Books like 'The Curse of Beauty: The Story Behind the Myth'
Readers who enjoyed The Curse of Beauty: The Story Behind the Myth by Lauren Lee Merewether also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical young adult paranormal fantasy ancient times angst m-f forbidden love friends to lovers hurt-comfort
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Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history...Categorized as:
war military disabilities and marks forbidden love slow burn secret-relationship m-f men in uniform -
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 18 by Mizuho Kusanagi
A Kai Empire soldier fatally strikes Zeno, but he doesn’t die! Yona and her friends are shocked by the Yellow Dragon’s power as well as what he reveals about both his past and the Crimson Dragon... -
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 16 by Mizuho Kusanagi
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsA large fleet of ships from South Kai heads to Sensui at drug trafficker Hyo’s behest... -
All The Young Dudes - Volume One: Years 1 - 4 by MsKingBean89
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsMsKingBean’s “All The Young Dudes” has been divided into three volumes. This first book covers Years 1 - 4... -
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Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 1 by Mizuho Kusanagi
Yona reels from the shock of witnessing a loved one’s murder and having to fight for her life. With Hak’s help, she flees the palace and struggles to survive while evading her enemy’s forces... -
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
From Tamora Pierce, the first book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet, honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award.“From now on I’m Alan of Trebond, the younger twin. I’ll be a knight.” And so young Alanna of Trebond begins the journey to knighthood. Alanna has always craved the adventure and daring allowed only for boys; her twin brother, Thom, yearns to learn the art of magic...Categorized as:
m-f military political-intrigue aristocratic heroine magic fantasy strong heroine royalty -
Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 2 Apprentice Shrine Maiden Volume 2 by Miya Kazuki
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAs Myne continues her busy life as an apprentice blue shrine maiden, some good news changes everything: Her mother is pregnant! Naturally, Myne immediately sets out to make a picture book for her future little sibling. But there's still so much she doesn't know about the temple that doing anything is a struggle...Categorized as:
pregnancy disabilities and marks fantasy magic young adult high fantasy historical paranormal -
Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur
Two twins, one prophecy, and a whole lot of hijinks. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes a fantastical story about twin siblings Dani and Dorian who have missed the bus to magic school and scramble to find a mentor to teach them before their parents find out. Perfect for fans of THE OKAY WITCH and the 5 Worlds series... -
Who Made Me a Princess Vol. 1 by Spoon, 스푼
The story of Athanasia, forsaken princess of the Obelian Empire, ends with her execution at the hands of her own father--or does it? Her tragic tale is the plot of the novel The Lovely Princess... -
My Happy Marriage 01 (My Happy Marriage (Manga) #1) by Akumi Agitogi
A "Cinderella"-inspired slow-burn historical romance with a paranormal twist set in Taisho-era Japan! A browbeaten and mistreated daughter is cast out of her home and sent to audition as a bridal candidate for the heir to one of the most powerful families in the land…Considered nigh worthless for having failed to inherit the superhuman powers of the bloodlines into which she was born, Miyo... -
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
Young Countess Meliara swears to her dying father that she and her brother will defend their people from the growing greed of the king. That promise leads them into a war for which they are ill-prepared, which threatens the very people they are trying to protect. But war is simple compared to what follows, in peacetime...Categorized as:
war slow burn political-intrigue m-f military survival sweet heroine aristocratic heroine -
Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
Young Countess Meliara swears to her dying father that she and her brother will defend their people from the growing greed of the king. That promise leads them into a war for which they are ill-prepared, which threatens the very people they are trying to protect. But war is simple compared to what follows, in peacetime...Categorized as:
political-intrigue war aristocratic heroine magic fantasy young adult royalty medieval -
The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson
She does not know what awaits her at the enemy's gate. Elisa is a hero. She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country's ruler should be secure. But it isn't. Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from foreign realms and even from within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled... -
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A Stepmother's Marchen Vol. 1 (The Fantasie of a Stepmother (Novel) #1) by Spice&Kitty
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA full-color fantasy comic/webtoon of romance, drama, and second chances... -
The Second Blind Son by Amy Harmon
A lost girl and a blind boy discover their greatest strength is their bond with each other in a beguiling fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The First Girl Child.An insidious curse is weakening the Norse kingdom of Saylok, where no daughters have been born in years. Washing up on these plagued shores is Ghisla, an orphaned stowaway nursed back to health by a blind cave dweller... -
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
A steamy game of cat and mouse between witch and witch-hunter, played out against a backdrop of opulence, secrets, and bloody history.On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is... -
