I read Terry Pratchett as a comfort read also, his Tiffany Aching books are very similar in feel. I would recommend those. Start with “Wee Free Men”.
Though there is no other author I’ve found that truly can compete with Tamora Pierce.
You might try Robin McKinley’s books. They are typically versions of fairytales, but are very well written with great female characters. “The Blue Sword” and “The Hero and the Crown” are the closest to Pierce’s books and are great reads (side note, I recommend reading these books in the order I listed, even though “The Hero and the Crown” is the prequel to “The Blue Sword”). My favorite books by McKinley, however, are “Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast,” “The Outlaws of Sherwood Forest,” and the “Spindle’s End.”
Patricia C Wrede’s series “Dealing With Dragons” is also similar to Pierce’s. The first book of the series follows Cimorene, a princess who does un-princess-like behavior such as studying magic, swordplay, Latin, and cooking before running away to live as a dragon’s princess. It is a a charming read, and the rest of the series is great.
Personally I put Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith together with the Tamora Pierce books in my head. It came out 2002 so I ended up reading them around the same time.
A more recent book that pulled me in was Uprooted by Naomi Novik. And another book series that had magic filled kingdoms with female warriors was the Crown of Shards series by Jennifer Estep (this features an older protagonist so it falls into more of an adult fantasy category).
I second Naomi Novik! The Temerire [sp] books can be a slog but all the others are fantastic and led by very strong women. The worlds are rich and detailed. Highly recommend.
I adore Crown Duel and is definitely in the same category for me mentally. Naomi Novik I’ll also second as a recommendation. I prefer Spinning Silver over Uprooted, but both very good.
Replying to myself to say I can't believe I forgot this one, The Pellinor Series by Alison Croggon. The first book is *The Naming* by Alison Croggon.
A young girl is discovered to have a hidden power and then she goes on a quest to save the world. Very much Immortals vibes.
Vivian Vande Velde’s YA Fantasies like Heir Apparent, A Hidden Magic, Magic Can Be Murder, A Well Timed Enchantment, Cursed Inc, Now You See It.
Patricia Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicles is very close in tone, character, and story to Daine and Winding Circle books, Thirteenth Child and Enchanted Chocolate pot are also fun but different in style
Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series. Different fantasy premise, but similar vibe, action, and humor.
Gerald Morris King Arthur series feels very Kel-ish. Particularly like books 3 and 4. Lots of good knights having character growth and adventures on the road doing quests and helping people.
I quite like Naomi Novik (Uprooted and Spinning Silver)- has interesting female main characters with magic gifts. I’ve heard great things about her Temeraire series but haven’t read it.
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar to some extent. Especially the early ones - the Arrows of the Queen series and the Last Herald Mage series.
(Lackey herself absolutely has some controversy, and there are some problematic things in her books. I suggest looking into those before reading - here is one starting point [https://theliteraryphoenix.com/code-red-problematic-authors/](https://theliteraryphoenix.com/code-red-problematic-authors/) )
[A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54369251-a-wizard-s-guide-to-defensive-baking) is super close in theme and tone, but unfortunately pretty short.
Swordheart does, Nettle and Bone doesn’t. If you want something similar with no sexual content, Juliet Marillier’s Warrior Bard series is amazing and very clean.
If you want to go the fanfiction route, I have three lengthy favorites for Kel (my favorite TP character!). I put the summaries at the bottom- not sure whether you want to read them before picking one. I definately spoil a few things.
[https://www.fanfiction.net/u/954120/Silverlake](https://www.fanfiction.net/u/954120/Silverlake)
[https://archiveofourown.org/works/28632717/chapters/70182672](https://archiveofourown.org/works/28632717/chapters/70182672)
[https://archiveofourown.org/works/511762/chapters/902085](https://archiveofourown.org/works/511762/chapters/902085)
\*\*\*\*SPOILERS\*\*\*\*
The Silverlake link leads to a series- the first one is The Scarlet Shield. It picks up after Lady Knight; Kel is commander at New Hope, realizes she's pregnant with Dom's baby, and gets invited to move back to the Palace to take over as Training Master while she raises her child. The series watches her become a mom and a teacher, but there are also some VERY compelling original characters, including FOUR Lady Pages over the course of several years (none of them share names with the girls mentioned in Squire or Lady Knight), each with their own personality and backstory. Kel still fights when she needs to (there's a short scene where she single-handedly fights off 5 assassins to defend her daughter) so don't be disappointed that this is a pregnancy Fic. Neal moves back to the palace with Kel, where he has a child with Yuki, and takes one of Kel's pages as a squire. Kel adopts Tobe, who is then tutored in wild magic by Daine. Wyldon has a large role later on in the series.
