Ever caught yourself daydreaming about trading in your day job for a bullwhip and fedora? Well, you’re in excellent company!

At some point, we’ve all imagined ourselves as the legendary Indiana Jones—plunging into abandoned temples, outwitting cunning booby traps, and liberating priceless treasures from their dusty resting places. But what if we told you that these globetrotting archaeological adventures are just a page-turn away?

Get that iconic fedora ready, because we’ve rounded up the best YA books like Indiana Jones that’ll have you channelling your inner Indy faster than you can say “It belongs in a museum!”

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Out of all the Indiana Jones-inspired books on this list, Silver in the Bone is the one we’re the most excited about.

In a world steeped in Arthurian legend, Tamsin Lark starts a perilous quest to locate a fabled ring and rescue her cursed brother. With rival sorceresses, deadly secrets, and a race against time, Tamsin must forge unlikely alliances to secure her family’s future in this adrenaline-fueled series opener.

The Last Crusade meets The Last of Us in this YA urban fantasy from the bestselling author of The Darkest Minds and Lore.

FOR FANS OF: Mythology inspired books, complex sibling dynamics, YA books like Tomb Raider

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

Pitched as a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty retelling, The Bone Spindle follows a bookish treasure hunter and an ax-wielding warrior who must join forces to break a century-old curse on a sleeping prince. Dark magic, witch hunters, and bad exes combine in this YA book like Indiana Jones perfect for anyone who loved Cinderella is Dead.

FOR FANS OF: LGBT fairytale retellings, Lara Croft, YA treasure hunting books

Read our book review of The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder for the full scoop.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

It’s Rick Riordan—need we say more? But just in case we actually do…

In The Kane Chronicles, two siblings must unlock their hidden magical powers, battle ancient Egyptian gods, and embark on a globe-trotting adventure to save the world. It mixes Percy Jackson with The Raiders of the Lost Arc for a pyramid-sized twist!

With over 300,000 reviews on Goodreads, it’s safe to say that The Red Pyramid is one of the best Indiana Jones read-alikes on this list.

FOR FANS OF: The Mummy, Egyptian mythology, Percy Jackson, YA archaeology books

Curse of the Specter Queen by Jenny Elder Moke

Indiana Jones gets a refresh with this female-driven cryptology adventure, set in the 1920s, full of ciphers, historic relics, and heart-stopping action.

From the author behind Hood comes a YA archaeology book set in the green hills of Dublin, where a reluctant bookseller and her childhood crush must decipher an ancient journal to prevent the resurrection of an evil queen.

FOR FANS OF: Books like National Treasure, novels set in Ireland, Celtic folklore, YA cryptology books.

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Looking for a YA book that’s like Tomb Raider? Meet your next Lara Croft in The Lady Rogue!

When Theodora’s treasure-hunting dream takes a turn for the worst, she must team up with her ex-boyfriend to rescue her missing father and unearth a legendary ring tied to Dracula.

From the author of Always Jane, Chasing Lucky, and Serious Moonlight, comes an action-pulp romance book like Raiders of the Lost Arc set in Gothic Romania.

FOR FANS OF: Dracula, novels set in Romania, second chance romances, Marion Ravenwood

Read our book review of The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennet for the full scoop.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

In the spellbinding world of 19th-century Paris, a diverse group of talented misfits comes together to infiltrate high society’s glittering façade and unlock ancient secrets. What they find might change the course of history—but only if they can stay alive.

Six of Crows meets Dan Brown in Roshani Chokshi’s beloved historical fantasy series that gives Indy a run for his money.

FOR FANS OF: Novels set in Paris, diverse Indiana Jones books, Ocean’s Eleven

Read our book review of The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi for the full scoop.

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

Looking for adventure books like Uncharted but with the romance of The Mummy? Join Clio Havel on a research expedition alongside her estranged father as they uncover a sunken treasure off the coast of Italy.

Filled with ancient historical secrets, a budding summer romance, and gripping archaeological mysteries, Maureen Johnson is no doubt the master of thrilling beach reads.

FOR FANS OF: YA treasure hunting books, Nathan Drake, Atlantis

Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones…IN SPACE.

In this high-octane space opera from the bestselling author duo of The Other Side of the Sky, comes a story of two unlikely explorers who must rely on each other to decipher a distant planet’s secrets. Brace yourself for booby-trapped alien temples, dangerous artifact scavengers, and a sizzling romance.

FOR FANS OF: Doctor Who, YA archaeology books, Aurora Rising, The Mandalorian

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L. LaFevers

Theodosia Throckmorton is far from ordinary—she’s the daughter of a museum curator, entrusted with forgotten Egyptian magic. But when her mother brings back the cursed Heart of Egypt, Theo must harness all her ancient knowledge to prevent a catastrophic war that could crumble the British Empire and threaten her very existence.

FOR FANS OF: Books like The Mummy, Egyptian mythology, Sallah from Raiders of the Lost Arc

Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen

Step aside, Harrison Ford. There’s a new Indiana Jones in town, and his name is Tennessee Russo.

