74 books like Kiss the Fae

By Natalia Jaster,

Here are 74 books that Kiss the Fae fans have personally recommended if you like Kiss the Fae. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Cruel Prince

Nadine Little Author Of We Are Not Angels

From my list on romance where the heroine tames the monster.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to read (and write) books about badass heroines who do the saving. They’re not passive. They’re not dragged along by the alpha a-hole, swooning over his muscles and domineering personality. They take charge. They wield the sword, or the gun, or their fists and rescue the dude in distress, who may act the monster but is really just a secret cinnamon roll who wants to be loved. These heroines are the real role models, the women I want to be like. Their stories are the ones I get lost in and remember long after I’ve put the book down. 

Nadine's book list on romance where the heroine tames the monster

Nadine Little Why did Nadine love this book?

This book is still one of the best enemies-to-lovers books I've read. Cardan may not be a literal monster, but he has a monstrous soul. I don’t usually like books where the male love interest is an a-hole, but I love when we get to see behind Cardan’s cruel exterior to the vulnerability and suffering beneath. And when Jude ties him to a chair? *Chef’s kiss.

I found the whole series to be brilliant and well worth a read. I loved the beautiful imagery the author creates.

By Holly Black,

Why should I read it?

13 authors picked The Cruel Prince as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

"Lush, dangerous, a dark jewel of a book . . . intoxicating" - Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Six of Crows

Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three…


Book cover of Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Annie Oldham Author Of The Burn

From my list on flawed female main characters in war-torn worlds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love imperfect characters. They are more interesting, memorable, and three-dimensional than characters who have everything figured out. Imperfect characters are the most believable and readable because they are mirrors of ourselves. We live their stories more easily, and imperfect characters live the most awesome stories. Finding an imperfect female main character inhabiting a world full of conflict and then watching her strength emerge through a well-told story is one of my favorite reading experiences.

Annie's book list on flawed female main characters in war-torn worlds

Annie Oldham Why did Annie love this book?

Karou is caught in a war between angels and demons (the ultimate simplified description). And Karou is a main character I love to cheer for. She's just so witty and full of angst on a totally relatable level. She's having the mother of all identity crises and feeling the ultimate tug of war between the human world and a dimension inhabited by the strange creatures that raised her.

Pair that awesome premise with Laini Taylor's incredibly lush writing, and the story is just fantastic. I kept turning page after page not only to immerse myself in Taylor's beautiful prose but also because this story is just compelling. I've reread this entire series, and I loved it even more the second time through.

By Laini Taylor,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Daughter of Smoke & Bone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

The 10th anniversary edition of the first in Laini Taylor's breathtaking fantasy trilogy

'Remarkable and beautifully written . . . The opening volume of a truly original trilogy.' GUARDIAN

Errand requiring immediate attention. Come.

The note was on vellum, pierced by the talons of the almost-crow that delivered it. Karou read the message. 'He never says please', she sighed, but she gathered up her things.

When Brimstone called, she always came.

In general, Karou has managed to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she's a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a…


Book cover of House of Earth and Blood

Sierrah M. Strange Author Of The Reign Below

From my list on new adult fantasy with a strong FMC to root for.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, I found my escape in fantasy worlds. I’ve always had an interest in writing, and when I was a young child, when someone asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, I always responded “a novelist.” It wasn’t until I rediscovered my love and passion for reading in my late teens, and early twenties, that the idea of The Reign Below blossomed in my head. Through my writing, I have discovered a community of fantasy readers and lovers. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I listened to my inner child and that I wrote a story of my own, full of magic. But I’m glad my ambitious, childhood dream came true. 

Sierrah's book list on new adult fantasy with a strong FMC to root for

Sierrah M. Strange Why did Sierrah love this book?

