Books like 'To Kill a Shadow'
Readers who enjoyed To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
young adult fantasy dark romance paranormal high fantasy magic queer horror m-f from hate to love
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Of War and Ruin by Ryan Cahill
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsSolian ata'yar. Dauv ata'yar. Nur temen vie'ryn valana.Live as one. Die as one. For those we've lost.The city of Kingspass burns, and Calen Bryer's world has been shaken to its core. With Valerys at his side, Calen must battle his demons and push forward. There are people who need him, people who need what he must become, and he will not let them stand alone... -
Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe thrilling, heartfelt finale to the New York Times bestselling Hooky series, based on the beloved WEBTOON comic. Reeling from three years of anti-magic rule under the king—and three years disconnected from twin witches Dani and Dorian—Princess Monica, Nico, Damien, and Prince William know that it is now their responsibility to save the kingdom, and their friends, before darkness prevails... -
The Last Herald-Mage by Mercedes Lackey
The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy—three groundbreaking, Lambda Award-winning novels that established Mercedes Lackey as a fantasy tour-de-force and her Kingdom of Valdemar as a place millions of readers return to again and again... -
The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsFrom NYT bestselling author Brent Weeks comes his breakout fantasy trilogy in which a young boy trains under the city's most legendary and feared assassin Durzo Blint.For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art -- and he is the city's most accomplished artist.For Azoth, survival is just the beginning... -
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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... -
The Fires of Vengeance by Evan Winter
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsIn this "relentlessly gripping, brilliant" epic fantasy (James Islington), an ousted queen must join forces with a young warrior in order to reclaim her throne and save her people.Tau and his Queen, desperate to delay the impending attack on the capital by the indigenous people of Xidda, craft a dangerous plan... -
A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
Prepare for the jaw-dropping finale of Sabaa Tahir's beloved New York Times bestselling An Ember in the Ashes fantasy series, and discover: Who will survive the storm?Picking up just a few months after A Reaper at the Gates left off...The long-imprisoned jinn are on the attack, wreaking bloody havoc in villages and cities alike...Categorized as:
magic high fantasy dystopian from hate to love dual-pov found-family military competent heroine -
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsThe Omehi people have been fighting an unwinnable fight for almost two hundred years. Their society has been built around war and only war. The lucky ones are born gifted. One in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine... -
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful, kind princess who was betrothed to the prince of a faraway kingdom. When she set off for her new home, her mother gave her a maid for a companion on the journey. But instead of serving the princess, the wicked maid stole her place... -
The Faithless Hawk by Margaret Owen
Kings become outcasts and lovers become foes in The Faithless Hawk, the thrilling sequel to Margaret Owen's The Merciful Crow.As the new chieftain of the Crows, Fie knows better than to expect a royal to keep his word. Still she’s hopeful that Prince Jasimir will fulfill his oath to protect her fellow Crows... -
Bound in Inked Flame by Ava Larksen
When I signed myself away in marriage, I should have read the fine print. Ink fades—blood binds.I'm a prisoner, trapped behind gilded gates, my freedom traded for safety. Magic pulses beneath my skin, wild and forbidden. In our world of ruling Houses, wielding such power means death. One slip, one spark—everyone I love dies.As a princess of the Great House, I should have been untouchable... -
Temple of Sand by Barbara Kloss
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSable has been exposed for who she is: Imari, the illegitimate daughter of Istraa’s king, and a Liagé—someone born with forbidden Shah power. After ten years of hiding and surviving in the bitter cold Wilds, she is finally returning home. But it's not the homecoming Imari envisioned... -
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... -
Draco Malfoy and the Mirror of Ecidyrue by starbrigid
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsAll it takes is one look in a mirror and an ill-advised attempt to shatter it, before an embittered Draco Malfoy fresh out of Azkaban is sent back into his body on the day he gets his Hogwarts letter... -
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By the Orchid and the Owl by Mariah Montoya
On the island of Eshol, a ruling council gifts magic to all its citizens — whether they want it or not. Eighteen-year-old Rayna Drey should be excited for her Branding, when the island’s Good Council will infuse her blood with one of five sanctioned magics: the ability to wield elements, summon objects, shift forms, talk to wildlife, or manipulate minds. The Good Council is good...Categorized as:
from hate to love dystopian magic m-f first-person-pov fantasy young adult new adult -
Girls of Fate and Fury by Natasha Ngan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe epic romance of Lei and Wren comes to a breathtaking conclusion in the explosive finale to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling Girls of Paper and Fire series.'Don't struggle, Lei-zhi. It's time to take you back to the Hidden Palace. You're going home.'The jaw-dropping conclusion to Girls of Storm and Shadow left the fates of Lei and Wren hanging in the balance... -
Lost Towers by Angelina J. Steffort
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWith evil rising, every secret can change the course of history.The curse is broken. The Fae are free. And so is Gandrett—at least to walk away from the palace at Lei’Vreah, from the King of Fae who she supposedly is in love with, from the prince who almost died in her arms.Her friends are out there, needing her help...Categorized as:
