Article contributed by Amerie Diaz
Stephanie Garber is best known for her immersive storytelling, whimsical writing, and vibrant characters. The Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series solidified Garber as a legendary young adult author, and with the release of A Curse for True Love nearing, it’s going to be difficult to say goodbye to the Caraval universe.
If you’re struggling to find books that give off the same magical feel of Garber’s novels, look no further than these recommendations.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Belladonna is the start of a gothic romantic fantasy trilogy told through the perspective of Signa Farrow. Orphaned since birth and thought to be cursed, Signa moves from relative to relative without a true home. That is until she receives a letter from the Hawthorne family inviting her to stay at the grim Thorn Grove manor. All is well until Signa discovers the dark secrets that lie within the walls of Thorn Grove and that the only person who can help her bring those secrets to light is Death.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Here by Autumn Krause (October 3)
Romance. Curses. Death. Poisoned apples. With a premise like that, it’s almost as if the Prince of Hearts wrote it himself. Catalina has been told the story of the Man of Sap since she was a child. When her father is killed and her brother is taken, Catalina embarks on a journey in the woods to find the truth behind the legend and rescue her brother. Along the way, she encounters a stranger who offers his assistance, but as Catalina soon realises, not everything is as it seems.
Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle (October 3)
If your favourite part of the Caraval series is the Fates, you’ll love the mythology surrounding the Tides of Fate and the fictional story, the Song of the Drowned Gods in Curious Tides. This dark academia debut centers on Emory Ainsleif, a Healer whose best friend was one of the eight students lost to the Dovermore Coves. Emory is convinced that there is more to the drownings than meets the eye, and she is determined to figure it out, even if that means putting herself in danger. With strong female bonds, lyrical writing, myths, and a love triangle, Stephanie Garber fans should keep an eye out for this upcoming release.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Divine Rivals is all the rage on social media, and for good reason. This fantasy romance duology opener follows journalist Iris Winnow as she navigates loss and hardship amid a war between gods. With her brother on the frontlines, her mother battling addiction, her position at the Oath Gazette hanging by a thread, and her rival, Roman Kitt, constantly challenging her, Iris finds solace in her grandmother’s magical typewriter. Iris believes her letters are being sent to her brother, and little does she know they are being received by Roman.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
A reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, Heartless tells the story of Catherine Pinkerton, a girl who dreams of opening her own bakery. In a society run by royalty, Catherine’s goals are frowned upon. Catherine is set to marry the King, but things don’t go as planned as she falls in love with the court joker, Jest. The novel takes a dark turn as Catherine’s decisions shape her into the infamous Queen of Hearts.
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
With its beautiful writing and electrifying romance, Sorcery of Thorns captures the same sense of whimsy and wonder you would expect in a Stephanie Garber novel. Magic, grimoires, and adventure drive a spellbinding tale where aspiring librarian Elisabeth Scrivener must team up with sorcerer Nathaniel and his demon servant Silas to stop an ancient evil destroying the Great Libraries.