House of Earth and Blood was the first new adult fantasy book that I read that made me fall back in love with the fantasy genre. I had rediscovered my love for reading in my late teens after not reading much for a few years. Bryce Quinlan reminded me a lot of myself. In that, she was the first lead female character who isn’t thin and petite. Rather, Bryce is curvy and different from other women that Sarah J. Maas has written. I instantly felt drawn in by Bryce and her carefree attitude in the first half of the book. Her strength is admirable and authentic. Her story and struggles captured me much like many readers.

Though Bryce does have her struggles as being defined as a “party girl,” she is so much more than the label. Beneath it all, Bryce is someone you can’t help but to root for,…

By Sarah J. Maas,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked House of Earth and Blood as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A #1 New York Times bestseller!

Sarah J. Maas's brand-new CRESCENT CITY series begins with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar…


Book cover of The Sin of Saints

Sierrah M. Strange Author Of The Reign Below

From my list on new adult fantasy with a strong FMC to root for.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, I found my escape in fantasy worlds. I’ve always had an interest in writing, and when I was a young child, when someone asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, I always responded “a novelist.” It wasn’t until I rediscovered my love and passion for reading in my late teens, and early twenties, that the idea of The Reign Below blossomed in my head. Through my writing, I have discovered a community of fantasy readers and lovers. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I listened to my inner child and that I wrote a story of my own, full of magic. But I’m glad my ambitious, childhood dream came true. 

Sierrah's book list on new adult fantasy with a strong FMC to root for

Sierrah M. Strange Why did Sierrah love this book?

Petra’s journey is riddled in tragedy, yet with each devastating blow, Petra refuses to break. The Sins of Saints is another refreshing, powerful new adult fantasy with a strong female main character that you can’t help to root for. Not only that, but Lauren M. Leasure doesn’t shy away from the harsh brutal truth of Petra’s life. The Eserene slums that Petra lives in is so detailed that I can picture myself there. The story unfolds in a clever duality, with portions highlighting her troubled past while meshing with Petra’s troubling present. I find that because Petra isn’t portrayed as perfect, and that she has flaws makes her that much more relatable. Prepare for this story to sink its claws into you as you read Petra’s story!  

By Lauren M. Leasure,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sin of Saints as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy...

Growing up in Eserene's slums, Petra's life is marred by unimaginable tragedy. Things finally begin to look up when she meets Calomyr, member of the Royal Guard and keeper of just as much heartache as Petra.

Once again, though, her life is upended when her mother remarries a Lord, forcing Petra to undergo a brutal initiation ceremony in order to ascend to the Royal Court.

As Petra prepares for initiation, news of a drug-fueled fanatical rebel regime reaches the high walls of Eserene. No one seems to panic,…


Book cover of House of Beating Wings

Brittany Gossin Author Of Dream Walker

From my list on strong female main character.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an only child, until I was 10, books were a constant companion. I loved entering new worlds and making friends with the characters in them. I always admired the strong female characters who could accomplish anything if they put their mind to it, which is also a notion I share with my own children. With an active imagination, reading and creating stories was a way for me to escape boredom or anxiety, and it has flourished into a need to share the world with others. 

Brittany's book list on strong female main character

Brittany Gossin Why did Brittany love this book?

I loved this book by Olivia Wildenstein mainly because of the strong female main character. She’s tough, determined, and incredibly relatable. Her journey and growth throughout the story kept me hooked. It was inspiring to see her face challenges head-on and evolve.

She made the book a fantastic read. The chemistry between her and the MMC is one of my favorites, and I recommend this book to everyone!

By Olivia Wildenstein,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked House of Beating Wings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A fantastical delight of a book, rich with its imagination and lush with its storytelling." - RUNYX, author of Gothikana

FREE THE CROWS, FALLON, AND THEY WILL MAKE YOU QUEEN.

Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well . . . by all but one.


Dante Regio, prince of Luce, had owned my heart since he gave me my first kiss. If gathering a slew of iron relics could help…


Book cover of Daughter of No Worlds

Toni Binns Author Of Choice of the Traveler

From my list on fantasy with found family you never want to let go.

