14 Books Like Crescent City | Maasverse Reading Guide

Finished Crescent City and desperately searching for your next fantasy obsession? Sarah J. Maas's urban fantasy series; with its intoxicating blend of angels, fae, murder mystery, and searing romance; has created a unique reading experience that's difficult to replicate. But whether you're craving more fallen angels, supernatural investigations, or that signature Maas intensity, we've gathered the best books like Crescent City to fuel your fantasy addiction.

And if you haven't read Maas's other series yet? We'll explain exactly how Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses connect to the Crescent City universe; because yes, the Maasverse is very much real.

The Maasverse Connection: Why You Should Read ACOTAR and Throne of Glass

Before we dive into recommendations from other authors, let's address the elephant in the room: Sarah J. Maas's books are connected.

What started as fan theories became canon when House of Sky and Breath ended with Bryce Quinlan literally landing in Prythian; the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses. House of Flame and Shadow then confirmed the multiverse, with Bryce interacting directly with Nesta, Azriel, and other ACOTAR characters.

But the connections run even deeper:

In Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass), Aelin glimpses Crescent City whilst falling between worlds and is saved by Rhysand from ACOTAR
The Starborn Fae in Crescent City share lineage with characters from both other series
The Asteri, Daglan, and Valg may all be connected ancient enemies across the multiverse
Recurring symbols like the eight-pointed star appear throughout all three series

Maas herself has confirmed she planted these seeds intentionally, creating a "megaverse" where characters and histories intertwine across worlds.

Reading Order for the Maasverse

If you want to experience everything before diving into other authors' work:

Throne of Glass series (8 books) - High fantasy following assassin Celaena Sardothien
A Court of Thorns and Roses series (5 books) - Fae courts, romance, and political intrigue
Crescent City series (3+ books) - Urban fantasy where the multiverse collides

You can read Crescent City standalone, but the crossover moments hit differently when you know who Bryce is meeting.

Best Books Like Crescent City

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Perfect for fans of: Fae romance, enemies-to-lovers, connected universes

ACOTAR Series

If you haven't read ACOTAR yet, this is your most essential recommendation. Not only does it share DNA with Crescent City; fierce heroines, intense romance, complex worldbuilding; but after House of Flame and Shadow, it's literally connected to Bryce's story.

Feyre is a huntress who kills a faerie wolf and is dragged to the immortal lands as punishment. What begins as a Beauty and the Beast retelling transforms into an epic tale of war, trauma recovery, and finding strength you didn't know you possessed. The second book, A Court of Mist and Fury, is widely considered Maas at her absolute best.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

by Sarah J. Maas

4.5

The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism - The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series of total joy - Stylist Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building ... a page-turning delight - Guardian Escapism in its purest form - Independent ****** Feyre is a huntress, but when she kills what she thinks is a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor, Tamlin, is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal Fae. And there's more to the Fae than the legends suggest. As Feyre adapts to her new home, her feelings for Tamlin begin to change. Icy hostility turns to fiery passion that burns through every lie she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But shadows are creeping in, and Tamlin has a dark secret that he cannot share. Fate brought Feyre to Tamlin for a reason, but saving him from the darkness that threatens his world will lead her down a path that she can never return from. Enter the world of Sarah J. Maas and discover the sweeping romantic fantasy that everyone's talking about for yourself. ****** 5* reader reviews 'This is the first fantasy book I've ever read . . . I'm hooked. I'm addicted' 'I'm a standard romance girl but this swept me off my feet' 'Her writing is exquisite; her characters complex . . . and worlds all-consuming' 'This book has ignited my spark for reading again'

View Book

2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Perfect for fans of: Assassins, lost royalty, epic fantasy scope

Throne of Glass Series

Maas's first series follows Celaena Sardothien, the kingdom's most notorious assassin, who is offered freedom from a brutal prison camp if she can win a deadly competition. What starts as a YA fantasy becomes an eight-book epic involving fae warriors, witch queens, world-ending stakes, and romance that will destroy you.

The connections to Crescent City run deep; from shared magical systems to characters who may be related across worlds. And that moment when Aelin falls between worlds and glimpses both Crescent City and Prythian? Pure multiverse magic.

