So maybe the final season wasn’t everything you wanted and more, and now you feel sorry for young girls named Khaleesi. But despite its flaws, there was no show like Game of Thrones before it premiered. What other show will give you conniving politics between warring families, gory zombie battle scenes, shocking deaths that inspire YouTube reaction videos, dangerous and awesome pets like direwolfs and dragons, plus characters as nuanced as Tyrion, Arya, and Brienne? None. So that’s why you should read a book instead! These incredible books will fill the Westeros-sized hole in your heart and give you something new to obsess about.

10 Books to Read If You Miss Game of Thrones

1. Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

Do you love the complicated sibling relationships in Game of Thrones? Whether it was the power struggle between Jon and Sansa, Tyrion and Cersei, or Yara and Theon, were you always yearning for more? If so, then Crown of Feathers is what you need to read ASAP. This book has a complicated sibling rivalry for the ages, and is perfect for your love of sibling power dynamics!

In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

2. The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Is your favorite character Arya Stark? Then The Lady Rogue is the perfect book to fill the Game of Thrones hole in your soul. Like Arya, Theodora doesn’t take no for an answer, and is unfailingly loyal to her family, she isn’t interested in the role society has deemed appropriate for young women. She dreams of adventure, of danger, but she doesn’t have her father’s permission. Instead of taking her on his journeys, her father takes his nineteen-year-old protégé, Huck Gallagaher, and leaves Theodora behind. But when Huck returns from an expedition without her father, he enlists Theodora’s help to rescue him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him. Her journey with Huck will give you serious Arya and Gendry vibes, and you will have a new favorite ship to root for. Pick up The Lady Rogue if you’re missing your favorite Stark, and find a new awesome heroine to love.

3. Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller

Do you often think of Brienne and the Hound’s epic fight scene in the season four finale? Or the Cleganbowl in the series finale? Or Arya’s EPIC stabbing of the Night King? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then Cursed is the Game of Thrones-inspired book for you.

Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared in her Druid village, and that made her desperate to leave…That is, until her entire village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue’s fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people’s only hope. Her mission leaves little room for revenge, but the growing power within her can think of little else. Nimue teams up with a charming mercenary named Arthur and refugee Fey Folk from across England. She wields a sword meant for the one true king, battling paladins and the armies of a corrupt king. She struggles to unite her people, avenge her family, and discover the truth about her destiny. But perhaps the one thing that can change Destiny itself is found at the edge of a blade.

4. Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells

If you came to Game of Thrones for the dragons and badass female characters, then Shatter the Sky is perfect for you! Just like Game of Thrones, this book has a strong female dragon rider, and a woman who is hell bent on her mission to succeed. Raised among the ruins of a conquered mountain nation, Maren dreams only of sharing a quiet life with her girlfriend Kaia—until the day Kaia is abducted by the Aurati, prophetic agents of the emperor, and forced to join their ranks. Desperate to save her, Maren hatches a plan to become an apprentice to the emporor’s mysterious dragon trailer in order to steal one of the emperor’s coveted dragons and storm the Aurati stronghold. But Maren is unprepared for the dangerous secrets she uncovers: rumors of a lost prince (cough cough Jon Snow cough), a brewing rebellion, and a prophecy that threatens to shatter the empire itself. Not to mention the strange dreams she’s been having about a beast deep underground…

5. The Modern Faerie Tales by Holly Black

Do you love Game of Thrones, but wish that it had a modern twist? If so, then The Modern Faerie Tales is perfect for you! This series still has all the fantasy elements you love, along with a strong female protagonist, and it has a modern angle that brings a new perspective to this genre.

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother’s rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself as an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms—a struggle that could very well mean her death.

6. Alanna by Tamora Pierce

Is your favorite character in Game of Thrones Brienne of Tarth? Was the moment that Jaime knighted her one of your favorites in the whole series? If yes, then Alanna: The First Adventure, is perfect for you! Just like Brienne of Tarth, Alanna wanted nothing more than to be a knight, but unfortunately, women are forbidden to be warriors. Disguised as a boy, Alanna begins her training as a page at the palace of King Roald. But the road to knighthood, as she discovers, is not an easy one. Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, Alanna’s first adventure begins—one that will lead to the fulfillment of her dreams and make her a legend in the land.

