Books like 'An Ember in the Ashes'
Readers who enjoyed An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy young adult dark romance paranormal forbidden love magic love triangle strong heroine military
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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 4 by SUOL, Gwon Gyeoeul
“When I’m with you, there’s truly never a dull moment.”The Hunt is on! Penelope heads off to the small-game area in hopes of finding a present for Eckles…only to run into a hostile bear! Armed with desperation and a crossbow, Penelope holds it off, until Callisto unexpectedly comes to her rescue... -
![Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat]()
Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat
In this riveting sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel Dark Rise, Will and his allies have survived the Dark’s first assault, but at a terrible cost.A new threat from the past is rising, and only a handful of heroes remain to fight...Categorized as:
magic dystopian mystery from hate to love vengeance found-family tortured hero slow burn -
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![A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab]()
A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab
Witness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED...The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise...Categorized as:
magic new adult high fantasy royalty poor heroine found-family tortured hero fantasy -
![Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas]()
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken...Categorized as:
magic from hate to love love triangle war mystery royalty high fantasy strong heroine -
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![Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier]()
Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier
Beautiful Sorcha is the courageous young woman who risked all to save her family from a wicked curse and whose love shattered generations of hate and bridged two cultures. It is from her sacrifice that Sorcha's brothers were brought home to their ancestral fortress Sevenwaters, and her life has known much joy... -
![A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross]()
A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross
In the stunning conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology, A Fire Endless finds the delicate balance between the human and faerie realm threatened by Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, whose defeat can only come through fire, song, and heart-rending sacrifice.East and West. Humans and Spirits. Breccans and Tamerlaines... -
![Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 6 by Gyeoeul Gwon, SUOL]()
Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 6 by Gyeoeul Gwon, SUOL
Following the conditions of a contract between herself and Winter, Penelope is once again leaving the duchy! She joins the marquis for volunteer work in a war-stricken nation, and while their time there is hectic, the two are able to grab a moment alone at the seaside... -
![The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen]()
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
A queen now in exile as a traitor, Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father, helpless to do anything to stop the destruction. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows there is only one reason her father is keeping him alive: as bait for his traitorous daughter.And it is bait she fully intends to take...Categorized as:
from hate to love war strong heroine royalty forbidden love angst new adult competent heroine -
![Under the Oak Tree: Season 1 - 1 by Suji Kim]()
Under the Oak Tree: Season 1 - 1 by Suji Kim
Maximilian (Maxi), the eldest daughter of the Croyso family, grows up being abused by her father. As a consequence of the physical and mental trauma, she develops a crippling inferiority complex about both her stutter and her physical appearance as well as a general lack of self-respect... -
![Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier]()
Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
The chieftains of Sevenwaters have long been custodians of a vast and mysterious forest?and a new heir has been born. But the family?s joy turns to despair when the baby is taken, and something unnatural is left in his place...Categorized as:
magic virgin heroine slow burn high fantasy from hate to love mystery suspense fantasy -
![By the Moonbeam and the Mist by Mariah Montoya]()
By the Moonbeam and the Mist by Mariah Montoya
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer memories are gone, but her powers are only growing…Rayna Drey’s second year at the Esholian Institute should be spent advancing her Wild Whispering magic that the Good Council bestowed upon her last year. Unfortunately, she can’t quite focus on her new classes or enjoy all the parties with her friends... -
![House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig]()
House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig
A modern masterpiece, this is a classic Gothic thriller-fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig, about doomed love, menacing ambition, and the ghosts that haunt us forever.In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed... -
![Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers]()
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons... -
![Of Beasts and Vengeance by Elle Madison, Robin D. Mahle]()
