Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
Happiness
Remember when Celaena first walked into the Glass Castle with chains around her wrists, death in her eyes, and a crown hidden somewhere deep in her shattered soul? That electric combination of deadly heroines and magic capable of rewriting destinies is exactly what these 12 books like 'Throne of Glass' deliver.
From Rebecca Yarros's dragon riders to Leigh Bardugo's criminal masterminds, these fantasy worlds capture everything that made Sarah J. Maas's masterpiece unforgettable.
Not sure which book to devour next? Use Headway as your personal shortcut — explore summaries first, then decide what's worth the full read. With sleek design, quick formats, and progress tracking, it's like having a personal nonfiction curator in your pocket.
Download the Headway app today and get key insights from world-changing nonfiction books in under 15 minutes!
Quick summary: Top five books like 'Throne of Glass' for SJM fans
'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas: Mortal huntress Feyre enters the deadly fae realm, where survival demands transformation into something fiercer than she ever imagined.
'Falling Kingdoms' by Morgan Rhodes: Four kingdoms spiral toward war through multiple perspectives as magic dies and political betrayal claims its victims.
'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros: Fragile Violet must survive brutal dragon rider training, where cadets die daily and trust is more dangerous than combat.
'Three Dark Crowns' by Kendare Blake: Triplet queens raised apart must kill each other for the throne in a dark tale of sisterhood and survival.
'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir: Scholar Laia infiltrates a ruthless military academy, while soldier Elias fights for freedom in an empire built on oppression.
Keep reading and find out which badass heroine you'll be rooting for next!
The 12 best fantasy series that deliver the same magic as 'Throne of Glass'
Whether you're missing the fierce heroines, the intricate world-building, or those heart-stopping plot twists, these twelve fantasy series pack the same addictive punch. Prepare for late nights, emotional damage, and absolutely zero regrets!
1. 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre is a mortal huntress just trying to feed her family when she kills a faerie in the woods. As punishment, she's dragged into Prythian — the magical land of the fae. What starts as captivity becomes something way more complicated as the girl discovers hidden strengths she never knew existed.
The fae world Sarah J. Maas creates is full of dangerous courts, ancient curses, and characters who will break your heart. The romance burns slowly and intensely. By the final book in this fantasy series, you'll understand why millions of readers obsess over ACOTAR just like they did with the 'Throne of Glass' series.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Because it's written by SJM, you get her signature style. Here, you'll find fierce heroines who go from weak to powerful, complex romances that build through real partnership, and rich worldbuilding where every magical detail matters.
Building strength from the inside out: Just as Feyre learns to believe in her own power, the summary of 'Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It' on the Headway app covers how self-love becomes the foundation for every transformation.
When you're facing impossible odds like the characters in these fantasy worlds, that inner strength makes all the difference.
2. 'Falling Kingdoms' by Morgan Rhodes
Four kingdoms are about to erupt into war, and magic is dying. Morgan Rhodes tells this story through multiple characters — a spoiled princess, a rebel's son, an exiled prince, and a sorceress with deadly secrets. Each kingdom has its own culture and political games that feel as complex as 'Game of Thrones.'
Magic comes from the Kindred — ancient crystals of elemental power that everyone wants to control. As the book series continues, alliances change fast, and no character is safe. What makes this special is how it rejects the simple contrast of good versus evil, creating morally gray situations, just like TOG.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both series nail complex court politics where talking can be as deadly as fighting. Multiple kingdoms compete for power with high-stakes decisions. The political intrigue creates the same addictive tension that will keep you reading all night.
3. 'The Empyrean' by Rebecca Yarros
Violet Sorrengail was supposed to be a quiet scribe. Instead, her mother forces her into dragon rider training — the deadliest college in the realm. Cadets die during every exercise at this brutal academy, where dragons choose their riders based on mysterious rules.
Violet is physically fragile, which makes her an easy target. She has to be smarter and faster than everyone trying to kill her. The enemies-to-lovers romance that sparks with Xaden Riorson in 'Fourth Wing' burns hot. Each revelation about the kingdom's lies raises the stakes higher, giving you that same compulsive reading experience as TOG.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both have badass heroines who win through brains and determination instead of strength. Deadly training forges warriors from unlikely candidates. And that slow-burn romance that transforms hatred into a fierce partnership.
Making tough calls under pressure: Violet constantly faces life-or-death decisions with limited information. Headway's summary of 'Effective Decision-Making' explores the strategies that help people choose wisely when everything's on the line — skills these fantasy heroines use instinctively.
4. 'Three Dark Crowns' by Kendare Blake
Three sisters. Three magical gifts. But only one can survive to rule. Kendare Blake creates a dark premise where triplet queens are raised apart on Fennbirn Island, then forced to kill each other for the throne. Mirabella controls the weather, Katharine commands poisons, and Arsinoe should control nature magic — but something's wrong.
