Author: Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing
Description:
Thrown into a brutal war college for dragon riders, Violet is forced to survive, form alliances, and trust people who might betray or protect her — or both.
Why I Recommend It:
Yes, it’s action-packed romantasy, but the emotional core is all about loyalty, growth, and bonding through trauma. Her squad becomes her world.
Tropes:
Found Family, Enemies to Lovers, Magic School, Military Training
📕 Hardcover:
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📗 Paperback:
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Author: Akemi Dawn Bowman
The Infinity Courts
Description:
After her death, Nami awakens in a high-tech afterlife ruled by an AI bent on control. She joins a resistance of other souls, forming fierce bonds in a fight for freedom.
Why I Recommend It:
It’s action-packed but deeply emotional — the friendships built in this digital purgatory are tight, loyal, and tested by hardship. Underrated but beloved.
Tropes:
Afterlife Rebellion, AI Dystopia, Found Family, Chosen Resistance
📕 Hardcover:
📖 Bookshop | 📦 Amazon
📗 Paperback:
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Author: Chelsea Abdullah
The Stardust Thief
Description:
A smuggler, a prince, and a jinn team up for a dangerous journey across the desert to find a mythical relic.
Why I Recommend It:
Think found family through survival. The crew’s chemistry and backstories add real depth and emotion. Great for fans of The City of Brass.
Tropes:
Reluctant Allies, Road Trip Fantasy, Magic & Myth, Jinn Lore
📕 Hardcover:
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📗 Paperback:
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Author: Kalynn Bayron
This Poison Heart
Description:
Briseis inherits a mysterious estate and a magical connection to plants — along with a web of secrets and people she never expected to love.
Why I Recommend It:
A quiet, magical unraveling of truth and trust. Beautiful for readers who love soft witches, queer stories, and growing into a found community.
Tropes:
Plant Magic, Family Secrets, Cottagecore, Queer Found Family
📕 Hardcover:
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📗 Paperback:
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Author: F.T. Lukens
So This Is Ever After
Description:
The evil overlord is defeated… now what? Arek and his ragtag party are stuck navigating awkward royal duties, magical contracts, and maybe falling in love.
Why I Recommend It:
Post-quest chaos, banter, and friends who become something more. Lighthearted but surprisingly tender.
Tropes:
Post-Quest, Friends to Lovers, Forced Royalty, Misfit Group
📕 Hardcover:
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📗 Paperback:
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Author: Darcie Little Badger
A Snake Falls to Earth
Description:
When a cottonmouth snake shapeshifter and a human girl cross between worlds, their stories — and communities — become bound by fate and kindness.
Why I Recommend It:
Beautiful Indigenous storytelling, quiet power, and chosen bonds built across dimensions. It’s soft, strange, and unforgettable.
Tropes:
Shapeshifting, Dual Worlds, Friendship Across Realms, Climate Magic
📕 Hardcover:
📖 Bookshop | 📦 Amazon
📗 Paperback:
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