Here are 100 books that Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil fans have personally recommended if you like Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Sunrise on the Reaping

Kris Zeck

From Kris' 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Kris loves this book

Haymitch is an incredible character. You already know his story, but it’s still worth the read.

By Suzanne Collins ,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Sunrise on the Reaping as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

"Sunrise on the Reaping is a propulsive, heart-wrenching
addition to The Hunger Games, adding welcome
texture to the cruel world of Panem . This is the project of dystopian
fiction: to shine a light in tyranny's greasiest corners
and show how people - ordinary, determined human beings - might take
it apart" - New York Times

"Collins is an excellent writer, and there are
moments of surprising lyricism . Sunrise on the Reaping contains
enough both to snare new readers and to satisfy the most bloodthirsty
fan" - Guardian

When you've been set up to lose everything you love,
what…


If you love Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil...

Book cover of Aftermath

Aftermath by Lena Gibson,

Robin dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory lived on the streets of Seattle and relied on his brawn. Without the asteroid, they never would have met.

For three years, Robin and her grandfather have been hiding, trusting no one. When a biker gang moves into town, Robin…

Book cover of The Faithless

Lisa Cassidy Author Of A Tale of Stars and Shadow

From Lisa's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Lisa's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Lisa Cassidy Why Lisa loves this book

Overall, I enjoyed book one of this series, The Unbroken, but did find parts of it a bit hard going, particularly the fact that I didn't find any of the supporting cast very likeable. The two protagonists, however, mostly made up for that, and the world building was incredibly rich and detailed. I enjoyed this second book in this series even more than the first. Luca and Touraine continue to be excellent protagonists, both distinct characters with very different motivations - and while Touraine is a character who's often very uncertain about what she wants, or what she thinks is the right thing to do, this aspect to her character works better in book 2. The pace of this one felt a lot faster too, with plenty of intrigue and machinations, and the world expanded in really interesting ways. Additionally, the supporting cast I didn't like in book 1 had…

By C. L. Clark ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Faithless as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The rebels have won, and the empire is withdrawing from Qazal. But undoing the tangled web that binds the two nations will not be easy, and Touraine and Luca will face their greatest challenge yet.

Luca needs to oust her uncle from the Balladairan throne once and for all and take her rightful place as Queen. But he won't let go of power so easily. When he calls for a 'Trial of Competence' and Luca's allies start disappearing from her side, she will need to find a way to prove her might. And she knows someone who can help. .…


Book cover of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Joyce Sherry Author Of A Tale for the Shadows

From my list on fantasy for readers who love stories that are both uncanny and tender.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write fantasy novels, specifically ones in the sub-genre of magical realism. It’s been a passion since my early days. When I was a professional playwright, before I turned to novel writing, I had the extraordinary opportunity to work with Ray Bradbury in adapting one of his novels for the stage. It was an immersion in that delicious blend of the uncanny and the tender. After experiencing a number of losses, I found that this genre—along with the marriage of magic, the supernatural, and hope—best expressed my discoveries and beliefs about life. The novels I write are ones that I would want to read. The novels I recommend are ones I wish I’d written!

Joyce's book list on fantasy for readers who love stories that are both uncanny and tender

Joyce Sherry Why Joyce loves this book

I love the way the magic moves through this novel in quiet, intimate ways.

It’s never flashy, nor is the magic there only for the sake of excitement. It whispers a twisted love. It’s dreadful and beautiful, both to Addie LaRue and to the reader. Because of it, Addie changes. Addie lives in our world, in historical times and today, and the magic exists in our world. 

One of the things I love about literary fantasy is that the main characters have true emotional arcs. We’re drawn into their experiences because we care about them. The questions they ask themselves are ones we all ask: Who do I want to be? What makes life meaningful? What do we owe the people we love?

By V. E. Schwab ,

Why should I read it?

27 authors picked The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"For someone damned to be forgettable, Addie LaRue is a most delightfully unforgettable character, and her story is the most joyous evocation of unlikely immortality." -Neil Gaiman

A Sunday Times-bestselling, award-nominated genre-defying tour-de-force of Faustian bargains, for fans of The Time Traveler's Wife and Life After Life, and The Sudden Appearance of Hope.

When Addie La Rue makes a pact with the devil, she is convinced she's found a loophole-immortality in exchange for her soul. But the devil takes away her place in the world, cursing her to be forgotten by everyone.

Addie flees her tiny home town in 18th-Century…


If you love V. E. Schwab...