The atmosphere is Gothic and creepy with ancient magic and deadly traditions. As the sisters turn sixteen, secrets start surfacing. There's no clear hero here, which readers on Goodreads love debating. Each sister has good reasons to claim the throne.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both series have morally complex female characters making impossible choices for power and survival. The magic system feels like both a gift and a curse. Twists in the plot change everything, and protagonists suffer real consequences, just like Aelin did.
5. 'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir
Laia's brother gets arrested for treason in Sabaa Tahir's fantasy world, inspired by ancient Rome. Her only hope is to spy for the Resistance inside the Empire's brutal military academy. Elias is the academy's best soldier, trapped in a life he hates.
The Empire rules through fear, using public executions and supernatural enforcers. When Laia and Elias meet, everything they believe about loyalty and freedom gets tested. This fantasy world reveals the true cost of fighting tyranny, much like Aelin's own battles.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both use dual perspectives that eventually connect to change the world. Protagonists start with clear identities that shatter when they discover hard truths and must resist tyrannical rulers who control through fear.
Strengthening your resolve when quitting seems easier: Laia's journey from scared to fearless takes time. 'The Willpower Instinct,' summarized on the Headway app, breaks down the science of self-discipline and how to build mental stamina, showing readers how to achieve goals even when everything feels impossible.
6. 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo
Kaz Brekker is a criminal genius who assembles six outcasts for an impossible heist in Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse. The crew — six damaged, brilliant misfits — creates magic through combined skills. Each character gets their moment to shine and their backstory to wreck you.
Unlike typical young adult fantasy about chosen ones, this celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things through cleverness and loyalty. The worldbuilding in Ketterdam feels as real as any fantasy world Sarah J. Maas created, with found-family dynamics that hit hard. Plus, it's part of a duology, so you get all the arcs without too much commitment.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both have damaged characters forming fierce bonds. Intelligence matters as much as fighting ability. Morally gray protagonists do terrible things for people they love, creating emotional investment in everyone's survival.
7. 'The Witchlands' by Susan Dennard
Susan Dennard introduces Safiya (a Truthwitch who detects lies) and Iseult (a Threadwitch who sees invisible connections). They're best friends running for their lives as five nations prepare for war.
The magic system is refreshingly different with groups like the Threadwitches, Firewitches, and Windwitches.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both put deep female friendships at the center (like Aelin with Lysandra and Manon). The complex magic systems have clear rules. Multiple perspectives depict the plight of war-torn kingdoms.
Nurturing the relationships that matter most: The Threadsisters' bond shows how important connection is. The summary of 'The 5 Love Languages' on Headway explores how people express love differently, helping readers set relationship goals that strengthen bonds.
8. 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore
Katsa has the Grace of killing. Her uncle, the king, uses her as his personal weapon. But secretly, Katsa uses her skills for good by rescuing prisoners. 'Graceling' was revolutionary and still feels powerful. Katsa refuses traditional expectations about what women should want.
The standalone format is perfect if you're tired after finishing TOG. You get a complete story with optional companion books in the same fantasy world.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both have warrior heroines who are feared weapons before becoming their own people. The themes of being used by powerful people and taking back control echo throughout Celaena's transformation into Aelin.
9. 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' by Laini Taylor
Karou is a blue-haired art student in Prague who runs mysterious errands for Brimstone — a monster who collects teeth and grants wishes. When deadly angels appear, Karou's life explodes. Laini Taylor writes like a poet, creating a story that splits between modern Earth and Eretz — a fantasy realm at war.
The revelations hit hard, changing everything about Karou's identity. The romance is epic and tragic, spanning lifetimes and worlds.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both feature protagonists discovering their true selves. Each fantasy world is rich in mythology and history, as well as epic romances with real sacrifices.
Finding the courage to stop apologizing for who you are: Karou's journey involves accepting all parts of herself. Headway's summary of 'Girl, Stop Apologizing' challenges readers to claim their ambitions unapologetically, teaching them how to build confidence and stop shrinking themselves.
10. 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard
The world is divided by blood color. Reds serve the Silver elite, who have supernatural powers. Mare Barrow is a Red thief who discovers she has her own power — electricity. Victoria Aveyard thrusts Mare into Silver Court politics, where every conversation is a battle.
The fantasy series follows Mare's transformation from survivor to leader, showing the cost of war and becoming a symbol of rebellion.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both have heroines who become symbols while struggling with tyrants and complex court politics that weaponize every word. Discovering hidden power makes you valuable and vulnerable, mirroring Aelin's journey.
11. 'The Halfling Saga' by Melissa Blair
Keera is a half-fae, half-human assassin who works for a ruthless king. She's the Blade, having suppressed her emotions for years. When Keera discovers that everything she has ever believed is a lie, she must choose between numbness and vulnerability.
Melissa Blair doesn't rush through character work. The romance builds through respect. The found-family dynamics will wreck you in the best way.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both have assassin protagonists working for kings who see them as weapons. The themes of reclaiming suppressed identity and memories accompany the journey from emotional numbness to allowing the self to feel.
