Here are 7 books that Dragonfall fans have personally recommended if you like Dragonfall. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Hive

galadriel

From Galadriel's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Galadriel loves this book

This is a YA book but it works on different levels for anyone aged 10 to 100. There are a lot of layers to it. It's a really thought provoking book yet at the same time a fast paced and fun read.

By Anna February ,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Hive as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

A thrillingly original dystopian murder mystery - think
The Hunger Games meets A Good Girl's Guide to Murder!

A FUTURE QUEEN LIES MURDERED ...

Justice is merciless in the Hive, a monarchy of tomorrow, where
young bodyguard Feldspar awaits execution, guilty of being alive
when her charge is dead.

The girl has one defender - Niko, a royal maverick. Together
they have three days to prove the impossible.

Three days to question everything Feldspar knows about the
world that raised her and discover who the real murderer is
. . .



A thrillingly original YA murder mystery, set in a…


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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Sisters in the Wind

clare1

From Clare's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Clare loves this book

I think my favourite books this year have been those that offered new perspectives on the world, and this one is no different. The main character discovers her Indigenous heritage and we get to discover it alongside her. There are some hard-hitting insights into the foster care system and how shockingly it has treated Indigenous children in particular, alongside a truly emotional journey for Lucy as she comes to terms with her past. It's not always an easy read, but certainly worthwhile.

By Angeline Boulley ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sisters in the Wind as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

'[A] compelling mystery thriller.' Guardian best new teen books

An explosive story about seeking justice for a past that won't let you go.

Lucy Smith is on the run. Years in foster care have taught her to be smart, cautious. But when the kind-eyed Jamie Jameson and his "friend-not-friend" Daunis track her down and show interest in her case, Lucy begins to wonder if things could be different.

They tell her the truth about her father, and the family that has been hidden from her all this time. But Lucy is being followed. As the secrets mount and threaten to…


Book cover of The Golden Compass (The Northern Lights)

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

This was one of the first books that showed me fantasy could be bold and heretical.

The world was so rich—daemons, armored bears, oppressive religions—and Lyra felt like a character who’d been waiting to burst off the page for centuries. It’s a coming-of-age tale wrapped in cosmic questions and rebellion, and it sparked something in me that’s never gone out.

By Philip Pullman ,

Why should I read it?

47 authors picked The Golden Compass (The Northern Lights) 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?

Philip Pullman invites you into a dazzling world where souls walk beside their humans as animal companions and powerful forces clash over the nature of the universe.

When fearless young Lyra uncovers a sinister plot involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called Dust, she sets out on a daring quest from Oxford to the frozen Arctic. With armored bears, witch queens, and a truth-telling compass as her allies, Lyra must face choices that will shape not just her destiny—but that of countless worlds. A thrilling blend of adventure, philosophy, and wonder, perfect for curious minds.


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Book cover of The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More: A Great Wharf Novel

The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More by Meredith Marple,

The coastal tourist town of Great Wharf, Maine, boasts a crime rate so low you might suspect someone’s lying.

Nevertheless, jobless empty nester Mallory Cooper has become increasingly reclusive and fearful. Careful to keep the red wine handy and loath to leave the house, Mallory misses her happier self—and so…

Book cover of The Hobbit

R.M. Tembreull Author Of Fractured State

From my list on fiction books employing extremes in storytelling.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, my imagination and love of art drew me to comic books, and later, to immersive, worldbuilding fantasy. My 26-year hiatus from devoted creative pursuits while serving in the Air Force rewarded me with amazing experiences around the globe. As an Airman, naturalist, and scuba diver, I have been immersed in worldly ‘extremes’: the best and worst of humankind; nature’s most remote places and incredible creatures; and troubled regions afflicted by climate change and conflict. I now distill my experiences and creativity into the genre of “eco-fantasy.” The books of my diverse selection also leverage and explore worldly and otherworldly ‘extremes’ to elevate their stories. Enjoy!

R.M.'s book list on fiction books employing extremes in storytelling

R.M. Tembreull Why R.M. loves this book

It would be the most extreme of criminal acts for this beloved book not to be my ‘list topper!’ Reading this book instilled an instant love of good fantasy storytelling in me early on. It defines the fantasy genre, exemplifying the absolute best extremes in great world-building, characters, and epic storytelling.

Tolkien set the high bar I strive for in all areas in my own writing with one of the most memorable stories in one of the most unforgettable worlds of all time … and he managed to pull it all off within the context of a single book! No matter how many times I go back and re-read this one, I find something new to cherish, and you will too!

By J.R.R. Tolkien ,

Why should I read it?

