Like any genre, Fantasy protagonists may have one, two or many sisters and brothers. Yet if these stories highlight a relationship in their pages, it’s usually a romance.
These can be fantastic, but are there any that focus on relationships between siblings instead?
If you’re curious, today’s post is for you.
Here are 10 fantasy books featuring siblings:
- The Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts
- Caraval by Stephanie Garber
- The Dragon Hunter and the Mage by V. R. Cardoso
- The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
- The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence
- The Lost Prince by Paul Edwin Zimmer
- Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
- Scorched by Mari Mancusi
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
- The Girl King by Mini Lu
I’ve included book descriptions, readers’ ratings and summaries of positive and negative comments for each book below.
On the other hand, if you’d like a quick summary, here’s a comparison chart.
The Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts
Description
The world of Athera lives in eternal fog, its skies obscured by the malevolent Mistwraith. Only the combined powers of two half-brothers can challenge the Mistwraith’s stranglehold: Arithon, Master of Shadow and Lysaer, Lord of Light.
Arithon and Lysaer will find that they are inescapably bound inside a pattern of events dictated by their own deepest convictions. Yet there is more at stake than one battle with the Mistwraith – as the sorcerers of the Fellowship of Seven know well. For between them the half-brothers hold the balance of the world, its harmony and its future, in their hands.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.76
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
First on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is The Curse of the Mistwraith. This novel delighted its fans with its evocative world-building as well as its luscious and immersive writing style.
These readers praised the nuance and complexity of The Curse of the Mistwraith‘s world, saying it featured vibrant legends, cultures, politics, magic and more. Many remarked that its freshness and imagination completely transported them into the book’s pages.
In addition, fans enthused over the story’s writing style. Describing it as rich in nuances, double-meanings and more, these readers said that it added dimension and an epic-quality to tale.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? Overall, these readers had two reasons they didn’t enjoy The Curse of the Mistwraith.
The first was that the story’s structure was disjointed, seemingly to skip from place to place rather than each section building on the previous one.
Related to this, the second reason was that critics found it difficult to bond with the characters because the point of views would change before they had time to get attached.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Description
Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval — the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show — are over.
But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Second on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is Caraval. This enchanting novel grabbed fans with its many plot twists and fairy-tale atmosphere.
These readers said that the twists, turns and surprises came non-stop, keeping them breathlessly turning the pages. Many eagerly anticipated what would happen next, especially given the high stakes, mysterious forces working in the background, and the swift pacing.
Other fans praised Caraval for its magical writing style, saying that the vivid descriptions created a captivating mystical atmosphere.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? For the most part, these readers either focused on the romance, saying it didn’t seem to have much foundation, or said that the story seemed like familiar Young Adult Fantasy.
The Dragon Hunter and the Mage by V. R. Cardoso
Description
Magic can make you invincible. If it doesn’t get you killed first.
Aric and Fadan are half-brothers. Both sons of the Empress, but only one of them the son of the Emperor. A decade ago, Fadan’s powerful father tore the Empire in two by outlawing the use and practice of magic.
Forbidden from seeing each other, Aric and Fadan defy the Emperor and wander the vast Imperial Citadel until one night, they stumble upon an ancient Manual of Magic. They are faced with a choice: take the book straight to the Emperor or see if one of them has the forbidden magical Talent.
Their world is turned upside down and the half-brothers find themselves swept away as tragedy and conspiracy separate them, sending each to either end of the Empire.
In a world of dark mages, massive creatures, and vengeful gods, one will train as a Dragon Hunter while the other taps into magical powers that could spell his execution.
Dark forces are moving in the shadows and no one in the Empire is ready for what’s to come. Will Aric and Fadan survive to ever see each other again?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.10
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Third on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is The Dragon Hunter and the Mage. This coming of age novel features two main characters that readers found a delight to follow.
Seeing the two brothers discover their gifts and grow into adults gripped them. At the same time, fans said that both the main characters and the side ones were well-developed, all of them adding to the story.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? In general, they said that The Dragon Hunter and the Mage had a slow beginning. Others said that the book occasionally used modern terminology they didn’t think matched the medieval-inspired world.
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
Description
Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish: to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she’ll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in eighteenth-century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age — her tyrannical father has made that much clear.
As Nannerl’s hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true — but his help may cost her everything.
In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is The Kingdom of Back.
This novel blends Fantasy and Historical fiction, something that delighted fans. Many described it as a beautiful melding of both genres, one that was unique and full of atmosphere,magical and historical. Fans were easily absorbed into The Kingdom of Back‘s world.
Along with that, they also connected deeply with Nannerl. Fans described her as immensely easy to empathize with: fighting for recognition in a world set again her, she struck them as very human.
Moreover, they often said that her mixture of love and rivalry with Wolfgang was sweet and heartwarming.
