Here are 12 books that Wrought of Sapphire and Sea fans have personally recommended if you like Wrought of Sapphire and Sea. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt Author Of The Orb and the Airship

From Jenelle's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jenelle's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt Why Jenelle loves this book

I loved the fun style and the characters - especially the main character. Hester is so spunky and impetuous.

By Elisabeth Aimee Brown ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Hester Flanders went to the ball for the food. She didn’t expect a prince to follow her home.If there’s one rule Hester learned during her country upbringing, it’s never accept a gift: that’s how the Folk get you. Although she’s left her farm behind, she can’t leave her superstitions, even if no one else in the capital city seems to care. Hardworking but hungry, she’s looking for loopholes, and the king’s annual Commoners Ball seems like the perfect way to get a free meal that’s not technically a gift—and it would have been, too, except a pesky prince took 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 Exhumed

Unknown Author

By C. B. Arche ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Exhumed 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?

Whenever fifteen-year-old Experience "Exe" Parsell makes a wish, it comes disastrously true—a power that once proved fatal. That's why Exe spends every waking moment suppressing her wildly uncontrollable magic to protect her lively yet loving adoptive family... from herself.

Desperate to be rid of her treacherous powers, Exe searches her quaint, quirky Arizona town for someone, anyone who can teach her to control her unnatural abilities. Then one restless night, Exe spies the spooky old man next door burying a body in her own backyard. Exe magically exhumes the corpse and unearths a "Wanted: Dead" poster—featuring her face.

Stunned to…


Book cover of Princess of the Midnight Ball

Elizabeth Lowham Author Of Beauty Reborn

From my list on giving new life to old fairy tales.

Why am I passionate about this?

My debut novel is a Beauty and the Beast retelling because I’ve been obsessed with fairy tales all my life, and I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite retellings with you! When I was a child, my grandma gave me an illustrated collection of fairy tales. She had grown up reading stories from Hans Christian Andersen and the Grimm brothers, and she wanted to share that with me. It was an interest I gladly adopted. I love seeing my favorite fairy tales told with new twists and elements that bring the stories to life all over again and let me fall in love with them one more time.

Elizabeth's book list on giving new life to old fairy tales

Elizabeth Lowham Why Elizabeth loves this book

This is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses which actually keeps all twelve princesses in the cast.

You would think so many characters would overwhelm the story (or the reader), but the author manages to balance them all gracefully and makes you hope they’ll each have their own stories in the future (two of them do).

This book made my heart pound repeatedly as I worried about the rising stakes, and the pages simply flew by. It was delightful from start to finish.

By Jessica Day George ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Princess of the Midnight Ball 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?

Rose is one of twelve princesses forced to dance through the night in an underground palace. The key to breaking the spell lies in magic knitting needles, an invisibility cloak, and-of course-true love. Inspired by "The Twelve Dancing Princesses,"this novel is as captivating as it is fresh. Enchanted readers are sure to clamor for the new companion, Princess of Glass, also publishing this season.


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Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of The Midnight Show

Yakira Goldsberry Author Of Curse of the Midnight King

From my list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been in love with fairytales since childhood when I picked up a collection of fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson. These stories shaped my imagination, so much so that I longed for distant mysterious lands full of magic, wonder, and mystical creatures. Though in a way, I guess I did live a bit of a fairytale, having grown up surrounded by thick woods and open fields, as one of twelve siblings. Now as an adult, I still wish I could escape to distant fantastical lands, but I’ll just have to stick with the ones I find between the pages of books and the ones in my own head! 

Yakira's book list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Yakira Goldsberry Why Yakira loves this book

Set in a fantastical world based on the roaring 20s, Pennington’s take on the tale is very unique! Bastion and Dayo quickly became some of my favorite characters, and I loved all of the intrigue and mystery that surrounded them both. Not to mention the subtle African influences on the world!

By Sarah Pennington ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This mystery is the case of his dreams — and her nightmares.By day, Dayo Temitrope is a swinging singer, an up-and-coming star with a shining career ahead of her. By night, she’s . . . well, she’s not sure, but whatever she does leaves her every morning with sore feet and worn-out shoes. And after six months, she’s had enough.Enter Bastian Dennell, a private investigator just trying to get by. When Dayo hires him to find out where she goes at night, he’s sure it’s his big break: his chance to establish himself and get the funds to pay off…


Book cover of Wrought of Silver and Ravens

Yakira Goldsberry Author Of Curse of the Midnight King

From my list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been in love with fairytales since childhood when I picked up a collection of fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson. These stories shaped my imagination, so much so that I longed for distant mysterious lands full of magic, wonder, and mystical creatures. Though in a way, I guess I did live a bit of a fairytale, having grown up surrounded by thick woods and open fields, as one of twelve siblings. Now as an adult, I still wish I could escape to distant fantastical lands, but I’ll just have to stick with the ones I find between the pages of books and the ones in my own head! 

