Fans of Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series are always on the lookout for similar books to indulge in. This young adult fantasy romance novel has captured the hearts of many readers, leaving them eagerly anticipating more.
In this article, readers will discover a list of books that share similar themes and elements as Throne of Glass. From fierce heroines to unexpected alliances, these fantasy romance books are sure to satisfy any fan of the popular series.
1. Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
Saoirse Sorkova, the main character in Sing Me to Sleep, is a soldier-in-training who is forced to lie about her true identity to avoid execution. She is a siren, but she keeps this fact hidden to stay alive. Saoirse works as an assassin for a group of dangerous mercenaries, and she lies about her true identity to them as well.
Saoirse’s family is unaware of her siren powers, and she tells them that she can control her powers and doesn’t struggle against the impulse to strike. Saoirse is the top trainee in her class, but she must keep her secrets hidden to avoid the spotlight.
When a mysterious blackmailer threatens her sister, Saoirse takes a dangerous job that will help her investigate. She becomes the personal bodyguard to the crown prince, who she should hate because of his father’s enforcement of the kingdom’s brutal creature segregation laws. However, Saoirse finds herself increasingly drawn to Prince Hayes, who turns out to be kind, thoughtful, and charming.
As Saoirse and Prince Hayes work together to stop a danger that is plaguing the city, Saoirse realizes that she is the danger. The forbidden romance between Saoirse and Prince Hayes, combined with great diversity, makes Sing Me to Sleep one of the best young adult fantasy books worth reading. If you enjoyed Throne of Glass, you will definitely enjoy this book.
2. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling is a thrilling young adult novel by Kristin Cashore that follows the story of Katsa, a Graceling, born with an exceptional skill. Katsa, the niece of the king, is forced to work as the king’s enforcer despite her royal status.
The story takes a turn when Katsa falls in love with Prince Po, and they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind Katsa’s Grace and a dark secret that could threaten all seven kingdoms.
Similar to Throne of Glass, Graceling features a strong heroine who is forced to use her abilities to serve the king. Katsa’s impressive fighting skills are a highlight of the book, and readers will be in awe of how she can take down opponents much larger than herself.
The book is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy novels, and it is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced action and intriguing plot.
3. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
From Blood and Ash is a captivating fantasy romance novel that follows the story of Poppy, a Maiden chosen from birth to usher in a new era. Poppy’s life as the Maiden is solitary and she is never to be touched, looked upon, spoken to, or experience pleasure. Her entire life is dedicated to preparing for her Ascension, a day when she will be found worthy by the gods, and the future of the entire kingdom rests on her shoulders.
Poppy would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing for her Ascension. However, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life. Hawke incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.
As Poppy’s world begins to unravel, she is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life. The shadow of those cursed draws closer, and the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred.
Throughout the series, Poppy undergoes a transformation from a meek Maiden to a strong and determined character. She secretly trains with her bodyguard and eventually becomes so much more than the Maiden she was presented as. This transformation reminds readers of Celaena’s character development in the Throne of Glass series.
If you enjoy fantasy romance novels with strong character development, From Blood and Ash is a must-read.
4. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
In Fourth Wing, Violet Sorrengail is a young woman who was supposed to live a quiet life surrounded by books and history. However, her commanding general mother orders her to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become elite dragon riders in Navarre. Violet faces a significant challenge as dragons don’t bond with “fragile” humans, and most cadets are willing to take her out to better their chances of success.
Despite her weaknesses, Violet proves many wrong and begins to suspect that leadership is hiding a terrible secret. As the battle outside grows more dangerous, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the ledger of those lost continues to rise.
Fourth Wing is an epic fantasy romance book series that readers will enjoy if they love Throne of Glass. The book’s heroine, Violet, is often overlooked because of her weaknesses, but she ends up proving many wrong. The series is a must-read for those who enjoy epic fantasy romance book series.
In summary, Fourth Wing is a thrilling book that readers will enjoy. It features a strong heroine who overcomes her weaknesses to become a dragon rider. The book is part of a series that is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy romance.
5. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me is a young adult romance novel written by Tahereh Mafi. The book features a female lead character named Juliette Ferrars, who possesses an incredible power that allows her to leave a fully grown man gasping for air with just one touch. However, this power feels like a curse to Juliette, and she sees it as a burden that she alone cannot bear.