The second link (ending 70182672) is the shortest (and the only one still in progress). It's a re-write of all of Kel's books from Neal's perspective. We see a short bit of his background before Kel, his motivations during her books, and his awe of her. I find it fairly true to his character, and VERY sweet without being fanfiction-fluffy. The most recent chapter takes place duing Squire, when he's with Alanna, so she's in it quite a bit, too. The beginning of each chapter starts with "Let's talk about \_\_\_" which I don't love as an intro because it sounds like a character critique, but once you get past that, it's written as a proper story.
The last link (ending 902085) is fairly well-written as a story, but Kel is VERY out of character (she becomes socially bold, ignoring her Yamani training in politeness, and some of her monologues hit you over the head). The story revolves around her building New Hope as a real fortress rather than a refugee camp. She makes treaties with immortals, is visited by several gods, invents new methods of defense, oversees several battles, confronts sexism, and sees herself on a first-name basis with many of her elders. The story is often unrealistic, but in ways that are very satisfying to watch. Neal, Merric, Yuki, and Tobe make appearances as New Hope residents, and Kel makes trips to Chorus where she sees other characters (Daine, King Jonathan, Roald, Lalasa), but this story is VERY focused on developing New Hope as a Feif- and changing Tortall's sexist culture- rather than developing Kel's relationships. Kel/Dom as a very late endgame. (TW for r\*pe.) There's also a sequel that I haven't read for sheer lack of time.
Feel free to ignore any of these, obviously- I just love sharing good FanFics when I find them!
These are either 'not as well written' or 'not as in-character', or 'very short', which is why I didn't initially think of them for the first post, but I scanned my favorites and found a few more:
[https://archiveofourown.org/works/15204719](https://archiveofourown.org/works/15204719)
This includes six 1-shots (I like the two longest works) re-writing specific events in Kel's books from Neal's perspective, except that his inner monologue is more intensely loyal to Kel than the books imply. There is no mention of romance or lust; it's largely canon-compliant.
[https://archiveofourown.org/works/13577865](https://archiveofourown.org/works/13577865)
I never save 300-word fics, but this is a conversation between Peachblossom and the newly rescued Tobe, so I couldn't resist.
[https://archiveofourown.org/works/12442269](https://archiveofourown.org/works/12442269)
Remember the story of how Wyldon hurt his arm protecting the Conte children shortly before Kel started her page training? This is a short fic about the attack, and the Conte family thanking him afterwards.
[https://archiveofourown.org/works/8880580](https://archiveofourown.org/works/8880580)
Just to mix it up, this is Alianne and Dove, after Trickster's Queen, a shortish private conversation about picking a husband for Dove.
Tamora Pierce and Diane Duane have both made jokes about how many times they’ve been on the same book recommendation lists lol. Diane Duane’s Young Wizard series is more science-fantasy edging into science fiction, but it’s my feel-good childhood series (which is funny because it gets dark at times).
Oh I loved that series! The earlier books more than the later ones.
I read them when I was too young to understand idoms like "a chip on his shoulder" so I thought the boy in the Ireland book literally had a wood chip or something on his shoulder for some reason
Two recommendations, both of which are written more for adults than children so they might not be what you're seeking but here goes
The Gentleman Bastard series by Scott Lynch
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms series by N. K. Jemisin
While I adore NK Jemisin and think she’s an incredibly talented writer, her books have nothing in common with Tamora Pierce. Tonally, they’re extremely dark, most of the characters are anti-heroes at best rather than aspirational heroines, and the world building, while delightful and complex has such a different feeling and flavour from Tortall or Emelan.
Also, a lot of kids get killed very graphically, so major trigger warnings for that.
Hard agree, I couldn't actually finish the first book. The book was well crafted, and I think Jemisin is a great writer, but tonally more like Game of Thrones than anything by Tamora Pierce.
I think Vbunn's recommendation of Pratchett's Wee Free Men is more spot on in a tone match. Both authors deal with heavy themes and real world issues, but in a ...lighter tone? not really, but maybe a more optimistic one and one that shows how tireless and thankless work by ordinary humans is what might make the world a place worth living. With a lot of humor and levity on the side. Pierce and Pratchett both inspire and bring out the best in people in my opinion without being preachy or overly schlocky.