When his life unravels after a painful breakup, seventeen-year-old Tennessee has two choices: wallow in misery or go to Greece with his archaeologist dad. Joining his father’s quest for the Rings of the Sacred Band of Thebes, Tennessee navigates ancient ruins, unravels mysteries, and explores a hidden chapter of queer history.

FOR FANS OF: Queer books like Indiana Jones, Camp, novels set in Greece

Read our book review of Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen for the full scoop.

Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. With mythical creatures, enchanting romance, and exotic locales, this young adult book like Indiana Jones is a treasure trove of pulp-action adventure.

FOR FANS OF: The Temple of Doom, Hindu mythology, paranormal romance

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Dubbed The Mummy meets Death on the Nile, this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt is filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

If you enjoyed Isabel Ibañez’s Together We Burn and Woven in Moonlight, then you’re sure to fall head-over-heels for this upcoming YA book like Indiana Jones.

FOR FANS OF: Rivals-to-lovers romance, Egyptian mythology, Rebecca Ross, Agatha Christie mysteries

BONUS: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Snakes…Why did it have to be snakes?

As we conclude our journey through these Indiana Jones-inspired YA books, one thing becomes clear:

The spirit of exploration and the quest for the unknown are timeless.

So whether you’re running away from a giant boulder or just navigating daily life, these novels remind us that the best treasure can be found within the pages of a good book.

Now over to you:

In the comments, share one young adult book like Indiana Jones from this list that you’ve already read and one that you just added to your TBR!

The post 12 YA Books Like Indiana Jones to Read After Watching The Dial of Destiny appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Books are kind of like memories—some stick around for years, while others are eventually forgotten. Some YA titles, such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Fault in Our Stars, are still remembered today, although whether or not those memories are fond depends on who you talk to. Other titles have dissipated over the years, or simply never reached that same level of popularity. One example of the latter is the His Fair Assassin trilogy by Robin LaFevers, which consists of Grave Mercy, Dark Triumph, and Mortal Heart.

Now, if you haven’t read it already, here are ten reasons these books are absolutely worth your time.

1. A story based on a unique concept

Hear me out—assassin nuns in medieval France. Those are two groups you never expect to be combined, right? Well, in the world of His Fair Assassin, on a secluded island, there’s a convent that worships Mortain, the patron saint of death. These nuns teach girls seduction and a variety of skills that, while intriguing, are also quite unusual: recognising and utilising different types of poison, stealth, and subterfuge, and numerous ways to take lives. Before going on their first mission, girls are given a special concoction in the form of eye drops that allow them to see special marks on certain people. Those marks are Mortain’s way of telling them who to target. But, of course, things might not be as they seem in that regard.

2. An intricate and well-developed religious system

Mortain is one of nine saints, commonly referred to on-page as the Nine. LaFevers based these saints on Celtic mythology, and there are similarities between her creations and traditional Roman deities. This is because, in our own history, Romans modified Celtic beliefs to mirror their own when the former invaded the latter’s territory. In both real life and LaFevers’ novels, the Catholic Church wanted to convert people to their religion. The whole system is fascinating, and easy to understand for those that aren’t religious or well-versed in history, such as myself.

3. The plot includes real history

LaFevers based a lot of her story on actual historical events, primarily Brittany fighting to maintain independence from France. The young duchess Anne, introduced in Grave Mercy, was a real person, and many of her romantic and political struggles—such as being promised to many suitors from a young age and facing many cruel betrayals—are represented throughout the trilogy. The most significant difference is the condensed time frame in the books, but they’re still thorough and interesting without reading like a history book. If only schools could teach history this way!

4. A lot of court intrigue

Anne’s aforementioned struggles are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of political drama. From the moment readers are first taken into Brittany’s court, it’s a tangled web of scheming and ulterior motives, and it’s captivating. There’s an unbelievable amount of tension between Brittany and France, as well as various members of Anne’s court and other societal elites. It’s nearly impossible to predict what will occur next, or who you can legitimately trust.

5. Betrayal

And on that note, all three instalments contain a decent amount of literal and figurative backstabbing. Not much detail can be given here without spoilers, so if you’re curious, you’ll have to find out for yourself.

6. Epic female leads

Now on to the protagonists. Ismae, Sybella, and Annith are brilliantly complex, three-dimensional heroines, each with a unique personality and backstory. All three have strengths and weaknesses, are extremely capable yet vulnerable, and simply amazing all around. LaFevers emphasises empowerment, and that’s evident in every girl’s narrative; each one narrates one book in the trilogy. There’s also an extensive, well-developed supporting cast—you’ll love some, hate others…as it should be.

7. Girls supporting girls

From these characters stem several distinctive relationship dynamics. My personal favourite is the friendship formed between Ismae, Sybella, and Annith. They’re so supportive of one another, and close despite their differing experiences and viewpoints. They also bring a platonic embodiment of the beloved “soft one and grumpy one” trope to the table, with Annith being soft, Sybella being grumpy, and Ismae somewhere in the middle. None of that “not like other girls” nonsense here.

