* Historical Fantasy: Set in a fantastical version of a past era, often with magical elements interwoven into real-world history.
* Gothic Romance: Featuring elements of romance, suspense, and the supernatural, set in dark, atmospheric settings.
* Strong Female Protagonist: A heroine who's intelligent, resourceful, and driven by a strong moral compass.
* Witty Dialogue and Pacing: Engaging prose and a quick, captivating pace.
Here are some books that fit this bill:
For a similar magical setting and gothic atmosphere:
* "The Raven Boys" series by Maggie Stiefvater: Set in a small town in Pennsylvania, with a focus on magic, curses, and ancient Welsh mythology.
* "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern: A magical competition between two young magicians, unfolding in a mysterious and enchanting circus.
* "The Diviners" series by Libba Bray herself: Set in 1920s New York City, featuring a group of young people with supernatural abilities battling a malevolent force.
* "Daughter of Smoke & Bone" series by Laini Taylor: Set in a world where angels and demons live among humans, following a young woman with a connection to both.
* "The Grishaverse" series by Leigh Bardugo: A series of novels set in a world with magical abilities, exploring themes of power, destiny, and redemption.
For a similar emphasis on romance and character development:
* "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: A heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the power of stories set in post-WWII Guernsey.
* "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger: A poignant and beautifully written love story about a man who travels through time and the woman who loves him.
* "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell: A sweet and poignant coming-of-age story about two teenagers finding love and acceptance.
For a similar blend of history and fantasy:
* "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" by Susanna Clarke: A meticulously crafted historical fantasy set in Regency England, featuring magicians and forgotten magic.
* "The Kingkiller Chronicle" by Patrick Rothfuss: A sprawling fantasy epic narrated by a legendary wizard, recounting his life and adventures.
* "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: A beautifully written and heartbreaking story about a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in books.
Additional Tips:
* Explore other historical periods: Look for books set in other fascinating eras like Victorian England, Renaissance Italy, or ancient Egypt.
* Try books with different magical systems: Some focus on witches, others on fairies, or even different forms of magic altogether.
* Check out similar authors: Libba Bray has a unique voice, but you can find other authors who write in similar styles.
Remember, the best way to find books you'll love is to explore and discover new authors and genres. Happy reading!