Hey guys! Raegan here, and I’m absolutely thrilled to dive into these next recommendations for those of you who finished House of Marionne. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out my recent interview with the incredible J. Elle on YouTube. We had a blast chatting about House of Marionne, and so much more!
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already devoured Hours of Marionne and are hungry for more. Well, I’ve got some fantastic news for you! J. Elle herself has kindly shared some book recommendations with us, handpicked to satisfy your literary cravings until her next masterpiece graces our bookshelves.
So, if you found September’s pick to be an enchanting journey, then you’re in for a treat. These books promise to transport you to new worlds, ignite your imagination, and keep you turning pages long into the night. ?✨
1. A Lesson In Vengance by Victoria Lee
Pick it up for the dark academia vibes.
The dark academia worldbuilding in this story is unmatched. Readers who are drawn to gothic settings where the atmosphere feels like a character will obsess over Lee’s writing. This story is heart-rending and not for the faint of heart, but perhaps what I loved most about it was Lee’s intentional dissection of the marginalizing complexities of boarding school life.
2. Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
Pick it up for the heart-rending emotional angst.
This one has zombies and I’m not usually a zombie girl. But I was riveted at the brutal, honest exploration of self in this post-apocalyptic love story. For readers who love angsty, deep romance with strong parallels to deeper questions about the real world, pick this one up. You won’t regret it.
3. The Legacies by Jessica Goodman
Pick it up for the drama.
The Legacies is an unputdownable thriller about a backstabbing world of NY social elites. Think murdery Gossip Girl. This contemporary novel doesn’t have magic, but it dazzles with page-turning drama and heart pumping twists wrapped up in the cutthroat, irresistible world of prep school life. Real Housewives franchise fans, this is for you. You will read this one, again and again.
4. Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo
Pick it up for the masterful fantasy worldbuilding.
This duology needs no introduction. Bardugo is a legendary tastemaker of the YA fantasy genre. This two-book series follows the Shadow and Bone trilogy as five characters work to pull off the prison heist of a lifetime. Bardugo’s worldbuilding knows no bounds. She can make the impossible feel entirely real. Prepare to lose yourself and be ready to pack your bag to visit Ketterdam.
5. Once Upon a Broken Heart Series by Stephanie Garber
Pick it up for the irresistible romance and plot twists.
This entire series is a follow up series in the Caraval world, but it can be read even if you’ve never read the Caraval books. It follows dark and broody Jacks and Evangeline as a series of adventures keep these two embroiled in an irresistible romance battle of will-they won’t-they. Jacks is ever elusive emotionally and Ev wants to believe the world can be a better place. The writing is lyrical and the world is wildly imaginative! Garber will keep you on the edge of your seat in this fairy-tale inspired romantasy. This is by far one of the best series I’ve ever read.
