The Sun and the Star

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The Sun and the Star

by Rick Riordan

The Sun and the Star plunges us into the darkest corner of the Riordanverse, following Nico di Angelo and Will Solace on a perilous quest into Tartarus. This isn't your typical hero's journey; it's a deeply emotional and intimate dive into trauma, self-discovery, and the fierce love that binds them. The atmosphere is consistently dark and oppressive, reflecting the literal hellscape they navigate, yet moments of genuine connection and hope shine through. You'll feel the weight of their fears and the strength of their bond as they confront both external monsters and internal demons. This book is for readers who appreciate high-stakes adventure infused with profound character development, a tender queer romance at its heart, and a story that truly earns its hopeful resolution through adversity.

10 Books similar to 'The Sun and the Star'

If you were captivated by Nico and Will's emotional journey through Tartarus in The Sun and the Star, you'll find kindred spirits in our curated recommendations. We looked for books that share that unique blend of high-stakes adventure and deeply personal growth, often featuring tender queer romance and the powerful theme of self-discovery. Whether you're seeking more mythological quests, stories of found family overcoming adversity, or intimate narratives where characters truly evolve under pressure, these selections offer similar emotional resonance and a hopeful spirit.

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The Hammer of Thor
The Hammer of Thor

by Rick Riordan

This installment in the Magnus Chase series continues the Riordanverse's blend of humor, adventure, and mythology, featuring a diverse cast including the genderfluid Alex Fierro and exploring themes of identity and found family amidst high-stakes quests. Fans of "The Sun and the Star" will appreciate the similar narrative voice, fast-paced action, and the celebration of diverse identities within a mythological framework.

Cemetery Boys
Cemetery Boys

by Aiden Thomas

This enchanting YA novel blends Latinx mythology with a heartwarming queer romance. Readers who enjoyed Nico and Will's journey will be drawn to the magical realism, the trans protagonist's quest for acceptance and love, and the themes of identity and family, all wrapped in a compelling mystery.

Carry On
Carry On

by Rainbow Rowell

A beloved queer fantasy that cleverly subverts chosen one tropes, "Carry On" features a magical school setting, a powerful prophecy, and an enemies-to-lovers romance between two male protagonists. Fans of "The Sun and the Star" will enjoy the witty dialogue, the adventure, and the deeply emotional exploration of love and destiny.

The House in the Cerulean Sea
The House in the Cerulean Sea

by T.J. Klune

While not YA, this heartwarming fantasy novel is widely embraced by YA readers for its charming characters, magical setting, and central gay romance. It shares "The Sun and the Star"'s themes of found family, overcoming prejudice, and the power of acceptance, all delivered with a hopeful and gentle tone.

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The Song of Achilles
The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

For readers seeking a more literary and poignant exploration of mythology and queer love, this retelling of the Trojan War focuses on the profound relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. It offers a deeply emotional and tragic romance set against an epic backdrop, appealing to those who appreciate the mythological depth and emotional resonance of Nico and Will's story.

Six of Crows
Six of Crows

by Leigh Bardugo

This action-packed fantasy features a diverse ensemble cast of morally grey characters embarking on a high-stakes heist. Fans of "The Sun and the Star" will appreciate the fast-paced adventure, the strong bonds of found family, and the intricate world-building, even if the romantic elements are more subtle and varied.

Lore Olympus, Vol. One

by Rachel Smythe

This popular graphic novel offers a vibrant, modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, exploring complex relationships, trauma, and romance within a visually stunning world of Greek gods. Readers who enjoy the mythological backdrop and emotional depth of "The Sun and the Star" will find this a captivating and accessible read.

The Raven Boys
The Raven Boys

by Maggie Stiefvater

The first book in The Raven Cycle introduces a group of boys on a mystical quest in search of a sleeping Welsh king, alongside a psychic's daughter. It shares "The Sun and the Star"'s blend of adventure, mystery, and deep friendships, with an atmospheric tone and a unique magic system that fans of Riordan's world-building will enjoy.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

This unique novel, blending text with vintage photographs, tells the story of Jacob Portman's discovery of a hidden orphanage for children with unusual abilities. It offers a similar sense of a hidden world, found family, and adventure, appealing to readers who enjoy stories about extraordinary individuals navigating mysterious circumstances.

The Hidden Oracle
The Hidden Oracle

by Rick Riordan

The first book in the Trials of Apollo series sees the god Apollo cast down to Earth as a mortal, embarking on a quest to restore his divinity. It directly continues the Riordanverse, featuring familiar characters, the signature humor and mythological adventures, and sets the stage for the wider events that impact characters like Nico and Will.