Shadow and Boneis an urban fantasy TV series based on a novel trilogy byLeigh Bardugo, which is primarily geared toward young adult audiences. Unlike many other fantasy stories, which feature worlds more akin to Medieval Times,Shadow and Boneis a little different in that it feels more like a parallel to the Victorian Era. This means that, on top of their being magic, there are various aspects of steampunk included, too.
Unfortunately, the TV show was cancelled after just two seasons, disappointing legions of fans who admired the show for its inherent quality. If you’re a fan of the books or the TV show, you might be wondering what to check out next, curious if something can scratch the itch in the same way. While these aren’t always exact matches,these are some great novels to read if you’re missingShadow and Bone, or just want to extend your horizons a little bit.
Shadow and Bone
10’Ninth House' (2019)
Written by Leigh Bardugo
Ninth Houseis a great place to start for fans ofShadow and Bonebecause both books were written by the same author. WhileShadow and Boneis more of a YA novel series, however,Ninth Houseand its sequel are distinctly adult books, meant for a more mature audience. That said, it still maintains author Leigh Bardugo’s specialty of urban fantasy, the difference being thatNinth Housetakes place an alternate version of the real world.
The story itself is about a college dropout who is and survivor of attempted murder who is abruptly offered a full scholarship to a prestigious, yet secretive university. Upon arriving there, she discovers hidden cults, political conspiracies, and a little bit of magic, too. Other authors have praisedNinth Housefor its seamless blend of urban fantasy and horror, withhorror maestro Stephen King calling the book"the best fantasy novel I’ve read in years," commending it for its character development and twisting narrative.For adult fans ofShadow and Bone, this is a brilliant reading choice.
9’Incarceron' (2007)
Written by Katherine Fischer
Incarceronfollows two viewpoints to tell its story. The first viewpoint is Finn, a young man who was born in the sprawling mega-prison known as Incarceron. Incarceron isn’t just a prison—it’s basically its own world, with its own cities, mountains, and even forests. On the flipside, there’s Claudia, the daughter of Incarceron’s warden. After finding a crystalline key in her father’s study, Claudia is able to develop a telepathic connection to Finn, with the two intending to help each other liberate the prisoners.
Incarceronis a really unique urban fantasy. There were supposedly plans for a movie, withTaylor Lautnerrumored to be playing Finn, but for whatever reason, thefantasy adaptation appears to have been cancelled. In any event,Incarceronis a nice, easy read that isn’t too complicated, and that contains many aesthetic and thematic aspects that willsurely be appreciated by fans ofShadow and Bone, especially with how it emphasizes the divide between the rich and the poor.
8’Mistborn: The Final Empire' (2006)
Written by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is one of the most popularfantasy authors of the 21st Century, especially considering the nearly inhuman speed at which he churns out his critically acclaimed novels.Mistborn: The Final Empireis the first in a trilogy, and one of several different books set in the shared universe known as the Cosmere. Each series or book of the Cosmere takes place on its own planet with its own magic system. The planet inMistbornis Scadrial, which is primarily an urban hellscape dominated by The Final Empire.
Amongst oppressive regimes, rampant slavery, and political corruption, a crew of thieves devises a plan to overthrow The Final Empire and liberate the impoverished skaa people. While the second era ofMistbornis more in line withShadow and Bone’s aesthetic, it would be silly to recommend it without first recommending the first book of the first era.With magic, shadowy streets, and the politics of the nobility,Mistborn: The Final Empireis a favourite amongst fantasy fans.
7’City of Bones' (2007)
Written by Cassandra Clare
City of Bonesis a massively popular urban fantasy story that likely doesn’t need a whole lot of introduction. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, these books were extremely big in the YA community. Sure, it might not be a total cultural phenomenon, but millions upon millions of people have read, and continue to re-read these books. UnlikeShadow and Bone, though,City of Bonesis a low fantasy, meaning it’s got magic that interacts with the real world, as opposed to it being its own distinct universe.
Set in New York City, the plot revolves around a teenager who witnesses a murder in a nightclub. Nobody else has seen the murder, as the event is only visible to her. This is her first encounter with the cabal known as the Shadowhunters, who protect the world from demons. Before long, she is thrust into their world, as the Shadowhunters seek to find out how she can see what they’re doing and why.With it being an urban fantasy covered in mystery,Shadow and Bonefans are going to absolutely loveCity of Bones, assuming they haven’t already read it, at least.
6’Northern Lights' (1995)
Written by Philip Pullman
Northern Lightsis perhaps more commonly known asThe Golden Compassthanks to a 2000sfilm adaptation which failed to impress fans. If the movie isn’t your cup of tea, you may be more familiar with the HBO original seriesHis Dark Materials, which is an adaptation ofNorthern Lightsand its two sequels, all of which were written byPhilip Pullman. The story is once again an urban fantasy, taking place on a different version of Earth.