Throne of Glass

by Sarah J. Maas

4.0

Lethal. Loyal. Legendary. Enter the world of Throne of Glass with the first book in this complete, #1 bestselling series by Sarah J. Maas, author of the Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. In a land without magic, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She has no love for the vicious king who rules from his throne of glass, but she has not come to kill him. She has come to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three murderers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she will be released from prison to serve as the King's Champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien. The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. And a princess from a faraway country will befriend her. But something rotten dwells in the castle, and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying mysteriously, one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival-and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world. Thrilling and fierce, Throne of Glass is the first book in the #1 bestselling series that has captivated readers worldwide. Other books in this series include: Crown of Midnight Heir of Fire Queen of Shadows Empire of Storms Tower of Dawn Kingdom of Ash The Assassin's Blade (prequel novellas)

View Book

3. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Perfect for fans of: Angels, forbidden romance, Prague setting

Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy

Karou is an art student in Prague with naturally blue hair and a secret life: she runs errands for monsters, collecting teeth for purposes she doesn't understand. When winged strangers begin leaving scorched handprints on doorways around the world, Karou is drawn into a war between angels and demons; and into the orbit of Akiva, a seraph soldier who awakens memories she never knew she had.

This trilogy captures the same blend of urban setting and supernatural warfare that makes Crescent City special. The forbidden romance between Karou and Akiva mirrors the tension between Bryce and Hunt, and Taylor's prose is absolutely stunning.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

by Laini Taylor

The 10th anniversary edition of the first in Laini Taylor's breathtaking fantasy trilogy 'Remarkable and beautifully written . . . The opening volume of a truly original trilogy.' GUARDIAN Errand requiring immediate attention. Come. The note was on vellum, pierced by the talons of the almost-crow that delivered it. Karou read the message. 'He never says please', she sighed, but she gathered up her things. When Brimstone called, she always came. In general, Karou has managed to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she's a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a monstrous creature who is the closest thing she has to family. Raised half in our world, half in 'Elsewhere', she has never understood Brimstone's dark work - buying teeth from hunters and murderers - nor how she came into his keeping. She is a secret even to herself, plagued by the sensation that she isn't whole. Now the doors to Elsewhere are closing, and Karou must choose between the safety of her human life and the dangers of a war-ravaged world that may hold the answers she has always sought.

View Book

4. The Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh

Perfect for fans of: Angel hierarchies, powerful romance, urban fantasy

Guild Hunter Series

Elena Deveraux is a vampire hunter in a world ruled by powerful archangels. When she's hired by Raphael, the terrifying Archangel of New York, for an impossible task, she finds herself drawn into a world of immortal politics, ancient power, and a forbidden attraction that could cost her everything.

If you love Hunt Athalar and want more brooding, powerful angels falling for fierce mortal women, this long-running series delivers. The worldbuilding around angel society is extensive, and the slow-burn romance between Elena and Raphael spans multiple books.

Angels' Blood

by Nalini Singh

The spicy start to a truly astonishing and steamy romantasy series you will not want to put down. Elena and Raphael are about to find out they can't stop thinking about each other, no matter how hard they try. Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she's the best - but she doesn't know if she's good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear - failure is not an option ... even if the task she's been set is impossible. Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad. The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other ... and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. Because when archangels play, mortals break ... Readers can't get enough of Angels' Blood: 'A really slow burn as far as the relationship between Elena and Raphael go. They didn't get together until almost the end but the sexual tension was thick from the start' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Ms. Singh managed to capture the razor edge of the attraction, the unfolding relationship between Elena and Raphael and pair it to a very dark, very noir murder mystery' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Let me begin by saying THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST EVER! This book and generally this series is a 10/5 stars! It isn't just one of my favourites. It is one of MY ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE fantasy-romance series!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'I always get lost in the characters and the new world. I love all the details that make me believe in everything that I'm reading. Not many authors have that talent but Nalini sure does' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'It wasn't just that the romance between Raphael and Ellie was really sweet and funny, it was this whole new world that NS has created. Angels ruling the cities, vampires who are owned by the angels. I mean, what an imagination' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'The romance was fantastic. The chemistry between these two were passionate and intense, and I loved it. The sexy times were VERY hot' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

View Book

5. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Perfect for fans of: Forbidden romance, hidden identities, protective heroes

Blood and Ash Series

Poppy has spent her entire life as the Maiden; forbidden from being touched, seen, or experiencing the world beyond her gilded cage. When Hawke, a golden-eyed guard with a mysterious past, enters her world, everything she's been told about her kingdom, her gods, and herself begins to unravel.