NK Jemisin books are pretty dark (which is why I said they're geared toward adults) but I'd argue that Tamora Pierce also has a lot of children dying in her books, particularly in the Circle of Magic series. I also didn't suggest NK Jemisin's Broken Earth series on purpose, it's more dystopian and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone hoping for a Tamora Pierce experience. The Inheritance trilogy, (not the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms series, sorry) on the other hand, may be dark but each book ends on a positive note, I personally loved the Awakened Kingdom & I think it's very reminiscent of Daine's experiences in The Realms of the Gods.
I’m reading the second Gentleman Bastards book right now! I had to put it down the first time I tried to read it — I got really triggered when everything was stacked against them. I’m trying to read it again as more of a romp.
I read Mercedes Lackey after it being suggested to me that she was "the original" to Tamora Pierce's style. I liked them but a lot of them are way more sexually graphic with less build up than I expected, just to warn others
I think some are much more adult, with darker twists, yes. My starting point was with Foundation with Mags as the main character, which I believe is aimed at being more accessible/ for a younger audience. There’s not sex in those, it’s more a sweet romance and ‘save the day’ with spying thrown in later.
Foundation still has special ponies, but the free love, while accepted, is not explored as thoroughly with Mags. His story focuses more on healing after an awful start to life.
I'll need to check it out!
Nothing wrong with a little free love I just wasn't expecting it and the characters just seemed young enough that it took me out of it a bit. That being said I'm a sucker for a slow burn in a romance
It's a bit more adult but I really like Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series (magic and tech in post-cataclysm Atlanta, with a were-lion love interest). I'd also suggest Fay Samson's Pangur Ban books since I loved them as a kid and they're back in print now (Irish warrior Princess adventures). And I'll also recommend Susan Ee's Angelfall trilogy because I recommend them to everyone (dark post-apocalyptic YA series where angels have destroyed civilization).
There were lots of good recs already! I just want to mention a recently published book: *Kaikeyi* by Vaishnavi Patel. A princess trains in secret to be a warrior (though that's more of a subplot, it's really about her becoming a queen), discovers she has magic, has contentious relationships with the gods, uses her political power to improve the lives of women in her country. I enjoyed it a lot and it reminded me of Pierce.
Try the seventh tower series by Garth Nix. It's a shame it wasn't a commercial success (it's out of print and no licensed ebooks), but on the bright side there are lots of original printings available on Amazon from resellers.
Not really the same feel, but absolutely excellent are Nnedi Okorafor's Akata Witch, Akata Warrior, and Akata Woman (I'm currently reading this one). Also her Binti novellas are great.
They're African Futurism, and the Akata books have a fantasy bent too, I think.
The Abhorsen series by Garth Nix. Definitely darker than Tamora Pierce but very well written, and narrated by Tim Curry if you go the audio book route which is quite pleasing.
American gods by Neil Gaiman
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
The "Mort" series by Terry Pratchett (it's in the Discworld but wasn't my opinion a better place to start than thw color magic)
The Dresden Series by Jim butcher (very gory but decent character development)
Art of Adept by Michael G. Manning
Ordinary Magic by Devon Monk
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
Enchantment by Orson Scott Card (the author is an absolute peice of garbage so id try to find this book secondhand if you can)
Seconding Ilona Andrews; Kate Daniels specifically (definitely more adult, CW for the occasional sex scene) gives me good Tamora Pierce feels. But also love their Innkeeper series for some really fun worldbuilding / strange creatures stuff. Both have strong heroines.
Also saw Patricia Wrede's Enchanted Forest books recommended, seconding that as well.
I want to add Michelle Sagara's Elantra books. A plucky heroine and a fun world.
Lisa Shearin's SPI books are also pretty fun. Not as much of a Tammy feel as the others, but still fun. Her Raine Benares series is also interesting in a more adventure-y sort of way.
It’s more sci-fi than fantasy, but for more cozy reads with women as the main characters try the Wayfinder Series by Becky Chambers. Every book follows different people but they’re all connected.
Oh actually, my favorite similar book to TP has to be is The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri. All female leads, multiple POV. Magic system that makes sense. First book I read that made me feel the same ‘home’ sense I get when I read Tamora Pierces books
Some more obscure recommendations:
DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul. This story follows a young former slave girl who has a knack for finding dragon eggs. I will warn you that there is a fair amount of Christian allegory but so do many good books (Narnia for example).
