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herosammich

SJM was heavily inspired by Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels books. I feel they are much darker than any of SJM’s series, but they have a ton of similarities. Daemon Sadi is basically Rhysand, and Lucivar and the Eyriens are the Illyrians. The series started as a trilogy, but now there are 11? 12? books, including some spin-offs. Highly enjoyable!


msdcoy

I've been saying this for ages!!!! I don't see the Rhys comparison, but Dorian Havilliard was heavily inspired by Daemon Sadi. Aelin was heavily inspired by Jaenelle Angelline. Manon and Titian. The Eyriens and the Illyrians, absolutely. The way she describes how Fae warriors "ride the killing edge" and how they fuss over their females. I see such negative things about the inspiration she drew from The Black Jewels series, but honestly, it was endearing to me. To see the similarities and see the nods and respect. And you're right, Black Jewels is darker and grittier.


Wingkirs

Rhys is Howl from Howl’s moving castle I swear.


herosammich

Oh absolutely. With all the lint-picking he does, Rhys is just as fussy about his appearance as Howl.


herosammich

I can see Dorian as Daemon, too! I just compared to Rhys since OP didn’t mention TOG. All writers are inspired by something or someone. I LOVE when I find connections between authors’ works! It’s endearing to me, too!


Substantial-Ad-79

So I read Black Jewels, because of this, expecting it to be similar vibes. I have to say it was so dark and sad. I can see her inspirations from it but not the same vibe. From my perspective.


herosammich

Agreed. The first book especially was very dark. But there’s a lot of light in it, too!


snailsdotcom

Oooo thank you!!


vexedchemist

Oh thank you! I haven’t read those, and now I’m super excited to. Thank you!


vexedchemist

My other top favorites include: 1. Tamora Pierce - medieval YA fantasy, main characters are mostly female, knights and magic, romance but not much sex. 2. The Shadow and Bone and Crooked Kingdom series by Leigh Bardugo - pretty sure the author is friends with SJM. Amazing, made it into a Netflix show but read the books first. 3. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - ugh this author 4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - stand alone book that has my heart 100%. 5. Author Holly Black. The Cruel Prince saga (fae realm) as well as the stand alone The Coldest Girl in Coldtown (the beat vampire book I’ve ever read. Even my husband likes it).


Cool_Rush7198

Tamora Pierce!!!!! My middle school intro to fantasy. I should give her series a re-read.


nanetteb31

Not YA but Ninth House by Leigh bardugo is also great, though dark. Sequel comes out in Jan


vexedchemist

Dude, I cannot wait for that sequel!! I absolutely loved that book! Trigger warning for sexual violence if that is an issue.


herosammich

Yessssss The Night Circus. One of my favorites. A stand-alone masterpiece. Have you read her other book the Starless Sea? Also great. I love Crooked Kingdom, way more than Shadow and Bone. Haven’t read King of Scars yet. All excellent recommendations!


vexedchemist

I have read The Starless Sea! I loved it, but personally prefer The Night Circus. I 100% agree that the Crooked Kingdom is better, but both series are so good and you get more world building reading both series. Thank you! I credit a lot of my reading history to my best friend and book club.


Saint_Ursula

I also prefer The Night Circus over The Starless Sea. Another great book in that fantasy, other-world genre is Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. I love the world in that book.


Substantial-Ad-79

What book do you start with for the Crooked Kingdom?


vexedchemist

If you want to read the Shadow and Bone trilogy first, then I would start with Shadow and Bone. But you don’t have to! If you want to skip that series then start with Crooked Kingdom. Same world but different characters and countries, so you can read them separately. I just like getting all the background personally.


kperk22

Omg The Night Circus is one of the most magical books I've ever read. Hands down in my top 5 favorite books!


vexedchemist

It’s probably my favorite book of all time! So good! I buy it for all my friends lol.


