I watched Raya and the Last Dragon the day after it came out, and have not stopped thinking about it since. Thus, it makes perfect sense for me to do a post giving you book recommendations if you were a fan of the ,movie. Each of the books is picked based on a different aspect of the movie, so I hope you find one that you like!
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore
Though Katsa is born with her fighting ability, rather than gaining it through extensive training like Raya, this book is for you if you want powerful girls fighting everything and winning.
Spin the Dawn, by Elizabeth Lim
If you love the worldbuilding of Raya and the Last Dragon, I can guarantee that you’ll love the detail and care put into that aspect of Spin the Dawn.
The Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer
I have no real logical explanation to including this, except for the fact that I’m sure that, if you enjoyed Raya and the Last Dragon, you’ll also love this narrative of girls teaming up to overthrow a corrupt dictatorship. It’s also a retelling of four fairytales, so that’s just cool.
Three Dark Crowns, by Kendare Blake
If the trust/distrust dynamics between Raya and Namaari was your favorite thing about the movie, you’ll love the dynamics between the three protagonists in this series. Starring sisters who were separated at birth and now have to fight each other to the death to win the throne, this series has plenty of backstabbing moments, but also some aspects of learning to trust people who don’t seem to have any reason to help you.
Folk of the Air, by Holly Black
You asked for stabby heroines with trust issues, and I’m delivering.
And I Darken, by Kiersten White
Another stabby heroine, but this time she’s royalty! Honestly, very little about this book is at all similar to Raya and the Last Dragon, but I thought I’d toss it in if you just really liked the fighting aspect.
Ash Princess, by Laura Sebastian
I’m not sure about why this one gives me Raya vibes, but it does. It’s about a princess whose country gets invaded, so she has to live as a trophy for the invading country until she joins a rebellion. Maybe it’s the invaded kingdom aspect? Honestly, I’m not sure.
Shadow and Bone Trilogy, by Leigh Bardugo
Both this trilogy and Raya and the Last Dragon feature monsters made of darkness, so that’s my main connection here.
The Six of Crows duology, by Leigh Bardugo
If you loved the heist aspects of the movie, then this book is for you. Though the group is not quite as eclectic as that in Raya and the Last Dragon (no babies or monkeys), they’re still a varied bunch of characters, and I love all of them. Also, I’m pretty sure Raya and Inej would be best friends once they decided they could trust each other.
Of Fire and Stars, by Audrey Coulthurst
Finally, if you just really really wanted Raya and Namaari to get together (honestly, same) , then this is the book for you. Starring lesbian princesses, it’s very good. Honestly, i don’t remember much of it (I read it almost 4 years ago), but I remember loving it, and I’m confident that you will too.
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