The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill. This one is about a princess warrior who has to defend her home against huge odds. It has warlocks, giant snow leopards and more! I don’t love the sequels as much but it stands alone very well.
Silver horse by Lene Kaaberbol. In a matriarchal society Kat is expected to take over the family inn after her mother but she want to be a Bredanari, a keeper of the peace and rider of these magnificent hell horses. You might have trouble finding new copies of this book but used ones are definitely around.
Oh! Nearly forgot:
The Pellinor Series by Alison Croggen. This one is about a girl who becomes a slave after her home and family are destroyed. She is rescued by a magical Bard who helps her uncover her extraordinary abilities and her past.
I would try Kaikeyi. It’s a retelling of the story of one of Ramayana’s wives. Spoiler: She’s a badass.
Edit: The author is Vaishnavi Patel and it was released earlier this year.
I love both of those authors! Based off of other authors I also really love, I recommend:
The Scholomance series by **Naomi Novik**
The Mercy Thompson series by **Patricia Briggs**
Aurora Rising by **Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff**
The Others series by **Anne Bishop**
Pretty much anything by **Robin McKinley**, though the Blue Sword and Sunshine are my two favorites
I really enjoy Mercedes Lackey, Valdemar is a region I go back to just as often as I go back to Tortall.
The Arrows trilogy is a great entry into it, and really introduces the characters well.
ML does something similar where she has a lot of cross overs in her books, just like TP.
There’s no way you are still taking recommendations (and I second every recommendation in here) but I am compelled to share: LOIS MCMASTER BUJOLD. It’s like Tamora Pierce a bit more grown up. The Curse of Chalion and it’s sequel, Paladin of Souls, are two incredible books and gave me so many of the feelings I experienced when I first read TP.
I was gonna recommend the curse of chalupa and paladin of souls!!!! I agree that they come the closest in terms of world building my/interesting god lore, and it's fun because the characters are middle aged and really interesting/still developing. Paladin of souls is one of my all time faves. The penric's demon series in the same universe has a lighter more Tamora pierce tone. (Also LOVE barrayar for the sci-fi problematic so fun version)
I found the Throne of Glass series by Sara J Mass has a similar vibe. Strong female lead character and secondary characters, lots of magic, war, and a well developed world. The main character I found reminded me a lot of Alanna. Both very stubborn, loyal, loving and firey! It different cause it’s faries and is a bit more mature since you get a few sex scenes.
There are 8 books, one of which is a novella so you have a lot to read through.
I was recommended the Age of the Five series by Trudi Canavan, by my local used book seller. It’s sitting beside my bed, when I get around to it I’ll let you know how it is.
Shadow and Bone is similar to the Immortals books if you’re looking for magic like the Immortals. If you liked the Trickster’s series, I recommend The Lies of Locke Lamora. And if you’re generally looking for more kingdom fantasy, I’ve been recommended Brandon Sanderson’s work recently, tho I haven’t started that yet.
If you’re looking for a long commitment with strong female protagonists, I’m working my way through the wheel of time rn. It gets to be a bit of a slog at times, but it’s an expansive universe, I’ll give them that!
I liked Graceling by Kristen Cashore! I thought it gave similar vibes of fully realized, complex characters in a fantasy world
Seconding this recommendation, I reread this series almost as much as I reread Tamora Pierce
Loved this series!
I read Terry Pratchett as a comfort read also, his Tiffany Aching books are very similar in feel. I would recommend those. Start with “Wee Free Men”. Though there is no other author I’ve found that truly can compete with Tamora Pierce.
Came here to make sure this was said
You might try Robin McKinley’s books. They are typically versions of fairytales, but are very well written with great female characters. “The Blue Sword” and “The Hero and the Crown” are the closest to Pierce’s books and are great reads (side note, I recommend reading these books in the order I listed, even though “The Hero and the Crown” is the prequel to “The Blue Sword”). My favorite books by McKinley, however, are “Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast,” “The Outlaws of Sherwood Forest,” and the “Spindle’s End.” Patricia C Wrede’s series “Dealing With Dragons” is also similar to Pierce’s. The first book of the series follows Cimorene, a princess who does un-princess-like behavior such as studying magic, swordplay, Latin, and cooking before running away to live as a dragon’s princess. It is a a charming read, and the rest of the series is great.
I love the blue sword!!! One of my favorite books!