The Reestablishment sees Juliette’s power as a gift and an opportunity to use her as a dangerous weapon. Juliette has never fought for herself before, but when she is reunited with the one person who ever cared about her, she discovers a strength she never knew she had.
Like Throne of Glass, Shatter Me features a female lead who is used by her kingdom for her abilities and gifts as a weapon, which makes it feel more like a curse than anything else. The book is one of the most popular young adult romances and has earned a place on many must-read lists.
The Shatter Me series comprises six books and several novellas, providing readers with more than just one book to enjoy. Overall, Shatter Me is a compelling read that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
6. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Lara, a warrior princess who is determined to bring the enemy kingdom, the Bridge Kingdom, to its knees. The Bridge Kingdom is known to enrich itself at the expense of other kingdoms, as it controls the only route through the world.
Lara plans to change this by marrying King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom. However, as she gains a deeper understanding of the battle to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question her task as well as her original feelings toward Aren.
This novel is based on a marriage of convenience storyline, making it a great read for fans of Throne of Glass. The book features a strong heroine who is willing to fight for what she believes in. Readers will be drawn in by the complex political dynamics and the emotional journey of the characters.
7. A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
A Dawn of Onyx is a fantasy romance novel that tells the story of Arwen Valondale, who has been taken prisoner by the Onyx King’s kingdom and forced to use her rare magical abilities to heal the soldiers. Arwen knows that she cannot face the ancient, wicked woods that surround the castle on her own, so she must work with a fellow prisoner to escape. However, he is cunning and infuriating, and seems to take twisted pleasure in playing on Arwen’s deepest fears.
To make matters worse, trust is a luxury Arwen cannot afford in the Onyx Kingdom, where back-stabbing royals, dark magic, and dangerous beasts lurk around every corner. Arwen must navigate these treacherous waters to escape with her life and, hopefully, her heart.
Despite the challenges Arwen faces, she possesses untold power that lies dormant and waiting for a spark. If she can harness it, she just might be able to escape her captors. Readers who enjoy Throne of Glass will appreciate the intrigue and suspense in A Dawn of Onyx.
The novel’s plot is centered on Arwen’s quest for freedom and her struggle to survive in a hostile environment. The author’s writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to follow the story. The use of tables, bullet points, bold text, and other formatting techniques helps to convey important information to the reader.
8. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Poison Study is a novel that follows the story of Yelena, who is imprisoned in the palace dungeon for killing her abuser. The laws in Ixia are harsh, and Yelena knows that she will be executed. However, she is offered a unique opportunity to become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. This role comes with the best meals and rooms in the palace, but it also puts her in danger of assassination by anyone attempting to poison the Commander.
Yelena’s situation becomes even more perilous when the chief of security intentionally feeds her Butterfly’s Dust, a deadly poison. She must appear for her daily antidote to save her life from the poison. As she tries to escape her predicament, she finds herself facing numerous disasters. Rebels plot to seize Ixia, and Yelena discovers that she has magical powers that she cannot control.
Once again, Yelena’s life is threatened, and she must unravel the secrets of her past to survive. The book is an exciting read, and the character of Yelena is compelling. She is a strong and determined woman who finds herself in a situation she never would have chosen for herself.
The book’s plot is well-crafted, and the pacing is excellent, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The author’s writing style is clear and concise, making it easy to follow the story’s events.
9. Daughter of No Worlds by Cerrissa Broadbent
Daughter of No Worlds is a thrilling fantasy romance novel by Cerrissa Broadbent. The story follows Tisaanah, a young girl who was taken from her homeland as a child and forced to survive with only her wit and a touch of magic. When she tries to buy her freedom, she narrowly escapes with her life and sets out on a journey to join the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic wielders in the world.
To become a member of the Orders, Tisaanah must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders. However, the Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself worthy of their trust under the threat of looming battle.
As Tisaanah navigates the dangerous games of the Orders, she also grapples with her growing feelings for Maxantarius. His bloody past may hold the key to her future, but it could also lead to their downfall.
Daughter of No Worlds is a book that fans of Throne of Glass will love. Like Celaena, Tisaanah is a strong heroine who is determined to fight for her freedom and the people she loves. The novel is filled with magic, adventure, and romance, making it a captivating read for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance novels.
10. King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
In King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair, Isolde de Lara finds herself in a difficult situation. She is forced to marry Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, the vampire king, to end a long-standing battle between their two worlds. However, Isolde’s attempt to destroy Adrian fails, and he threatens to turn her into a vampire if she tries again.
Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Isolde and Adrian share an undeniable chemistry, and Isolde begins to question why the ruthless king chose her as his consort. Isolde’s fear of Adrian intensifies as she struggles to survive in the brutal vampire court.
King of Battle and Blood shares similarities with Throne of Glass as both books explore the changing feelings of the female protagonist towards their male counterparts. Isolde’s journey is filled with twists and turns as she navigates her complicated relationship with Adrian and tries to find a way to defy him without becoming a vampire herself.
11. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Jude, a human who was stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie when she was just seven years old. Despite being despised by many of the fae, including Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King, Jude wants to be one of them.
To win a place at the Court, Jude becomes embroiled in royal intrigues and deceptions, ultimately needing to forge an alliance with Prince Cardan to save herself, her family, and possibly the kingdom. This book is definitely a popular enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance that kicks off The Cruel Prince series and is sure to captivate readers.
The underlying mystery full of deception and power moves in The Cruel Prince made many readers think of what is lurking behind the shadows in Throne of Glass, which is why it has been added to the list of books like Throne of Glass. If you are a fan of dark fantasy romance, then this is definitely a book that you should check out.
For more recommendations on books like Throne of Glass, readers can refer to the list of Best Dark Fantasy Romance Books by She Reads Romance Books, which includes A Court of Thorns and Roses among others.
12. A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker
In A Fate of Wrath & Flame, K.A. Tucker takes readers on a thrilling journey into a realm of elemental magic, warring elven societies, and opposing thrones. The story follows Romeria, a gifted thief who is transported to this unfamiliar world after being coerced by an enigmatic woman at swordpoint.
Upon waking up in the body of a treacherous elven princess, Romeria realizes that she is entangled in a dangerous plot and must conceal her true identity at all costs. She is forced to work with the princess’s betrothed, King Zander, to uncover the danger that surrounds them. However, with enemies closing in and her growing feelings for the king, Romeria must discover who she truly is.
Tucker’s novel incorporates common themes found in fantasy romance books, such as world-building and an overarching mystery. However, she adds a unique twist by having the heroine embody an elven princess. The book is a must-read for fans of Throne of Glass and anyone who enjoys a thrilling fantasy romance.
To further entice readers, She Reads Romance Books has compiled a list of other books like Throne of Glass, including Poison Study, which is also highly recommended.
13. The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross
In Rebecca Ross’ debut fantasy novel, The Queen’s Rising, readers are introduced to Brienna, a young woman who desires nothing more than to master her passion and be chosen by a patron. Growing up in Valenia at the Magnalia House, Brienna struggled to find her passion until she chose knowledge. However, her fears become a reality when she is left without a patron.
Months later, Brienna’s life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Though suspicious of his intent, Brienna reluctantly accepts. But as she delves deeper into his story, she discovers a dangerous plot to overthrow the king of Maevana, the rival kingdom of Valenia, and restore the rightful queen and her magic to the throne.
With a battle brewing, Brienna must choose which side she will remain loyal to: passion or blood. The Queen’s Rising gives readers a taste of political intrigue and a strong heroine who must navigate a dangerous world to find her place in it. Fans of the Throne of Glass series will enjoy the similarities between Celaena and Brienna, both chosen for their skills to aid another and forced to choose a side in a brewing conflict.
14. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Sorcery of Thorns, written by Margaret Rogerson, is a standalone young adult fantasy novel that follows the story of Elisabeth, a foundling raised among magical grimoires in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries. Elisabeth has always believed that all sorcerers are evil, until an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire and she is implicated in the crime. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, Nathaniel Thorn, a sorcerer, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy that could destroy not only the Great Libraries but the world as well.
What sets Sorcery of Thorns apart is the enemies-to-lovers romance between Elisabeth and Nathaniel. This aspect of the book is similar to the relationship between Celaena and Chaol in Throne of Glass, where distrust slowly fades as they begin to develop a connection.
The novel also explores Elisabeth’s growth as she questions everything she has been taught about sorcerers, the libraries she loves, and even herself. Elisabeth discovers a power she never knew she had and a future she could never have imagined.
Sorcery of Thorns is a well-crafted standalone fantasy novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy romance, magic, and adventure.
15. Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb is a captivating novel that follows the life of young Fitz, the bastard son of Prince Chivalry. Fitz is raised by his father’s stableman and is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except King Shrewd, who secretly tutors him in the arts of assassination. Fitz possesses the magic Skill and darker knowledge, which he gained from being raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.
As the kingdom faces barbarous raiders, Fitz is growing to manhood, and he is soon to face his first dangerous and soul-shattering mission. Although some view him as a threat to the throne, Fitz may be the key to the survival of the kingdom.
Assassin’s Apprentice is a perfect book for those who enjoy reading about unassuming assassins who are underestimated due to their looks. The novel is similar to Throne of Glass, where the protagonist is secretly trained in the arts of assassination and ultimately saves the kingdom.
16. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In the world of Red Queen, the society is divided into two classes: the Reds and the Silvers. The Silvers, who are gifted with superhuman abilities, rule over the Reds who have common, Red blood. Mare Barrow, a Red and a thief in a poor village, discovers that she has an ability of her own when she is thrown into the Silver court by a twist of fate. To hide her ability, the king forces her to pretend to be a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his sons.
As Mare becomes more involved in the Silver world, she risks everything to help the Scarlet Guard, a growing Red rebellion, even though her heart is pulled in an impossible direction. The book is a young adult fantasy romance led by a strong heroine who is more than meets the eye.
The book has similarities to Throne of Glass, in which Mare is plucked from nothing and forced into a new role by order of the king, similar to how Celaena is forced into the role of the king’s champion. Red Queen is the first book in the Red Queen series, and readers who enjoy young adult fantasy romance with strong heroines will find this book to be a compelling read.
For readers who enjoy books like Throne of Glass, She Reads Romance Books provides an epic list of books worth reading, including Graceling.
17. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
An Ember in the Ashes is a novel set in a world inspired by ancient Rome, where the Martial Empire reigns supreme. The story follows two main characters, Laia and Elias, who are both trapped in a society where defiance can lead to death.
Laia is a slave who lives with her grandparents and older brother in the impoverished backstreets of the Empire. Her family does not challenge the Empire, but when her brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a risky decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she agrees to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.
It is at the academy where Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier, who secretly wants nothing more than to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. Despite their differences, Laia and Elias soon realize that their destinies are intertwined and that their choices could change the fate of the Empire itself.
Similar to Throne of Glass, An Ember in the Ashes explores themes of justice, love, and sacrifice. Both Elias and Celaena are skilled individuals who are tasked with duties they secretly do not want to perform. Laia and Princess Nehemia both put themselves in dangerous positions to gather information and protect those they love.
Overall, An Ember in the Ashes is a must-read for fans of Throne of Glass who enjoy stories about two people looking for justice and finding that they can be the agents of change.
18. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
In “The Gilded Ones” by Namina Forna, sixteen-year-old Deka is afraid of the blood ceremony that will determine her fate in her village. Despite her unique intuition, Deka hopes to receive red blood to feel like she belongs. However, her blood runs gold on the day of the ceremony, marking her as impure and subject to a punishment worse than death.
A mysterious woman offers Deka a choice: submit to her fate in the village or leave to join an army of girls like her called alaki, who possess rare gifts and are nearly immortal. These girls are the only ones capable of stopping the empire’s greatest threat. Deka, yearning for acceptance and aware of the dangers that lie ahead, decides to leave her village and embark on a journey to the capital to train for the battle of her life.
As Deka trains, she discovers that the great walled city holds many surprises, and nothing and no one are quite what they seem, including Deka herself. The book focuses on a band of girls with special gifts, making it a compelling read for those interested in this theme.
The book has been compared to “Throne of Glass” for its similarities in having a woman visit the protagonist and offer a way to save her. However, “The Gilded Ones” stands on its own as a unique and captivating story. The inclusion of a diverse cast of characters adds depth and richness to the world-building, making it all the more immersive for readers.
19. We Hunt the Flame by Hofsah Faizal
We Hunt the Flame is a captivating fantasy novel by Hofsah Faizal that has been compared to Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series. The story is set in the kingdom of Arawiya, where two legends, Zafira and Nasir, are forced to embark on a perilous journey to retrieve a lost artifact that can restore magic to their world and stop the Arz, a cursed forest that is slowly engulfing their land in shadow.
