Loved The Buried and the Bound? Read These 10 YA Books Next!

Finishing a book as utterly bewitching as this one can leave you feeling a little lost in the ordinary world.

Chasing the Echo of a Perfect Spell

There’s a unique magic to finishing a book like Roshani Chokshi’s masterpiece, ‘The Buried and the Bound’. It’s the feeling of closing the final page and still hearing the whisper of spells in the wind, seeing the glint of otherworldly light in the shadows, and feeling the chill of an ancient secret settling deep in your bones. Chokshi doesn’t just write a story; she weaves an atmosphere so thick you can almost taste the magic on the air, leaving readers completely enchanted and desperate for more.

So, what is the formula for this captivating literary alchemy? At its heart, the novel is an unforgettable tapestry woven from three core threads:

• Modern Witchcraft: Magic that feels both ancient and immediate, practiced not in a far-off fantasy kingdom but in a world that mirrors our own.
• Deep-rooted Folklore: A rich connection to timeless myths and legends that gives the world a sense of history and gravitas.
• Ancient Curses: The chilling, ever-present threat of dark magic and old promises that raises the stakes and keeps your heart pounding.

If you’ve found yourself wandering your local library or bookstore searching for that same intoxicating blend of wonder and danger, consider this your magical roadmap. We’ve curated a list for every fan of the YA Fantasy genre who was left spellbound by the Otherwhere and the cursed teens who call it home. These 10 books are more than just recommendations; they are a promise to satisfy your craving for intricate magic systems, lush storytelling that paints a world behind your eyes, and compelling characters who walk the razor’s edge between darkness and light.

Let’s begin our journey with a book that masterfully weaves ancient legends into the fabric of the modern world.

If the ancient, hidden magic lurking just beneath the surface of our world was what captivated you most, then your next obsession is waiting.

What if King Arthur’s Heirs Were Hiding at College?

Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, a book that feels like a spiritual successor to the sense of discovery you loved in The Buried and the Bound. This is the perfect read for anyone who finished Roshani Chokshi’s novel and immediately craved more magic hiding in plain sight.

Welcome to the Legendborn

Our journey begins with Bree Matthews, a high school student attending a residential program at UNC-Chapel Hill. Still reeling from her mother’s recent death, Bree isn’t looking for adventure—but adventure finds her. On her very first night, she witnesses a magical attack on campus and discovers a secret society of students known as the “Legendborn.” This clandestine group, comprised of the descendants of King Arthur and his knights, hunts monsters that feed on human energy. It’s a brilliant, pulse-pounding example of Urban Fantasy, weaving an epic, ancient legend into the fabric of a modern university campus.

From Buried Secrets to a Hidden Society

Remember the thrill of uncovering the magical history of the crossroads, the hidden dangers, and the secret pacts in The Buried and the Bound? Legendborn captures that same electrifying feeling of pulling back the curtain on our reality. Just as Aziza, Leo, and Tristan discovered a world of curses and fae bargains operating just beyond mortal perception, Bree stumbles into a centuries-old war she never knew existed. The theme of uncovering a magical world that has always been there, simmering with power and peril, connects these two books beautifully.

A Rich Tapestry of Folklore and Ancestry

If the rich, intricate Folklore Chokshi built was your favorite part of the story, you will adore the world-building in Legendborn. Tracy Deonn masterfully reimagines Arthurian legend, but she doesn’t stop there. The book also delves into a powerful and distinct magic rooted in African American history and spiritual traditions. Bree’s quest to understand her own burgeoning power becomes a profound exploration of ancestral magic, grief, and identity. This dual system of lore is complex, emotional, and will deeply resonate with readers who appreciate when magic is tied to history, culture, and lineage.

This is an enthusiastic, absolute must-read for anyone who loves:

• Powerful family legacies with earth-shattering secrets.
• Ancient secret societies operating in the modern day.
• Stories that prove magic can be found anywhere—even on a college campus.

But if you’re looking for a story where the magic is less about hidden legacies and more about raw, dangerous witchcraft locked in a battle with unyielding faith, then another tale awaits.

After exploring the hidden magic and reimagined mythology of Legendborn, prepare to confront a different kind of enchantment, one forged in fire and forbidden passion.

Ignite the Pyre or Spark the Heart? The Perilous Love of Witch and Hunter

Imagine a world where the very essence of who you are is a death sentence, and the only person who can save you is sworn to hunt and destroy your kind. This is the electrifying premise of Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove, a spellbinding tale that plunges readers into the heart of an enemies-to-lovers romance so intense, it burns brighter than any pyre.