magic high fantasy from hate to love found-family fantasy fae young adult fated-mates -
Gold by Raven Kennedy
"Find me in another life. Find me in them all." Every end is also a beginning. I thought I was going to die, and would have if it weren’t for Slade. The only way he could save me was to open a rip between worlds. The only way for me to save myself was to go through it. Sometimes, fleeing one dangerous place just brings you to another. Annwyn. The realm of the fae...Categorized as:
magic high fantasy from hate to love m-f survival competent heroine tortured heroine dual-pov -
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. 1 by Rei Tōma
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsPrince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected, and the political currents in the palace run deep and strange... -
The Last Heir of Elsewhere by Kate King
Lonnie Skyeborne always knew at least three things to be true: 1. She was human in a land of fairies. 2. She hated the royals above everyone else. 3. She was a liar. Except, ever since becoming the queen of Elsewhere, everything Lonnie knows to be true is crumbling around her. The castle has fallen, the crown has been stolen, and the kingdom of Elsewhere is overrun by rebels and monsters... -
Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto
In this action-packed finale to the House of the Dead Duology, Wren and her friends put everything they know to the test as they battle the living and the undead to save their world.Wren is still reeling from the revelation that the mother she thought was dead is actually the Corpse Queen, a ghostsmith with the terrifying power to control the undead... -
Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFor goddess-touched girls, there is only one destiny: the CullingFrom the moment Monroe Benson is born with a mark on her hand and the ability to summon fire from her fingertips, her life will never be her own. She’s goddess-touched, which means she’s destined to participate in the Culling, an age-old competition to determine the next queen of Erydia... -
A Realm of Shattered Lies by T.A. Lawrence
Silly servant girl, no one cares about saving the villain.A Realm of Shattered Lies is the second in a two-part finale to The Severed Realms series. Blaise wasn’t supposed to be the villain, but now Nox is gone, and Blaise will stop at nothing to get him back. Even if that means betraying everyone she holds dear. Meanwhile, Asha can’t help but shake the feeling that Az is closing in on her... -
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The Neverseen King by Anastasis Blythe
Only one fate awaits the bride of the Neverseen King. But I will not die. Surviving the Neverseen King’s lethal bridal competition earned me the titles of wife and queen. After the darkest, bloodiest night of my life, I am to don a wedding gown and marry the deadly fae king who lives in shadows... -
Blade of Shadow by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEvery surface of the land creeps with monsters. I escaped from the first wave of monsters with a magic sword, a kidnapped duke, and a big chip on my shoulder. It's not enough for me to run. Not when this tide threatens to sweep over the entire world. I'm the only one who can warn people of what's coming. I'm the only one who knows the truth... -
The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor
The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost her world, her father, even her name... -
One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 76 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... -
What Lies Within Masks & Shadows by Nicolle May
Throne of Glass meets The Witcher and Once Upon a Time in this heart-wrenching, high fantasy romance packed with trauma healing, epic magic, and high-stakes rebellion."What could be worse than death?"They made her kneel. So, she would see them burn...Alora—a Marked One—is bound to a fate of suffering... -
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...Categorized as:
from hate to love high fantasy magic m-f height-difference survival vengeance competent heroine -
The Mountain of Souls by Marcus Lee
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOnly the strong survive! When Malina is sold at an auction block, she fears life will take a turn for the worse.But even her darkest nightmares are nothing compared to the reality of what she faces when she's delivered to the Mountain of Souls.Thrust into a brutal selection process where failure means death, Malina must train and fight not only to survive but to prove herself worthy to serve... -
The Demon Mark by Emma Hamm
When a demon thinks he has everything, one women will prove that he is wrong...Envy has stolen every single power in his kingdom. Through magic, he devours all those with magic, stealing it for himself. But the one power he has never managed to steal is the one that can see his future. So when an oracle appears in his kingdom, he knows he has to steal her for himself... -
Labyrinth of Lies and Sacrifice by C.F.E. Black
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll Vera wants is to survive her wedding day without disaster striking, no easy task for a quarter-mage like Vera. But all her hopes fade when a stranger traps Vera, claiming she’s dangerous. The day gets worse when she is shoved inside the Labyrinth, an enchanted prison for the worst of criminals.In this place, madness reigns...Categorized as:
magic grumpy sunshine from hate to love fantasy mystery young adult age difference dark -
The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen
Some shadows protect you…others will kill you in this dazzling new fantasy series from award-winning author Abigail Owen.Everything about my life is a lie. As a hidden twin princess, born second, I have only one purpose—to sacrifice my life for my sister if death comes for her...Categorized as:
from hate to love magic high fantasy m-f competent heroine fantasy young adult paranormal -
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The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love in this searing young adult fantasy... -