Yakira's book list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Yakira Goldsberry Why Yakira loves this book

At first glance of Silver and Ravens doesn’t really seem to be a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, with its unique characters, and sweeping worldbuilding that took my breath away. It’s an epic fantasy, to be sure, with such depth that I dare say it holds its own as much more than just a retelling of a fairytale. With magic lions and foreign lands and mysterious princesses, it’s a wonderful story in and of itself.

By E.J. Kitchens ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wrought of Silver and Ravens as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A lonely young man with more than one secret to keep gets swept into a world of danger, curses, and found family in this thrilling clean fantasy retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."

Princess Thea of Giliosthay is a Realm Walker. Betrayed by a trusted guard, her rare gift of enchantment is used to curse her brother and trap herself and her six sisters into a nightly dance with dragons in a secret Realm. The Realm's prince has the ability to take and twist her magic for his own purposes, and Thea fears what those might be. For when one…


Book cover of The Thirteenth Princess

Yakira Goldsberry Author Of Curse of the Midnight King

From my list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been in love with fairytales since childhood when I picked up a collection of fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson. These stories shaped my imagination, so much so that I longed for distant mysterious lands full of magic, wonder, and mystical creatures. Though in a way, I guess I did live a bit of a fairytale, having grown up surrounded by thick woods and open fields, as one of twelve siblings. Now as an adult, I still wish I could escape to distant fantastical lands, but I’ll just have to stick with the ones I find between the pages of books and the ones in my own head! 

Yakira's book list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Yakira Goldsberry Why Yakira loves this book

I loved this take on the classic fairytale, with the addition of the thirteenth princess hidden from the rest of the world and living as a servant. And despite all this, she still fought to save her sisters, taking on the role of the hero of the story instead of the soldier character in the original tale. It’s a fast and fun read, and one of the reasons I fell in love with The Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale.

By Diane Zahler ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Thirteenth Princess as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

My name is Zita,and I am the thirteenth princess.My twelve sisters are legendary, even infaraway kingdoms, but I am sure thatyou have never heard of me.

Zita is not just any servant—she’s the thirteenth daughterof a king who wanted only sons. When all her royal sisters fallmysteriously ill, the only clue is their strangely worn and tatteredshoes. Something sinister is afoot—and Zita must find the sourceof the enchantment and break the curse, or the twelve princesseswill surely dance to their deaths.


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Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of A Time of Mourning and Dancing

Yakira Goldsberry Author Of Curse of the Midnight King

From my list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been in love with fairytales since childhood when I picked up a collection of fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson. These stories shaped my imagination, so much so that I longed for distant mysterious lands full of magic, wonder, and mystical creatures. Though in a way, I guess I did live a bit of a fairytale, having grown up surrounded by thick woods and open fields, as one of twelve siblings. Now as an adult, I still wish I could escape to distant fantastical lands, but I’ll just have to stick with the ones I find between the pages of books and the ones in my own head! 

Yakira's book list on YA retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Yakira Goldsberry Why Yakira loves this book

Instead of reinventing the fairytale, A Time of Mourning and Dancing instead brings back that timeless, classic, whimsical feel that comes with the original stories. The book also contains copious amounts of humor that lighten the otherwise dark story, making it both a hilarious and nostalgic read! Mainly I love the unique world that holds the same feeling as C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, and as a lover of classics, it’s perfect.

By Abigail Falanga ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Time of Mourning and Dancing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Once, Toph knew his place in the world.
As a respected captain in a victorious army, he had triumph and promotion to look forward to. But crippling injury stole his future and war stole his friend. Belonging nowhere and with nothing left to lose, Toph accepts a challenge that could end his life: discover a secret the princesses will do anything to hide.

Vicia is a princess, but powerless and in mourning.
Her beloved brothers were killed in a war she’s beginning to question. Ever since, she and her eleven sisters have become mere treasure for her stepfather the king…


Book cover of Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm a Supervillain

H.L. Burke Author Of Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

From my list on epic, intelligent, and believable STEM heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a mother of two girls, I’ve always loved fostering their interests in multiple subjects and providing them with epic role models. Too often, women’s strength in fantasy and science fiction (my favorite genres) is shown through violence or physical action, whether they can wield a blade or hold their own in a fight. Watching my girls get excited about game design, math, and science always gives me a little thrill, and I love providing them with epic heroines who use their brains as their primary weapon. STEM heroines rock!