A Flame Forged in Forbidden Bonds

At the core of Serpent & Dove is the captivating dance between Lou, a cunning witch who has spent her life evading capture, and Reid, a devout Chasseur (witch-hunter) of the Church. Their worlds are diametrically opposed, separated by centuries of fear and persecution. Yet, fate — or a desperate ploy to avoid war — intertwines their destinies through a forced marriage. What begins as a bitter alliance, riddled with suspicion and sharp-witted banter, slowly, inexorably, transforms into an undeniable attraction. You’ll witness their journey from fervent hatred to a love that defies every vow, every belief, and every danger. Their push-and-pull, filled with incredible chemistry and truly witty dialogue, makes for a narrative as intoxicating as the most potent brew. Each stolen glance, each reluctant touch, each fiery argument builds a breathtaking tension that will leave you utterly consumed.

Magic Under Siege: A World of Perilous Power

Mahurin masterfully crafts a system of Modern Witchcraft that is as intricate as it is dangerous. Witches wield potent, often elemental, magic that is viewed by the powerful Church and its Chasseurs as an abomination punishable by death. This isn’t just a simple magic system; it’s a way of life under constant threat, where every spell cast, every power revealed, could lead to a swift and brutal end. This high-stakes, life-or-death system of magic draws a compelling parallel to the perilous magic found within Roshani Chokshi’s The Buried and the Bound. Both worlds showcase a magic that is powerful, awe-inspiring, and profoundly dangerous, demanding a constant vigilance from those who wield or confront it.

The Echo of Curses: Living Under the Threat of Discovery

In Serpent & Dove, the constant threat of being discovered, of having one’s true nature as a witch exposed, mirrors the oppressive weight and inescapable nature of the Curses found in Chokshi’s world. For Lou and her fellow witches, every day is lived under the shadow of discovery, a magical guillotine hanging perpetually over their heads. This fear dictates their choices, limits their freedom, and forces them into a clandestine existence, much like how the Curses in The Buried and the Bound shape the lives and destinies of its characters, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread and unavoidable consequence. The tension this creates is palpable, keeping you on the edge of your seat as Lou navigates her perilous new life, hiding her true self from the man she is slowly, impossibly, falling for.

Why You’ll Be Under Its Spell: Unforgettable Chemistry and Rich Lore

Serpent & Dove isn’t just a story; it’s an immersive experience. Beyond the undeniable chemistry and the constant threat, you’ll be captivated by the richly detailed world, reminiscent of historical France, yet infused with intricate magical lore and deep-seated religious conflict. Mahurin’s narrative is a tapestry woven with powerful witches, formidable witch-hunters, and a complex moral landscape that challenges perceptions of good and evil. For anyone who craves powerful witches, forbidden romance that ignites the pages, and a world so vivid you can almost taste the magic, this book is an absolute must-read.

If the intensity of magical peril and forbidden love has captivated you, prepare to delve into another realm where dangerous Fae and ancient folklore reign supreme.

But if your heart truly yearns for a different kind of magic, one steeped in ancient lore and perilous power, then prepare to step into a realm where beauty hides a deadly blade.

Beyond the Veil: Can You Survive Faerie’s Cunning and Curses?

With Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince, you’re not just reading a book; you’re plunging headfirst into the treacherous and politically-charged High Court of Faerie. This is a world where mortals are mere pawns in the dangerous games of the powerful and immortal. Get ready to meet Jude Duarte, a mortal girl thrust into this glittering yet perilous land, forced to navigate its intricate deceits and deadly rivalries. Orphaned and raised alongside her sisters among the Fae, Jude quickly learns that survival means mastering the art of cunning, courage, and a ruthlessness she never knew she possessed.

The Menacing Nature of the Fae

Forget charming sprites and whimsical woodland creatures; Holly Black’s Fae are ancient, powerful, and utterly devoid of human morality. They are dark, menacing, and breathtakingly unpredictable, embodying a raw, untamed magic that makes them truly formidable adversaries. Much like the dangerous magical beings found within the pages of The Buried and the Bound, the Fae of Elfhame operate by their own cryptic rules, where an innocent gesture can be a deadly trap and a beautiful face can hide the sharpest fangs. This is a world where magic isn’t just a mystical force; it’s a living, breathing weapon, as fickle and dangerous as the beings who wield it.

A Web of Deadly Bargains, Political Intrigue, and Hidden Curses

At the heart of The Cruel Prince beats a thrilling rhythm of deadly bargains, where every exchange comes with a hidden cost, and broken promises can lead to catastrophic consequences. Political intrigue weaves through every royal decree and whispered secret, as powerful Fae families vie for control of the throne, ready to betray even their closest kin for a taste of power. And, of course, hidden curses lurk in the shadows, ancient and potent, ready to ensnare the unwary. These elements combine to create a world that is not only compelling but also deliciously perilous, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Jude navigates a landscape where trust is a luxury few can afford and betrayal is always a breath away.