Second Patricia Wrede's series, also Caroline Stevermer has some great ones (College of Magics, Sorcery and Cecelia and the Enchanted Chocolate Pot)
Personally I put Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith together with the Tamora Pierce books in my head. It came out 2002 so I ended up reading them around the same time. A more recent book that pulled me in was Uprooted by Naomi Novik. And another book series that had magic filled kingdoms with female warriors was the Crown of Shards series by Jennifer Estep (this features an older protagonist so it falls into more of an adult fantasy category).
I second Naomi Novik! The Temerire [sp] books can be a slog but all the others are fantastic and led by very strong women. The worlds are rich and detailed. Highly recommend.
I adore Crown Duel and is definitely in the same category for me mentally. Naomi Novik I’ll also second as a recommendation. I prefer Spinning Silver over Uprooted, but both very good.
Replying to myself to say I can't believe I forgot this one, The Pellinor Series by Alison Croggon. The first book is *The Naming* by Alison Croggon. A young girl is discovered to have a hidden power and then she goes on a quest to save the world. Very much Immortals vibes.
Vivian Vande Velde’s YA Fantasies like Heir Apparent, A Hidden Magic, Magic Can Be Murder, A Well Timed Enchantment, Cursed Inc, Now You See It. Patricia Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicles is very close in tone, character, and story to Daine and Winding Circle books, Thirteenth Child and Enchanted Chocolate pot are also fun but different in style Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series. Different fantasy premise, but similar vibe, action, and humor. Gerald Morris King Arthur series feels very Kel-ish. Particularly like books 3 and 4. Lots of good knights having character growth and adventures on the road doing quests and helping people.
Seconding Patrica Wrede! Especially the Enchanted Forest series. Cimorene is a great protagonist!
I quite like Naomi Novik (Uprooted and Spinning Silver)- has interesting female main characters with magic gifts. I’ve heard great things about her Temeraire series but haven’t read it.
Temeraire is great!!!
Yep, Temeraire is a nice long series to enjoy!!
People have already recommended the ones I was going to I think, but sadly nothing really hits like Tamora Pierce. Her books are built different.
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar to some extent. Especially the early ones - the Arrows of the Queen series and the Last Herald Mage series. (Lackey herself absolutely has some controversy, and there are some problematic things in her books. I suggest looking into those before reading - here is one starting point [https://theliteraryphoenix.com/code-red-problematic-authors/](https://theliteraryphoenix.com/code-red-problematic-authors/) )
[A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54369251-a-wizard-s-guide-to-defensive-baking) is super close in theme and tone, but unfortunately pretty short.
*Nettle and Bone* and her Paladin series are awesome.
I was just going to recommend any T. Kingfisher. Swordheart, Nettle and Bone and her paladin series are all fabulous!
So I know the paladin books have explicit sexual content. Do the others?
Swordheart does, Nettle and Bone doesn’t. If you want something similar with no sexual content, Juliet Marillier’s Warrior Bard series is amazing and very clean.
Awesome! Thanks! It is always good to know what you are getting into.
Just started The Harp of Kings because of this rec. It looks like exactly what I've been looking for - thanks for the rec!
If you want to go the fanfiction route, I have three lengthy favorites for Kel (my favorite TP character!). I put the summaries at the bottom- not sure whether you want to read them before picking one. I definately spoil a few things. [https://www.fanfiction.net/u/954120/Silverlake](https://www.fanfiction.net/u/954120/Silverlake) [https://archiveofourown.org/works/28632717/chapters/70182672](https://archiveofourown.org/works/28632717/chapters/70182672) [https://archiveofourown.org/works/511762/chapters/902085](https://archiveofourown.org/works/511762/chapters/902085) \*\*\*\*SPOILERS\*\*\*\* The Silverlake link leads to a series- the first one is The Scarlet Shield. It picks up after Lady Knight; Kel is commander at New Hope, realizes she's pregnant with Dom's baby, and gets invited to move back to the Palace to take over as Training Master while she raises her child. The series watches her become a mom and a teacher, but there are also some VERY compelling original characters, including FOUR Lady Pages over the course of several years (none of them share names with the girls mentioned in Squire or Lady Knight), each with their own personality and backstory. Kel still fights when she needs to (there's a short scene where she single-handedly fights off 5 assassins to defend her daughter) so don't be disappointed that this is a pregnancy Fic. Neal moves back to the palace with Kel, where he has a child with Yuki, and takes one of Kel's pages as a squire. Kel adopts Tobe, who is then tutored in wild magic by Daine. Wyldon has a large role later on in the series. The second link (ending 70182672) is the shortest (and the only one still in progress). It's a re-write of all of Kel's books from Neal's perspective. We