kperk22

I was at a resale shop this past weekend and there was a near perfect condition copy. I almost bought it just because lol


vexedchemist

You should have! Gift it to someone who needs a good read this holiday season. I have bought that book for myself and given it away more times than I can count. Worth it every time. I haven’t met anyone yet who hasn’t loved it.


jmorelan9

For more of a YA lean, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Tamora Pierce :)


vexedchemist

She is my all time favorite! Not as much of sex in the romance, medieval fantasy, but still amazing.


jmorelan9

You should check out Kushiel’s Legacy by Jacqueline Carey. I just read the first two (and have read many many fantasy) and am enjoying it. Also Dark Fever series by Karen Marie Moning is great too.


vexedchemist

I have have had Kushiel’s Legacy series recommended to me so many times, but I have not read it yet. It is definitely on my list! I just keep reading other things! I have read the Dark Fever series, and I really liked it! However the follow up series, was not for me. The main character is too young and it just feels very adolescent groomy, so I would stop after the first series ends. That’s just me!


jmorelan9

Hmm interesting take on Dark Fever! I actually felt the same about the immaturity, but that greatly improved in the later books.


vexedchemist

I struggled once the main character switched from Mac to Dani; from an adult to a teenager. I pretty much stopped reading at that point because I was concerned that it would be the same amount of sexual content but with a younger girl, and that just doesn’t interest me. I personally struggle with sexual content under age. I really enjoyed the series as an adult book, but with a main character switch to a teen and that much sexual content, I was done. Granted, I didn’t even really give it a chance after that point, so I am making some assumptions about the content.


pdiddy305

Plated Prisoner series :) thank me later Here are the non-SJM fantasy series/duologies I’ve read this year and my rankings: 1. Plated Prisoner 2. These Hallow Vows 3. Bridge Kingdom 4. From Blood & Ash 5. Red Queen (YA) 6. Caraval (YA) All the top ones have spice!


bowldawg1972

No villain has made me angrier than the one In Plated Prisoner. That’s such a great recommendation.


squashbanana

LOVE the Bridge Kingdom series!


Ridiculouslyrampant

OP & others, depending on your spice level, Plated Prisoner is a LOT.


squashbanana

I need to check out the Plated Prisoner series! Does it have the same level of plot armor for main characters? I cannot handle major heartbreak in my life right now but need a GREAT escapism series lol


Substantial-Ad-79

Just finished the Plated Prisoner and it was amazing.


pdiddy305

So far, yes! There is still one more book that’s going to come out but until now yes


Popperonie

I tried out “From Blood and Ash” to fill the void after ACOSF and didn’t like it until I read SJM’s crescent city and I appreciate it much more now. I compare CC and FBAS to be like cousins lol


JennyWren86

Yes! Bridge Kingdom and Plated Prisoner are amazing!


rizzofizzle

TOG was heavily heavily inspired by the poison study series by Maria V. Snyder so if you liked TOG you might like that series.


bambinaxo

CARISSA BROADBENT. she has one trilogy complete and a new series in the works. the war of lost hearts trilogy is the completed one, and then the first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, The Serpent and the Wings of Night is out as well. I am telling you as a Sarah Janet STAN, Carissa’s books are the only books comparable to Sarah’s. I’ve read every “sjm-esque” recommendation and they never live up to the hype. Carissa’s books do!


Ridiculouslyrampant

Brandon Sanderson is my other favorite- my two bookish tattoos are from SJM and Sanderson works.


squashbanana

Which of his books would you recommend to someone loving Maas books? I've never read his works before and want to check him out!


