5 Authors Like Marissa Meyer (25 Amazing Book Recommendations)

A native of Tacoma, Washington, Marissa Meyer began her writing career at a young age – creating Sailor Moon fanfiction and posting it online, which helped her to develop her craft.

5 Authors Like Marissa Meyer (25 Amazing Book Recommendations)

Now one of the most celebrated new writers in young adult fiction, Meyer has produced 12 novels, 3 short stories, one additional anthology of short stories, two graphic novels, and an interactive ebook. 

Her primary series,  The Lunar Chronicles, has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and featured several times on the New York Times bestseller list. 

If you enjoy the works of Marissa Meyer, then you will love these recommendations from Rick Riordan, James Dashner, Veronica Roth, Victoria Aveyard, and Cassandra Claire. 

Books By Marissa Meyer

Throughout her relatively short career, Marissa Meyer has produced several books, collections, and short stories. 

Her novels include:

She has also written a series of Lunar Chronicles tie-in novels, including: 

Additionally, she has produced the stand-alone novels Heartless (2016), and Instant Karma (2020), as well as the short stories Gold In The Roots Of The Grass (2016, A Tyranny Of Petticoats), The Sea Witch (2013, Because You Love To Hate Me: 13 Tales Of Villainy), and The Phantom of Linkshire Manor (2021). 

The Lunar Chronicles

Perhaps her most famous and popular series, The Lunar Chronicles, focuses on reimagined, futuristic, science fiction stories which take inspiration from classic European fairy tales, including Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. 

Themes

Despite having a wide array of works, there are several themes that Meyer tends to explore frequently. These include ideas of good vs evil, love, loss, destiny, and identity vs. family conflict. 

5 Similar Authors To Marissa Meyer

5 Similar Authors To Marissa Meyer

For those who are fans of Marissa Meyer’s work, we have compiled a list of our top 5 picks – allowing you to experience what we consider to be the creme de la creme of the YA fiction scene. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set (w/poster)

First on our list, but in no particular order, we have the esteemed YA writer Rick Riordan – whose Percy Jackson & The Olympians series of books are popularly consumed the world over. 

Focusing on the titular Percy Jackson, a demi-god in a world where the gods of the Greek pantheon reside in the 21st century.

The series follows Percy as he navigates growing up, his burgeoning abilities, the hierarchy of the pantheon, and the impending threat of the titans – led by Kronos – who intend to destroy the world. 

Pros

  • Imaginative
  • Well written
  • Hugely popular
  • Expansive universe of content
  • Summarizes Greek mythology well
  • Engaging material

Cons

  • Slightly childish narrative voice
  • Minimal character development
  • Strays away from the mythological source material

Themes: young adult, mythology, good vs evil, destiny

James Dashner

The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection Boxed Set (5-Book)

Being perhaps Dashner’s most famous literary work, The Maze Runner series is a dystopian science fiction saga and tells the stories of numerous individuals surviving in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. 

Told in non-chronological order, The Maze Runner series is considered a forerunner of the genre – selling millions of copies worldwide and being adapted into numerous languages. 

Pros

  • Well written 
  • Solid world-building 
  • Gripping and intriguing
  • Expansive universe of content

Cons

  • Quite violent for YA fiction
  • Intense narrative world
  • Some minor bad language

Themes: young adult, survival, family ties, good vs evil

Veronica Roth

Divergent Series Four-Book Paperback Box Set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four

Next on our list, we have Veronica Roth – an American novelist and short story writer perhaps most famous for her Divergent Trilogy, a popular series that has sold millions of copies around the world. 

Focusing on a dystopian society separated into five distinct factions, the Divergent series focuses on ideas surrounding independence, individualism, and notions of breaking against the societal norms of the respective ‘factions’. 

Pros

  • Relatable characters 
  • Written well
  • Engaging content
  • In-depth narrative world 
  • Plenty of action
  • Contents positive messages
  • Contains positive role models

Cons

  • Quite violent
  • Contains some romance
  • Contains minor substance use
  • Lacks educational value

Themes: young adult, identity, family ties, loyalty, good vs evil

Victoria Aveyard

Victoria Aveyard Red Queen Series 5 Books Collection Set (Red Queen, Glass Sword, King'S Cage, War Storm, Broken Throne)

 Next, we have Victoria Aveyard, an American novelist perhaps most famous for her Red Queen series. 

Focused on protagonist ‘Mare Barrow’ – a 17-year-old thief who develops supernatural powers – Red Queen focuses on a dystopian fantasy world bereft with war, conflict, and political deception, with all of the houses vying for Barrow’s mysterious powers in their efforts to stop conflict and take power. 

Pros

  • Positive role models
  • Contains a positive message
  • Well written
  • Rich narrative world
  • Minimal bad language

Cons

  • Contains violence
  • Could be considered scary for younger teens
  • Some minor language
  • Some minor substance use

Themes: young adult, identity, discrimination, destiny, family ties, conflict 

Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments, the Complete Collection(City of Bones/ City of Ashes/ City of Glass/ City of Fallen Angels/ City of Lost Souls/ City of Heavenly Fire)

Last on our list, but by no means least, we have Cassandra Clare – an American novelist best known for her YA fantasy series The Mortal Instruments

The Mortal Instruments follows the story of ‘Clary Fray’, whose encounters with a band of ‘shadow hunters’ (led by ‘Jace Herondale’) lead her to discover her own angelic origins, mysterious, supernatural abilities, and impending armageddon. 

Pros

  • Immersive series
  • Solid world-building
  • Some positive role models (especially for YA girls)
  • Engaging content

Cons

  • Becomes slightly formulaic 
  • Loses its positive message over time

Themes: young adult, good vs evil, loyalty, identity, friendship

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for your next literary adventure, then why not give these great authors a try? Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Range Is YA (Young Adult) Fiction? 

Generally speaking, the target age range for young adult fiction is between 12 and 18 years of age. 

Is YA Fiction Suitable For Adults?

While designed for teenagers first and foremost, adults can also enjoy YA fiction – in fact, many of the famous YA series (such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc) have legions of adult fans.

Anna Davis