Why am I passionate about this?

Found family is my favorite trope. You can change up the genre but give me a cast of loveable characters and you got me. It hits close to home, since when I left home to go to college, I created my own family. They are my Albany family, and we all still meet up at least twice a year no matter that we all live across the country. The bonds we created as we figured out who each of us was, are still strong to this day. I write stories that contain those same elements so everyone can experience the joys and tribulations of these bonds. 

Toni's book list on fantasy with found family you never want to let go

Toni Binns Why did Toni love this book?

I don’t know where to start. I read all three books back to back.

It was too hard to back away from Tisaanah and Max’s story spanning all three books. I had to know what happened next to them and what choices they were going to make.

The world-building is amazing and all I could hope was that Tisaanah would make it to the next obstacle in her way to free her people along with the best friend she left behind when she fled slavery. Now she needs to learn magic and hopefully lead a rebellion before it is too late.

By Carissa Broadbent,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Daughter of No Worlds as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates.

Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.

Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione,…


Book cover of Taming Demons for Beginners

Nadine Little Author Of We Are Not Angels

From my list on romance where the heroine tames the monster.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to read (and write) books about badass heroines who do the saving. They’re not passive. They’re not dragged along by the alpha a-hole, swooning over his muscles and domineering personality. They take charge. They wield the sword, or the gun, or their fists and rescue the dude in distress, who may act the monster but is really just a secret cinnamon roll who wants to be loved. These heroines are the real role models, the women I want to be like. Their stories are the ones I get lost in and remember long after I’ve put the book down. 

Nadine's book list on romance where the heroine tames the monster

Nadine Little Why did Nadine love this book?

I stayed up so late reading this book. Way later than I should have. Mostly due to the demon and eventual love interest, Zylas (though I had to wait until at least book three for anything romantic to happen).

I’ll be honest: the nerdy clumsiness of the female MC, Robin, can be a bit much, but I loved the scenes where she breaks the rules to interact with Zylas when he’s a captive in the summoning circle. She has a backbone, even if it takes her a while to show it. And she tames her demon eventually.

I loved the whole series and have read it three times already. The first time I finished it, I was actually sad that it was over.

By Annette Marie,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Taming Demons for Beginners as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Rule one: Don't look at the demon.When I arrived at my uncle's house, I expected my relatives to be like me—outcast sorcerers who don't practice magic. I was right about the sorcery, but wrong about everything else.Rule two: Don't listen to the demon.My uncle chose a far deadlier power. He calls creatures of darkness into our world, binds them into service contracts, and sells them to the highest bidder. And I'm supposed to act like I don't know how illegal and dangerous it is.Rule three: Don't talk to the demon.All I had to do was keep my nose out of…


Book cover of Demon with Benefits

Nadine Little Author Of We Are Not Angels

From my list on romance where the heroine tames the monster.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to read (and write) books about badass heroines who do the saving. They’re not passive. They’re not dragged along by the alpha a-hole, swooning over his muscles and domineering personality. They take charge. They wield the sword, or the gun, or their fists and rescue the dude in distress, who may act the monster but is really just a secret cinnamon roll who wants to be loved. These heroines are the real role models, the women I want to be like. Their stories are the ones I get lost in and remember long after I’ve put the book down. 

Nadine's book list on romance where the heroine tames the monster

Nadine Little Why did Nadine love this book?

Mephistopheles is one of my favorite male love interests. I loved that he’s a demon, but he’s a secret cinnamon roll. Even when he turns into a monster that feeds on fear and sucks the life from people. I literally felt his pain in the scene where Iris breaks his heart. It gripped me by the throat. I was so invested in his emotional awakening. I just wanted to give him a big hug.

By Aurora Ascher,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Demon with Benefits as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A hot-headed witch and a lovable bad-boy demon add up to a scorching enemies-to-lovers tale, in the latest spicy paranormal romance from instant New York Times bestselling author Aurora Ascher.

They can run from their demons . . .