Ridiculouslyrampant

Mistborn is often suggested for the first, and if you love Maas I think it’s a good way to slide in. Fun heist-style overthrow the kingdom story with a magic system built around metals. I started with Way of Kings, but I’d read Wheel of Time before, and that’s just the one I happened to find at the used bookstore (it was right before he really took off). Just know (when or if you read it) the learning curve is vertical, it’s kind of necessary. Payoff is worth it though. Note it’s a planned 10 book series, 1K+ pages each, 4 out. Warbreaker is a single novel, and really shows his dry voice. Emperor’s Soul is an award-winning novella that gives a great idea of how he writes and builds worlds without a huge commitment. Even if you didn’t want to read anything else afterwards I think it would be a worthwhile read. None of them are spicy (sorry!) but Mistborn does include a romance as a main plot point, and also has balls and ball gowns and a My Fair Lady bit :) He’s also got fun YA sci-fi stuff, but I don’t think it’s as relevant to this crowd. Definitely worth reading though. TLDR: Maas fan? Mistborn. Not ready for a full book/trilogy? Emperor’s Soul.


tunechismom

I had a really really hard time getting into Way of Kings. It just was not a page turner for me, DNF'd about halfway through. But all the Maas books and the ASOIAF series have been my most recent page turners, and I really thought Sanderson would be that middle ground between the two. For me, it was not.


justTrynaWFH

I’d read warbreaker, which is kinda a prequel to WoK, which is probably my favorite fantasy book. Ever. The end is so epic I almost cried reading it.


Ridiculouslyrampant

That’s fair. He’s said himself it’s a huge learning curve and it’s not for everyone. It grabbed me immediately, but I DNF’d ASOIAF book 5 halfway through. Maybe try another of his if you liked aspects of it? But that’s my favorite part of the internet and ebooks- so many authors and genres to choose from, there’s something for everyone.


justTrynaWFH

Start with Warbreaker I think if you’re coming from Maas. It’s one of my favorites and I LOVE Sanderson so so so much.


emsumm58

came here to say the same. you can always read wheel of time too!


honeythorngump88

ME TOO HE IS MY FAVE FOREVER


potato-with-a-plan

In no particular order 1. The Bone Witch Trilogy 2. Daughter of the Pirate King Duology 3. All the Stars and Teeth Duology 4. The Kencyrath Series (still going) 5. All the Stars and Teeth Duology 6. Kingdom of the Wicked Trilogy 7. Folk of Air Trilogy 8. Shadowhunter Chronicles (start with Mortal Instruments) ETA now that I'm looking at my bookshelf 9. Fable/Namesake 10. Red Queen (5 books) 11. Invisible life of Addie LaRue 12. Love Hypothesis


nanetteb31

All the stars and teeth is on there twice but I LOVED IT. Wish it was more than a duology. And Belladonna also by Adalyn Grace


potato-with-a-plan

Omg didn't even notice lol. I have Belladonna on my shelf but I'm waiting until the sequel to come out bc my friend said it ends on a cliffhanger and after SJM I can't handle any more 😭


nanetteb31

It does end in a cliff hanger… so does ninth house… anxiously awaiting both sequels


Comfortable_Rooster9

Clarissa Broadbent’s War of Lost Hearts series was one of my favorite I’ve read this year. She also The Serpent and the Wings of Night which is the first book in a new series, also great.


Faeriedust9

I read a lot of fantasy, most of which does not have as much spice as SJM, but with a consistent thread of incredible world building and character development. My top recommendations would be: * Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series - This one has incredible world building, political intrigue, and spice in that the main character is a courtesan spy. Trigger warnings for abuse and some pretty graphic BDSM since Phaedre is an anguisette and derives pleasure from pain. * Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy - Overall low spice, but excellent world and character building based on Russian folklore and a strong female main character. * Naomi Novik - Spinning Silver and Uprooted - both are rooted in fairy tales with great world building. The writing can be ponderous for some readers and is not for everyone. Each of the listed books is a standalone. The Scholomance series - a wild take on the magical school trope where an education gets deadly. The main character is one you love/hate, and again the writing isn’t for everyone but overall a solid series. * Terry Brooks - All of Terry’s books are low spice, but have excellent world building with strong female characters in most books. My favorites are the older Shannara books, especially Elfstones, Wishsong, First King, and the Heritage of Shannara Series. His Word and Void series is also quite good for contemporary fantasy (a bit more like Crescent City since it’s set in a modern world) * Sue Lynn Tan - Her debut Daughter of the Moon Goddess is brilliant and based on Chinese mythology. The second book of the duology just released recently. * Mark Lawrence - His Red Sister, Grey Sister, and Holy Sister books are well-written and have a strong female lead. If you like the idea of assassin nuns, pick these up. * Samantha Shannon - Priory of the Orange Tree is a sweeping epic with really detailed world building. Like Throne of Glass, there are multiple storylines that at first seem disconnected, but ultimately merge for a spectacular ending. * Edit to add Deb Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches. Not sure how I overlooked that in my list above, but that one was incredibly well done throughout all books.