Of Beasts and Vengeance by Elle Madison, Robin D. Mahle
Zaina thought she could run from her secrets, but they have finally caught up to her.She’s willing to risk her life for those she loves, but even that might not be enough to stop what’s coming.Einar has finally let down his guard, but when the woman he trusts takes off in the middle of the night with his people's only hope for a cure, he realizes what a mistake that was... -
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![The King’s Beast, Vol. 8 by Rei Tōma]()
The King’s Beast, Vol. 8 by Rei Tōma
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAs Rangetsu and her unlikely allies follow whispered rumors through the palace in search of any hint of her brother, she finds it increasingly difficult to keep from spilling her own secret to Prince Tenyou. But revealing her true nature will upset the uneasy accord she has built between them... -
![Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta]()
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsBlood sings to blood, Froi . . . Those born last will make the first . . . For Charyn will be barren no more. Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home... Or so he believes... Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been trained roughly and lovingly by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper... -
![Die With Your Lord by Sarah K.L. Wilson]()
Die With Your Lord by Sarah K.L. Wilson
A DEATH TOO TERRIBLE TO CONTEMPLATE. A LIFE GAMBLED FOR EVERYTHING.DIE WITH YOUR LORD is the last book in the Bluebeard's Secret series following the eerie and romantic story of GIVE YOUR HEART TO THE BARROW.Description coming soon.Warning: This is the last book in the series, but that doesn't mean you're safe. These books are intense. Read at your own risk... -
![Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop]()
Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
The Dark Kingdom is preparing itself for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy--the arrival of a new Queen, a Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But this new ruler is young, and very susceptible to influence and corruption; whoever controls her controls the Darkness... -
![Dance With The Sword by Sarah K.L. Wilson]()
Dance With The Sword by Sarah K.L. Wilson
A GRIM BETRAYAL. A DYING KING. A HUSBAND WHO WON'T LET HER GO. With the heart of the Wittenhame still ringing from Izolda's actions and her new husband shocked at her betrayal, the future seems very grim indeed...Categorized as:
from hate to love war magic high fantasy new adult slow burn competent heroine strong heroine -
![The Skull Throne by Peter V. Brett]()
The Skull Throne by Peter V. Brett
The first three novels in New York Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett’s groundbreaking Demon Cycle series—The Warded Man, The Desert Spear, and The Daylight War—set a new standard for heroic fantasy. The powerful saga of humans winnowed to the brink of extinction by night-stalking demons, and the survivors who fight back, has kept readers breathless as they eagerly turned the pages... -
![Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams]()
Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams
New York Times-bestselling Tad Williams’ landmark epic fantasy saga of Osten Ard begins an exciting new cycle!“One of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin • “Groundbreaking.” —Patrick Rothfuss • “One of the great fantasy epics of all time... -
![Of Thorns and Beauty by Elle Madison, Robin D. Mahle]()
Of Thorns and Beauty by Elle Madison, Robin D. Mahle
You think you know the tale as old as time, but you’ve already got it wrong. There never was a beauty and a beast, only a girl who was both. And that girl was me. Zaina will never be free. She's forced into an arranged marriage to a Viking King in a castle full of secrets. But she carries secrets of her own, and the scars of her haunted past...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love magic high fantasy forced proximity slow burn royalty tortured hero -
![Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey]()
Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsHerald Mags, the King of Valdemar’s Herald Spy, has been developing a clandestine network of young informants who operate not only on the streets of the capital city of Haven, but also in the Great Halls and kitchens of the wealthy and highborn. In his own established alternate personas, Mags observes the Court and the alleys alike, quietly gathering information to keep Haven and the Kingdom safe... -
![Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier]()
Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier
Magic is fading... and the ways of Man are driving the Old Ones to the West, beyond the ken of humankind. The ancient groves are being destroyed, and if nothing is done, Ireland will lose its essential mystic core.The prophecies of long ago have foretold a way to prevent this horror, and it is the Sevenwaters clan that the spirits of Eire look to for salvation... -
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![Eon by Alison Goodman]()
Eon by Alison Goodman
Read Alison Goodman's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community. Eon--the award-winning crossover fantasy that soars! Sixteen-year-old Eon has a dream, and a mission. For years, he's been studying sword-work and magic, toward one end. He and his master hope that he will be chosen as a Dragoneye-an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune... -