8. Marvellously written romance

A close second is the romance. No love interests’ names will be named, but they’re oh, so wonderful. Each girl finds love at some point during her respective narrative, and no, it isn’t cliché or a shallow thing done to pair everyone off. All three romances are delightful slow-burns, with a few other tropes scattered amongst them—hate-to-love, forbidden romance, and more. LaFevers masterfully incorporates these subplots and their corresponding emotions into the overarching story.

9. Siblings that actually like each other

Last but definitely not least are the siblings. Anne has an older brother and a younger sister, and Sybella has two younger sisters. The familial love in each of these relationships is so heartwarming, and often cleverly highlighted by specific plot points. If you’re also tired of reading YA where siblings are brushed off as annoying trolls, you’ll enjoy these books. Nothing of the sort here!

10. A trilogy…and a duology

This last reason is possibly the best one. If you’ve read up to Mortal Heart and you want more, there is more! Sybella returns alongside a new narrator, Genevieve, in the Courting Darkness duology for shenanigans, love, and mishaps in the French court. Courting Darkness is out now, and you should have time to read all four books before the release of the finale, Igniting Darkness, on June 2, 2020. Although, alternatively, you could wait for it to be released, and then enjoy an epic series marathon.

Hopefully, this list has convinced you to pick up Robin LaFevers’ His Fair Assassin trilogy! Despite being older, these books are hidden gems in the YA world and truly deserve much more attention and love.

Have you read this trilogy? Are any of the books on your TBR? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 10 Reasons Why You Should Read The ‘His Fair Assassin’ Trilogy appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be checking any of them out!

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
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In the stunning first novel in Marlon James’s Dark Star trilogy, myth, fantasy, and history come together to explore what happens when a mercenary is hired to find a missing child.

The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
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Uniting the worldbuilding of a Brandon Sanderson with the storytelling verve of a Patrick Rothfuss, debut author Jenn Lyons delivers an entirely new and captivating fantasy epic. Prepare to meet the genre’s next star.

Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik
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A space princess on the run and a notorious outlaw soldier become unlikely allies in this imaginative, sexy space opera adventure—the first in an exciting science fiction trilogy.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
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Yangsze Choo’s The Night Tiger pulls us into a world of servants and masters, age-old superstition and modern idealism, sibling rivalry and forbidden love. But anchoring this dazzling and propulsive novel is the intimate coming of age of a child and a young woman, each searching for their place in a society that would rather they stay invisible.

The Dysasters by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
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P.C. and Kristin Cast, the #1 New York Times bestselling authors of the House of Night phenomenon, return to the scene with The Dysasters―the first action-packed novel in a new paranormal fantasy series.

Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway
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He was raised in revolution. She was raised in a palace. Can their love stop a war? Code Name Verity meets The Winner’s Curse in Joanna Hathaway’s Dark of the West, a breathtaking YA fantasy debut.

The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders
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Set on a planet that has fully definitive, never-changing zones of day and night, with ensuing extreme climates of endless, frigid darkness and blinding, relentless light, humankind has somehow continued apace — though the perils outside the built cities are rife with danger as much as the streets below.

The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie
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Gods meddle in the fates of men, men play with the fates of gods, and a pretender must be cast down from the throne in this breathtaking first fantasy novel from Ann Leckie, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards.

The Afterward by E.K. Johnston
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Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn’t meant for heroism so early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she’s earned, reputation doesn’t pay her bills. Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar and thief, she lived hand to mouth on the streets until fortune–or fate–pulled her into Kalanthe’s orbit. And now she’s reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn’t much of a choice at all.

Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers
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Told in alternating perspectives, when Sybella discovers there is another trained assassin from St. Mortain’s convent deep undercover in the French court, she must use every skill in her arsenal to navigate the deadly royal politics and find her sister in arms before her time—and that of the newly crowned queen—runs out.

The Test by Sylvain Neuvel
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Britain, the not-too-distant future. Idir is sitting the British Citizenship Test. He wants his family to belong. Twenty-five questions to determine their fate. Twenty-five chances to impress. When the test takes an unexpected and tragic turn, Idir is handed the power of life and death. How do you value a life when all you have is multiple choice?

Apocalypse Five by Stacey Rourke
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For decades, Earth’s best line of defense has been a team of young soldiers known as the Apocalypse Five, forced into virtual reality simulations to train for Doom’s Day. But, this is no game. Death on the grid is brutally final and calls up the next in a long line of cadets. All it takes is one unscheduled mission, showing seventeen-year-old team leader Detroit a harsh and unfathomable reality, to shake the A5’s belief in all they thought they knew. After questioning people with the power to destroy them, the team is framed for a crime they didn’t commit and marked for death.

Which February 2019 fantasy or sci-fi read are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post February Book Releases: Fantasy + Sci-Fi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.