In the realm of fantasy romance, few books capture the imagination quite like The Ballad of Never After. If you’re craving more enchanting tales filled with magic, adventure, and heart-stirring romance, you’re in for a treat. Here are 16 books that will transport you to fantastical worlds and sweep you off your feet.
Books Similar to The Ballad of Never After
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is a mesmerizing blend of romance and fantasy. The story follows Feyre, a huntress who finds herself entangled in the faerie world after killing a wolf. This series is perfect for those who love intricate world-building and complex characters.
2. Caraval
Caraval by Stephanie Garber is an enchanting tale where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. Scarlett Dragna receives an invitation to Caraval, a magical performance where the audience participates in the show. This book is ideal for fans of whimsical and immersive storytelling.
3. The Cruel Prince
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black introduces readers to the treacherous world of Faerie. Jude, a mortal girl, navigates court politics and deadly intrigue in her quest for power. This dark and captivating tale is a must-read for those who enjoy morally complex characters.
4. Serpent & Dove
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is a spellbinding story of a witch and a witch hunter forced into marriage. Lou and Reid’s tumultuous relationship and the rich world-building make this book hard to put down. It’s perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers tropes.
5. The Night Circus
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a lyrical and magical tale of a mysterious circus that appears without warning. The story revolves around two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound in a competition they don’t fully understand. This book is a feast for the senses and perfect for those who love atmospheric reads.
6. An Ember in the Ashes
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir is a gripping tale set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome. Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, find their destinies intertwined as they fight for freedom and justice. This book is a must-read for fans of high-stakes adventure and romance.
7. The Wrath and the Dawn
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh is a lush retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. Shahrzad volunteers to marry the murderous king Khalid to avenge her best friend’s death but discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye. This book is perfect for those who love rich, romantic tales.
8. Red Queen
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is set in a world divided by blood—those with common Red blood and the elite with Silver blood who possess supernatural abilities. Mare Barrow, a Red, discovers she has powers of her own and becomes a symbol of rebellion. This book is ideal for fans of dystopian fantasy with a strong heroine.
9. The Star-Touched Queen
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi is an enchanting tale inspired by Indian mythology. Maya’s horoscope promises a marriage of death and destruction, but her journey leads her to a magical realm where she discovers her true destiny. This book is perfect for readers who love lush, poetic prose and mythological elements.
10. Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo introduces the Grishaverse, a world where magic and military power collide. Alina Starkov discovers she has a rare power that could save her war-torn country. This book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy with strong world-building.
11. Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor is a beautifully written story of a girl named Karou who is caught between two worlds—the human world and the world of chimaera. Her quest for identity and love is both haunting and magical. This book is perfect for those who enjoy intricate plots and lyrical writing.
12. The Bone Season
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon is a dystopian fantasy set in a future where clairvoyants are hunted by a repressive regime. Paige Mahoney, a powerful clairvoyant, is captured and discovers a hidden world of rebellion. This book is ideal for fans of complex, futuristic worlds.
13. The Winner’s Curse
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a tale of forbidden love and political intrigue. Kestrel, a general’s daughter, buys a slave named Arin, only to discover he has a secret that could change everything. This book is perfect for those who love star-crossed lovers and strategic battles.
14. Graceling
Graceling by Kristin Cashore is set in a world where some people are born with extreme skills called Graces. Katsa, who is graced with killing, embarks on a journey to uncover a sinister conspiracy. This book is a must-read for fans of strong heroines and adventure.
15. The Queen of the Tearling
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen follows Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, a young princess who must reclaim her deceased mother’s throne and save her kingdom from tyranny. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy epic fantasy with political intrigue and a strong female lead.
16. The Kiss of Deception
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson is the story of Princess Lia, who flees an arranged marriage only to be pursued by both her jilted fiancé and an assassin. The twists and turns in this book make it a captivating read for fans of romance and suspense.