Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicle, Book 1)

Fans of Nevernight will find a kindred spirit in Nona Grey, a young girl trained in a deadly convent where she learns to wield both blade and magic. This book shares Nevernight's dark atmosphere, intense training sequences, and a morally complex protagonist navigating a brutal world to uncover her past and secure her future.

For readers who appreciated Nevernight's grimdark tone and the protagonist's relentless pursuit of power in a brutal academy setting, The Poppy War delivers. Rin's journey from an impoverished orphan to a powerful shaman in a war-torn world is fraught with moral ambiguity, intense magic, and devastating consequences, mirroring Mia's dark path.

This epic fantasy offers a unique magic system, a band of morally gray outlaws, and a strong female lead in Vin, who discovers her latent powers and becomes instrumental in a rebellion. The intricate world-building, high stakes, and focus on an underdog fighting against a tyrannical empire will appeal to Nevernight fans who enjoy complex plots and powerful protagonists.

While less grimdark, this book offers a similarly atmospheric and magical world with a fast-paced narrative and a compelling anti-hero protagonist. Readers who enjoyed Nevernight's unique magic system and the sense of adventure will appreciate Kell's journey through parallel Londons, filled with danger, dark magic, and unexpected alliances.

If the underworld intrigue, found family of misfits, and witty banter in Nevernight appealed to you, then The Lies of Locke Lamora is a must-read. It follows a charismatic con artist and his crew as they navigate the dangerous criminal underworld of a Venetian-inspired city, executing elaborate heists with a blend of humor and dark undertones.

This urban fantasy blends martial arts, organized crime, and a unique magic system centered around jade. Fans of Nevernight will appreciate the gritty atmosphere, complex power dynamics within a crime family, and the morally gray characters fighting for control and survival in a world where honor and violence are intertwined.

For those who crave the truly grimdark elements of Nevernight, The Blade Itself delivers a cynical, brutal, and utterly compelling narrative. It features a cast of deeply flawed and morally ambiguous characters, including a notorious torturer, a disgraced warrior, and a narcissistic nobleman, navigating a world steeped in political intrigue and impending war.

This classic fantasy offers a more introspective take on the assassin-in-training trope, following FitzChivalry Farseer as he's groomed for a life of espionage and assassination. Readers who enjoyed the political machinations and the personal growth of a protagonist learning deadly skills in Nevernight will appreciate the deep character work and intricate court intrigue here.

While leaning into romantasy, Gild shares Nevernight's dark, gritty atmosphere and a strong female lead who endures immense suffering and slowly finds her power. Readers will connect with the protagonist's journey of survival, resilience, and eventual empowerment, set against a backdrop of complex relationships and a world that demands she fight for her freedom.

If you loved Nevernight's epic scope, intricate world-building, and strong female characters, The Priory of the Orange Tree offers a sprawling, standalone fantasy with multiple compelling female protagonists. It weaves together dragon lore, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies across different cultures, providing a rich and immersive experience.