Summary: In this article, I’ve gathered 20 books similar to Zodiac Academy that are packed with magic, romance, and plenty of twists. Here are my top 3 picks:
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
TOP 20: Books Like Zodiac Academy
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- The Selection by Kiera Cass
- The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare
- A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Court of the Vampire Queen by Kristen Painter
- The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
- Blood and Honey by Shelby Mahurin
- Caraval by Stephanie Garber
- Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
- The Fae Chronicles by Amelia Hutchins
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Witchland Series by Susan Dennard
- The Black Witch Chronicles by Laurie Forest
- Frostblood by Elly Blake
1. The Cruel Prince
- Author: Holly Black
- About: A dark, enchanting tale of Jude, a human girl living in the treacherous world of faeries, as she navigates politics, power, and her feelings for the cruel Prince Cardan.
- Style of writing: Rich, immersive prose with a focus on intricate world-building and political intrigue.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its morally gray characters and twists.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – requires focus on world-building and character relationships.
- Why read it: If you enjoy stories about forbidden love, betrayal, and a dangerous fantasy world, this one will keep you hooked.
2. Twilight
- Author: Stephenie Meyer
- About: Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington, and falls in love with the mysterious vampire Edward Cullen, navigating the complexities of their supernatural love.
- Style of writing: Simple, accessible, with a focus on emotional and romantic tension.
- Length: ~118,000 words
- Year written: 2005
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional resonance, especially for fans of romance and supernatural tension.
- Difficulty level: Easy – light reading with a focus on character interactions.
- Why read it: If you enjoy a passionate, supernatural love story with a bit of danger, Twilight is iconic in its genre.
3. From Blood and Ash
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- About: Poppy, a Maiden chosen to serve the gods, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and forbidden love as she uncovers shocking truths about her world.
- Style of writing: Engaging and fast-paced with a blend of romance, action, and twists.
- Length: ~145,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: High emotional stakes, especially with the intense romance and personal struggles.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – easy to follow but with deep world-building and character development.
- Why read it: For fans of fantasy with romance, action, and strong heroines, this book delivers a captivating story.
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Feyre, a huntress, is taken to the faerie realm as punishment, only to uncover dark secrets and develop a complicated bond with a powerful fae lord.
- Style of writing: Lush, descriptive, with plenty of action and emotional depth.
- Length: ~105,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Intense emotional investment in the romance and world-building.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – some world-building and emotional complexity, but accessible.
- Why read it: If you love fae stories with a strong romance, action, and unexpected twists, this series is a must-read.
5. Serpent & Dove
- Author: Shelby Mahurin
- About: Lou, a witch in hiding, is forced into an arranged marriage with a witch hunter, creating a fiery enemies-to-lovers romance amid magical conflict.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced with witty dialogue, rich in tension and humor.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Emotional highs from the romance and the tension between the characters.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – accessible with some deeper character and world-building elements.
- Why read it: If you enjoy a mix of magic, romance, and suspense, this series offers a great combination of all three.
6. Kingdom of the Wicked
- Author: Kerri Maniscalco
- About: Emilia, a witch, teams up with a demon prince to solve the mystery behind her twin sister’s murder in a world of dark magic and intrigue.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric with suspense and romance, full of twists and dark magic.
- Length: ~104,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional engagement, especially with the central mystery and romance.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – easy to follow, but the darker themes require some attention.
- Why read it: For fans of dark fantasy with magic, romance, and murder mysteries, this book offers a gripping read.
7. The Bridge Kingdom
- Author: Danielle L. Jensen
- About: Lara, a princess trained to be a spy, is sent to marry a king to secure peace, but her plans are complicated by her growing feelings for him.
- Style of writing: Engaging, with a focus on romance, betrayal, and political intrigue.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional connection, particularly with the romance and political conflict.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – some political intrigue may require focus, but the romance keeps it accessible.
- Why read it: If you like stories filled with strategic intrigue, romance, and strong female leads, this book is a great pick.
8. The Selection
- Author: Kiera Cass
- About: A young girl named America Singer enters a royal competition to win the heart of the prince, only to find herself torn between duty and love.
- Style of writing: Light, engaging, with a focus on romance and character dynamics.
- Length: ~87,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Emotional highs from the romance and the pressure of the competition.
- Difficulty level: Easy – quick and enjoyable read, with a simple plot and fast pacing.
- Why read it: For fans of romantic dramas and royal intrigue, The Selection offers a fun, heartwarming experience.
9. The Dark Artifices
- Author: Cassandra Clare
- About: The story of Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn, two Shadowhunters who must navigate forbidden love and uncover a mystery threatening their world.
- Style of writing: Complex, detailed, with a focus on character relationships and a well-built world.
- Length: ~150,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: High emotional stakes, with deep character arcs and relationship challenges.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – detailed world-building and plot, but accessible for fans of fantasy.
- Why read it: If you love Shadowhunters and complex relationships, this series offers a gripping mix of romance, danger, and intrigue.
10. A Shadow in the Ember
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- About: Set in the From Blood and Ash world, this story follows a woman caught between duty, love, and destiny as she confronts powerful forces.
- Style of writing: Engaging, fast-paced with a blend of romance, action, and suspense.
- Length: ~130,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Emotional highs, especially in terms of romance and character sacrifice.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – accessible for fans of fantasy, though it requires attention to the world-building.