Breaking Legacies by Zoe Reed
In a land impoverished by a war that started before she was born, Kiena has provided for her mother and brother by becoming one of the best hunters in the kingdom. But when a lifelong friend with connections recommends her to the king to track down a runaway princess, her life gets turned upside down. Finding the princess is easy...Categorized as:
angst forbidden love friends to lovers slow burn betrayal military war political-intrigue -
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn political-intrigue friends to lovers sweet heroine sweet-hero fantasy magic -
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world... -
The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
Along with Wit, Charm, Health, and Courage, Princess Amy of Phantasmorania receives a special fairy christening gift: Ordinariness. Unlike her six beautiful sisters, she has brown hair and freckles, and would rather have adventures than play the harp, embroider tapestries . . . or become a Queen... -
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
A girl with dangerous magic makes a risky bargain with a demon to be free of her monstrous power in this young adult fantasy perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens and House of Salt and Sorrows.Liska knows that magic is monstrous, and its practitioners are monsters. She has done everything possible to suppress her own magic, to disastrous consequences... -
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
This is the story of Hazel, a young healer navigating a ruthless court to save the life of the king, grappling with a pantheon of gods with questionable agendas as she fights for agency and true love in her own life as the goddaughter of none other than Death himself. All gifts come with a price. Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings...Categorized as:
tortured heroine m-f forbidden love political-intrigue war sweet-hero horror young adult -
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f sweet-hero ancient times betrayal political-intrigue war military -
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The Queen's Resistance by Rebecca Ross
The highly anticipated sequel to The Queen’s Rising!Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge... -
To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams
The evil minions of the undead Sithi Storm King are beginning their final preparations for the kingdom-shattering culmination of their dark sorceries, drawing King Elias ever deeper into their nightmarish, spell-spun world. As the Storm King’s power grows and the boundaries of time begin to blur, the loyal allies of Prince Josua struggle to rally their forces at the Stone of Farewell... -
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, spends the first years of her life under her aunt's guidance learning to communicate with animals...Categorized as:
war aristocratic heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero betrayal political-intrigue m-f contemporary -
The Villainess Turns the Hourglass, Vol. 1 by Antstudio, SANSOBEE
Aria Roscent mercilessly bullied her stepsister Mielle and paid the ultimate price for her misdeeds―but not before Mielle revealed that she’d manipulated Aria into harassing Mielle in the first place! Instead of dying, Aria is sent back in time and gifted a strange hourglass with mysterious powers...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn betrayal political-intrigue survival tortured heroine aristocratic heroine sweet-hero -
First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain
Karigan G'ladheon had been a Green Rider, one of the king of Sacoridia's elite magical messengers...Categorized as:
forbidden love slow burn political-intrigue contemporary fantasy mystery strong heroine medieval -
The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri
The Lotus Empire brings Tasha Suri’s acclaimed Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a heart–stopping close. As an ancient magic returns to Ahiranya and threatens its very foundations, Empress Malini and priestess Priya will stop at nothing to save their kingdoms—even if it means they must destroy each other...Categorized as:
angst forbidden love political-intrigue survival sweet heroine aristocratic heroine war queer -
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
The day my mother was killed, she told my father I wouldn’t speak again, and she told him if I died, he would die too. Then she predicted the king would trade his soul and lose his son to the sky. My father has a claim to the throne, and he is waiting in the shadows for all of my mother’s words to come to pass. He wants desperately to be king, and I just want to be free... -
Namesake by Adrienne Young
Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and the rest of the crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when Fable becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme... -
From Darkness Won by Jill Williamson
Achan steps into his role as Crown Prince and prepares for war. But war against whom? Could Esek still be alive? Has Lord Nathak taken Esek’s place? Or is the mysterious Hadad the true enemy Achan must confront? Vrell has her own agenda of serving Prince Oren as a healer, but when she is stormed and lost to the Veil, Achan does all he can to bring her back... -
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
The epic conclusion to the intensely romantic and beautifully written story that started in Divine Rivals.Two weeks have passed since Iris Winnow returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over. Roman is missing, and the city of Oath continues to dwell in a state of disbelief and ignorance...Categorized as:
secret-relationship slow burn war tortured heroine sweet-hero m-f disabilities and marks military -
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Solstice of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis
Lord Rhyan Hart, Heir Apparent to the Arkasva, High Lord of Glemaria, Imperator to the North hates everything about his title. Its length, its pretentiousness, and the fact that it connects him directly to his father, the sadistic violent man he hates more than anyone in Lumeria... -