H.L.'s book list on epic, intelligent, and believable STEM heroines

H.L. Burke Why H.L. loves this book

I adore superhero fiction, but it is hard to find good versions of it outside of visual mediums like comics and film. This book was one of the first superhero novels I found, and it is a lot of fun.

Penelope wants nothing more than to develop superpowers and be a hero like her parents, but instead, she develops mad scientist powers that lead to utter chaos! I squirmed as the young characters got themselves deeper and deeper into trouble, but I also laughed at this madcap superhero world filled with puns, metal-eating robots, and epic adventure. 

By Richard Roberts ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm a Supervillain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Penelope Akk wants to be a superhero. She's got superhero parents. She's got the ultimate mad science power, filling her life with crazy gadgets even she doesn't understand. She has two super-powered best friends. In middle school, the line between good and evil looks clear. In real life, nothing is that clear. All it takes is one hero's sidekick picking a fight, and Penny and her friends are labeled supervillains. In the process, Penny learns a hard lesson about villainy: She's good at it. Criminal masterminds, heroes in power armor, bottles of dragon blood, alien war drones, shapeshifters and ghosts,…


Book cover of Halayda

H.L. Burke Author Of Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

From my list on epic, intelligent, and believable STEM heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a mother of two girls, I’ve always loved fostering their interests in multiple subjects and providing them with epic role models. Too often, women’s strength in fantasy and science fiction (my favorite genres) is shown through violence or physical action, whether they can wield a blade or hold their own in a fight. Watching my girls get excited about game design, math, and science always gives me a little thrill, and I love providing them with epic heroines who use their brains as their primary weapon. STEM heroines rock!

H.L.'s book list on epic, intelligent, and believable STEM heroines

H.L. Burke Why H.L. loves this book

Magic meets alchemy with this whimsical epic mix of Steampunk, Fantasy, and Fae legend. I love the romance of this book, as well as the complicated world-building and lyrical prose.

Sylvie is a great character because she’s heartfelt and vulnerable but still a fighter. Living on the border between the magical and “real” world, she creates alchemical elixirs to protect herself and the orphans under her care. It’s an epic blend of fae politics, epic battles, and swoony romance.

By Sarah Delena White ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A mortal alchemist. A faerie king. A bond that transcends death.

Betrayed by a trusted mentor, Sylvie Imanthiya hides on the fringes of society, caring for half-fae orphans and selling her alchemical creations on the black market. She lives for the one night each season when she can see her dearest friend—a man whose destiny is far above hers.

King Taylan Ashkalabek knows better than to give his heart to a mortal. Even their friendship is a risk; love is an impossible dream. Then a brutal alchemical attack poisons his realm, unearthing a dark power within him—and leaving Sylvie with…


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Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of The Clockwork Ice Dragon: A Steampunk Christmas Novella

H.L. Burke Author Of Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

From my list on epic, intelligent, and believable STEM heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a mother of two girls, I’ve always loved fostering their interests in multiple subjects and providing them with epic role models. Too often, women’s strength in fantasy and science fiction (my favorite genres) is shown through violence or physical action, whether they can wield a blade or hold their own in a fight. Watching my girls get excited about game design, math, and science always gives me a little thrill, and I love providing them with epic heroines who use their brains as their primary weapon. STEM heroines rock!

H.L.'s book list on epic, intelligent, and believable STEM heroines

H.L. Burke Why H.L. loves this book

If there are two things I can’t get enough of, it's fantastic holiday stories and cozy fantasy/science fiction. When you combine the two? I’m sold. Liz Delton’s books have a straightforward charm to them while always involving complicated world-building that gives me a world I’d love to play in.

Her Seasons of Soldark series has four holiday or seasonal tales, and the first, the Clockwork Ice Dragon, is a cozy holiday adventure. The heroine is a determined inventor who I found equally admirable for her persistence (aka stubbornness) and frustrating for snapping to a judgment and sticking to it like a rusty bolt (also stubbornness). This only makes her more believable, though, as it is so often our greatest strengths that are also our greatest weaknesses. 

By Liz Delton ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An invention gone wrong. A city buried in snow. And she only has ‘til Christmas to make it right.

Aurelia Sundon has an idea for a brilliant invention that will ensure her family’s financial future. But the elite inventor’s guild has imposed a ridiculous deadline for invention applications: Christmas Day. With only four days until the deadline, Aurelia thinks she can finish it in time.

Until her old love Frederick Grandville, son of the city’s most powerful inventor, steps back into her life. With a fantastic invention of his own to enter in the competition, Frederick might just be the…


Book cover of What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball
Book cover of Exhumed
Book cover of Princess of the Midnight Ball

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