12. 'Iskari' series by Kristen Ciccarelli
Kristen Ciccarelli introduces Asha, a dragon hunter, in a world where dragons are evil and stories are forbidden. Dragons here are intelligent and complex. The Middle Eastern-inspired setting brings fresh flavors with its rich cultural details.
What makes this narrative particularly compelling for fans of the 'Throne of Glass' series is how the stories themselves contain power, just like how ancient knowledge shaped Aelin's world.
Why it's similar to 'Throne of Glass': Both have heroines burdened by trauma who hunt threats for redemption. Ancient magic and forbidden knowledge unlock present dangers. Plus, history is twisted and "monsters" aren't what they seem.
Comparison table: How these books stack up against 'Throne of Glass'
Still deciding which book to grab first? Use this table to match your favorite TOG elements with your next read. Find the series that checks all your boxes!
| Book title | Main character | Setting | Primary themes | Similarity to TOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
'A Court of Thorns and Roses' | Feyre | Fae realm | Transformation, love | SJM, strong female lead |
'Falling Kingdoms' | Multiple POVs | Four kingdoms | Political intrigue, war | Complex politics, high stakes |
'The Empyrean' | Violet | Dragon academy | Survival, power | Deadly training, enemies-to-lovers |
'Three Dark Crowns' | Three queens | Fennbirn Island | Betrayal, destiny | Dark atmosphere, moral ambiguity |
'An Ember in the Ashes' | Laia & Elias | Martial Empire | Resistance, freedom | Fight against tyranny |
'Six of Crows' | Kaz & crew | Ketterdam | Loyalty, revenge | Found family, complex relationships |
'The Witchlands' | Safiya & Iseult | The Witchlands | Friendship, war | Female bonds, magic system |
'Graceling' | Katsa | Seven Kingdoms | Autonomy, choice | Warrior heroine |
'Daughter of Smoke & Bone' | Karou | Prague & Eretz | Love, war | Epic scope, transformation |
'Red Queen' | Mare | Kingdom of Norta | Revolution, power | Political intrigue |
'The Halfling Saga' | Keera | Elverath | Identity, loyalty | Assassin protagonist |
The 'Iskari' series | Asha | Desert kingdom | Redemption, dragons | Ancient magic |
Find your next reading obsession with Headway book summaries
As you can see, books like 'Throne of Glass' offer everything that makes your beloved fantasy series unforgettable — badass heroines who refuse to break, enemies-to-lovers tension, political intrigue, and magic systems that feel fresh.
While these novels transport you to fantasy worlds, the real strategies for personal transformation live in nonfiction. Headway helps you absorb insights from global bestsellers about confidence, willpower, relationships, and decision-making — all in bite-sized formats. Track your growth, learn how to change your life in 30 days through consistent microlearning, and simply have fun.
Download Headway today and turn big ideas into daily habits!
Frequently asked questions about books like 'Throne of Glass'
What's the plot of the 'Throne of Glass'?
The first book of the fantasy series follows Celaena Sardothien. She's a deadly assassin who is offered freedom from a brutal labor camp if she wins a competition to become the king's champion. As she competes, she uncovers dark magic and conspiracies threatening the kingdom. Later, she reclaims her true identity as Aelin Galathynius — the lost heir destined to save her world from evil forces.
What book should I read after finishing 'Throne of Glass'?
'A Court of Thorns and Roses' (from the ACOTAR series) by Sarah J. Maas is the perfect next read. You'll stay in SJM's writing style while exploring a completely different fantasy world. Feyre's transformation from mortal huntress to mighty fae warrior mirrors Aelin's evolution, and the romance, political intrigue, and worldbuilding deliver that same addictive quality that made TOG unforgettable.
Are there any books with similar magic systems to 'Throne of Glass'?
'The Witchlands' by Susan Dennard features diverse, well-defined magic types similar to TOG's Wyrdmarks and elemental powers. Each witch has specific abilities with clear rules and limitations. 'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir also includes ancient, mysterious magic tied to the world's history.
What series has a female lead as strong as Aelin?
Violet Sorrengail in 'Fourth Wing,' Katsa in 'Graceling,' and Mare Barrow in 'Red Queen' all deliver fierce heroines who refuse to be victims. Each one faces impossible odds, discovers hidden strengths, and transforms from survivor to warrior. They're flawed, determined, and willing to sacrifice everything for what they believe in.
Which books have the best enemies-to-lovers romance like TOG?
'A Court of Thorns and Roses' (Feyre and Rhysand), 'Fourth Wing' (Violet and Xaden), and 'An Ember in the Ashes' (Laia and Elias) all feature slow-burn romances where initial antagonism transforms into a deep partnership. These relationships develop through shared trials, mutual respect, and genuine character growth rather than instant attraction.