To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson
Achan, Vrell, and the Kingsguard Knights have fled into Darkness to escape the wrath of the former prince. They head for Ice Island to rescue two of Sir Gavin's colleagues who were falsely imprisoned years ago. Darkness is growing and only one man can push it back. Achan wanted freedom, not a crown. His true identity has bound him more than ever... -
Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George
The second book in New York Times bestselling author Jessica Day George's charming, light-hearted fantasy series.With the Dragon Wars over, Creel finds herself bored with life as a seamstress. Then word comes that a bordering country has been breeding dragons in preparation for an invasion... -
Lullaby of the Dawn, Vol. 1 by Ichika Yuno, ユノイチカ
Super gifted up-and-coming author Ichika Yuno’s debut manga!“I’ll be by your side forever.”“You’re a cruel brat.”Elva is a warrior priest whose life is eroded every time he fights against monsters coming from the dark sea. When he learns this, boy Alto is enraged and vows to stay by his side to look for a way to save him.After eight years, Alto has grown into a fearless young man... -
The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley
Legend states that there exists a mighty sword that makes its possessor invincible to his enemies. But there is a curse on anyone who lifts the sword for conquest. King Kareed of Archeld goes after this sword anyway, winning it from the King of Bellandra. When he returns home from battle, he brings his daughter, Princess Torina, two special gifts...Categorized as:
war friends to lovers slow burn political-intrigue m-f betrayal aristocratic heroine contemporary -
Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto
In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old... -
My Gently Raised Beast, Vol. 1 by Early Flower, JunJun Kim
The orphaned Blondina lives a tough life on the streets, left only with a memento from her late mother—one that proves she is the child of the emperor of Ates. From the streets, Blondina moves into the royal palace where she lives a lonely existence…that is until she befriends a brash and surly cat named Amon... -
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for his family. The only thing of value he has is something he can't sell—the thick silver cuffs he's worn since birth. They're clearly magicked—as he grows, they grow, and he's never been able to get them off...Categorized as:
war slow burn aristocratic heroine angst political-intrigue m-f love triangle witches -
Royal Captive by Heather Frost
A DECOY trapped in a dangerous lieA SERJAH searching for the truthA PRINCE caught in a deadly gameA WORLD choked by secretsAbducted during a devastating ambush, Clare is now the captive of ruthless mercenaries. Dragged through the wilderness while grieving heart-rending loss, she must maintain the illusion that she is the princess...Categorized as:
friends to lovers war political-intrigue fantasy young adult christian new adult medieval -
To Ride the Wind: A Retelling of East of the Sun and West of the Moon by Melanie Cellier
Charlotte has always longed to be accepted by her older sisters. She would gladly exchange her vaunted beauty for their friendship. But they ask a far higher price. Pushed into marriage with a stranger, Charlotte is left betrayed and alone. All she knows of her new husband is that he has secrets—and that her heart beats a little faster whenever he calls her Lottie... -
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A Swift and Savage Tide by Chloe Neill
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsChloe Neill's bold, seafaring heroine Captain Kit Brightling sets sail for high seas and high sorcery in this swashbuckling fantasy series. Captain Kit Brightling is Aligned to the magic of the sea, which makes her an invaluable asset to the Saxon Isles and its monarch, Queen Charlotte... -
Reflection by Elizabeth Lim
What if Mulan had to travel to the Underworld?When Captain Shang is mortally wounded by Shan Yu in battle, Mulan must travel to the Underworld, Diyu, in order to save him from certain death. But King Yama, the ruler of Diyu, is not willing to give Shang up easily...Categorized as:
friends to lovers caretaking military sweet heroine fantasy young adult magic paranormal -
The Gatekeeper's Secret by Eva Pohler
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Zeus invites Therese and Thanatos to a party on Mount Olympus in their honor, they and the other gods who have formed the Athena Alliance are immediately suspicious of a trap. They fear Zeus has learned of their desire to free Metis and Cybele and to stand up for all the women he has wronged... -
Go the Distance by Jen Calonita
What if Meg had to become a god?After Hercules proves he's a true hero and regains his godship, all seems right in the world. That is, until Zeus tells Meg that she can't be with Hercules because she's, well, mortal. Luckily, Hera has a solution, offering Meg a chance to prove herself worthy of a spot on Mt. Olympus--as a god. All Meg has to do is complete a mysterious quest... -
War of the Sea by Dana Claire
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHis powers could save the ocean. Her vendetta could sink a kingdom. Captain Elouise Farrington, the youngest pirate on the Caviar Sea, seeks revenge on her father’s killer. But when her oddly hypnotic foe proposes a pact to kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea’s bloodshed, she must make a choice... -
The First Night with the Duke Volume 1 by Hwang DoTol, Teava
A handsome, selfish noble falls for a beautiful, kind commoner -- at least, that’s how the story’s supposed to go. When an average college student wakes up as Ripley, an extra in her favorite romance novel, she resolves to enjoy the luxuries of her character’s status while watching the novel's plot unfold from the sidelines...Categorized as:
angst m-f caretaking betrayal political-intrigue war sweet heroine aristocratic heroine
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