Zafira is known as the Hunter, who disguises herself as a man to provide food for her people by braving the dangerous forest of the Arz. If her true identity as a woman is ever revealed, her achievements will be rejected. On the other hand, Nasir is the Prince of Death, who assassinates those who defy his autocratic father, the sultan. If he displays any compassion, he will be severely punished.
As Zafira and Nasir journey towards their goal, they must face an ancient evil that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. The novel is a Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy that explores themes of identity, power, and sacrifice.
We Hunt the Flame is a must-read for fans of fantasy novels that feature strong female protagonists and complex, morally ambiguous characters. The novel is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the world of Arawiya. Fans of Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series will find much to love in this book, as will anyone who enjoys epic fantasy adventures.
20. A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
In “A Promise of Fire” by Amanda Bouchet, the protagonist Cat Fisa lives a life of disguise as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She avoids her destiny, which the Gods and her dangerous family have burdened her with. Cat believes that the magic within her blood can end with her and she won’t be anyone’s pawn.
However, her illusion of safety is shattered when she meets an ambitious warlord named Griffin from the magic-deprived south. Griffin knows that Cat is the Kingmaker, a woman who divines truth through lies, and he wants her to be a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm. He kidnaps her off the street, but keeping her by his side proves to be a difficult task as Cat fights him at every turn.
The back-and-forth banter between Cat and Griffin is a highlight of the book, reminiscent of the banter between Celaena and the Captain in “Throne of Glass”. Cat tries to hide her abilities from others, but ultimately, she is taken because of them. This makes “A Promise of Fire” a great book for fans of “Throne of Glass”.
21. The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks
In “The Witch Collector,” author Charissa Weaks presents readers with a gripping tale of revenge, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The story centers around Raina Bloodgood, a fierce heroine who seeks to destroy the Frost King and the Witch Collector who stole her sister.
On Collecting Day, Raina plans to exact her revenge, but a more sinister threat emerges, forcing her to work with the Collector, Alexus Thibault, the man she vowed to slay. Together, they are thrust into an age-old story of ice, fire, and ancient gods, where Raina must choose between vengeance and aiding the Witch Collector to save her sister and their empire.
The novel is reminiscent of “Throne of Glass” in its portrayal of a strong female protagonist who refuses to cower to those in power. However, what sets “The Witch Collector” apart is the complexity of its characters, particularly the Collector himself. Readers are left wondering about his motives and whether he is truly a villain or a hero.
22. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a popular fantasy romance novel by Sarah J. Maas. The story follows nineteen-year-old huntress, Feyre, who kills a wolf in the woods and is subsequently dragged to a magical land she had only heard of in legends. Feyre learns that her captor is one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world, Tamlin. As she adapts to her new home, Feyre’s feelings for Tamlin transform from hostility to passion.
However, Feyre soon discovers that something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a captivating novel that features a fierce heroine who will do anything to protect her loved ones. The book is part of a series that readers can binge-read after finishing it. Fans of Maas’ popular Throne of Glass series will also enjoy A Court of Thorns and Roses.
For readers looking for more books like Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash is a recommended read. It is an epic book that can be found on a list of similar books on She Reads Romance Books.
23. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
In this thrilling book, Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, is determined to prove herself in a world where she is seen as prey. Her chance comes in the form of the Kejari, a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. However, winning the tournament won’t be easy, as Oraya must face off against the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses.
To survive, Oraya must make an alliance with a mysterious rival, Raihn. Despite being a ruthless vampire and an enemy to her father’s crown, Oraya finds herself oddly drawn to him. However, in the Kejari, there is no room for compassion, and battle for the House of Night brews, shattering everything Oraya thought she knew about her home.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a book that will appeal to fans of strong heroines like Celaena from Throne of Glass. Like Celaena, Oraya is an unassuming and underrated heroine who must compete against those trained to end her. However, while Celaena competes for her chance at freedom, Oraya must fight for her place in a world where she has never belonged.
If you are a fan of vampire romance books, then The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a must-read. The blossoming attraction between Oraya and Raihn adds an extra layer of danger to the already intense competition. However, in a kingdom where nothing is more dangerous than love, their attraction could be Oraya’s downfall.
Summary
There are many books similar to Throne of Glass that readers can enjoy. Some of these books include the Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.
These books all feature strong female protagonists, intricate world-building, and high-stakes action. Additionally, fans of Throne of Glass may also enjoy the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, which also features a complex magical world and a fierce female lead.