20 Spellbinding Books Like “Red Queen” For Fantasy Lovers

“Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard has captured the hearts of fantasy readers worldwide with its tale of Mare Barrow, a common girl in a world divided by blood—red and silver. With its blend of intrigue, rebellion, and a hint of romance amidst a backdrop of power struggle and societal division, it’s no wonder fans are on the lookout for books that deliver a similar exhilarating experience.

If you’re one of those who’ve been mesmerized by the world of “Red Queen” and are craving more stories with fierce heroines, complex societies, and magical intrigue, you’ve come to the perfect place. Here’s a list of 20 books that will transport you to fantastic realms and immerse you in epic adventures.

The 20 best books to read if you liked “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard

1. “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore

Katsa, graced with the skill to kill, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and battles the confines of her own abilities.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A strong and complex female protagonist.
• A society with a unique hierarchy based on abilities.
• Themes of rebellion and self-discovery.

2. “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena, a young assassin, is drawn into a kingdom’s corrupt heart, uncovering dark secrets and hidden agendas.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A fierce and skilled heroine with a mysterious past.
• A detailed fantasy world with political intrigue and rebellion.
• The presence of magical elements shaping the plot.

3. “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo

Alina discovers her extraordinary power and enters the world of the Grisha, uncovering secrets and facing dark forces.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A protagonist discovering powerful abilities.
• A divided society with an elite magical class.
• Intrigue and looming threats in a well-constructed fantasy world.

4. “The Selection” by Kiera Cass

America Singer enters a competition to win the Prince’s heart, only to find herself at the center of royal politics and social unrest.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A strong-willed heroine challenging societal norms.
• A society divided by class and privilege.
• Elements of romance amidst political intrigue.

5. “Divergent” by Veronica Roth

Tris Prior uncovers her Divergence in a society divided into factions based on virtues, leading her on a path fraught with danger and discovery.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A society with a strict class system leading to conflict.
• A courageous female protagonist uncovering hidden truths.
• Themes of rebellion and challenging societal structures.

6. “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir

Laia becomes a spy within a brutal military academy to save her brother, entangling with soldiers and rebels.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A heroine rising from oppression to challenge the status quo.
• A complex world filled with danger and military rule.
• The intertwining fates of characters from different societal backgrounds.

7. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

Katniss volunteers for the Hunger Games, facing a fight for survival that turns into a rebellion against the Capitol.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A dystopian society with stark divisions and oppression.
• A strong female lead becoming the face of a rebellion.
• A blend of action, strategy, and social commentary.

8. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer

A mechanic with a mysterious past, Cinder gets entangled in intergalactic politics and a deadly plague, uncovering her true identity.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A Sci-Fi twist to traditional fantasy themes.
• A protagonist discovering her unique identity and power.
• The blend of political intrigue with a looming threat to humanity.

9. “Frostblood” by Elly Blake

Ruby, a Fireblood, must hide her powers in a world ruled by Frostbloods until she decides to join a rebellion.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• Elemental powers dictating societal status.
• A protagonist with unique abilities leading to her persecution.
• Themes of uprising and overthrowing a tyrannical rule.

10. “Legend” by Marie Lu

June and Day come from opposite ends of society but unite to unveil the truth behind their family’s deaths and a government conspiracy.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• Characters from different societal backgrounds finding common ground.
• A dystopian setting with oppressive government forces.
• Action-packed narrative with themes of corruption and resistance.

11. “A Curse So Dark and Lonely” by Brigid Kemmerer

Harper gets sucked into a magical world to break a curse, encountering politics, war, and betrayal.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A modern protagonist thrust into a magical realm.
• Themes of curses and political alliances.
• A strong female lead challenging existing norms.

12. “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black

Jude, a mortal in the Faerie world, seeks power and belonging in a treacherous court of intrigues and deceptions.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A protagonist navigating a dangerous and divided society.
• Themes of power struggle and societal hierarchy.
• The combination of political intrigue with magical elements.

13. “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown

Darrow, a Red, infiltrates the Gold-dominated society seeking to dismantle it from within, driven by revenge and justice.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A protagonist from a lowly class rising against an oppressive society.
• A detailed class system based on color.
• Rebellion against a corrupt ruling class.

14. “The Bone Season” by Samantha Shannon

Paige, a dreamwalker, is captured and taken to a secret city, where she must fight for her freedom and uncover hidden truths.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A unique ability setting the protagonist apart.
• A society with supernatural and oppressive elements.
• Themes of survival and rebellion against a powerful entity.

15. “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi

Zélie embarks on a quest to bring back magic to the land of Orïsha, facing the monarchy’s wrath alongside her brother and a rogue princess.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A journey to restore power and balance in a divided world.
• A strong, magic-wielding heroine at the heart of a rebellion.
• Exploration of themes of oppression and racial division.

16. “Snow Like Ashes” by Sara Raasch

Meira, one of the few survivors of her kingdom’s destruction, fights to reclaim her homeland and discovers her own secret heritage.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A heroine with a secret power crucial to her kingdom’s future.
• A clear divide between kingdoms based on elemental powers.
• A quest that intertwines personal discovery with political intrigue.

17. “Glass Sword” by Victoria Aveyard

Continuing Mare Barrow’s journey, this sequel to “Red Queen” delves deeper into the rebellion and the search for others like her.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• Direct continuation of the themes and conflicts.
• Exploration of new abilities and alliances.
• The moral complexities of revolution and power.

18. “Everless” by Sara Holland

In a world where time is currency, Jules discovers hidden truths about her past and the powers ruling her world.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A unique concept of societal hierarchy and power.
• A heroine uncovering secrets about herself and her society.
• Themes of time manipulation and moral choices.

19. “The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi

Set in a magical Paris, a group of misfits comes together to find a lost artifact, uncovering hidden histories and powers.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A diverse cast of characters with unique abilities.
• A world where history and magic intertwine.
• Themes of colonialism and societal division.

20. “Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin

Louise, a witch, and Reid, a witch hunter, are forced into marriage, leading them into a complex web of magic, power, and love.

Elements in common with “Red Queen”:

• A richly built world where magic is feared and hunted.
• Protagonists from opposing sides of a societal divide.
• A blend of romance, magic, and the fight against oppressive forces.

In conclusion, if “Red Queen” has left you yearning for more worlds filled with magic, political intrigue, and heroines poised to change their destinies, this list promises to whisk you away on new adventures.

From elemental powers and divided societies to battles for justice and equality, these books offer something for every fan of Victoria Aveyard’s captivating universe. So pick your next read and let the magic continue. Happy reading!

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