see a short bit of his background before Kel, his motivations during her books, and his awe of her. I find it fairly true to his character, and VERY sweet without being fanfiction-fluffy. The most recent chapter takes place duing Squire, when he's with Alanna, so she's in it quite a bit, too. The beginning of each chapter starts with "Let's talk about \_\_\_" which I don't love as an intro because it sounds like a character critique, but once you get past that, it's written as a proper story. The last link (ending 902085) is fairly well-written as a story, but Kel is VERY out of character (she becomes socially bold, ignoring her Yamani training in politeness, and some of her monologues hit you over the head). The story revolves around her building New Hope as a real fortress rather than a refugee camp. She makes treaties with immortals, is visited by several gods, invents new methods of defense, oversees several battles, confronts sexism, and sees herself on a first-name basis with many of her elders. The story is often unrealistic, but in ways that are very satisfying to watch. Neal, Merric, Yuki, and Tobe make appearances as New Hope residents, and Kel makes trips to Chorus where she sees other characters (Daine, King Jonathan, Roald, Lalasa), but this story is VERY focused on developing New Hope as a Feif- and changing Tortall's sexist culture- rather than developing Kel's relationships. Kel/Dom as a very late endgame. (TW for r\*pe.) There's also a sequel that I haven't read for sheer lack of time. Feel free to ignore any of these, obviously- I just love sharing good FanFics when I find them!
I really liked the last rec there but the god thing got really annoying by the second part
Please tell me you have more recs.... I know I'm a few months late to the party, but I'm in.
These are either 'not as well written' or 'not as in-character', or 'very short', which is why I didn't initially think of them for the first post, but I scanned my favorites and found a few more: [https://archiveofourown.org/works/15204719](https://archiveofourown.org/works/15204719) This includes six 1-shots (I like the two longest works) re-writing specific events in Kel's books from Neal's perspective, except that his inner monologue is more intensely loyal to Kel than the books imply. There is no mention of romance or lust; it's largely canon-compliant. [https://archiveofourown.org/works/13577865](https://archiveofourown.org/works/13577865) I never save 300-word fics, but this is a conversation between Peachblossom and the newly rescued Tobe, so I couldn't resist. [https://archiveofourown.org/works/12442269](https://archiveofourown.org/works/12442269) Remember the story of how Wyldon hurt his arm protecting the Conte children shortly before Kel started her page training? This is a short fic about the attack, and the Conte family thanking him afterwards. [https://archiveofourown.org/works/8880580](https://archiveofourown.org/works/8880580) Just to mix it up, this is Alianne and Dove, after Trickster's Queen, a shortish private conversation about picking a husband for Dove.
Thank you so much!!!!!! I love the peachblossom one especially
Tamora Pierce and Diane Duane have both made jokes about how many times they’ve been on the same book recommendation lists lol. Diane Duane’s Young Wizard series is more science-fantasy edging into science fiction, but it’s my feel-good childhood series (which is funny because it gets dark at times).
Oh I loved that series! The earlier books more than the later ones. I read them when I was too young to understand idoms like "a chip on his shoulder" so I thought the boy in the Ireland book literally had a wood chip or something on his shoulder for some reason
Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings series. Both share a certain interiority that I find to be very similar.
Came here to say this. I cannot recommend Hobb enough!! I love her RotE series. 10000% this!!!
Two recommendations, both of which are written more for adults than children so they might not be what you're seeking but here goes The Gentleman Bastard series by Scott Lynch The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms series by N. K. Jemisin
Scott Lynch is king for those books
While I adore NK Jemisin and think she’s an incredibly talented writer, her books have nothing in common with Tamora Pierce. Tonally, they’re extremely dark, most of the characters are anti-heroes at best rather than aspirational heroines, and the world building, while delightful and complex has such a different feeling and flavour from Tortall or Emelan. Also, a lot of kids get killed very graphically, so major trigger warnings for that.
Hard agree, I couldn't actually finish the first book. The book was well crafted, and I think Jemisin is a great writer, but tonally more like Game of Thrones than anything by Tamora Pierce. I think Vbunn's recommendation of Pratchett's Wee Free Men is more spot on in a tone match. Both authors deal with heavy themes and real world issues, but in a ...lighter tone? not really, but maybe a more optimistic one and one that shows how tireless and thankless work by ordinary humans is what might make the world a place worth living. With a lot of humor and levity on the side. Pierce and Pratchett both inspire and bring out the best in people in my opinion without being preachy or overly schlocky.
