assassin named Amastan discovers a murder mystery that leads him to uncover dangerous secrets and face powerful entities known as jaani. The book explores themes of loyalty, family, and morality as Amastan navigates through a society filled with complex characters and intricate plot twists. The writing style is described as immersive, elegant, and filled with rooftop fight scenes, offering a refreshing take on the typical assassin narrative.
The wind tore at Amastan’s wrap, trying to slide warm fingers beneath the fabric and unravel the knots. It tasted of heat and dust, the only products of the sands that stretched endless before him. Hi... - #8
Save:Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan is a dark and compelling fantasy novel set in a world torn apart by war and differing beliefs. The story follows Nadya, a powerful cleric who can communicate with the gods, Serefin, a blood mage prince, and Malachiasz, a mysterious and broken boy. As these characters navigate their intertwined fates, the plot unfolds with elements of magic, political intrigue, and conflicting loyalties. The writing style is described as gripping and fast-paced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish with its unique blend of Slavic folklore, complex characters, and a world on the brink of destruction.
Death, magic, and winter. A bitter cycle that Marzenya spins with crimson threads around pale fingers. She is constant; she is unrelenting; she is eternal. She can grant any spell to those she has ble... - #9
Save:In the novella 'Finna' by Nino Cipri, readers are taken on a wild adventure through a multiverse of IKEA-like stores where wormholes lead to alternate dimensions. The story follows exes Ava and Jules as they navigate their complicated relationship while trying to find a missing person in these bizarre worlds. The writing style is a blend of humor, satire, and cosmic horror, with sharp commentary on corporate culture and capitalism woven into the narrative.
The bus abandoned Ava on the outskirts of LitenVärld’s vast parking lot, nearly three-quarters of a mile from the doors. The box store stuck out like a giant square pimple on the landscape, which had ... - #10
Save:"All the Bad Apples" by Moira Fowley-Doyle is a compelling story that follows Deena's journey to uncover the truth behind her sister Mandy's disappearance and the dark secrets of their family's history. Through a mix of contemporary Ireland and historical flashbacks, the book tackles deep topics such as family curses, female empowerment, LGBTQ+ representation, and societal discrimination. The narrative weaves together themes of adventure, folklore, and magical realism, creating a thought-provoking and emotional roller coaster for the reader.
Deena's character development from a timid teenager to a courageous young woman, the exploration of feminist themes, and the lyrical writing style that blends past and present seamlessly make "All the Bad Apples" a captivating read. The book delves into the complexities of societal expectations, bravery, and the power of uncovering one's true identity, leaving a lasting impact on readers with its poignant message and heartfelt storytelling.
She still felt a compulsion to clean, to scrub and bleach each piece of fabric in the house. Her clothes, the towels, and bed sheets were always worn and soft from so many washes. But in the laundry s...