53 authors picked The Hobbit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Special collector's film tie-in hardback of the best-selling classic, featuring the complete story with a sumptuous cover design inspired by THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and brand new reproductions of all the drawings and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey 'there and back again'. They have a plot to raid…


Book cover of The Wee Free Men

Ben Stoddard Author Of Pride of a King

From my list on books that are part of bigger universes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been an avid sci-fi/fantasy lover and tabletop gamer my whole life. Many of my best memories involve me inventing stories explaining why my buddy’s armies and mine were duking it out on the battlefield or interpreting what the dice rolls really meant for my character. Today, I write for one of my favorite game universes, Kings of War. I have made a living out of stories by writing them or teaching about them. I love making my universes believable while still maintaining integrity to their original source material. I also love making flawed, relatable characters to give readers hope as they read about them overcoming those flaws.

Ben's book list on books that are part of bigger universes

Ben Stoddard Why Ben loves this book

The late Sir Pratchett was a hero of mine. The Discworld universe is one of the most well-put-together, zany, yet relatable places. The amount of depth that he was able to achieve with a setting that others might consider a joke is astounding.

In order for a universe to connect with me, it has to have characters that I love dearly. Granny Aching and her granddaughter Tiffany are among the few literary characters that have ever brought me to tears on multiple occasions. I used to read this book to my students, and there is one scene in particular towards the end that causes me to choke up every time I read it.

It’s simple and powerful, and it speaks to me on a personal level. I lost my mom back in 2008, and the scene to which I am referring here hits on that sense of loss so well…

By Terry Pratchett ,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked The Wee Free Men 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?

A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality . . .

Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegle - aka the Wee Free Men - a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men.

Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the sinister Queen of the Elves herself . . .

THE FIRST BOOK IN THE TIFFANY ACHING SEQUENCE


Book cover of Cloaked in Shadow

Lori Powell Author Of The Hunter's Companion

From my list on British YA fantasy with characters to love.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love fantasy books and I love the wonderful array of British authors out there, so I wanted to showcase some of them in my small selection of books. Some are well known, some less so but all have their own unique and fascinating way of creating fantasy worlds. There are so many good books to choose from but these five are real must-reads as far as I’m concerned.

Lori's book list on British YA fantasy with characters to love

Lori Powell Why Lori loves this book

This has a quite classic theme of good versus bad. I was really rooting for Zacriah from the start. He was more of your “has hidden magic” hero, but he came from humble beginnings. I do like an underdog, but more than that I like everyday people (or elves!) and seeing how they rise against adversity. Maybe because, especially in the current climate, it feels like we need to do this more and more. Zacriah is an everyday hero. Hadrian, the other protagonist is, however, a prince. The writing is such though that I was rooting for him too. Maybe because it was obvious that he cared for Zac from the start and I’m a sucker for a love story. 

By Ben Alderson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cloaked in Shadow 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?

A M/M Dragon Shifter Romance with powerful magic, an kingdom in danger and creatures beyond your imagination.

Zacriah Trovirn is concerned with two things in life: hunting and dodging Petrer, the boy who broke his heart.

Heartbreak becomes a distant concern when Zacriah is taken to the Elven capital of Thessolina, where he is forced into King Dalior’s new legion of shapeshifters. But Zacriah isn’t a shapeshifter. In truth, he doesn't know what he is.

Zacriah joins forces with new friends and they soon find themselves embroiled in a clash between the three Elven continents. With war on the horizon,…


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Book cover of That First Heady Burn

That First Heady Burn by George Bixley,

Don’t mess with the hothead—or he might just mess with you. Slater Ibáñez is only interested in two kinds of guys: the ones he wants to punch, and the ones he sleeps with. Things get interesting when they start to overlap. A freelance investigator, Slater trolls the dark side of…

Book cover of Pantomime

clare1

From Clare's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Unknown Author Why Clare loves this book

I think found family might be my favourite trope of all! Pantomime has it in spades, along with a fascinating setting and an absolutely unique character in Micah. Great queer rep, of course, and a really interesting story.

By L. R. Lam ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Pantomime as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

'A VIBRANT TALE' LEIGH BARDUGO ON DRAGONFALL

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Dragonfall comes the first in a gaslamp fantasy trilogy about a circus aerialist's quest to escape his past and decipher the magical prophecy that will shape his future.

🎪 In a land of lost wonders, the past is stirring once more . . . 🎪

When Micah runs away from a debutante's life at home and joins the circus, he harbours two secrets. One: he was born between male and female. And two: he may have powers last seen in mysterious beings from an almost-forgotten age.…


Book cover of The Hive
Book cover of Sisters in the Wind
Book cover of The Golden Compass (The Northern Lights)

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