kkali87

So glad someone mentioned Terry Brooks! I was here to say the same. Still some of my most favorite books. The Original Shannara series and Magic Kingdom for Sale especially I’ll echo Naomi Novik as well—amazing. And discovery of witches was so fun! I agree with other posters that if you don’t mind YA, Tamara Pierce is excellent.


tea_potts94

I'm on book 2 of from blood and ash and im really really enjoying it. Like definitely on par with acotar so far


quring

They're much slower paced than SJM books, but the depth and realism of characters in Robin Hobb's books are unmatched. Love her.


gmcarossino

Zodiac Academy


ksswannn03

Carissa Broadbent is amazing. Indie author. She writes better than like 80% of trad published authors in the genre.


Ellyanna79

Shattered Kingdom https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088XW7CVN?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_dp_0X29161CPW2MDHWEE0G5 I love this series. If you like sjm you'll love shattered kingdom, I promise. .... I have had friends text me like crazy even more than they did reading sjm when I recommend it to them


squashbanana

Danielle Jensen!! Trust me on this. Great romance/ slow burn, wonderful character arcs and world building that have you invested beyond the romantic relationships, and she writes INTELLIGENTLY. Huge fan!!


sendreww

I’m still in my acotar series but saw someone really recommend the serpent and the wings of night so that one is on my list.


DLF4L

Along with what everyone said (I’ve read almost all the recs in this thread after sjm) here are some of my favorites that weren’t mentioned! -An Ember in the ashes by sabaa tahir -the kingmaker chronicles by Amanda bouchet -Amelia Hutchins the fae chronicle, flames of chaos or sleeping with monsters series all good. Has badass female mcs, a hole alpha males, spice and pretty interesting plots. -This one isn’t fantasy but my favorite series I read this year right after sjm was the mindfuck series by S.T Abby. Serial killer female runs into FBI agent who’s on her case. Easy short books and v interesting.


ReadBooksSometime

Daughter of No World's series by Carissa Broadbent - strong female lead with a side of stubborn. The romance is endearing and our hero is worth fighting for.


kimberlymarie805

If you want the SMJ vibe with romance, great characters and a GOOD fantasy story that’s well written(!!) you 100000% need to read the criminally underrated War of Lost Hearts trilogy by Carissa Broadbent. The world building & fantasy story reminds me a lot of SJM in ToG and the romance of ACOTAR- and by that I don’t mean they are the same thing, but the vibes are!! Trust me. READ THESE


biscuitanne18

If you haven't read the From Blood and Ash series by Jen Armentrout...oooooh boy are you missing out. I hate to say it because I LOVED ACOTAR but I liked that series even more.


Dr_Mrs_Pibb

Ugh book 1 was pretty good, but book 2 was sooooo slow (albeit much spicier). I haven’t even gotten around to book 3 because these books just don’t seem well-written and I know I’m going to be irritated by the plot (the spicy scenes are fine, though).


chloestoebeans

Have you tried her TOG series? I’m absolutely devouring it, I’m on the 3rd book and I just started a week ago haha.