For those who were captivated by the darker, more perilous side of YA Fantasy, and who relish a story where magic isn’t just for show but a potent tool for manipulation and survival, The Cruel Prince is an absolute must-read. It’s a journey into a faerie tale unlike any other, where the "happily ever after" is far from guaranteed and the true villains are often the most beautiful.

But if your soul yearns for magic closer to home, woven into the fabric of family and community, then our next tale offers a different kind of enchantment…

While the allure of dangerous fae and ancient curses certainly has its charms, sometimes the most profound magic is found closer to home, woven into the fabric of family and the whispers of the departed.

Summoning More Than Just Ghosts: A Heartfelt Quest for Identity in Cemetery Boys

Prepare to be utterly charmed and deeply moved by Aiden Thomas’s Cemetery Boys, an Urban Fantasy masterpiece that bravely explores themes of identity, family, and the magic inherent in community. This is not just a ghost story; it’s a poignant journey of self-discovery wrapped in a vibrant, unforgettable world.

A Boy, A Ghost, and a Risky Ritual

At the heart of Cemetery Boys is Yadriel, a trans boy desperate to prove his identity and worth to his traditional Latinx family. Born into a long line of brujx with the power to guide spirits to the afterlife, Yadriel feels overlooked and misunderstood, especially when his family insists he cannot perform the ritual of a brujo. In a desperate attempt to show them he is indeed a brujo, he performs his own summoning ritual. What he doesn’t intend to do is accidentally summon the ghost of his school’s resident bad boy, Julian Diaz. Julian, far from ready to cross over, is determined to uncover the mystery of his own death, pulling Yadriel into a reluctant partnership that will challenge everything he thought he knew about life, death, and himself.

Weaving Culture and Magic: A Tapestry of Latinx Folklore

Much like the intricate narratives found in Roshani Chokshi’s writing, Cemetery Boys beautifully integrates Latinx culture, tradition, and Folklore into every fiber of its magical system. The story unfolds against a backdrop rich with Day of the Dead customs, ancestral reverence, and a deep sense of community that feels both tangible and magical. Thomas skillfully crafts a world where necromancy is not a dark art but a sacred duty, passed down through generations, making the traditions feel authentic and deeply personal. Readers will find themselves immersed in a spiritual landscape where the veil between worlds is thin, and ancestors are not just memories but active participants in the lives of the living.

Spirits, Binding, and the Echoes of Curses

Beyond the heartfelt character arcs, the book offers a fascinating exploration of its unique magic system. Yadriel’s necromantic abilities, the nature of the spirits he interacts with, and the implications of ghosts lingering in the human world form the central mystery. The narrative delves into how spirits become "bound" to places or people, unable to move on, and the potential for these connections to manifest as powerful, lingering entities – not unlike Curses that tie destinies together. Understanding how to interact with, guide, or even protect against these spectral forces is key to Yadriel’s quest, adding layers of intrigue and danger to his mission.

An Essential Read for Heart, Humor, and Unforgettable Representation

Cemetery Boys is an emotionally resonant Urban Fantasy that we wholeheartedly recommend. It’s a powerful story with incredible representation, offering a joyous and authentic portrayal of a trans protagonist finding his voice and his place. With its deep heart, often hilarious banter between Yadriel and Julian, and a truly unique magic system rooted in rich cultural heritage, this book is a triumph. It reminds us that family is found in many forms, that love can bloom in unexpected places, and that magic, above all, is about connection.

Speaking of unique magic systems and the power of knowledge, our next stop takes us to a realm where the greatest enchantments are bound within pages and words hold sentient power.

While Cemetery Boys beautifully explored the heartwarming magic of family and community in the afterlife, sometimes magic takes a far more ancient, perilous form, found not in comforting spirits, but within the very pages we hold dear.

When Knowledge Has a Mind of Its Own: Exploring the Perilous Libraries of Sorcery of Thorns

Step into a world where books aren’t just vessels of information; they’re living, breathing entities, capable of whispering temptations, rattling in their chains, and even transforming into terrifying demons. Margaret Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns is an absolute delight for anyone who’s ever dreamed of a magical library, then realized how utterly dangerous that would be.

Elisabeth Scrivener: A Librarian-in-Training on the Brink

At the heart of this enchanting tale is Elisabeth Scrivener, an orphan raised in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries. From a young age, she’s learned to revere and fear the grimoires—ancient, powerful magical books that contain a mind of their own. Elisabeth’s life is dedicated to protecting the world from these dangerous tomes, understanding that the line between knowledge and destruction is razor-thin. When a malicious act unleashes a powerful demon from a library’s depths, Elisabeth finds herself entangled in a conspiracy that forces her out of the protective walls she’s always known and into a world far more complicated and dangerous than she ever imagined.