- Why read it: A thrilling prequel for fans of the From Blood and Ash series, combining romance, action, and dark fantasy.
11. Court of the Vampire Queen
- Author: Kristen Painter
- About: In a world where vampires rule, a woman must navigate dangerous politics and forbidden desires as she uncovers secrets that could change everything.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric and suspenseful, with strong elements of romance and dark fantasy.
- Length: ~95,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Emotional investment in the characters’ struggles and romantic tension.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – some world-building and complex dynamics, but accessible.
- Why read it: If you're into vampire lore, romance, and political intrigue, this one offers a compelling and seductive read.
12. The Queen of the Tearling
- Author: Erika Johansen
- About: Princess Kelsea Glynn must take the throne and face a kingdom filled with corruption and threats, all while discovering her own power.
- Style of writing: Epic and descriptive, with a focus on world-building and political intrigue.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional depth, especially in terms of character growth and sacrifice.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – requires focus on political and world-building elements.
- Why read it: A compelling epic fantasy with a strong female protagonist, perfect for fans of royalty, magic, and adventure.
13. Blood and Honey
- Author: Shelby Mahurin
- About: Sequel to Serpent & Dove, this book continues the journey of Lou and Reid as they face new threats, deepening their bond and uncovering dark secrets.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced and action-packed, with witty banter and romantic tension.
- Length: ~115,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Emotional, especially in terms of character development and the challenges Lou and Reid face together.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – easy to follow but with deeper emotional and narrative layers.
- Why read it: For fans of magical adventures and romance, this series continues to deliver a thrilling mix of both.
14. Caraval
- Author: Stephanie Garber
- About: Sisters Scarlett and Tella are swept into the magical world of Caraval, where nothing is as it seems, and their quest for answers leads to danger and self-discovery.
- Style of writing: Dreamlike and atmospheric, with a focus on magical mystery and wonder.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Emotional, with strong investment in the bond between the sisters and the twists of the game.
- Difficulty level: Easy – a fantastical and immersive read, perfect for fans of magical worlds.
- Why read it: If you love fantasy, magic, and mystery, Caraval offers a unique, captivating experience.
15. Wicked Saints
- Author: Emily A. Duncan
- About: In a war-torn kingdom, three unlikely allies—a princess, a cleric, and a prince—must confront gods, magic, and betrayal to save their world.
- Style of writing: Dark, atmospheric, and lyrical, with a mix of magic, intrigue, and moral complexity.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: High emotional stakes, especially regarding the characters' internal conflicts and the dark magic surrounding them.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – dark themes and complex world-building require focus.
- Why read it: If you enjoy dark fantasy with morally gray characters, complex relationships, and magical conflict, this book is a gripping choice.
16. The Fae Chronicles
- Author: Amelia Hutchins
- About: The series follows a woman caught in a dangerous world of fae magic, politics, and forbidden love as she uncovers shocking truths about her past.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced with intense romance, action, and emotional depth.
- Length: ~80,000-100,000 words per book
- Year written: 2016 (first book)
- Emotional impact: High emotional investment, especially in terms of romance, action, and personal sacrifice.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – accessible, but there are complex relationships and magical elements to keep track of.
- Why read it: For fans of fae, forbidden love, and action-packed fantasy, this series delivers an exciting and emotional journey.
17. Throne of Glass
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, is forced to compete in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion, all while uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, character-driven with elements of action, magic, and political intrigue.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional investment in Celaena's growth, relationships, and the twists of the plot.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – engaging with some complexity in terms of politics and world-building.
- Why read it: If you love strong female protagonists, action-packed plots, and a mix of magic and suspense, this series is a must-read.
18. Witchland Series
- Author: Susan Dennard
- About: In a world where magic is deadly, the story follows a group of witches as they struggle with power, loyalty, and destiny in the face of war.
- Style of writing: Thoughtful, with deep world-building, complex characters, and rich magical systems.
- Length: ~100,000-120,000 words per book
- Year written: 2016 (first book)
- Emotional impact: High emotional stakes, particularly regarding the characters’ loyalty, sacrifices, and the world’s conflicts.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to hard – intricate world-building and complex character relationships require focus.
- Why read it: For those who love high-stakes fantasy with magic, politics, and strong character development, this series offers a rich and immersive world.
19. The Black Witch Chronicles
- Author: Laurie Forest
- About: Elloren, a young woman in a world divided by magic and race, must navigate her place in a society torn apart by prejudice, power, and magic.
- Style of writing: Engaging, with a focus on social and political issues within a fantasy context.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Emotional due to the themes of prejudice, personal growth, and overcoming societal divisions.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – addresses complex themes, but accessible with strong character-driven writing.
- Why read it: If you enjoy stories about overcoming prejudice, discovering hidden powers, and navigating a complex magical world, this series offers a compelling experience.
20. Frostblood
- Author: Elly Blake
- About: Ruby, a young girl with the ability to control fire, must join forces with a group of rebels to overthrow the tyrannical Frost King and save her world.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced with a focus on action, magic, and character relationships.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: High emotional stakes, especially with the romance and Ruby’s personal journey.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate – accessible, with enough complexity to keep it engaging.
- Why read it: For fans of elemental magic, rebellion, and fast-paced action, this book offers a gripping and enjoyable ride.