Book cover of The Serpent and the Swan: A Grimm-Dark Fairy Tale

The Serpent and the Swan by Ashland Pym,

Cygna is the king’s fairy get, born with a swan wing in place of an arm. Something monstrous to hide away. But when a monster from the Underworld appears, they’re all too happy to sacrifice her life for theirs. The kingdom is withering into a wasteland, and the Lindworm is…

Book cover of A Darker Shade of Magic

Alia Luria Author Of Geri o Shimasu

From Alia's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Alia's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Alia Luria Why Alia loves this book

I actually read the entire Shades of Magic trilogy last year, but it makes sense to recommend the first book in the series. I've come to really appreciate V.E. Schwab for her diverse tales, and this trilogy hit the mark for me. The characters were interesting and engaging, and the relationships between them complex. The magic system and alternate Londons were extremely well-crafted. The pacing, story progression, and character development was all strong, and it made for an extremely satisfying, short fantasy series. I highly recommend it if you are looking to break up a large epic with a short, punchy series with satisfying world-building and character development.

By V. E. Schwab ,

Why should I read it?

16 authors picked A Darker Shade of Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A stunning collector's edition of the acclaimed novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab.

With an exclusive metallic ink cover, this edition will feature:

* End papers of London
* Fan art
* A glossary of Arnesian and Antari terms
* An interview between author and editor
* Original (never before seen!) tales from within the Shades of Magic world

Kell is one of the last Antari-magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons. There is Red London, where life and magic are revered, Grey London, without magic and ruled by mad King…


Book cover of The Song of Achilles

paula3

From Paula's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Paula loves this book

As someone new to ancient greek history this provided an illuminating, detailed and relatable insight. Beautiful writing combined with a dizzying array of characters, and a curiously stunning lead. I have rarely been so moved.

By Madeline Miller ,

Why should I read it?

48 authors picked The Song of Achilles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD**
**A 10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, FEATURING A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR**

WINNER OF THE ORANGE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION
A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'Captivating' DONNA TARTT
'I loved it' J K ROWLING
'Ravishingly vivid' EMMA DONOGHUE

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms…


Book cover of Gideon the Ninth

Alexis Cerritos

From Alexis' 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Alexis loves this book

Muir does an amazing job at mixing humor with the morose, and knows exactly when to double down on serious emotional moments.

By Tamsyn Muir ,

Why should I read it?

28 authors picked Gideon the Ninth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

15+ pages of new, original content, including a glossary of terms, in-universe writings, and more!

A USA Today Best-Selling Novel!

"Unlike anything I've ever read. " --V.E. Schwab

"Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space!" --Charles Stross

"Brilliantly original, messy and weird straight through." --NPR

The Emperor needs necromancers.

The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.

Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.

Tamsyn Muir's Gideon the Ninth, first in The Locked Tomb Trilogy, unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as…


If you love Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil...

Book cover of Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander by Christian Hurst,

When seventeen-year-old Lily Starling is found in San Francisco with no memory of who she is, her search for answers pulls her into a future she never imagined. Taken aboard the Union starship Salamander, she becomes entangled in a mission that will test the limits of identity, loyalty, and courage.

Book cover of The Graveyard Book

Joyce Sherry Author Of A Tale for the Shadows

From my list on fantasy for readers who love stories that are both uncanny and tender.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write fantasy novels, specifically ones in the sub-genre of magical realism. It’s been a passion since my early days. When I was a professional playwright, before I turned to novel writing, I had the extraordinary opportunity to work with Ray Bradbury in adapting one of his novels for the stage. It was an immersion in that delicious blend of the uncanny and the tender. After experiencing a number of losses, I found that this genre—along with the marriage of magic, the supernatural, and hope—best expressed my discoveries and beliefs about life. The novels I write are ones that I would want to read. The novels I recommend are ones I wish I’d written!

Joyce's book list on fantasy for readers who love stories that are both uncanny and tender

Joyce Sherry Why Joyce loves this book

I want to acknowledge right at the start that some troubling accusations have come to light about Neil Gaiman. I completely respect someone’s decision to avoid his books if that seems right to them. I struggle with the alleged actions of the author and find that I still love this novel.

For younger readers (and those who love books for younger readers), this novel introduces us to the tender side of the uncanny. A community of ghosts who raise an orphaned boy. A vampire and a werewolf who become his mentors and guardians. Once again, we are invited to see death as a natural part of life.