This book is absolutely perfect if you’re missing Game of Thrones because it has the medieval setting, the strong female characters, and the deception and intrigue so quintessential to the series. Alanna will remind you of Brienne of Tarth in all the best ways, and is the perfect book to pick up if you’re missing her!

7. Slayer by Kiersten White

If you love Game of Thrones because of the vast world building, then you will love Slayer. Set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Slayer introduces a new slayer as she grapples with the responsibility of managing her incredible powers that she’s just beginning to understand. Like Game of Thrones, the Slayer universe is complicated and fascinating, and filled with diverse and fascinating characters. Similar to Thrones universe, you’ll never completely understand or know the Buffyverse, and that’s partly what makes it so exciting!

8. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power. Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.

Although all of the characters in Sorcery of Thorns are complicated, there is no one more tortured and layered as Silas, Nathaniel’s demonic servant. Silas is a demon, and Nathaniel gave years of his life to him in order to use magic. But despite this dynamic, Silas cares for Nathaniel, and Nathaniel cares for him. Their relationship is beautiful and difficult to describe, and Silas’s character perfectly aligns with the other morally ambiguous characters so beloved within the Game of Thrones universe. This book is perfect if the characters are what you’re missing most from Game of Thrones!

9. The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has prepared for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found. Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed.

The Impostor Queen is perfect for Game of Thrones fans, because its premise resembles one of the the main plot lines in series, Joffrey Baratheon’s parentage and his claim to the throne. Just like Game of Thrones, the entire series revolves around this question, and ultimately asks us, does it really matter? If you loved the reveal of Jon Snow’s parentage and how that conflicted with Dany’s claim to the throne, then this book is perfect for you!

10. The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow

If you found Theon Greyjoy’s complicated relationship with the Starks and the Greyjoys endlessly fascinating, then The Scorpion Rules is for you. Similar to how Theon was a ward to the Starks as a child, Greta is a hostage held by the de facto ruler of the world so that her family won’t begin a war. This creates a complicated dynamic, and one you know well as a Game of Thrones fan! Greta will be free if she can make it to her eighteenth birthday. Until then she is prepared to die with dignity, if necessary. But everything changes when Elian arrives at the Precepture. He’s a hostage from a new American alliance, and he defies the machines that control every part of their lives—and is severely punished for it. His rebellion opens Greta’s eyes to the brutality of the rules they live under, and to the subtle resistance of her companions. And Greta discovers her own quiet power.

Then Elian’s country declares war on Greta’s and invades the prefecture, taking the hostages hostage. Now the great Talis is furious, and coming himself to deliver punishment. Which surely means that Greta and Elian will be killed…unless Greta can think of a way to break all the rules.

Do you wish Game of Thrones had ended differently? Choose Who Will Be on The Iron Throne and Get a Book Rec!

I don’t know about you but I love a good meet-cute. Whether it’s Romeo and Juliet catching eyes from across the room, or Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) walking into William Thacker’s (Hugh Grant) little bookstore on Notting Hill, these first moments always make me smile. So here’s a list of a few of my favorite YA meet-cutes that will make you excited to read these books!

9 Meet-Cutes That Will Make You Believe in Love

1. Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi

 How I Met Your Mother tells us that nothing good happens after 2 A.M., but Pablo Rind would like to disagree. It’s after 4 A.M. when Pablo meets pop superstar Leanna Smart in the dead of winter, when she strolls into the bodega where he works to get a late-night snack. They immediately bond over their shared love of strange, yet delicious junk food combinations, and his life irrevocably changes. Their first meeting is flirtatious and adorable, and will make you hungry. So next time you’re working a boring, dead shift, at your part-time job, don’t despair! Shawn Mendes could walk through those doors and change your life forever.

2. Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali

Airports can be the worst, they’re loud, the food is overpriced, and you have to go to war to charge your phone for five minutes. But despite their faults, airports are kind of romantic. You’re trapped in a building with a bunch of strangers, and there’s something exciting about making a connection with someone you’re almost sure to never see again. When Zayneb gets suspended for standing up to her Islamophobic teacher, she goes to Doha to spend two weeks with her Aunt Nandy. On her flight there, she meets Adam, and the two instantly hit it off. Sharing their different experiences with racism and loss, Zayneb and Adam begin to fall for each other. So next time you’re on a plane, don’t complain if you have the middle seat, you never know who might be sitting next to you!