Aside from magic, this book features a lot of interesting creatures and places. From talking polar bears to seafaring adventurers to massive airships,Northern Lightsisn’t just aesthetically similar toShadow and Bone, but narratively, too.Though not every single bit of this book takes place in an urban environment, it’s still a fantasy that mirrors the Victorian Era, containing steamships, guns, and strange devices. It’s a pretty interesting ride, one that is an essential piece of the urban fantasy subgenre.
His Dark Materials
5’The Golden Door' (2011)
Written by Emily Rodda
Australian authorJennifer Rowetypically writes thrillers for adults, but when she writes young adult fantasy, she goes by the pen nameEmily Rodda. Most of her fantasy novels take place in the same universe, includingThe Three Doorstrilogy, beginning withThe Golden Door. The story is set in the industrial city of Weld, which sits in the center of the island of Dorne. Weld is completely cut off from the outside world, surrounded by enormous walls, but this doesn’t stop them from being attacked by bat-like monstrosities known as Skimmers once a year.
Determined to stop the threat, the mayor of Weld sends out expeditions beyond the wall to find the source of the Skimmer attacks. However, there are only three ways out of the city, those being the eponymous three doors.Full of magic, industry, city politics, and conspiracies,The Golden Doormight be for younger audiences, but it’s still a super fun read with an immersive and captivating world.
4’Speak of the Devil: A Shatterverse Novel' (2025)
Written by Mason Choffe
Time for this author to get a little bit personal.Speak of the Devil: A Shatterverse Novelis written byMason Choffe, whom I went to school with at York University in Toronto, Ontario. He’s a very driven and dedicated author, and definitely showed promise in the creative writing department. So far, he’s published a couple of ebooks on Kindle, with the most recent beingSpeak of the Devil, an urban fantasy of approximately 470 pages.
The story follows Fiero, a detective living inthe dystopian city of Pheria, which is run by an oppressive oligarchy. Mysterious murders begin occurring, affecting everyone from the nobles to a group of people called the cursed, who are born with their afflictions, making them social outcasts. Among the murders, Fiero begins to unravel conspiracies that could change the political climate of Pheria. Sure, the book might not be as popular as some of the other heavy-hitters on this list, butI felt it necessary to give a quick shout-out to a fellow alumnus, as well as to make a good recommendation to fans of urban fantasy storieslikeShadow and Bone.
3’The Anvil of the World' (2003)
Written by Kage Baker
The Anvil of the Worldforgoes the typical chapter format, instead featuring three distinct parts. Each part of the book follows a smaller story that makes up the larger narrative, with each taking place in a different location. The main character is a smuggler named Smith, who has been hired to escort a mage named Lord Ermenwyr from one city to another via train. The second part of the book, in particular, is more of an urban fantasy, focusing heavily on city life.
As implied by the title, there are various steampunk aspects in this book, along with magic and immersive environments to get lost in. This book is criminally underrated, featuring not just a good story with some genuine emotional value but also some truly hilarious punchlines that will make anyone laugh out loud.The Anvil of the Worldis sure to be a hit with fans ofShadow and Bone, as a lot of the themes and plot points are very similar.
2’Throne of Glass' (2012)
Written by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glassis set in a smoke-filled dystopian cityscape, where trained killers and assassins are routinely forced into gladatorial combat to entertain the rich. Professional assassin Celaena has been imprisoned, but is promised by the Prince that she can earn her freedom by fighting and surviving in the arena. But before she even has that chance, other contestants start showing up dead, before they can even start to fight each other.
Rife with conspiracy, political intrigue, and an authoritarian empire,Throne of Glassearned impressive reviewsfrom critics, many of whom fell in love with its worldbuilding and fleshed-out characters. With its themes of oppressive kingdoms, mystery, and a major divide between social classes, this is a fantastic pick if you’re looking for something to fill the void thatShadow and Boneleft behind.
1’Jade City' (2017)
Written by Fonda Lee
Jade Cityreads like a pseudo-mobster flick, only in a totally fantastical world. Centering heavily on themes of family ties, backstabbing, blood feuds, magic, and even a little bit of martial arts,Jade Citycertainly delivers in the urban fantasy subgenre. The main characters are the Kaul family, a crime syndicate that produces jade, a mineral that gives the people of Keklon magical and unexplained powers.
Before long, the political tensions between warring factions explode into open conflict, throwing Keklon into chaos. Critics adored the novel for the way it mixed goofy kung fu movies with mobster flicks and fantasy, all supplemented by impeccable worldbuilding, including many tiny nuances and subleties about the culture contained within.Whilst not a direct match, fans ofShadow and Boneshould most certainly give this one a try.
NEXT:Great Novels To Read if You Love ‘Game of Thrones’