The reveals in this series hit as hard as discovering Bryce's true heritage. Armentrout delivers the same addictive quality as Maas, with twists that will leave you reeling and a romance that burns from the first page.

From Blood and Ash

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.A Maiden...Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy's life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.A Duty...The entire kingdom's future rests on Poppy's shoulders, something she's not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.A Kingdom...Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

View Book

6. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Perfect for fans of: Demons, witches, enemies-to-lovers, Italian setting

Kingdom of the Wicked Series

When Emilia's twin sister is murdered, she'll do anything to find the killer; even summon one of the seven princes of Hell. Wrath is dangerous, infuriating, and hiding secrets that could destroy everything Emilia thought she knew about her world.

Set in Sicily with a lush historical atmosphere, this series blends mystery and romance in a way that Crescent City fans will recognise. The banter between Emilia and Wrath crackles with the same energy as Bryce and Hunt's verbal sparring.

Kingdom of the Wicked

by Kerri Maniscalco

Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself . . .A new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper.Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. Until one night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant.Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin . . . desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost - even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden.Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked - princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island.But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems . . .

View Book

7. The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

Perfect for fans of: Dark urban fantasy, fae mythology, mystery

Fever Series

MacKayla Lane travels to Dublin to investigate her sister's murder and discovers a hidden world of deadly fae, ancient magic, and a mysterious man named Jericho Barrons who is far more dangerous than he appears. The deeper Mac goes, the more she realises she's not entirely human; and the fae apocalypse is coming.

This series is darker and grittier than Crescent City, but if you loved the murder mystery elements and the slow reveal of a supernatural underworld, the Fever series delivers in spades. The romance is controversial but utterly consuming.

Darkfever

by Karen Marie Moning

MacKayla Lane's life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that only breaks down every other week or so. In other words, she's your perfectly ordinary 21st century woman. Or so she thinks - until something extraordinary happens!

View Book

8. Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Perfect for fans of: Magical academies, fae politics, enemies-to-lovers

Zodiac Academy Series

Twin sisters Tory and Darcy discover they're the lost heirs to a fae throne; but the four Heirs who currently rule the academy will do anything to keep them from claiming their birthright. What follows is a brutal, enemies-to-lovers saga with complex magic systems, political intrigue, and romance that spans multiple books.

If you want the found family vibes, supernatural politics, and slow-burn romance of Crescent City but with a magical academy setting, this massive series will keep you busy for months.

Zodiac Academy The Awakening

by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

"I'm a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I'm Fae. But of course there's a catch--all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I'm the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that's true as I'm the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn't put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could. The school they've sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don't even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people's emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy. Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I'm going to beat down my classmates--which is actively encouraged by the way. My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell. All I've got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas"--Provided by publisher.

View Book

9. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Perfect for fans of: Secret societies, Arthurian legend, strong heroines

The Legendborn Cycle

Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night at a prestigious university program and discovers a secret society of demon-hunters descended from King Arthur's knights. As she infiltrates their ranks to uncover the truth about her mother's death, she discovers her own hidden heritage; and a destiny she never expected.

This series brings the same "hidden magical world existing alongside the modern one" energy as Crescent City, with stunning worldbuilding that reimagines Arthurian legend through a Black Southern lens.

Legendborn

by Tracy Deonn

SOME LEGACIES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN. "I love the feeling of a magical world existing just beneath the surface of our own and this story gave me everything I wanted: incredible characters, ancient lore and secret societies - all grounded in our very real, very flawed world . . ." -Leigh Bardugo, author of Shadow and Bone An explosive fantasy debut that is taking TikTok by storm. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas and Cinderella is Dead! Filled with mystery and Southern Black Girl Magic, Tracy Deonn's New York Times bestselling Legendborn offers the dark allure of City of Bones with a modern-day twist on a classic legend . . . After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants to escape. A residential programme for bright high-schoolers seems like the perfect opportunity - until she witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus . . . A flying demon feeding on human energies. A secret society of so-called "Legendborn" that hunt the creatures down. A mysterious mage who calls himself a "Merlin" and who attempts - and fails - to wipe Bree's memory of everything she saw. The mage's failure unlocks Bree's own unique magic and a buried memory about her mother. Now Bree will do whatever it takes to discover the truth, even infiltrate the Legendborn. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur's knights and foretell a magical war, Bree must decide how far she'll go for the truth. Should she use her magic to take the society down - or join the fight? Winner of the Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe for New Talent Author Award, and a New York Times bestseller!

