12 Captivating Books like Shadow and Bone to Read Now!
Before we get into a list of books like Shadow and Bone, we need to discuss the fact that it’s being adapted for Netflix! Leigh Bardugo’s hit YA fantasy has everything- undiscovered magic, new worlds, and the fight for power. It’s perfect for the small screen!
A Special Message from Leigh Bardugo & Eric Heisserer
Netflix’s Shadow and Bone
The show officially premieres on Netflix on April 23rd. The official synopsis for the show is below, as is the trailer, and it has me high-key ready to binge-watch!
Based on Leigh Bardugo’s worldwide bestselling Grishaverse novels, Shadow and Bone finds us in a war-torn world where lowly soldier and orphan Alina Starkov has just unleashed an extraordinary power that could be the key to setting her country free.
With the monstrous threat of the Shadow Fold looming, Alina is torn from everything she knows to train as part of an elite army of magical soldiers known as Grisha. But as she struggles to hone her power, she finds that allies and enemies can be one and the same and that nothing in this lavish world is what it seems.
There are dangerous forces at play, including a crew of charismatic criminals, and it will take more than magic to survive.
Netflix’s Shadow and Bone Cast
I mean…get your popcorn ready people!
Shadow and Bone is set to star Jessie Mei Li as Alina Starkov, Archie Renaux as Malyen Oretsev, and Ben Barnes as General Kirigan, and from the trailer, the casting seems spot on! Confused by who General Kirigan is from the books? He was known as The Darkling in the book series.
The series also stars Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker, Amita Suman as Inej, Kit Young as Jesper Fahey.
I can’t wait to see this show on the small screen. It’s always fascinating to see the changes that they make for TV adaptations and see actors bring my favorite characters to life.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Books like Shadow and Bone
We knew we needed to make a list of books like Shadow and Bone to finish when the series is done. We all know how it feels to finish our favorite tv-series and be left with a void to fill the time. Pick up any of the books below to get sucked into a new world.
Mirage by Somaiya Daud
When Amani is abducted from her home and forced to act as the princess’s double, she understands what it is like to be a pawn in someone else’s game. Alina Starkov feels much the same way when she discovers her own latent powers in Shadow and Bone.
Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
In Serpent and Dove, one witch is hiding her peers to save everyone. In Shadow and Bone, that task lies with Alina Starkov. Political turmoil runs through both books. If you loved that aspect of the books, this is perfect for a list of books like Shadow and Bone
The City of Brass S.A. Chakraborty
Nahri has an amazing set of skills as a con artist but when she unexpectedly conjures a djinn warrior, she must face the consequences. If you love the dark, underworld elements of Shadow and Bone, this is the perfect pick for books like Shadow and Bone.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
In this amazing YA fantasy, all the Maji were killed leaving a world without magic by order of the king. In Shadow and Bone, the Darkling controls the fate of magic. If struggles of good and evil make you want to turn the page, this is the perfect book for you and is definitely one to add to your list of books like Shadow and Bone.
Furyborn by Clare Legrand
This YA fantasy is centered around two powerful and fierce women who have the power to save or doom the world. This plot has a striking similarity to Alina’s quest. If you loved the Greishaverse Trilogy, you’ll love this trilogy too.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Agnieszka lives on the edge of the Wood filled with a dark power. The only person to keep the power from destroying everything is the Dragon. His payment? One girl to serve him every 100 years. If dark forces and magic make this a must read, Shadow and bone should be your next YA Fantasy.
Bear and the Nightingale by Kathrine Arden
If you love the dark forces and hidden magic of Shadow and Bone, this book is your next read. When Vasya’s new stepmother does not allow them to honor the spirits living in the house, bad things start happening. In this small Russian village, they fear the Frost- a winter demon- above all.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In the world of the Red Queen, people are divided by blood. Those with red blood are considered inferior to those with silver blood. If political and social strife are imperative for your YA fantasy, then Shadow and Bone should be your next YA read.
Hunted by Meagan Spooner
This book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling has Yeva and a strong huntress searching for her father and hunting the beast. If you love the quest, the darkness and the uncertainty of who is good and evil, this first book from the Greishaverse is perfect for you.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Mass
If you love the underworld elements in this book then you will love the darkness of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. This is the only book on the list that is not YA although, in my opinion, some elements of ACOTAR are much more graphic.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Miryem finds her ability to turn silver into gold and draws the attention of the Starry, a creature more like ice than man. When she goes into his world, she must face this creature. Like Alina Starkov who must face the darkling, these two young women have the attention of dark and powerful men.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
If you loved Shadow and Bone, then we would be remiss not to mention Leigh Bardugo’s other series, Six of Crows. Both books take place in the Grishaverse.
What other books like Shadow and Bone should we read when the show is over?
Looking for more book adaptions? Check out Books like Outlander, Books like Bridgerton, and The Best Netflix Books adaptations to get you started.
One Comment