3. A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti

So, you know how your grandparents are always trying to set you up? Well, maybe next time you should let them. Annabelle Agnelli doesn’t even want to celebrate her birthday, she just wants to run across the country, but her family insists, and Granpda Ed brings two uninvited guests. At first, Annabelle doesn’t think much about Grandpa Ed’s crush’s grandson, but then he gives her a birthday gift. A themed cassette tape for her journey. It turns out Grandpa Ed knows Annabelle more than she’d like to admit, and soon her and Luke grow closer. You’ll have to finish this book to find out just how close, but if their meet-cute is any indication, it’s sweet, simple, but somehow extraordinary.

4. Cursed by Thomas Wheeler, Illustrated by Frank Miller

In this retelling of King Arthur, The Lady of the Lake, Nimue is the true hero, but that doesn’t mean Arthur isn’t a part of the story. Forget Guinevere, Arthur and Nimue are the romance you’ll care about in Cursed. Nimue and Arthur’s story begins when she spots him singing in the streets in town. She notices that his voice isn’t perfect, but she can’t help but feel drawn to him. It’s obvious that his looks don’t hurt. As he sings, Nimue knows that he’s looking right at her, and her friend immediately calls out his interest. Their physical attraction is followed by some amazing flirtatious banter, and soon enough you’ll not only be hooked by the action and adventure of Cursed, but also by the relationship between two of the most central characters.

5. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

In the Summer of 1987, Aristotle and Dante meet at the pool. Aristotle doesn’t know how to swim, so Dante offers to teach him. It’s a sweet set-up to their epic romance, and soon the two bond over their shared fears, futures, and desires. Their meet-cute is understated and beautiful, just like their love story. Summer is almost over, but it’s not too late to go to the pool and hopefully meet your Aristotle or Dante!

6. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

It’s not good to spy, we all know that, but it’s far worse to get caught. When Elisabeth is sneaking around the “reading room”, which is off limits to her, she knocks a bookshelf over and reveals herself in a spectacular fashion to the sorcerer she was hiding from. Elisabeth’s first impression to Nathaniel is embarrassing, but their meet-cute is adorable and full of flirtatious banter. You’ll be shipping these two as soon as Nathaniel refers to her as a “feral librarian”, and you’ll be holding your breath each time they get close. So next time you humiliate yourself in front of someone cute, don’t worry, this very well could be the embarrassing beginning to your own love story!

7. Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Sam and Penny’s meet-cute isn’t something you’ve read before. When Penny walks by Sam as he’s having a panic attack, she helps him through the episode and gives him her phone number. Despite being total strangers, the two agree to be each other’s emergency contact. It’s not like they have better options, both of their mothers are totally unreliable and their fathers aren’t in the pictures. In most love stories, the first meeting leads to so many more, but Sam and Penny’s relationship is comprised mostly over text. Which for two introverts, is kind of a relief. You’ll have to read this one to see how it ends, but hopefully their meet cute inspires you to be a little kinder to the strangers you meet, you never know what might happen.

8. Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

It’s not every day that a sister tackles her older brother in a parking lot in Ireland, so it’s no surprise that Rowan is immediately interested in Addie. He’s drawn to her ferociousness and determination, and the two quickly bond in the week they spend driving across Ireland together. Sure, it’s a bit complicated because Rowan is Addie’s brother’s friend, but he’s cute, has an Irish accent, and understands her in a way few people do. Addie and Rowan’s meet-cute is adorable and ridiculous and hilarious and just a preview of their relationship to come.

9. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

You know this book has a good meet cute because its name is inspired by one of the greatest rom-coms of all time. When Dimple meets Rishi…it does not go well. Their parents have decided to arrange a marriage for them, and while Rishi is totally on board, Dimple is not, but that’s also because she has no clue. So, it’s not the best idea when Rishi refers to her as his “future wife” and so you can’t blame her for throwing her coffee in his face. It’s not love at first sight, and you’ll have to read to find out the rest!