Negative Comments
If readers didn’t enjoy The Kingdom of Back, what did they say? In general, critics had two reasons.
The first had to do with the story’s genre. Those who preferred it be more Historical were bothered by the Fantasy elements, while whose who preferred the Fantasy genre thought it wasn’t fantastical enough.
Apart from that, some described the plot as episodic rather than growing organically. Critics thought that this made it seem like the story was more a series of events rather than building in a clear direction.
The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence
Description
In the ice, east of the Black Rock, there is a hole into which broken children are thrown.
On Abeth the vastness of the ice holds no room for individuals. Survival together is barely possible. No one survives alone.
To resist the cold, to endure the months of night when even the air itself begins to freeze, requires a special breed. Variation is dangerous, difference is fatal. And Yaz is not the same.
Yaz is torn from the only life she’s ever known, away from her family, from the boy she thought she would spend her days with, and has to carve out a new path for herself in a world whose existence she never suspected. A world full of difference and mystery and danger.
Yaz learns that Abeth is older and stranger than she had ever imagined. She learns that her weaknesses are another kind of strength. And she learns to challenge the cruel arithmetic of survival that has always governed her people.
Only when it’s darkest you can see the stars.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is The Girl and the Stars.
This fast-paced, action-packed novel seized fans’ attention with its survival thriller plot, vivid world-building and likable protagonist, Yaz. In terms of sibling relationships, she spends a significant part of the story fighting for and trying to rescue her younger, beloved brother.
These readers often praised the character cast overall, saying that it was populated with many fascinating and distinct characters. However, several highlighted Yaz in particular. While powerful, she came across as relatable and easy to sympathize with.
Aside from that, readers enthused over the world in The Girl and the Stars. The cultures, politics, aesthetics and more made this an atmospheric and imaginative setting, one that was easy to get absorbed into.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about The Girl and the Stars?
In general, these readers said that several of the story elements and characters were familiar Young Adult Fantasy ones. Other readers said that the world and magic system were complex, which confused them at times.
The Lost Prince by Paul Edwin Zimmer
Description
Were it not for the awesome power of the Hasturs, the creatures contained by the dark border would overrun mankind.
As humans reeled from the constant onslaught only to rebound, the darkness searched for another path to victory. It stole a princeling and raised him in Shadow, teaching him how to command the living and the dead, how to usurp his brother’s throne through magic, and how to turn humans against themselves.
And then it sent him home…
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.84
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is The Lost Prince. This novel grabbed fans with its intricate world, meaningful drama and exciting sword-fights.
Filled with political intrigue, action and a grand-scale war, the book had readers racing through its pages. At the same time, they mentioned that the story’s themes of love, honor and redemption gave it refreshing depth and complexity. Several pointed to the drama between the twin princes as particularly absorbing.
In addition, fans praised its world-building, saying that the cultures, histories, and more were thoughtful and well-fleshed out. Rather than being scenery, they added richness to the story and affected the characters’ decisions.
Negative Comments
No book is without its critics, including The Lost Prince. What did they think?
Overall, these readers said that the book’s writing wasn’t entirely smooth. For instance, some thought the plot had moments that seemed forced. Others said that the ending didn’t seem fully resolved.
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
Description
The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles star in the first novel in Cassandra Clare’s newest series, The Dark Artifices, a sequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.
It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.
Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…
Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark — who was captured by the faeries five years ago — has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind — and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it.
But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.42
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Next on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is Lady Midnight. What did fans rave over in this novel?
Well, overall, readers praised it as a fantastic mix of everything they loved in stories: an action-packed plot, a mystery, magic, compelling relationships with friends and family, and forbidden love. Ultimately, Lady Midnight was a book that made them laugh, cry, cheer and everything in between.
More specifically though, fans often pointed to the protagonists, Emma and Julian, as their main reasons for enjoying this book. They said the two of them were sympathetic, both with their own strengths and flaws. Individually, they were easy to care about. But together, their romance was powerful and meaningful.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about Lady Midnight? Overall, these readers tended to perceive Emma and Julian’s romance as overly sentimental in some fashion.
For some, they suggested their pining for each other was excessive. For others, they struggled to see what the two of them were like as individuals outside of their romance.
Scorched by Mari Mancusi
Description
Trinity
Don’t leave me here…
It starts with a whisper. At first Trinity thinks she’s going crazy. It wouldn’t be a big surprise — her grandpa firmly believes there’s a genuine dragon egg in their dusty little West Texas town.
But this voice is real, and it’s begging for her protection. Even if no one else can hear it…
Connor
He’s come from a future scorched by dragonfire. His mission: Find the girl. Destroy the egg. Save the world.
Caleb
He’s everything his twin brother Connor hates: cocky, undisciplined, and obsessed with saving dragons.