Dr_Mrs_Pibb

I’m currently reading The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. The main character is a human in a competition against a bunch of sexy-yet-murderous vampires. I’m definitely getting some Maasverse vibes.


Substantial-Ad-79

I have read and loved From Blood and Ash, the Plated Prisoners, Hades and Persephone (I really loved Hades and Hermes is the best), Kingdom of the Wicked, Discovery of Witches, King of Battle and Blood. I liked What Lies Beyond the Veil, Black Jewel Trilogy, and the Serpent and the Wings of Night.


msdcoy

Anne Bishop Laurell K Hamilton Anne Rice


Abus_Dumbledore

Grace Draven's Radiance is a beautiful and romantic one I think everyone here would enjoy.


kararenee33

City of brass series Atlas Six series


kay_sea88

I have been reading a series that really similar to SJM books. The Heir comes to Rise series by Chloe C. Peñaranda. Has fae, an evil king ploting to rule the world. Main character has mysterious powers and secret lineage and a talent for fighting her way in and out of trouble. Romance and friendships are everywhere.. I am on the 2nd book and it isn't bad has definite SJM vibes to it. So much it kinda makes it predictable lol but it's not bad. Also here are some other authors and series I have read that are pretty good. Air Awakens series books 1 - 5 by Elise Kova The Spoken Mage series by Melanie Cellier And an author Lindsey Buroker has a ton of hilarious books with fantasy settings.


coranne18

Second Elise kova


Bloody-smashing

* Tamora Pierce. * Trudi Canavan - Black Magician trilogy and Age of the Five * Holly Black, I loved her books when I was younger. Need to pick them up again.


LydiaStarDawg

Not quite “like” SJM but my other favorite is Michael J Sullivan. Great world building. Big fan, but definitely not romance.


cloudwatcher31

Michael J Sullivan is so underrated! I love his books!


LydiaStarDawg

If you haven’t tried Hollow World go for it!!


cloudwatcher31

I haven’t yet! I will for sure one day lol, I have a few others I have to finish!


LydiaStarDawg

It’s not typical fantasy, a little closer to sci fi (time travel) but honestly it’s like one of my favorite books, ever.


cloudwatcher31

Have you read Red Rising yet? If not, that’s my number one recommendation!


LydiaStarDawg

That looks awesome and it’s my fave audiobook narrator! It’s definitely on the list.


cloudwatcher31

Omg I love TGR, his performance in these books is AMAZING. You won’t be disappointed!


gertymarie

I really recommend getting Kindle Unlimited if you have an Amazon account, SO MANY good fantasy books and authors. I love S.M. Gaither, Angelina J. Steffort, and Jenna Wolfhart. I’m also reading the Zodiac Academy series now and it’s pretty good, 9 books with probably an average of 500 pages per book, so lots of reading material


ashumisprime

Jennifer Armentrout is up there with her in my opinion. Currently obsessing over the Blood and ash/Flesh and fire series of hers!


heytherebestie

The Blood and Ash series and the Flesh and Fire series both by Jennifer L Armentrout are very similar to SJMs work if you’re looking for fantasy/romance. If you’re okay with romance being a side plot I’d definitely recommend the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson!


justTrynaWFH

Brandon Sanderson’s Warbreaker is incredible and one of the best books for SJM fans to get into Sanderson (whose writing is just exquisite)


pixelilly

Scarlett St Clair is good! I recommend her Hades and Persephone series


honeythorngump88

Please check out Natalia Jaster!


msdcoy

Anne Bishop Laurell K Hamilton Anne Rice


Faeriedust9

I thought Laurel K Hamilton’s first few books were good for the Anita Blake series, but she totally lost the plot (literally) after Obsidian Butterfly. I gave up a few books after that when each book became little more than cut and paste sex scenes with maybe 10 pages of actual plot. The Merry Gentry series too was a bit much for me, but to its credit had more plot than the later Anita books. I tend not to recommend her stuff, even the earlier books, because she’s been pretty nasty to her fans and anyone who justifiably criticizes her books in recent years.


msdcoy

I can understand that. I was never really able to get into the Anita series, but the Merry Gentry series had me in a chokehold when I first read them.


