Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
Quick answer: If you liked The Queen of the Tearling, read its sequels The Invasion of the Tearling and The Fate of the Tearling, then try Throne of Glass, Graceling, Uprooted and Poison Study. All feature young queens or fierce heroines with a kingdom to save.
Erika Johansen's novel follows Kelsea Glynn, who is raised in hiding and returns at nineteen to claim her throne in a kingdom with a dark bargain. It mixes fantasy, politics and a touch of dystopia. The books below share that mix of royal responsibility, danger and strong heroines. Most are fantasy for teens and adults, and all are real, in-print books.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Invasion of the Tearling | Erika Johansen | Teen and adult | the next book |
| The Fate of the Tearling | Erika Johansen | Teen and adult | the conclusion |
| Throne of Glass | Sarah J. Maas | Teen | assassin heroines |
| Graceling | Kristin Cashore | Teen | strong heroines |
| Uprooted | Naomi Novik | Adult | fairy-tale magic |
| Poison Study | Maria V. Snyder | Teen and adult | tasting poison |
| The Winner's Curse | Marie Rutkoski | Teen | slow-burn romance |
| A Game of Thrones | George R.R. Martin | Adult | political intrigue |
| Kushiel's Dart | Jacqueline Carey | Adult | mature epic |
| Assassin's Apprentice | Robin Hobb | Adult | court stories |
| A Court of Thorns and Roses | Sarah J. Maas | Adult | fae romance |
| The Thief | Megan Whalen Turner | Teen | clever plots |
| The Handmaid's Tale | Margaret Atwood | Adult | dystopian politics |
| Shadow and Bone | Leigh Bardugo | Teen | magic and war |
| The Hunger Games | Suzanne Collins | Teen | survival thrillers |
1. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
The second book deepens the mystery of the Tearling's past, and the Red Queen's invasion looms. Darker and stranger.
Best for: the next book.
2. The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
The final book resolves the war and the secrets of the kingdom. Bold and ambitious.
Best for: the conclusion.
3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
An assassin competes in a deadly tournament for the king. Fast, romantic and the start of a long series.
Best for: assassin heroines.
4. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Katsa is gifted with deadly skill and flees a king. A feminist fantasy with a quiet romance.
Best for: strong heroines.
5. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
A girl is taken by a wizard to live in a tower and fight a haunted wood. Rich and romantic.
Best for: fairy-tale magic.
6. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
A prisoner becomes a food taster for the Commander. Clever, tense and romantic.
Best for: tasting poison.
7. The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
A general's daughter and a slave in a conquered land. Political and romantic.
Best for: slow-burn romance.
8. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Noble houses fight for the Iron Throne. Political and violent.
Best for: political intrigue.
9. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
A courtesan-spy in a land of intrigue. Lush and long, for adults.
Best for: mature epic.
10. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
A royal bastard is trained as a killer. Character-driven and emotional.
Best for: court stories.
11. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A huntress is taken to a faerie realm. Romantic and magical.
Best for: fae romance.
12. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
A thief is released from prison to steal a magical stone. Clever with a famous twist.
Best for: clever plots.
13. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
In a future Gilead, women are forced into roles of servitude. A classic of dystopian fiction.
Best for: dystopian politics.
14. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
An orphan discovers a rare power in a Russian-inspired land. The start of the Grishaverse.
Best for: magic and war.
15. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss volunteers to fight in a televised death match. Tense and widely read.
Best for: survival thrillers.
How to Choose
To continue the story, read the Tearling trilogy in order. For similar heroines, try Throne of Glass and Graceling. For grown-up fantasy, Kushiel's Dart or Uprooted. For dystopian politics, The Handmaid's Tale. The Tearling books mix fantasy and science fiction, so be ready for surprises. Fantasy series often work best when you pick one and finish it before moving on. If you like political fantasy with young rulers, make a list of the series above and read their first books in sequence. Libraries and used bookstores are good places to find full sets.
Related: 15 Books Like Red Queen You’ll Love: Powers, Betrayal and Royal Intrigue · What Age Is Red Queen Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Queen of the Tearling about?
Kelsea returns from hiding to claim the throne and fights to end a deal that sends children to a neighboring kingdom.
How many Tearling books are there?
Three: The Queen of the Tearling, The Invasion of the Tearling and The Fate of the Tearling.
Is it YA?
It is marketed to adults, but older teens enjoy it.
Is there a film or series?
A film adaptation with Emma Watson was announced, but has not been released.
What is the twist?
The series reveals that the kingdom is tied to our own future, a twist that fans discuss often.
Is The Queen of the Tearling fantasy or science fiction?
It blends both, starting as medieval-style fantasy and revealing science fiction elements.
Who is Kelsea?
The nineteen-year-old heir to the Tearling throne, raised in hiding by foster parents.
What age is it for?
It suits older teens and adults.
Does the series end well?
Opinions vary, but many readers praise its bold finale.
Is there a map?
Yes, the print editions include a map of the Tearling and nearby lands.