View Book

10. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Perfect for fans of: Tournaments, vampires, found family

Crowns of Nyaxia Series

Oraya is the human adopted daughter of a vampire king, and her only chance to earn her place is entering the Kejari; a deadly tournament where she must face the most vicious vampire warriors alive. When she's forced to ally with Raihn, a dangerous rival, their partnership becomes something neither expected.

Often described as "The Hunger Games meets vampires," this series delivers the tournament drama, forbidden attraction, and political intrigue that Maas fans crave. The slow-burn romance is absolutely devastating.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

by Carissa Broadbent

4.0

"Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust; never yield. And always-- always-- guard your heart. As the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. But winning won't be easy against the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival. Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father's crown... and Oraya's greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him. But there's no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the throne of House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone -- but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love" --

View Book

11. The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

Perfect for fans of: Angels, demons, urban fantasy worldbuilding

Multiple Series

In Clare's expansive universe, shadowhunters; half-angel warriors; protect humanity from demons whilst navigating complex relationships with vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and faeries. Start with The Mortal Instruments or, for adult content, The Dark Artifices.

If you love the idea of angel-blooded warriors fighting supernatural threats in a modern city, Clare's world is the ultimate deep-dive. The sheer scope of interconnected series means you'll never run out of material.

City of Bones

by Cassandra Clare

Discover the world of the Shadowhunters in the first installment of the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and “prepare to be hooked” (Entertainment Weekly)—now with a gorgeous new cover, a map, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! City of Bones is a Shadowhunters novel.When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. And she’s more than a little startled when the body disappears into thin air. Soon Clary is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. And Clary is introduced with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque monster. How could a mere human survive such an attack and kill a demon? The Shadowhunters would like to know…

View Book

12. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Perfect for fans of: Gothic atmosphere, mystery, dark romance

Sisters of the Salt Series

Annaleigh lives in a manor by the sea where her sisters keep dying under mysterious circumstances. When she begins investigating, she uncovers dark magic, family secrets, and a supernatural threat that may claim her next.

While darker and more gothic than Crescent City, this delivers the same blend of mystery and fantasy with gorgeous atmospheric writing. Perfect for readers who loved the murder investigation elements of House of Earth and Blood.

House of Salt and Sorrows

by Erin A. Craig

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Get swept away by this “haunting” (Bustle) YA novel about twelve beautiful sisters living on an isolated island estate who begin to mysteriously die one by one. This dark and atmospheric fairy tale inspired story is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets."Step inside a fairy tale." —Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor with her sisters and their father and stepmother. Once there were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last--the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge--and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that her sister's deaths were no accidents. The girls have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who--or what--are they really dancing with?When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family--before it claims her next. House of Salt and Sorrows is a spellbinding novel filled with magic and the rustle of gossamer skirts down long, dark hallways. Be careful who you dance with... And don't miss Erin Craig's Small Favors, a mesmerizing and chilling novel about dark wishes and even darker dreams.

View Book

13. The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy

Perfect for fans of: Dark fantasy, captive heroines, morally grey love interests

The Plated Prisoner Series

Auren has been King Midas's prized possession for ten years; gilded, caged, and completely dependent on him. When she's captured by the enemy army, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her gilded cage and the king who put her there.

This adult fantasy series starts dark and transforms into something epic. The slow-burn romance with Commander Rip is the kind of enemies-to-lovers tension that Maas fans live for.

Gild

by Raven Kennedy

By bestselling author Raven Kennedy, comes the first book in a stunning new fantasy series, perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout. The fae abandoned this world to us. And the ones with power rule. Gold. Gold floors, gold walls, gold furniture, gold clothes. In Highbell, in the castle built into the frozen mountains, everything is made of gold. Even me. King Midas rescued me. Dug me out of the slums and placed me on a pedestal. I'm called his precious. His favored. I'm the woman he Gold-Touched to show everyone that I belong to him. To show how powerful he is. He gave me protection, and I gave him my heart. And even though I don't leave the confines of the palace, I'm safe. Until war comes to the kingdom and a deal is struck. Suddenly, my trust is broken. My love is challenged. And I realize that everything I thought I knew about Midas might be wrong. Because these bars I'm kept in, no matter how gilded, are still just a cage. But the monsters on the other side might make me wish I'd never left. The myth of King Midas reimagined. This compelling adult fantasy series is as addictive as it is unexpected. With romance, intrigue, and danger, the gilded world of Orea will grip you from the very first page. Please Note: This book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and non-consensual sex. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age. This is book one in a series.