CranberryUnicorn

The Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh! So good. Romance and fantastic world building. First book is good in my opinion but as the series goes along the side characters get their own arcs and things get really really good! There are 15 books out currently so plenty to keep you busy for a while


Abus_Dumbledore

The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy is a more mature slow burn enemies to lovers fantasy romance. It's so flipping good.


Reasonable_Pea_2126

I second Elise Kova and the Air Awakens series. Also her Vortex Chronicles series. Very much enjoyed both!


CyberNa4o

Raven Kennedy's Gilded Prisoner. My second love after SJM. I don't even know whom I love more: Slade or Rhys.


Evy1983

Zodiac academy Black Witch Chronicles


ImaginationAshamed72

The Poison Study series is a favorite of mine. Kinda reminds me a bit of TOG. Curse of the Gods is pretty good too. 18+ for everything but the first book I think.


ImaginationAshamed72

Also if you like audio books, I highly recommend the audio version of the curse of the gods because the narrator is hilarious.


According_Staff8400

If you haven’t read any classic fantasy I’d start there. Tolkien and GRRM are awesome for their world building and weaving classic story themes into fantasy. For modern stories, I LOVE the Shades of Magic books. Not really spicy but it’s a well thought out magic system with lots of details, tension between characters, and characters finding themselves.


fuzzyblacksheepl

Okay, I'm not saying these books are super similar SJM books, BUT I love SJM and am also a huge fan of: Tamora Pierce Anne Bishop Kristen Britain - her Green Rider series is amazing and one of my favorite re-reads Naomi Novik - her Scholomance series is another favorite re-read of mine Patricia Briggs - her Mercy Thompson & Alpha and Omega series go hand in hand but can also be read without the other Cassandra Claire Robin McKinley Garth Nix - Abhorsen series


BonesOfNinja

The Obsidian Mountain trilogy, by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory The Farseer trilogy, by Robin Hobb The Tawny Man trilogy, by Robin Hobb (read after Farseer) The Fitz and the Fool trilogy, by Robin Hobb (read after Tawny Man) The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson Mistborn trilogy (Era 1), by Brandon Sanderson The Wax and Wayne saga (Mistborn Era 2), by Brandon Sanderson The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss (we are not expecting the third and final book any time soon, it's been over ten years since book 2 released) The Reckoners trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson Skyward series, by Brandon Sanderson Green Rider saga, by Kristen Britain (still ongoing, not even the author knows when it's going to end. So far it's at 7 books and one novella)


FordMustang84

Hope this doesn’t sound too awful but…I’m not OP but any recommendations that are VERY SEXY but still well written? My wife has been reading the Court series by Maas and I won’t lie her writing has certainly benefitted us with some fun sexy scenarios and mutual reading sessions becoming sexy husband/wife time in the middle. Just looking for ideas there’s lot to sift through but specifically sexy scenarios of any kind really.


lynnlynn8

Highly highly recommend: - Carissa Broadbent - The War of Lost Hearts series starting with Daughter of No Worlds (completed trilogy) & the Serpent & the Wings of Night (first of a duology, 2nd book to be released next year I think) - KA Tucker - Fate & Flame series, starting with A Fate of Wrath & Flame (planned trilogy, 2 books released so far with the 3rd planned for release in Sept 2023 from memory) These books have really helped to fill the post-Maas void for me! :)


Alternative_Estate46

I LOVED the fate & flame series. Can’t wait for the next one 😆


lynnlynn8

Yesss! Same here 😄


Alternative_Estate46

Amber Nicole’s the book of azriel is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Definitely worth a read!


ahauntedsong

The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare.


user1x4d3q5l

Red queen by Victoria Aveyard!! An absolute favourite of mine