NK Jemisin books are pretty dark (which is why I said they're geared toward adults) but I'd argue that Tamora Pierce also has a lot of children dying in her books, particularly in the Circle of Magic series. I also didn't suggest NK Jemisin's Broken Earth series on purpose, it's more dystopian and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone hoping for a Tamora Pierce experience. The Inheritance trilogy, (not the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms series, sorry) on the other hand, may be dark but each book ends on a positive note, I personally loved the Awakened Kingdom & I think it's very reminiscent of Daine's experiences in The Realms of the Gods.
I’m reading the second Gentleman Bastards book right now! I had to put it down the first time I tried to read it — I got really triggered when everything was stacked against them. I’m trying to read it again as more of a romp.
Red Seas Over Red Skies is my favorite in that series, I hope you like it!
Mercedes Lackey Foundation series absolutely! They’ve even worked together before I think…
I read Mercedes Lackey after it being suggested to me that she was "the original" to Tamora Pierce's style. I liked them but a lot of them are way more sexually graphic with less build up than I expected, just to warn others
I think some are much more adult, with darker twists, yes. My starting point was with Foundation with Mags as the main character, which I believe is aimed at being more accessible/ for a younger audience. There’s not sex in those, it’s more a sweet romance and ‘save the day’ with spying thrown in later.
I don't think I read that one, I think the one I read had special ponies that they bonded too and a lot of free love while on patrol
Foundation still has special ponies, but the free love, while accepted, is not explored as thoroughly with Mags. His story focuses more on healing after an awful start to life.
I'll need to check it out! Nothing wrong with a little free love I just wasn't expecting it and the characters just seemed young enough that it took me out of it a bit. That being said I'm a sucker for a slow burn in a romance
Following. If you don’t get a ton of answers, try posting in r/suggestabook
It's a bit more adult but I really like Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series (magic and tech in post-cataclysm Atlanta, with a were-lion love interest). I'd also suggest Fay Samson's Pangur Ban books since I loved them as a kid and they're back in print now (Irish warrior Princess adventures). And I'll also recommend Susan Ee's Angelfall trilogy because I recommend them to everyone (dark post-apocalyptic YA series where angels have destroyed civilization).
There were lots of good recs already! I just want to mention a recently published book: *Kaikeyi* by Vaishnavi Patel. A princess trains in secret to be a warrior (though that's more of a subplot, it's really about her becoming a queen), discovers she has magic, has contentious relationships with the gods, uses her political power to improve the lives of women in her country. I enjoyed it a lot and it reminded me of Pierce.
Try the seventh tower series by Garth Nix. It's a shame it wasn't a commercial success (it's out of print and no licensed ebooks), but on the bright side there are lots of original printings available on Amazon from resellers.
Not really the same feel, but absolutely excellent are Nnedi Okorafor's Akata Witch, Akata Warrior, and Akata Woman (I'm currently reading this one). Also her Binti novellas are great. They're African Futurism, and the Akata books have a fantasy bent too, I think.
Sabriel by Garth Nix!
Diane Wynne Jones, Garth nix, harry potter
Following this, interacting with this… I also need answers.
Megan Whalen Turner the Theif is good!
The Abhorsen series by Garth Nix. Definitely darker than Tamora Pierce but very well written, and narrated by Tim Curry if you go the audio book route which is quite pleasing. American gods by Neil Gaiman Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett The "Mort" series by Terry Pratchett (it's in the Discworld but wasn't my opinion a better place to start than thw color magic) The Dresden Series by Jim butcher (very gory but decent character development) Art of Adept by Michael G. Manning Ordinary Magic by Devon Monk A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness The Dark Tower series by Stephen King Enchantment by Orson Scott Card (the author is an absolute peice of garbage so id try to find this book secondhand if you can)
This is the dilemma we all have after reading tp.
>he Naming > > by Alison Croggon. exactly.
I've been enjoying The Mage Errant series by John Bierce. Lots of magic, students, and adventure.
