Books Like...
In the veiled city of Occhia, House Morandi rules under the control of the Watercrea, who transforms blood into water for the citizens. The protagonist, Emanuela Ragno, is engaged to her best friend, Alessandro Morandi, with a plan to gain power by becoming head of the most powerful house in Occhia. However, when a bruise-like omen appears on an Occhian's skin, signaling a sacrifice to the Watercrea, Emanuela's life takes a drastic turn as secrets about other cities beneath the ruby veil emerge. As Emanuela navigates the dangerous political landscape, she must confront a worthy adversary in the form of the Heart, a young woman claiming to create water without blood, leading to a power struggle that puts everyone at risk.
Emanuela, a ruthless and power-hungry protagonist, drives the fast-paced story forward with her questionable decisions and unapologetic pursuit of power. The book delves into a world where water requires blood, showcasing dark magic systems and intricate world-building that immerses readers in the chilling atmosphere of the red veil, while Emanuela's complex character development keeps the plot unpredictable and engaging.
If you liked Beyond the Ruby Veil, here are the top 29 books to read next:
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Save:'Reign of the Fallen' by Sarah Glenn Marsh is a dark fantasy novel set in the world of Karthia where the living coexist with the Dead. The story follows Odessa, a talented necromancer known as Sparrow, who is tasked with raising the dead King Wylding to ensure his eternal rule. As Odessa navigates through grief, loss, and deception, she uncovers hidden truths that challenge the peace between the living and the Dead. The book delves into themes of love, loss, addiction, and the struggle to move on from the pain of losing a loved one, all while exploring a unique magic system where abilities are tied to eye colors.
When Evander and I finally stride through the wide palace doors, shouldering the burden of the king’s corpse between us, the sun is a gash on the horizon. It stains the jagged clouds, the palace’s mar... - #2
Save:A young princess becomes queen when her uncle dies and recruits a lower ranking noble's daughter as her spymaster. Together, they navigate through revenge, political reform, and opposition, both malicious and well-intentioned, in their way. The book handles court intrigue and relationships delicately, reminiscent of "The Goblin Emperor," with heartfelt relationships and a balance between fantasy elements and emotional growth of the characters.
As the carriage thundered along the road, the grief finally hit. My chest ached as if someone had dumped cold water over me. I’d spent ten years in my family’s estate – too cold in winter, too warm in... - #3
Save:The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski is a fantasy novel set in a world where the protagonist, Nirrim, navigates a life within the confines of the Ward, a place where the lowest class is restricted within a wall. Raised by Raven, Nirrim's life takes a turn when she encounters Sid, a traveler, leading to a series of events that challenge her perspective and the world around her. The writing style is described as mesmerizing, with vivid descriptions that bring the magical island setting to life, creating an engaging and mysterious atmosphere that captivates readers.
THERE WERE WARNING SIGNS in the Ward that day that anyone could have seen. The children must have seen the danger in their own games, in the crescent moons, roughly cut from tin, that they strung from... - #4
Save:"Ruinsong" by Julia Ember is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of two young women, Cadence and Remi, in a world where magic is wielded through enchanted songs. Cadence, the queen's Principal singer, uses her magical songs to torture the queen's enemies, mainly the nobles. Remi, the daughter of a Viscount, wishes for the queen's oppressive reign to end. The book explores themes of power, rebellion, and sacrifice as the characters navigate a world filled with intricate world-building, dark magic, and sapphic romance. The writing style immerses readers into a world where the beauty of music clashes with the destructive force of magic, creating a unique and original setting.
The plot of "Ruinsong" is driven by the characters of Cadence and Remi, who are complex and fully developed. The story delves into their struggles, desires, and relationships, particularly focusing on their evolving connection amidst a backdrop of oppression and rebellion. The author weaves together elements of magic, politics, and romance to create a captivating narrative that explores themes of resilience and standing up against cruelty. The book's pacing, while slow at times, builds towards a climactic ending that poses questions about sacrifice, trust, and the limits of power.