![Asperfell by Jamie Thomas]()
Asperfell by Jamie Thomas
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsOnly the darkest and most dangerous of Mages are sentenced to pass through the gate to Asperfell. Not one has ever returned.Never did Briony dream she might set foot in the otherworldly prison of Asperfell. She was, after all, neither Mage nor criminal... -
![A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes]()
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsThis was never the story of one woman, or two. It was the story of all of them…In the middle of the night, Creusa wakes to find her beloved Troy engulfed in flames. Ten seemingly endless years of brutal conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans are over, and the Greeks are victorious. Over the next few hours, the only life she has ever known will turn to ash . . -
![Inferno by Kat Ross]()
Inferno by Kat Ross
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn the last volume of the Fourth Talisman series, the worlds of the living and the dead collide in a final confrontation that will leave Nocturne and Solis forever changed…. Three talismans adrift. Two mad kings. One poisonous crown. As dark forces gather at the Rock of Ariamazes in Samarqand, Nazafareen discovers that there are worse places than the afterlife... -
![Give Your Heart to the Barrow by Sarah K.L. Wilson]()
Give Your Heart to the Barrow by Sarah K.L. Wilson
A LOSS UNBEARABLE. A DESPERATE PLAN. A WOMAN DETERMINED NOT TO LOSE. Alone and with her hopes dragged to the bottom of the sea, along with the husband she just realized she loves, Izolda finds herself in the mortal world as princess and counselor to her brother Svetgin, now king of Pensmoore. But Izolda is not the practical girl she once was who would have been happy for a home and a place... -
![The King’s Beast, Vol. 4 by Rei Tōma]()
The King’s Beast, Vol. 4 by Rei Tōma
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSomeone in the imperial palace is trying to kill Prince Tenyou, and Rangetsu has reason to believe it might be the icy third prince, Kougai... -
![Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco]()
Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco
After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria... even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one...Categorized as:
from hate to love new adult magic mystery royalty forced proximity high fantasy slow burn -
![Song of the Forever Rains by E.J. Mellow]()
Song of the Forever Rains by E.J. Mellow
From the award-winning author of the Dreamland series comes a new dark romantic fantasy about a young woman finding hope in her powers of destruction.The Thief Kingdom is a place hidden within the world of Aadlior. Many whisper of its existence, but few have found this place, where magic and pleasure abound... -
![The King’s Beast, Vol. 6 by Rei Tōma]()
The King’s Beast, Vol. 6 by Rei Tōma
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsPrince Kougai’s interest in his brother’s new beast-servant hasn’t waned, and Rangetsu is forced to forge an uneasy truce with him when his prying uncovers the dangerous truth about her identity... -
![A Blossom at Midnight by A.L. Knorr]()
A Blossom at Midnight by A.L. Knorr
One earns a coveted place among royalty. Another is imprisoned by her betrothed, while the third is exiled until he can prove his worth. Can these three fae prevent a war?Dreaming of escaping her simple country life and tired of keeping her winged familiars a secret, half-fae Jessica finds herself swept into a breathtaking world of an elite retinue of fae performers known as the Calyx... -
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![Fly with the Arrow by Sarah K.L. Wilson]()
Fly with the Arrow by Sarah K.L. Wilson
A STOLEN BRIDE. A TERRIFYING BRIDEGROOM. THE GAME THAT WILL DETERMINE THEIR FATES.No one told her the most important law of the court - the Law of Greeting.If they had, maybe she wouldn't have greeted Bluebeard when he arrived to claim a mortal wife. And if she hadn't greeted him, she wouldn't have become his sixteenth wife or been swept away to the lands of the Wittenhame...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love magic high fantasy forced proximity strong heroine betrayal war -
![Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore, Ian Schoenherr]()
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore, Ian Schoenherr
Eight years have passed since the young Princess Bitterblue, and her country, were saved from the vicious King Leck. Now Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea, and her land is at peace. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on... -
![A Cursed Heart by Jenny Hickman]()
A Cursed Heart by Jenny Hickman
Living on an island plagued by magic and mythical monsters isn't a fairy tale . . . it's a nightmare.Aveen is the perfect lady, placid and well-mannered, concealing her discontentment beneath false smiles and gentle nods. As the eldest, her duty has always been to her family legacy and her sister's happiness... -
![Illusionary by Zoraida Córdova]()
Illusionary by Zoraida Córdova
Reeling from betrayal at the hands of the Whispers, Renata Convida is a girl on the run. With few options and fewer allies, she's reluctantly joined forces with none other than Prince Castian, her most infuriating and intriguing enemy. They're united by lofty goals: find the fabled Knife of Memory, kill the ruthless King Fernando, and bring peace to the nation...Categorized as:
