She has written books for adults and children as well as adolescents and young adults, and while her books typically fall primarily in the fantasy category, many can also be categorized as romance or horror.
In fact, Marr won a Goodreads Readers Choice Award in the Horror category.
Marr had originally embarked on a career as a professor of English and Gender Studies at NC State University, but began her career as an author in 2007 with the publication of Wicked Lovely, which went on to become a New York Times Bestseller.
Since then, Melissa Marr has published four other novels in the Wicked Lovely Series for young adults, as well as four individual young adult novels.
Melissa Marr has published a lot of novels for urban fantasy fans to enjoy, but if you’re looking for other, similar authors to try, read on!
Fans of Melissa Marr’s bestselling Wicked Lovely series will love other authors of adult urban fantasy and young adult fantasy such as Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses), Rachel Caine (The Morganville Vampires), and Lauren Kate (Fallen).
Books By Melissa Marr
We touched on some of the most popular novels, series’ and collections published by Melissa Marr earlier, but Marr’s published works have come to number more than 50 in the 15 years since she began her writing career.
These books explore faerie lore, drawing on some of the themes found in traditional fairy tales such as the dichotomy of good and evil and the choice to follow or break societal rules. Romance themes also run throughout the series.
Since then, Marr has also published several successful books for both adults and young adults.
Her first adult fantasy novel, Graveminder, was published in 2011 and is the book for which Marr was awarded the Goodreads Readers Choice Award in ‘Best Horror’.
While Graveminder can definitely be considered a fantasy novel due to its supernatural themes, it also fits into the Gothic horror and mystery categories.
Other adult fantasy novels by Marr include The Arrivals (2013) and the Audible Original Pretty Broken Things (2020).
Untamed City, in particular, was well-received for its engagement with relevant themes such as rebellion against societal hierarchy.
Additionally, Marr has published short fiction in the fantasy genre, in two collections entitled Faery Tales and Nightmares (2011) and Tales of Folk and Fey (2019) as well as graphic novels based on the Wicked Lovely series (Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales).
Authors Like Melissa Marr
Sarah J. Maas
Of all the authors we will be recommending for fans of Melissa Marr, Sarah J (see also “Authors Like Ally Carter“). Mass is probably the most similar in terms of themes and style.
Sarah J. Maas is best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which can be described as adult fantasy and, like Marr’s Wicked Lovely, is also concerned with faerie lore.
A Court of Thorns and Roses propelled Maas to the status of #1 bestselling author after the publication of the first book, and since then, the series has been translated into over 30 languages and millions of copies have been sold worldwide (see also “5 Books Like Prince of Thorns“).
If you love Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, there are many good reasons to read Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses.
For one, the series is filled with complex relationships between characters that keep you invested in the story, and the plot is thrilling from start to finish.
However, given the sensual themes, that these books are not suitable for younger readers.
Pros
Modern take on fairy tale genre – Fresh perspective on timeless genre
Realistic and complex relationships – Interesting character dynamics
Gripping plot – Keeps the reader engaged
Cons
Intense sensual themes – Not suitable for young readers
Themes: Love and romance, choices, fate, destiny, fairy tales, faerie lore
Rachel Caine
Rachel Caine is one of the most successful urban fantasy authors in recent years.
While she sadly passed away recently, her stories continue to live on in the imaginations and on the shelves of readers.
While Caine, much like Marr, wrote upwards of 50 books over the course of her career, her best-known work is The Morganville Vampires series, which follows the story of Texas Prairie University student Claire Danvers, who discovers that the town is run by vampires who coexist alongside humans.
The Morganville Vampires series is a collection of books in which clear character development can be observed, particularly in the main character.
The presence of a strong female protagonist is a major selling point of these books.
If you’re a fan of vampire fiction and enjoy a horror element in your fantasy (similar to Melissa Marr’s Graveminder, but aimed primarily at young adults), this series will be perfect for you.
Pros
Strong female protagonist – Good role model for young adults
Well-executed horror themes – Suspenseful and chilling
Interesting and believable character development – Characters feel realistic
Cons
17 books in the series – Some books could be combined for pacing
Themes: vampires, good and evil, secrets, life and death, friendship
Lauren Kate
Lauren Kate is the author of the wildly popular young adult fantasy series, Fallen.
The series follows a teenage girl named Lucinda who is sent to a reform school after being accused of murder.
The first novel in the series was a New York Times Bestseller and was successful enough to be made into a film.
The narrative is suspenseful and gripping, although waiting until the end of the final book for most of the major developments to unfold can leave readers feeling impatient.
Kate is also the author of the Teardrop Trilogy, and although the third book has yet to be published, the first two installments have been very successful.
The story follows Eureka after she receives the shocking news from a mysterious stranger that her life is in danger.
From there, she has to rely on her friendships and her own bravery to uncover the secrets and magic (as well as the evil) that surrounds her.
The stakes are high (life and death), and the plot will keep you, as the reader, hooked from start to finish.
Since this is a trilogy and not a six-book series like Fallen, this is a much better choice for readers who find waiting for plot development to be a frustrating experience.
Pros
Interesting fantasy themes – Not the usual choices for fantasy novels
Suspenseful narratives – Gripping and intriguing
Deals with serious themes – Thought-provoking content
Cons
Slow pacing – Waiting for plot development can feel frustrating
Themes: secrets, fallen angels, morality, choices, life and death, redemption love, dark magic, religion
Final Thoughts
Melissa Marr has authored many books for adults and young adults alike to enjoy, all revolving around fantastic themes that range from faerie lore, fairy tales, choice, and love (see also “Authors Like Alex Flinn“).
Readers who have read and loved the works of Melissa Marr will also enjoy book series by authors such as Rachel Caine, Sarah J (see also “Authors Like Simone Elkeles“). Maas, and Lauren Kate.
These three authors all write in the adult and young adult urban fantasy genres.
Whether you’re interested specifically in fairy-themed novels (like those by Sarah J. Maas) or want to branch out into other areas of the supernatural like vampires and fallen angels.
These series will keep you just as riveted and emotionally invested as Marr’s Wicked Lovely books.
Bear in mind that there are distinct differences between the themes in young adult and adult fantasy, and some aspects of adult fantasy may be inappropriate for adolescents.
So always check the genre listing to be safe, especially if you’re buying for someone other than yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Melissa Marr Write More Books?
Melissa Marr has 2 books currently in the works: The Hidden Dragon (middle grade) and The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley (a graphic novel).
Who Has Melissa Marr Co-Authored With?
Melissa Marr has written novels alongside Kelley Armstrong and her upcoming graphic novel features art by Jenn St-Onge.
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