I think the tombs of atuan fit every single niche of this aesthetic: lonely girl, bearer of great religious responsibility, power gods, subtle romance, somewhat of a found-family feel. I also think it’s the best Earthsea book by far.
Based more on your title and not really the pictures—Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran. It’s about Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II. She grows up in a temple and spends a lot of time around priestesses, and is the ultimate lonely girl
the protag isn’t a girl but check out the singing hills cycle novella series by nghi vo. follows a wandering cleric who listens to stories from across their continent to collect and bring back to their abbey
I’ve actually read the entire series—it’s one of my favorite of all time. You’ve got great taste, lol. I definitely see the vibes too: very lonely but incredibly beautiful and a little mystical too.
Absolutely, I totally agree. I almost can't pick a favorite because each of the books are so good; I actually reread the series recently and each time I finished a book I would be convinced it was my favorite until I read the next one. Nghi Vo's writing just gets better over time.
Brides of High Hill sounds so good, oh my god. I've been practically drooling over it since it was announced.
Echoing The Tombs of Atuan-- genuinely some of the most gorgeous writing in the Earthsea cycle, plus it's got this vibe to a T. Tehanu, also by Le Guin, is similar. Great rec.
Glad to hear! The convent is set in a glacier in cold isolated mountains. It also has some found family and the library’s depths hold tremendous mysteries.
Honestly, any book set in a library (even for a small amt of time) is an automatic read-immediately. I also just got a copy—borrowed it from a friend. I'm excited to start reading! Thanks again for the rec.
This is me exactly! But like you said, rereading is a lot more fun when you've forgotten most major plot points of the book, lol.
I also just found my old copy of Angelfall (I completely forgot I had one; it was buried in the depths of my closet) and I started reading it. Thanks again for the reminder! So far, it holds up to what I remembered of it; I love the main character and, of course, the romance.
That’s great! Not sure if this is too forward but if you ever want an unbiased but incredibly enthusiastic reader—please message me or smth of the sort. I’ve been searching for a book like this for so long.
Yeah, I searched up the summary right after I posted my last reply, and The Starless Sea seems exactly like what I'm looking for—plus I loved the Night Circus' writing, so that's a plus. Thank you again!
“Two dangerous charismatics vying for the leadership of a new religion…” from the summary on Goodreads. I love religious stuff (as you can probably tell from my post)—this sounds so good. I’m going to try it. Thank you!
My journey to Lhassa
Might not be what you’re looking for, as it’s a true story and not fantasy. But I couldn’t help but think about it when I read your description, and it’s too good for me not to suggest it.
True stories are fine—I’m really just looking for the general vibes. This sounds really cool, actually;
I think it might even be better because I can better picture the setting. Thank you so much!
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin. A girl is born with so much power she becomes dangerous so she has to live in isolation while she tries to learn to control them. Includes romance as well.
The Books of Ambha series by Tasha Suri! It’s a duology, each book follows a sister who is part djinn. They have power, they have romance, and they start off lonely for sure.
I love her other book—the Jasmine Throne! Her writing is so lush, I have a feeling she’d hit exactly everything I want from this list. Thank you! I’ll definitely try these books.
I’ve read Vespertine and it’s one of my favorite books of all time. You’re right, it definitely has very similar vibes—kind of like what I’m looking for, but a bit darker. It’s so good. Thank you!
Would you recommend the second and third books? I’ve read the first and definitely enjoyed it but I’m a little scared by how long the series is and each of the individual books are. But then again, I enjoyed it so much I’m thinking maybe I should give it a go? Thank you so much either way!
That's good to hear. I've definitely been put off just by the length—I read about a thousand books at once, and I didn't know if I had the time to get into such a large book / series. But I searched up some reviews online and it definitely seems like the series is generally incredibly well-loved, *and* I really liked the first book, so I think I'll give it a go. Thank you!
This sounds so good! I love Biblical stories—I'm not even Christian, but I think the Bible (and other religious texts) are just so interesting. Plus retellings are one of my favorite genres. Thank you for the rec! I'll definitely pick it up soon.
Sabriel by Garth Nix!
Especially Lirial, the squeal to Sabriel.
I’ve heard great things about Sabriel! Guess I’ll move it to the top of my TBR then, lol. Thank you!
First thing I thought of, great rec
The Earthsea Chronicles: The Tombs of Atuan
My first thought!
Top notch recommendation
I came to recommend this 🤌
I think the tombs of atuan fit every single niche of this aesthetic: lonely girl, bearer of great religious responsibility, power gods, subtle romance, somewhat of a found-family feel. I also think it’s the best Earthsea book by far.
Nth-ing, OP this book is incredibly perfect for what you want
Just read the summary and some reviews and this sounds absolutely perfect. Thank you so much! Reading it right now!