And, oh my gosh, is this novel funny! And charming, and lyrical, and beautiful.

By Neil Gaiman , Dave McKean (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

20 authors picked The Graveyard Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

When a baby escapes a murderer intent on killing his entire family, who would have thought it would find safety and security in the local graveyard? Brought up by the resident ghosts, ghouls and spectres, Bod has an eccentric childhood learning about life from the dead. But for Bod there is also the danger of the murderer still looking for him - after all, he is the last remaining member of the family. A stunningly original novel deftly constructed over eight chapters, featuring every second year of Bod's life, from babyhood to adolescence. Will Bod survive to be a man?


Book cover of Gallant

Matt McMann Author Of Escape from Grimstone Manor

From my list on horror for kids (and kids at heart).

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a scared kid who loved spooky stories. I can still remember sitting on the couch, reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, mumbling the words aloud, both terrified and enthralled. I checked out every book in the library on Bigfoot, the Abominable Snowman, the Loch Ness Monster, werewolves, and vampires. I’ve hiked the Pacific Northwest, sailed Loch Ness, and chased a ghost light on a mountain. While I missed Bigfoot and Nessie, I caught the ghost. Now I write the kind of spooky monster mystery books I’ve loved for a lifetime.

Matt's book list on horror for kids (and kids at heart)

Matt McMann Why Matt loves this book

Gallant resists being categorized. It’s a middle grade book that feels like a literary adult novel. It’s a horror story, but also a gripping coming-of-age tale. It’s about ghouls, ghosts, and Death, but also found family, self-sacrifice, and acceptance.

A wonderfully Gothic atmosphere pervades this melancholy book, yet there’s hope in this story of a family called to give everything to protect the world from a great evil. And did I mention the young protagonist never says a word?

Beautifully written in a way that makes me jealous of the author’s skill, its haunting effect lingered with me for weeks after turning the final page.

By V. E. Schwab ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Gallant as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

The Number 1 Sunday Times-bestselling novel, from the author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and A Darker Shade of Magic.

A darkly magical and thrilling tale of a young woman caught between the world and its shadows, who must embrace her legacy to stop the approaching darkness. The Secret Garden meets Crimson Peak, perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Holly Black and Susan Cooper.

Fourteen-year-old Olivia Prior is missing three things: a mother, a father, and a voice. Her mother vanished all at once, and her father by degrees, and her voice was a thing she never had…


Book cover of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Justin C. Davis Author Of The Fallen Swallow

From my list on where magic feels dangerous, wild, and weirdly intimate.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write and read fantasy that doesn’t play safe—where magic is messy, divine, rotten, or reborn in mud. I’m obsessed with stories that walk barefoot through forgotten folklore, eerie townships, and mythic detours. The Fallow Swallow grew from this exact craving: for fantasy that’s personal, poetic, and just a little unwell. I gravitate toward tales that embrace magical realism, morally grey characters, and dark humour—and these books helped shape my voice as a writer.

Justin's book list on where magic feels dangerous, wild, and weirdly intimate

Justin C. Davis Why Justin loves this book

Reading this was like drinking tea with a ghost in a dusty library—charming, eerie, and wonderfully slow.

Clarke's ability to mix historical fiction with brooding, folkloric magic was inspiring. I admired how it builds tension not with battles, but with manners, contracts, and impossible choices. It taught me patience in worldbuilding and in life.

By Susanna Clarke ,

Why should I read it?

25 authors picked Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two magicians shall appear in England. The first shall fear me; the second shall long to behold me The year is 1806. England is beleaguered by the long war with Napoleon, and centuries have passed since practical magicians faded into the nation's past. But scholars of this glorious history discover that one remains: the reclusive Mr Norrell whose displays of magic send a thrill through the country. Proceeding to London, he raises a beautiful woman from the dead and summons an army of ghostly ships to terrify the French. Yet the cautious, fussy Norrell is challenged by the emergence of…


If you love V. E. Schwab...

Book cover of A Tale for the Shadows

A Tale for the Shadows by Joyce Sherry,

A Foreword Review Indies Award Finalist and Booklife Editor’s Pick.

Love lingers. Justice waits. Death is only the beginning. In a pediatric oncology ward, sixteen-year-old Finn is visited by a mysterious Storyteller who wants to relieve some of his pain and fear of dying. The story she tells? Senka is…

Book cover of Sunrise on the Reaping
Book cover of The Faithless
Book cover of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

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