Looking for more? Check out these adorable romances that will make you believe in love.

People are exhausting. They’re loud, rude, and they don’t understand why you’d rather stay in bed re-reading City of Bones for the fiftieth time than putting on clothes, going outside, and talking to people about the weather and their hobbies. So next time you bail on plans because your bed is calling you, cuddle up with one of these books about introverts that we know you’ll love.

6 Books About Introverts for Introverts

1. Charlie – The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky

If you haven’t read The Perks of Being a Wallflower yet, cancel all of your immediate plans. After Charlie’s best and only friend commits suicide, he enters his freshman year of high school more alone than ever. As an introvert, Charlie prefers to live life on the periphery, and struggles to make friends. Eventually, he is befriended by step-siblings Sam and Patrick, who take him under their wing, and introduce him to The Smiths, David Bowie, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While never losing his introversion, Charlie learns to “participate” in his own life and to not be afraid to ask for what he wants. If you’re looking for great books about introverts, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the perfect place to start. It is a true love letter to introverts, and required reading for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.

2. Lara Jean – To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you relate to Lara Jean’s obsession with books, and perhaps, even her affection for steamy romance. While Lara Jean’s preference for books over people is relatable, it’s also the reason the steamy romances she reads don’t translate to her love life. That is, until her sister sends her love letters to her current and former crushes, and wonderful chaos ensues. Lara Jean learns there is nothing wrong with staying in to scrapbook, read, or bake, as long as it’s not because you’re too afraid to live your life and experience new things. Read this book to inspire you to go out into the world and find a Peter Kavinsky for yourself, or a hobby or interest that’s just as fulfilling.

3. Sam and Penny – Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

I think it’s kinda safe to say that both Penny and Sam are introverts. When Penny and Sam agree to become each other’s emergency contacts, they don’t know each other well, but it’s not like they have better options. Both of their mothers are unreliable, and neither of their fathers are in the picture. Penny and Sam are pretty awkward IRL, but they quickly develop an intense relationship over text, sharing their dreams of becoming artists in their own right and their difficult pasts. Emergency Contact shows that as aspirational as a solely digital relationship can be to an introvert, it’s a false intimacy. Emergency Contact will inspire you to go out of comfort zone and find a relationship that’s worth leaving your bed.

4. Analee – Analee, in Real Life by Janelle Milanes

If you’re looking for books about introverts, look no further than Analee. In life, Analee is an introvert who’s avoiding her problems, but online, as Kiri, she’s a brave badass night elf hunter unafraid of anything. Analee prefers living as Kiri and develops feelings for her game partner Xolkar, a teen boy named Harris who’s she’s never met. Soon Analee’s real life gets as complicated as her gaming one when her lab partner convinces her to enter a fake relationship so that he can make his ex-girlfriend jealous. Analee agrees because talking to people in real life isn’t her strong suit and she wants practice for when she finally gathers the courage to meet Harris. While the romantic chaos and love triangle is fun, the true joy of Analee in Real Life is her emotional journey. Analee never loses her introversion and her love of gaming, but she learns that she’s much braver than she thinks, and real Analee, isn’t afraid of anything either.

5. Zorie – Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Another great addition to our books about introverts list, is Zorie. She prefers looking at the stars than interacting with people, so when she’s stranded in the woods with her ex-best friend and crush Lennon, it’s not her ideal scenario. But as Zorie and Lennon face the great wilderness together, the walls that she had built to protect herself are slowly eroded my his irresistible charm, sarcasm, and affection for her. Eventually, as Zorie opens herself up to the possibility of something more, she finds the stars aren’t the only thing she loves in the universe.

6. Xavier – Bad Girls with Perfect Faces by Lynn Weingarten

Xavier’s best friend Sasha only wants what’s best for him, or so she believes. She hates his cheating ex, Ivy and when she thinks Xavier might get back together with her, she hatches a plan. Sasha decides to catfish Ivy in order to lure her away, but her plan goes dangerously awry. Xavier is a sweet introvert, who doesn’t like conflict or hurting people’s feelings, and although Sasha may have had good intentions, it’s completely unacceptable for her to meddle in his life. Xavier’s introversion is not a license to interfere. This is something I think all introverts can understand, which is why it’s a perfect addition to this list of books about introverts for introverts. Bad Girls with Perfect Faces reveals the darkness inside all of us and is a warning to never meddle in someone’s life, even if you think it’s for the best.