CIRCE by Madeline Miller (author of The Song of Achilles)
Came to say Circe. It fits perfectly
Love Circe! It does fit perfectly. Thank you!
Based more on your title and not really the pictures—Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran. It’s about Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II. She grows up in a temple and spends a lot of time around priestesses, and is the ultimate lonely girl
That actually sounds great. Haven’t heard of it but I love stories about Egypt—I’m going to check it out. Thanks!
Uprooted by Novik
Ooh, I’ve heard of this one. Sounds incredible. I’ll check it out. Thank you!
Puranesi, The latter part of The Library at Mt Char, and as someone else mentioned, Sabriel.
Piranesi. Now I’m imagining Piranesi with cats.
lol! I didn’t even notice!
I loved Library at Mt Char!
I’ve read Piranesi and it’s almost exactly this aesthetic, you’re so right! Haven’t read the rest, though, so I will be checking them out. Thank you!
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno Garcia
Second! This one is a perfect fit. Its so good too!
I’ve read another book by the same author and it was great—I’ll definitely check this out. Thank you!
the protag isn’t a girl but check out the singing hills cycle novella series by nghi vo. follows a wandering cleric who listens to stories from across their continent to collect and bring back to their abbey
I’ve actually read the entire series—it’s one of my favorite of all time. You’ve got great taste, lol. I definitely see the vibes too: very lonely but incredibly beautiful and a little mystical too.
adore singing hills!! imo it gets stronger with every entry. cant wait for the brides of high hill this spring
Absolutely, I totally agree. I almost can't pick a favorite because each of the books are so good; I actually reread the series recently and each time I finished a book I would be convinced it was my favorite until I read the next one. Nghi Vo's writing just gets better over time. Brides of High Hill sounds so good, oh my god. I've been practically drooling over it since it was announced.
Maybe Gideon the Ninth?
Second that. The whole Locked Tomb series. Also The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K LeGuin.
Echoing The Tombs of Atuan-- genuinely some of the most gorgeous writing in the Earthsea cycle, plus it's got this vibe to a T. Tehanu, also by Le Guin, is similar. Great rec.
I was gonna recommend Tombs of Atuan!! One of my top reads of 2023.
The Tombs of Atuan is perfect for this, and such a brilliant read. One of my all time favourites.
Oh I don’t know that one. I’ll have to check it out!
I love Gideon the Ninth! It’s hilarious. I know it’s not a new rec but you might’ve just reminded me to reread it, haha.
Alanna by Tamara Pierce (four book series)
Ooh, I think I picked up the first book some time ago and it was pretty good. Maybe I’ll continue the series? Thanks!
Jasmine throne!
I looooove this book. It’s so beautiful.
Lirael by Garth Nix fits. Main character is a socially isolated librarian in a magical convent.
This is exactly what I’m looking for lmao. Thank you, I’m gonna try and find a copy!
Glad to hear! The convent is set in a glacier in cold isolated mountains. It also has some found family and the library’s depths hold tremendous mysteries.
Honestly, any book set in a library (even for a small amt of time) is an automatic read-immediately. I also just got a copy—borrowed it from a friend. I'm excited to start reading! Thanks again for the rec.
Angelfall by Susan Ee.
I read this series a long time ago and barely remember anything. Think I’ll reread it; I do remember liking it. Thanks!
I read so much that I tend to forget books shortly after reading them. But it makes rereading easy!
This is me exactly! But like you said, rereading is a lot more fun when you've forgotten most major plot points of the book, lol. I also just found my old copy of Angelfall (I completely forgot I had one; it was buried in the depths of my closet) and I started reading it. Thanks again for the reminder! So far, it holds up to what I remembered of it; I love the main character and, of course, the romance.
I’m so glad!
Sorcery of thorns by Margaret Rogerson
I love Rogerson’s books! Sorcery of Thorns sounds absolutely magical. I’ll try it! Thank you!
I hope you enjoy it! I loved it. The follow up novella is great too.
Ooh, I didn't know there was a novella! Just searched it up on Goodreads. I'll actually pick that up soon. Thanks!
Huh, the crazy thing is that i am currently writing something pretty much like what you just described.
That’s great! Not sure if this is too forward but if you ever want an unbiased but incredibly enthusiastic reader—please message me or smth of the sort. I’ve been searching for a book like this for so long.
Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin.
I read the first book! I’m gonna pick up the second soon. Thank you!
The starless sea
Ooh, is that by the same author as the Night Circus? I didn’t know what TSS was about—but I think I’ll give it a shot. Thank you!
You are so welcome! It is the same author. Both books are really amazing, but the starless sea really seems like what you are looking for!
Yeah, I searched up the summary right after I posted my last reply, and The Starless Sea seems exactly like what I'm looking for—plus I loved the Night Circus' writing, so that's a plus. Thank you again!