from hate to love magic high fantasy royalty love triangle other-man-woman found-family fantasy -
![The Assassin Bride by Anastasis Blythe]()
The Assassin Bride by Anastasis Blythe
It is said that the Neverseen King comes for a bride every hundred years. I thought it was only legend . . . until he came for me. I am one of twelve assassins forced to compete for the hand of our unseen king, who I’m beginning to doubt is even human at all. Why he needs a bride, much less one who wields a blade, isn’t any of my business... -
![Of Song and Darkness by Jessica Spruill]()
Of Song and Darkness by Jessica Spruill
Poseidon has fallen. The world won’t be far behind. Unless she can stop the rising darkness.The world beneath the waves is in chaos.Without Poseidon to hold it at bay, Dark Water is slowly spreading, devouring anything it touches. Even the mighty King Manta has given up hope.But his daughter hasn’t. Rhea, the siren princess of Aquarius, will do anything to save her world...Categorized as:
ancient times magic forced proximity from hate to love new adult angst m-f slow burn -
![King's Warrior by Frost Kay]()
King's Warrior by Frost Kay
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsRevolution and war come with a price in the fourth volume of USA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay’s The Aermian Feuds Series. Returning to Aermia should’ve been easy, but nightmares and death haunt her, leaving Sage as an outsider, even in her own family...Categorized as:
high fantasy magic new adult from hate to love fantasy young adult paranormal medieval -
![Graceling by Kristin Cashore]()
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight - she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug... -
![A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet]()
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice… Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south...Categorized as:
strong heroine royalty alpha male from hate to love magic virgin heroine ancient times high fantasy -
![Bride of the Fae Prince by Anastasis Blythe]()
Bride of the Fae Prince by Anastasis Blythe
For fans of A Deal With The Elf King and The Bridge Kingdom, this arranged marriage romance about a human princess bargained in marriage to the deadly Fae Prince will sweep you off your feet.A shy, dutiful human princess. A cunning, vengeful Fae prince.Will their arranged marriage cost them their hearts . .Categorized as:
political-intrigue new adult high fantasy war from hate to love magic m-f forced proximity -
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![One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake]()
One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 85 ratingsThe battle for the Crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail?With the unforgettable events of the Quickening behind them and the Ascension Year underway, all bets are off. Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before... -
![The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross]()
The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.Growing up in the southern kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her. While some are born with a talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she chose knowledge... -
![The Prince's Captive by Celeste Baxendell]()
The Prince's Captive by Celeste Baxendell
A decoy bride sent to die. The soldier prince sent to capture her. How far will he go to save her life when even she has accepted her death? Marcella is a mediocre mage whose only value to her people is the fact she looks like the clan’s heir. When she is ordered to take her place and be captured by their enemies so the heir can fulfill a marriage alliance, Marcella obeys...Categorized as:
from hate to love magic high fantasy ancient times fantasy christmas historical young adult -
![Academy of Villains by Ever King]()
Academy of Villains by Ever King
Revised and Expanded Edition (June 2025): Includes 8 new chapters, an exclusive epilogue, and expanded world lore.Academy of Villains is a Greek mythology-inspired romantasy for readers who grew up on Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Throne of Glass—but are now ready for something darker, romantic, and more soul-shattering... -
![Lightbringer by Claire Legrand]()
Lightbringer by Claire Legrand
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsThe incredible conclusion to the trilogy that started with the instant New York Times bestsellers Furyborn and Kingsbane! In this epic finale to the Empirium Trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claire Legrand, two queens, separated by a thousand years must face their ultimate destinies. Queen Rielle, pushed away from everything she loves, turns to Corien and his promises of glory... -
![To Bind a Dark Heart by Kathryn Ann Kingsley]()
To Bind a Dark Heart by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
“Run, Gwen. Run as far and as hard as you can. Because when I catch you… You will belong to me.”When she shattered the Iron Crystal and returned magic to Avalon, Gwen also shattered Mordred’s heart. Torn between her passion for Mordred and his rage at her betrayal, she fled into the wilds.Gwen’s choice has transformed Avalon, and the island teems with magical wonders freed from the crystal...Categorized as:
mystery war from hate to love high fantasy forced proximity suspense new adult magic
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