View Book

14. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Perfect for fans of: Dragon riders, military academies, enemies-to-lovers

The Empyrean Series

Violet was supposed to become a scribe, but her mother forces her into the brutal dragon rider academy where the weak don't survive. With a body more fragile than her peers and a target on her back, Violet must bond with a dragon; or die trying.

While not urban fantasy, Fourth Wing captures the same addictive quality as Crescent City: a fierce heroine who refuses to quit, a devastatingly attractive love interest, and a world that will consume you. If you're in a Maas hangover, this is your cure.

Fourth Wing

by Rebecca Yarros

5.0

Don't miss out on the series that everyone can't stop talking about! 'Pure escapism - think Hunger Games meets Fifty Shades' -The Sun 'We weren't expecting to become obsessed with Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing, but we very much are - and we're not alone . . .' -Sunday Times Style'I couldn't put it down!' -Millie Bobby Brown'This book contains an addictive, drug like essence that will make you relinquish all responsibility until the very last word. Do not say I didn't warn you' -Glamour'Yarros had me hooked from the first chapter' -Mail on SundayWelcome to the brutal and elite world of Basgiath War College . . .Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general - also known as her tough-as-talons mother - has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.But when you're smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away . . . because dragons don't bond to 'fragile' humans. They incinerate them.With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother's daughter - like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.She'll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.Everyone at Basgiath has an agenda, and every night could be your last. So, sleep with one eye open because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die. OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION READERS HAVE ALREADY GIVEN FOURTH WING FIVE STARS. ARE YOU READY TO ENTER THE WORLD OF BASGIATH WAR COLLEGE? 'If I can convince you to read one book I recommend it would be this one' 'I didn't sleep, I didn't eat, and when I finished, I had the overwhelming urge to just start it all over again' 'This book is probably the best fantasy book I have ever read''FIVE. FREAKING. STARS. There is no universe where I could give this book any less of a rating' 'There are some

View Book

What Makes These Books Similar to Crescent City?

Readers searching for books like Crescent City typically want:

Urban fantasy settings - Supernatural creatures in modern or semi-modern worlds
Angels, fae, and shifters - The specific supernatural blend Maas created
Murder mystery elements - Investigation driving the plot forward
Intense romance - Slow-burn tension that ignites into something consuming
Strong female protagonists - Heroines who are fierce, flawed, and unforgettable
Found family - Characters building bonds that become unbreakable
Epic worldbuilding - Complex supernatural politics and magic systems

Each book on this list delivers several of these elements whilst bringing something unique.

Start With the Maasverse

Our strongest recommendation? If you've only read Crescent City, read ACOTAR and Throne of Glass next. The multiverse connections make all three series richer, and you'll catch references and Easter eggs that enhance every reread.

After that, Daughter of Smoke and Bone and the Guild Hunter series are your best bets for that specific urban-fantasy-with-angels vibe that makes Crescent City so special.

Whatever you choose, these books like Crescent City will keep you reading late into the night; and probably crying over fictional characters who've taken up permanent residence in your heart.

Looking for more Sarah J. Maas read-alikes? Check out our guides to books like Throne of Glass and books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.

14 Books Like Crescent City: Urban Fantasy for Maasverse Fans

The Maasverse Connection: Why You Should Read ACOTAR and Throne of Glass

Reading Order for the Maasverse

Best Books Like Crescent City

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses

2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass

3. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

4. The Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh

Angels' Blood

5. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Blood and Ash

6. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Kingdom of the Wicked

7. The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

Darkfever

8. Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Zodiac Academy The Awakening

9. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn

10. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

11. The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones

12. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

House of Salt and Sorrows

13. The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy

Gild

14. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing

What Makes These Books Similar to Crescent City?

Start With the Maasverse

Books Featured in This Article

House of Earth and Blood

House of Sky and Breath

House of Flame and Shadow

Share this article