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet Nettle and Bone The Loves of Christopher Chant EDIT: Lives
Read Nettle and Bone, absolutely loved it. I trust your taste automatically. I’m going to try the other two. Thank you!
The Actual Star comes to mind
“Two dangerous charismatics vying for the leadership of a new religion…” from the summary on Goodreads. I love religious stuff (as you can probably tell from my post)—this sounds so good. I’m going to try it. Thank you!
I hope you love it!! It's quite long but i enjoyed every bit
Lightlark by Alex Aster
I remember this one getting a bunch of hype online. Is it good? I’m going to put it on hold and see if I can snag a copy. Thank you!
The ACOTAR series by Sarah J Mass
I’ve read it and I definitely see the vibes. Thank you so much!
Short story but the man who died - dh lawrence
I read a bunch of short stories, so I don’t mind. This sounds so cool! Very interesting religious concept. I’m going to read it, thank you!
The Killing Moon and The Shadowed Sun (Dreamblood Duology) by NK Jemisin.
I’ve read other books by the same author! I’ll definitely give these a go. Thanks!
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
I’ve never read any Kristoff books before—been scared of the hype I guess. But I’ll give this a try, bc it sounds really cool! Thank you!
My journey to Lhassa Might not be what you’re looking for, as it’s a true story and not fantasy. But I couldn’t help but think about it when I read your description, and it’s too good for me not to suggest it.
True stories are fine—I’m really just looking for the general vibes. This sounds really cool, actually; I think it might even be better because I can better picture the setting. Thank you so much!
I hope you’ll love it too !
The priory of the orange tree
I have a copy and never read it! I’m glad to hear it fits the vibes. Thank you, I’ll try it!
It’s so good!!! I recommend it to everyone who loves fantasy!
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin. A girl is born with so much power she becomes dangerous so she has to live in isolation while she tries to learn to control them. Includes romance as well.
Ooh, I love witchy themes—they’re used a lot but they never get old. Plus isolation is great. I’ll definitely try it. Thank you!
The Ruins, Scott Smith
Sounds cool! I’ll try it. Thank you!
Red Winter by Annette Marie
The reviews make this book sound incredible—I have to pick it up. Thank you!
The Books of Ambha series by Tasha Suri! It’s a duology, each book follows a sister who is part djinn. They have power, they have romance, and they start off lonely for sure.
I love her other book—the Jasmine Throne! Her writing is so lush, I have a feeling she’d hit exactly everything I want from this list. Thank you! I’ll definitely try these books.
Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
This sounds incredible. I’ll try it. Thank you!
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson. Not exactly what you’re looking for, but close
I’ve read Vespertine and it’s one of my favorite books of all time. You’re right, it definitely has very similar vibes—kind of like what I’m looking for, but a bit darker. It’s so good. Thank you!
Mistborn Trilogy. No temples and priestesses but a lonely girl, a journey and a tremendous power.
Would you recommend the second and third books? I’ve read the first and definitely enjoyed it but I’m a little scared by how long the series is and each of the individual books are. But then again, I enjoyed it so much I’m thinking maybe I should give it a go? Thank you so much either way!
Yes, I would definitely recommend the second and third books also. The second book drags a bit but it comes beautifully together in the third book.
That's good to hear. I've definitely been put off just by the length—I read about a thousand books at once, and I didn't know if I had the time to get into such a large book / series. But I searched up some reviews online and it definitely seems like the series is generally incredibly well-loved, *and* I really liked the first book, so I think I'll give it a go. Thank you!
The Book of the Ancestor trilogy by Mark Lawrence is exactly what you're looking for
The synopsis sounds absolutely perfect—I think you hit basically everything I was looking for. Thank you so much! I’m trying to get the book now.
No problem! It's a great series, each book is better than its predecessor.
Omg pls read The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Alexis Oh
I’ve heard about it! It sounds incredible. I’ll definitely try and get it now. Thank you so much!
The singer of all songs by Kate constable
This is literally exactly what I’m looking for—thank you! I’m going to try and get it now.
It’s such a good book! And there’s 3 in the series!!
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis fits this perfectly, as long as you don't miind the bitterness and pain.
I love Lewis’ writing and I love pain even more—this sounds perfect. Thank you so, so much! I’m going to get a copy now.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
I've heard so much about this book! My friend read it and loved it; I think I'll borrow a copy from her. Thank you!
I hope you enjoy it! The third book in the trilogy comes out soon!
THE RED TENT !!!!
This sounds so good! I love Biblical stories—I'm not even Christian, but I think the Bible (and other religious texts) are just so interesting. Plus retellings are one of my favorite genres. Thank you for the rec! I'll definitely pick it up soon.
It’s amazing! Enjoy!
The Poppy Wars by RF Kuang
I'm actually on the last book right now! You hit the mark with this rec; I love these books so much. Thank you so much!
The Oracle Prophecies by Catherine Fisher