The jokester of the demon brothers, Meph wears his grin like armor and uses humor as a mask. But lately, his composure has been slipping, especially around her. Iris. The blue-haired witch with a vicious temperament. Something about her soothes the darkness within him . . . but he’s not looking for a savior. There’s no such thing for someone like…


Book cover of Darling, There are Wolves in the Woods

J.L. Jackola Author Of Adrift

From my list on where romance is as significant as world-building.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a reader, I have always been partial to fantasy—the sweeping worlds, the heroics, the adventures, and the characters. I grew up immersed in fantasy, and as I began my writing journey, I remained immersed in it. I love being transported to another world and escaping the mundane of life, exchanging it, if only briefly, for a life of excitement and magic. I am a fantasy romance writer at heart, and my writing personifies my love affair with both fantasy and romance. To me, romance is just as tantalizing as world-building. My books consist of powerful romances that weave perfectly with the magical world in which they bloom.

J.L.'s book list on where romance is as significant as world-building

J.L. Jackola Why did J.L. love this book?

A more recent read for me was The Wicked Woods Chronicles by Indie author L. V. Russell.

Russell weaves a tale of faeries and love in this dark fantasy that is wickedly satisfying. Teya stumbles into the forest of the faerie and finds herself entangled with creatures ranging from monstrous to beautiful.

When she meets Laphaniel, it is not love at first sight, but as her journey into the land of the faeries continues, love blooms in unexpected ways. This love story is set in a world that is mystical and enchanting while horrifying at the same time.

The romance is prevalent throughout the series, beckoning us to read further to discover Teya and Laphaniel’s fate.

By L V Russell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Darling, There are Wolves in the Woods as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The woods are dark and wicked,
and perhaps some things would be better off staying lost…

Teya Jenkins is ten years old when her sister is taken.
Niven is never found, because no one knows where to look.
No one but Teya that is, who heard the whispers of the trees
and saw the beautiful creatures that dwelled in the shadows.

It is only after another tragedy, years later, that Teya finally dares
to enter the forest that haunts her dreams, determined to bring home
her sister and mend the fractured remains of her family.

Beneath the whispering oaks, she…


Book cover of Under the Pendulum Sun

Allison Epstein Author Of A Tip for the Hangman

From my list on for people who don’t read historical fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love historical fiction in all its forms, from the multi-volume family epics to the Dear America middle-grade books I grew up with. And I really, truly don’t understand why historical fiction has a reputation for being dry, dull, or worst of all, like homework. Sure, there are some novels written for history buffs only, but the vast majority aren’t, and neither is mine. When I wrote A Tip for the Hangman, my goal was to write historical fiction that reads like a page-turner, not a textbook. The books on this list all pull off that trick beautifully, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Allison's book list on for people who don’t read historical fiction

Allison Epstein Why did Allison love this book?

Mysterious victorian missionaries with dark secrets in the land of the fae. I truly do not know how to sell this book any better. I tend to recommend gothic literature for historical fiction newbies, since the emotional stakes are always so high and the plots often bend close to horror or fantasy, and this one is no different. The worldbuilding is spectacular, and it plays on the tropes of classic gothic novels in a way that’s knowing, clever, and never dry or stilted. No wonder Ng won the Hugo for best new author when she released this book—it deserves it.

By Jeannette Ng,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Under the Pendulum Sun as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of the John W Campbell Award for Best New Writer, Jeannette Ng brings a stunningly different Victorian fantasy that mixes Crimson Peak with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

Victorian missionaries travel into the heart of the newly discovered lands of the Fae, in a stunningly different fantasy that mixes Crimson Peak with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

Catherine Helstone's brother, Laon, has disappeared in Arcadia, legendary land of the magical fae. Desperate for news of him, she makes the perilous journey, but once there, she finds herself alone and isolated in the sinister house of Gethsemane. At last there…


Book cover of The Cruel Prince
Book cover of Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Book cover of House of Earth and Blood

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