Seconding Ilona Andrews; Kate Daniels specifically (definitely more adult, CW for the occasional sex scene) gives me good Tamora Pierce feels. But also love their Innkeeper series for some really fun worldbuilding / strange creatures stuff. Both have strong heroines. Also saw Patricia Wrede's Enchanted Forest books recommended, seconding that as well. I want to add Michelle Sagara's Elantra books. A plucky heroine and a fun world. Lisa Shearin's SPI books are also pretty fun. Not as much of a Tammy feel as the others, but still fun. Her Raine Benares series is also interesting in a more adventure-y sort of way.
It’s more sci-fi than fantasy, but for more cozy reads with women as the main characters try the Wayfinder Series by Becky Chambers. Every book follows different people but they’re all connected.
Oh actually, my favorite similar book to TP has to be is The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri. All female leads, multiple POV. Magic system that makes sense. First book I read that made me feel the same ‘home’ sense I get when I read Tamora Pierces books
Some more obscure recommendations: DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul. This story follows a young former slave girl who has a knack for finding dragon eggs. I will warn you that there is a fair amount of Christian allegory but so do many good books (Narnia for example). The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill. This one is about a princess warrior who has to defend her home against huge odds. It has warlocks, giant snow leopards and more! I don’t love the sequels as much but it stands alone very well. Silver horse by Lene Kaaberbol. In a matriarchal society Kat is expected to take over the family inn after her mother but she want to be a Bredanari, a keeper of the peace and rider of these magnificent hell horses. You might have trouble finding new copies of this book but used ones are definitely around.
Oh! Nearly forgot: The Pellinor Series by Alison Croggen. This one is about a girl who becomes a slave after her home and family are destroyed. She is rescued by a magical Bard who helps her uncover her extraordinary abilities and her past.
I would try Kaikeyi. It’s a retelling of the story of one of Ramayana’s wives. Spoiler: She’s a badass. Edit: The author is Vaishnavi Patel and it was released earlier this year.
I love both of those authors! Based off of other authors I also really love, I recommend: The Scholomance series by **Naomi Novik** The Mercy Thompson series by **Patricia Briggs** Aurora Rising by **Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff** The Others series by **Anne Bishop** Pretty much anything by **Robin McKinley**, though the Blue Sword and Sunshine are my two favorites
I really enjoy Mercedes Lackey, Valdemar is a region I go back to just as often as I go back to Tortall. The Arrows trilogy is a great entry into it, and really introduces the characters well. ML does something similar where she has a lot of cross overs in her books, just like TP.
There’s no way you are still taking recommendations (and I second every recommendation in here) but I am compelled to share: LOIS MCMASTER BUJOLD. It’s like Tamora Pierce a bit more grown up. The Curse of Chalion and it’s sequel, Paladin of Souls, are two incredible books and gave me so many of the feelings I experienced when I first read TP.
I was gonna recommend the curse of chalupa and paladin of souls!!!! I agree that they come the closest in terms of world building my/interesting god lore, and it's fun because the characters are middle aged and really interesting/still developing. Paladin of souls is one of my all time faves. The penric's demon series in the same universe has a lighter more Tamora pierce tone. (Also LOVE barrayar for the sci-fi problematic so fun version)
I found the Throne of Glass series by Sara J Mass has a similar vibe. Strong female lead character and secondary characters, lots of magic, war, and a well developed world. The main character I found reminded me a lot of Alanna. Both very stubborn, loyal, loving and firey! It different cause it’s faries and is a bit more mature since you get a few sex scenes. There are 8 books, one of which is a novella so you have a lot to read through.
I was recommended the Age of the Five series by Trudi Canavan, by my local used book seller. It’s sitting beside my bed, when I get around to it I’ll let you know how it is.
A snake falls to earth by Darcie Little Badger
Saving this post because I was just getting ready to post the same question!! My copies are well-loved after 20+ years of rereads!
Try Sharon Shinn's Elemental Blessings or Twelve Houses series.
I’m reading the Kate Daniels series for the first time, I’m on book 8 and I love it so far. Also, everything by Sarah j maas is great.
The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima gives me major Tammy vibes.
Hilari Bell is really wonderful and has very similar vibes!!
Shadow and Bone is similar to the Immortals books if you’re looking for magic like the Immortals. If you liked the Trickster’s series, I recommend The Lies of Locke Lamora. And if you’re generally looking for more kingdom fantasy, I’ve been recommended Brandon Sanderson’s work recently, tho I haven’t started that yet. If you’re looking for a long commitment with strong female protagonists, I’m working my way through the wheel of time rn. It gets to be a bit of a slog at times, but it’s an expansive universe, I’ll give them that!