Red Tigress by Amélie Wen Zhao
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsFans of Children of Blood and Bone will love the sequel to Blood Heir. The second book in an epic fantasy series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to liberate her empire from a dark reign.Ana Mikhailov is the only surviving member of the royal family of Cyrilia... -
This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede
Three weddings. Three funerals. Alessa’s gift from the gods is supposed to magnify a partner’s magic, not kill every suitor she touches.Now, with only weeks left until a hungry swarm of demons devours everything on her island home, Alessa is running out of time to find a partner and stop the invasion...Categorized as:
high fantasy magic dystopian from hate to love found-family fantasy paranormal young adult -
Mara and Morok by Лия Арден, Leah Arden
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsWelcome to the world of belligerent kingdoms of Serat and Araken, where on the border of good and evil Mara is resurrected for revenge. Grey haired, wearing a scarlet cape, she is tied to the one who has brought her from the grave.The perfect blend of dark epic fantasy and romance swirls “Corpse Bride” and “Van Helsing” under the scarlet cape of the one, whose spirit is free... -
Feast of Fates by Christian A. Brown
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMorigan lives a quiet life as the handmaiden to a fatherly old sorcerer named Thackery. But when she crosses paths with Caenith, a not wholly mortal man, her world changes forever. Their meeting sparks long buried magical powers deep within Morigan... -
Rise by Ellen Goodlett
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSisters Akeylah, Ren, and Zofi are all a step closer to their dying father's throne, a step closer to the crown that will allow one of them to rule over Kolonya. But the sisters' pasts continue to haunt them. Each hides a secret marked with blood and betrayal, and now their blackmailer is holding nothing back... -
House of Bastiion by K.L. Kolarich
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBEHIND THE MASK OF DUTY AND POWER, NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM...After the Forgotten Wars ravaged the world and turned it to ash, the realm of Orynthia has thrived. To bring peace to their territories, the Houses of Pilar, Darakai, and Boreal forged an accord with Bastiion, founding a Quadren of advisory to the throne. Each generation, a single haidren is appointed to this coveted chair...Categorized as:
from hate to love high fantasy magic competent heroine commander dual-pov strong heroine m-f -
The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsReturn to the darkly beautiful world of The Sin Eater's Daughter with a sequel that will leave you awed, terrified . . . and desperate for more. Ever since her brother Lief disappeared, Errin's life has gone from bad to worse. Not only must she care for her sick mother, she has to scrape together rent money by selling illegal herbal cures... -
Reaper of Souls by Rena Barron
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA prince repelled by magic. A king bent on revenge. A witchdoctor who does not walk alone. Brimming with dark magic, high stakes, and serpentine twists, the second book in Rena Barron’s thrilling YA fantasy saga is perfect for fans of Laini Taylor, Sabaa Tahir, and Tomi Adeyemi... -
Empire of Dark by K.J. Jackson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm desperate to wipe his family from the earth. He's desperate to put a baby in my womb.He is the king of the heathens. A king that wants my womb. But it's forbidden, our species breeding.Yet, a deal has been hatched for that very thing. One year—I’m to give Damen one year in his castle to impregnate me...Categorized as:
from hate to love strong heroine vengeance magic cold hero fantasy paranormal captive -
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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... -
Enemy's Queen by Frost Kay
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsBeauty and perfection come at a price… Abducted and thrust into a court obsessed with perfection, scarred Sage Ramses’ dream of peace and happiness is no longer a possibility. An ancient creature of darkness rules the land along with a people that are no longer human, and she’s forced to learn how to survive despite her inadequacies...Categorized as:
magic high fantasy from hate to love dystopian fantasy young adult paranormal new adult -
The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna
The dazzling finale to the groundbreaking, New York Times bestselling Gilded Ones series. One girl holds the power to defeat the gods—but can she become one?Mere weeks after confronting the Gilded Ones—the false beings she once believed to be her family—Deka is on the hunt... -
Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven
A feminist YA horror-thriller-romance retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray by the TikTok sensation and author of The Society for Soulless Girls… Penny Paxton is the daughter of an icon. Her supermodel mother has legions of adoring fans around the world, and Penny is ready to begin her journey to international adoration, starting with joining the elite Dorian Drama School... -
The Starlit Prince by C.F.E. Black
To break his curse, he must break her.The night before her family is set to win a fortune, Talia faces utter ruin. The only way accept a snap deal with a mysterious fae and become his bride.Rafael Romero has one last chance to break his curse, and it lies in the blood of his new wife, if only he can win her heart. What he doesn't expect is to fall for the woman he's chosen as his sacrifice...Categorized as:
magic m-f survival competent heroine independent heroine strong heroine dual-pov first-person-pov -
Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 60 ratingsQueen Katharine has waited her entire life to wear the crown. But now that she finally has it, the murmurs of dissent grow louder by the day. There’s also the alarming issue of whether or not her sisters are actually dead—or if they’re waiting in the wings to usurp the throne...
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