Trinity has no idea which brother to believe. All she has to go by is the voice in her head — a dragon that won’t be tamed.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.78
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is Scorched. Readers often described this fantasy novel as ‘Terminator with dragons’, a unique blend of time-travel and dragons that they loved!
They reported that the novel’s fast pacing kept them glued to the pages. Action-packed and exciting, the book also presented a mystery about the two brothers’ true motives and pasts that drew readers in. Several remarked that discerning between the truths and lies was one of Scorched‘s highlights.
Others added that they appreciated the portrayal of Emberlyn, the dragon. While some stories characterize dragon allies as friendly and pet-like, Scorched portrays dragons as both deadly and magnificent. These readers enjoyed this intriguing and dangerous atmosphere around Trinity’s flame-breathing ally.
Negative Comments
While Scorched has plenty of fans, some readers didn’t enjoy it. What did critics say?
Their comments were consistent: despite its dragon and apocalyptic spin, the novel came across as familiar YA fantasy. To be more specific, these readers expressed disappointment that the novel features a love triangle and characters with familiar personalities.
These readers described Trinity, Conner and Caleb as standard YA characters. Moreover, they said that the ‘good boy’ versus ‘bad boy’ setup to the romance was standard as well.
Any tension or conflict between the three characters didn’t make an impression: it felt like sights along a well-trodden path rather than a situation that piqued their interest and invested them in the outcome.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Description
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.
Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing ― not even a smear of blood ― to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk.
Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight?
The Shadowhunters would like to know…
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 4.10
Most Common Rating: 5
Positive Comments
Another story on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is City of Bones. In this case they are Alec and Isabelle, two strong supporting characters.
Overall, this fast-paced novel captivated fans with its combination of favorite story elements and its exciting world-building.
For instance, several mentioned that they recognized tropes from beloved stories, whether that be Harry Potter, Star Wars or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Seeing all of these combined together thrilled them.
Moreover, fans praised City of Bones’ world-building, which drew them into a modern, urban fantasy world filled with magical creatures, romantic dramas, secrets and danger. Paired with an action-packed story line, these readers flew through the book’s pages on the edge of their seats.
Negative Comments
What did critics say about City of Bones? For the most part, they tended to cite either the familiar tropes or Clary, the protagonist, as their reasons for disliking the story.
In terms of the tropes, what fans named as a highlight was what these readers named as a negative. They said that the similarities stood out too much and they interpreted their presence as clichés.
As for Clary, critics described her as unlikable. For some, this was because of her passivity: rather than driving making her seem tough and independent, her actions came across to them as selfishness or excessive. For instance, they mentioned that she frequently yells and, at one point, slaps someone.
The Girl King by Mini Lu
Description
Two sisters become unwitting rivals in a war to claim the title of Emperor in this sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice and betrayal for readers of Sabaa Tahir and Alwyn Hamilton.
All hail the Girl King.
Sisters Lu and Min have always understood their places as princesses of the Empire. Lu knows she is destined to become the dynasty’s first female ruler, while Min is resigned to a life in her shadow.
Then their father declares their male cousin Set the heir instead — a betrayal that sends the sisters down two very different paths.
Determined to reclaim her birthright, Lu goes on the run. She needs an ally — and an army — if she is to succeed. Her quest leads her to Nokhai, the last surviving wolf shapeshifter. Nok wants to keep his identity secret, but finds himself forced into an uneasy alliance with the girl whose family killed everyone he ever loved…
Alone in the volatile court, Min’s hidden power awakens — a forbidden, deadly magic that could secure Set’s reign…or allow Min to claim the throne herself.
But there can only be one Emperor, and the sisters’ greatest enemy could turn out to be each other.
What Do Readers Say?
Goodreads Rating: 3.60
Most Common Rating: 4
Positive Comments
Last on our list of fantasy books featuring siblings is The Girl King.
This story’s fans greatly appreciated its Asian-inspired setting, but also said that they also found novel’s plot captivating. Full of twists and turns, it kept them racing through its pages.
Negative Comments
What did critics say? In general, those who didn’t rate The Girl King highly said that apart from the Asian-inspired setting, the novel wasn’t much different from other Young Adult Fantasy stories. In particular, the main characters came across as standard to them.
10 Amazing Fantasy Books Featuring Siblings You Can’t Miss
How Do These Fantasy Novels Compare?
10 Amazing Fantasy Books Featuring Siblings You Can’t Miss
- The Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts
- Caraval by Stephanie Garber
- The Dragon Hunter and the Mage by V. R. Cardoso
- The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
- The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence
- The Lost Prince by Paul Edwin Zimmer
- Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
- Scorched by Mari Mancusi
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
- The Girl King by Mini Lu
Related: 5 Great Fantasy Books With Family Relationships to Read