Need more books a day full of snuggling up and reading? Check out this list of standalone books you can read in one sitting!

Not every friendship is full of supportive emoji ridden texts, Starbucks runs, and late-night movie marathons. Instead of “I’ll be there” as a theme song, some friendships should use Britney Spears’ “Toxic” instead. Read this list for the toxic friendships that we can only hope we learned something from.

6 YA Toxic Friendships That Are #Relatable

1. Sasha – Bad Girls with Perfect Faces by Lynn Weingarten

It’s not easy seeing your best friend get back together with a cheating ex who doesn’t deserve them. By the way, Khloe Kardashian, we’re here for you. So although Sasha may want what’s best for her best friend Xavier, no solution to a problem ever involves cat-fishing. Sasha and Xavier are far from model best friends, but their toxic relationship does create a satisfying read you won’t be able to put down.

2. Anna and Elise – Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas

Inspired by the Amanda Knox and Natalee Holloway cases, best friends Anna and Elise embark on a spring break trip that ends with Elise murdered and Anna charged with the crime. Filled with jealousy, infidelity, class and privilege and so much more, Anna and Elise’s unhealthy relationship will keep you turning the page, and glad the worst thing your best friend ever did was forget your birthday.

3. The MRA Guys – The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed

Three friends, Grace, Rosina, and Erin, decide to enact revenge when they learn a former female student was run out of town after she accused three boys of gang rape. The friends band together and create a movement in their school by convincing all of the female students to abstain from sex with their male peers as protest. They incite the ire of a MRA (Men’s Rights Activist) Group at the school, who for obvious reasons, doesn’t approve of the protest. The boys in the MRA group have an entire network of toxic friendships, because their group promotes intolerance and hatred, and their culture of silence does not foster any kind of supportive and loving environment. Their toxicity is definitely not one we hate to love, but one that is a reminder of why we can’t stop fighting for equality.

4. Veronyka and Val – Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

Okay, so while Veronyka and Val are sisters, all siblings are basically related friends, and their relationship is…complicated. Veronyka never wanted the throne to come between her and her sister, but after a shocking betrayal she disguises herself as a boy and becomes a Phoenix rider. Val is controlling and overbearing, and her relationship with Veronyka suffers because of it. However, there is a lot of love between these two, and they’re both badass in their own right, so even though their relationship is toxic, it’s complicated, and it’s one you’ll definitely be rooting for to change.

5. Ruby, Gavin, Parker, Brett, and Juniper – This Lie Will Kill You by Chelsea Pitcher

A year after one of their friends dies at a party, five teens are invited to a mysterious mansion for a chance to win $50,000. It seems someone is pulling an “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and enacting their revenge to find the truth. Usually the best of friends aren’t involved in a complicated murder plot, so while This Lie Will Kill You won’t give you squad goals, it’s CLUE meets RIVERDALE plot will have you hooked.

6. Zorie and Reagan – Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Zorie and Reagan have been friends since they were little kids, but as they grow up, their friendship becomes anything but healthy. Reagan manipulates and excludes Zorie on numerous occasions, and even starts hooking up with the guy Zorie has had a crush on since, like, forever. After trying to force Zorie to get into a relationship with a guy she hates and revealing that the whole time Zorie has been trying to make it happen with Brett, Reagan has been fooling around with him on the side, Reagan abandons Zorie in the middle of the forest. LITERALLY. In the middle of the forest. This toxic friendship ends with Zorie relying on the guy she hates for survival, and if I were her, I’d be thinking twice about who I want to sit with at lunch from now on.

YA books are so great for understanding relationships. Check out this list of complicated female friendships that are #relatable.

Why go outside looking for love this Valentine’s Day, when your soul mate is already within the pages of your favorite book?? Take this quiz to find out which of your favorite book crushes is the one for you!

In the mood for some more love stories? If so, you’ll love this list of romance tropes that we can’t get enough of!