You have most likely heard of the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. The book combines elements of superpowers and romantic drama, creating a world where one person can be both a salvation and a threat to all of humanity. Here are some similar, but still unique options for what to read next:
1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
In this book, each character is given a special gift from birth, the so-called "graceling," but you get the gift of... killing. The main character of the book, Katsa, was born with such an unusual and even frightening ability. Her father, a cruel and cold-blooded king, immediately began to use his daughter's graceling to expand his power and tyranny. At first, Katsa obeys orders without hesitation, but later she begins to doubt the correctness of her decisions.
This pushed the protagonist to embark on a journey that would bring her many adventures, dangers, and discoveries. However, she is not afraid of new things, as she is determined to discover herself and realize her full potential. Katsa is certain that her gift can be both a curse and a benefit, helping to establish justice.
2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Love is considered one of the most profound and sincere feelings a person can experience. Thousands of artists, poets, and playwrights have celebrated this feeling. Now, imagine a world where love is considered a disease that needs to be cured, and the government has been assuring its citizens of this for decades. Every person in this country, as soon as they turn 18, has to undergo an operation that deprives them of the ability to love.
The protagonist, Lena, believes in this idea and can't wait for the operation. But everything changes in a moment when she meets Alex and... falls in love with him. This makes her wonder if everything the government has been telling them about love for so long is true. Could love not be a burden, but a feeling that can make life happier and more complete?
3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Author Sarah J. Maas creates worlds filled with magic, adventure, and intriguing twists. Throne of Glass tells the story of Celaena Sardotien, a young woman who has experienced a great deal of hardship and loss. She used to be the most famous assassin in the kingdom, but she was captured and is now in a prison camp. When the king offers her a deal to participate in a contest to become his assassin, Celaena agrees, hoping for freedom.
While participating in the contest, she meets new allies and is confronted with dark secrets. This is not just a story of the struggle for the throne. It’s a tale of a heroine going through her long journey from a cold-blooded warrior to a conscious person. Hurry up and dive into the world of exciting adventures.
4. The Selection by Kiera Cass
A magnificent palace, royal intrigues, and girls fighting for the heart of a prince. This is the atmosphere of the popular book series The Selection. The main character, America Singer, belongs to the lowest caste, so her life is doomed to poverty. But she is not upset, because she already has a boyfriend with whom they are making plans for the future. But what if she has a completely different future ahead of her?
Prince Maxon, the future king, is looking for a bride, and according to an ancient tradition, members of all castes can take part in the selection. America's mother forces the girl to apply for the selection, believing it to be her only hope. Surprisingly, America becomes one of the candidates against her will, and at this point, a whole new page in her life begins. This fascinating story of love, enmity, and kindness is powerfully engrossing.
5. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
This is a fascinating novel that intertwines magic and superheroic powers with real-life problems. The main character, Jessie, does not have the traditional superpowers that other family members have. What makes her unique is that her power enables her to help others understand and control their own abilities. However, the moment her powers begin to shut down, Jessie becomes the true embodiment of weakness, which puts her in a dangerous position.
This novel is about facing your fears, the unpredictability of the world, and the human capacity to adapt. Powerless touches upon the emotional and psychological struggles of the characters. Remember, true strength is not only the ability to control extraordinary abilities but also the ability to accept and work with one's limitations.
6. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
This book describes a world where your caste is determined by the color of your eyes. All people are divided into red and silver. Silver-eyed people belong to the highest caste of society and have strong abilities, while red-eyed people barely make ends meet. In the center of the story, the main character, Mer Barrow, is born into a poor family but later discovers that she has powerful abilities that can change the course of history.
The girl joins the upper caste of silver-eyed people and tries to become a part of it. But then she discovers the dark side of this caste, full of anger, lies, and betrayal. The Red Queen will plunge you into a world of power struggles and violent confrontations. It will all take place in the atmosphere of royal courts and intrigue that will grab you from the first page.
7. Legend by Marie Lu
North America is divided into two parts: The Republic and the Colonies. The story centers on Day, a streetwise genius who grew up in poverty, and June, a talented young woman from the Republic's elite. Day becomes a suspect in a murder, and June, sworn to revenge, sets out in pursuit. However, what begins as a struggle between opposing sides evolves into a profound understanding of the real enemies lurking within their world.
This book perfectly combines an exciting action storyline with deep questions about power, justice, and how society shapes its heroes and criminals. The human sense of justice is reflected in this narrative through the struggle of two opposing characters, each with their own beliefs, who are ultimately betrayed by their system.
8. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Imagine a world where there are strict parameters of beauty, and the essence of a person is determined by their appearance. That's why all people, as soon as they turn 16, undergo a special operation that makes their appearance “perfect.” The same operation is soon to be performed on the protagonist Tispa, who is about to turn 16. However, the girl begins to doubt the standards set in this world and whether she should go for this operation.
This book will make you think about society's dependence on beauty standards, pressure from others, and self-acceptance. The main character goes a long way from fear of judgment from others to self-love and freedom of choice. However, this path is full of many obstacles. Will Tispa manage to overcome them?
9. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Growing up, each person joins one of the castes of society based on their main character trait — selflessness, peacefulness, courage, intelligence, and honesty. The protagonist, Tris, grew up in a peaceful family, but during the selection process, it was revealed that she belonged to two castes simultaneously, a rare and dangerous phenomenon.
However, Tris's role is much bigger than she may think, and it is she who can change the old order and overcome the ancient tyranny. The Divergent series explores complex themes of identity, choice, and submission to societal standards that profoundly impact our lives. As Tris tries to find her place, she also faces a choice that could determine the fate of her world.
10. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This is an emotionally charged novel that takes readers into a world where a dragon military academy becomes not just a place of learning, but a battlefield for survival. The female protagonist, Zaya, is a newcomer to the Military Academy, where training takes place under the close supervision of dragons, who serve as fighting machines for the army. She tries to adapt to the harsh environment, where all students must fight for a place in the sun.
The story combines martial arts, magic, and romance elements. Dragons play a significant role in the story, not only as a symbol of strength but also as an emotional and spiritual representation for the characters. Rebecca Yarros' books are filled with tension and unexpected twists and turns, as the main characters are forced to make difficult decisions that often put their lives in danger.
Each of these books will open unique worlds full of adventure, danger, and mystery. These fantasy and romance books are the brightest examples of young adult literature that will interest readers of any age!
