If you're still mourning the cancellation of Shadow and Bone after just two seasons, you're not alone. Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, with its blend of Victorian-era aesthetics, steampunk flourishes, and dark magic, captured hearts on both page and screen. But fear not—there are plenty of novels ready to fill that Ravkan-sized hole in your reading life. Whether you crave more heists, shadowy magic, or intricate world-building, these ten books will scratch that itch.
1. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (2019)
Start with the obvious: another Bardugo masterpiece. Ninth House trades the Grishaverse for an alternate Yale University, where secret societies wield real magic. It's darker and more adult than Shadow and Bone, but Bardugo's signature blend of urban fantasy and horror shines. Stephen King himself called it "the best fantasy novel I've read in years." If you loved the intricate plotting of the original trilogy, this is a must-read.
2. Incarceron by Catherine Fisher (2007)
This dual-perspective novel follows Finn, born inside a vast, sentient prison called Incarceron, and Claudia, the warden's daughter on the outside. When they discover a telepathic link, they plot a daring escape. Like Shadow and Bone, it explores class divides and features a richly imagined world. A film adaptation was once rumored with Taylor Lautner, but the book stands strong on its own.
3. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (2006)
Sanderson's Cosmere is a treasure trove for fantasy fans. Mistborn introduces a world where ash falls from the sky and a crew of thieves attempts to overthrow an immortal emperor. The magic system—burning metals for powers—is as intricate as the Grisha orders, and the heist plot will keep you turning pages. While the second era has a more Victorian feel, start here for the full impact.
4. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (2007)
This YA urban fantasy phenomenon follows Clary Fray, who discovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters—demon hunters with angelic blood. Set in modern New York, it's a low fantasy with plenty of mystery and romance. If you loved the camaraderie of the Crows, the Shadowhunters' tight-knit group will appeal. Plus, there's a whole sprawling series to binge.
5. Northern Lights (The Golden Compass) by Philip Pullman (1995)
Known as The Golden Compass in the US, this classic takes place in a parallel Earth where humans have animal daemons and a mysterious substance called Dust is at the center of a cosmic conspiracy. Like Shadow and Bone, it blends magic with political intrigue and features a brave young heroine. The HBO adaptation His Dark Materials is also worth a watch.
These five are just the beginning. For more fantastical escapes, check out our list of epic fantasy books that surpass The Lord of the Rings, or if you're in the mood for something darker, see horror novels that beat their movie versions. And for those who love a good antihero, we've got unputdownable books with terrible protagonists.
So whether you're team Darkling or team Mal, there's a book here to transport you to another world. Happy reading—and may the odds be ever in your favor (wrong series, but you get the idea).