I LIGHT THE CANDLESand hum as the prayer chimes begin. The heat from each candle propels a tiny wooden fan connected to an individual music box. The bronze bells inside the boxes each emit one note, p... - #5
Save:'Sweet & Bitter Magic' by Adrienne Tooley follows the story of Tamsin, a powerful witch banished from her coven for using dark magic to save her twin sister. Cursed with the inability to love, she trades for others' love to feel something. When a plague hits the world due to dark magic, Tamsin teams up with Wren, a magical source, to try and save the world. Their journey together is filled with elements of family, grief, and love magic, with a touch of humor, romance, and a fairy tale-like atmosphere.
The salt was dull on Tamsin’s tongue. The mild spice had meant something to her once, had made a difference when sprinkled with a deft hand on her boiled eggs or her smoked fish. Now it tasted like ev... - #6
Save:A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth is a YA fantasy novel that follows a group of characters embroiled in a dark and magical adventure. Set in a world full of faeries, the book weaves together elements of faery lore, urban fantasy, and LGBTQ representation. The story is filled with intrigue, unlikely alliances, complex relationships, and a mix of dark stakes and romance, all set against a backdrop of intricate worldbuilding and magical elements. The writing style is described as polished and engaging, with a steady pace, easy-to-follow descriptions, and a mix of foreshadowing and surprises that keep the reader hooked.
THE FLOOR THAT ARLO stood on was a glittering sea of white marble flecked with charcoal black. So heavily polished, every flaw and feature had been scrubbed from its surface, and left behind was an ic... - #7
Save:'Girl, Serpent, Thorn' by Melissa Bashardoust is a dark fantasy novel inspired by Persian mythology and fairy tales. The story follows Princess Soraya, cursed with poisonous skin, as she navigates the discovery of the true nature of her curse and the consequences that come with it. With unexpected twists and turns, alliances with demons, battles, and complex relationships, Soraya's journey to break the curse and face her inner demons makes for a rich and engaging narrative. The writing style is described as whimsical, traditional fairy tale-like, and rich in folklore, providing an immersive experience for readers.
The roof was a dangerous place, a painful luxury. Standing at the edge, she could see the garden spread out in front of the palace, lush and beautiful as always. But beyond that, beyond the gates of G... - #8
Save:Sawkill Girls is a YA horror novel set on an island plagued by a monster that preys on teenage girls. The story follows three protagonists - Marion, Zoey, and Val - as they uncover the dark secrets of Sawkill Island and must come together to defeat the creature. The book delves into themes of female empowerment, diverse relationships, and the struggle against patriarchal forces. The writing style is described as haunting, suspenseful, and filled with diverse representation.
After the previously mentioned asshole drove away in a panic, maybe crying and shaking, too spineless to own up to their crime, leaving her father to die in the remains of his ruined fifteen-year-old ... - #9
Save:In "Gearbreakers" by Zoe Hana Mikuta, the story revolves around Sona and Eris, two women on opposing sides - one trained by Godolia to pilot a Valkyrie Windup and the other a notorious Gearbreaker rebel. Their paths intersect as they form an unlikely alliance to take down the oppressive regime of Godolia. The book is set in a dystopian world filled with mechas, giant mecha battles, rebellion, found family, and unexpected romance. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, plot twists, and engaging character dynamics, all narrated through a dual POV that provides insight into the world and the characters' perspectives.
The writing style of "Gearbreakers" is captivating, with a gripping opening line that hooks the reader from the start. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of revenge, survival, betrayal, and redemption, creating a world that is both dark and hopeful. The characters, especially the primary ones like Sona and Eris, are well-developed and offer a diverse representation, while the relationships and conflicts drive the story forward, culminating in a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
I sit upright, bringing my hands around to inspect, noting how my fingertips still twitch at my command. They look like mine. All the calluses are still there, hard and smooth like river stones across... - #10
Save:The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett follows the story of Ekata Avenko, who unexpectedly becomes the Queen of the Kingdom after her family falls under a sleeping curse. As she navigates the complexities of politics and diplomacy, Ekata must uncover the cure for her family's curse, avoid impending war, and determine who she can trust among her advisors and servants. Set in a world where Kylma Above is balanced by Kylma Below, each with its own inhabitants and magic, the book weaves a tale of high stakes, twists, and turns. Through intricate world-building and a plot-driven narrative, Bartlett creates a captivating story that explores themes of love, friendship, and political intrigue.