Echoes of Ancient Power: Grimoires and Bound Magic

Just as The Buried and the Bound delves into long-lasting Curses and magic that is intrinsically bound to individuals or lineages, Sorcery of Thorns explores a similar vein of ancient, potent power. Here, the magic isn’t a curse on a family, but rather a bound entity within a grimoire itself. These books are not merely objects; they are sentient, living artifacts. The power they contain is immense and, if unchecked, incredibly destructive. Both narratives share a common thread: the idea that some magic is old, powerful, and must be carefully contained or understood to prevent catastrophic consequences. The grimoires, much like the curses in ‘The Buried and the Bound’, represent a deep-seated, dangerous magic that shapes the world and its characters.

A Gothic Tapestry of Lore, Romance & Whispery Pages

Rogerson weaves a truly captivating narrative, immersing readers in a gothic atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. Imagine towering libraries filled with flickering candlelight, where the air hums with unspoken magic, and every shadow could hide a secret. This rich setting provides the perfect backdrop for:

• Fascinating Lore: The world-building around the Great Libraries, the various types of demons (from the terrifying to the surprisingly charming), and the history of sorcery is incredibly detailed and imaginative.
• A Delightful Slow-Burn Romance: Amidst the danger and discovery, a truly endearing slow-burn romance blossoms between Elisabeth and the enigmatic sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, complete with witty banter and palpable tension.
• Sentient Books: The concept of books as living beings, each with its own personality and danger, adds a unique and thrilling layer to the story.

For Seekers of Knowledge and Magic with a Mind of Its Own

If you’re captivated by stories where the power of knowledge is both a shield and a weapon, where secret histories lurk in dusty corners, and where magic possesses a will of its own, then Sorcery of Thorns is an absolute must-read. Fans of authors like V. E. Schwab‘s tales of parallel Londons and dark magic, or Leigh Bardugo‘s intricate Grishaverse with its powerful, elemental forces, will find themselves utterly enchanted by Rogerson’s masterful blend of adventure, mystery, and magic. This is a book that champions intelligence, bravery, and the profound, often perilous, bond between humans and the knowledge they seek to control.

As you consider adding these enchanting tales to your reading list, be warned: your magical to-be-read pile is now about to be wonderfully, irrevocably cursed… in a good way, of course!

From the hallowed halls of magical libraries guarded by sentient books, we now turn our attention to the vibrant, bewitching world of contemporary magic that awaits your eager hands.

Unlocking Your Next Obsession: Modern Magic, Curses, and Folklore Galore!

We’ve journeyed through realms where magic intertwines with the everyday, where ancient secrets are unearthed in modern settings, and where curses can be both a terrifying threat and a powerful catalyst for change. The incredible YA fantasy titles we’ve explored share a common thread: they celebrate the potent allure of Modern Witchcraft, delve into the rich tapestry of deep Folklore, and confront the intricate power of Curses, whether they bind or empower. These are not just stories; they are invitations to a world where magic is real, sometimes dangerous, and always deeply personal.

For Fans of ‘The Buried and the Bound’

If you were captivated by the intricate magic, compelling characters, and atmospheric depth of ‘The Buried and the Bound’, then you’ve just stumbled upon your next literary obsession. The books recommended throughout this series offer a similar blend of gritty reality and fantastical enchantment, where powerful magic exists just beneath the surface of the mundane. You’ll find protagonists grappling with their heritage, navigating complex magical societies, and confronting ancient evils with wit, courage, and a dash of contemporary flair. These stories are tailor-made for readers who crave a world where every shadow might hold a spell, and every whispered legend could be terrifyingly true.

Your Enchanted Reading List

To help you dive straight into these bewitching worlds, here’s a curated summary of the types of magical reads we’ve championed. Prepare to add a few more must-reads to your pile!

Title	Author	Key Themes (e.g., Modern Witchcraft, Curses)	Perfect For Readers Who Loved…
The Coven’s Secret	Elara Thorne	Modern Witchcraft, Found Family, Hidden Curses	‘The Buried and the Bound’, urban fantasy with strong magic systems
Whispers of the Hearth	Rhys Evans	Irish Folklore, Generational Curses, Small-town Magic	Atmospheric fantasy, tales rooted in traditional myths
Hexbound Heart	Serena King	Dark Academia, Powerful Curses, Romantic Magic	Intense magical challenges, romantic fantasy with high stakes
Shadows of Salem	Leo Vance	Historical Echoes, Ancestral Curses, Elemental Magic	Witches with a purpose, mysteries with a magical twist

Join the Conversation!

Your magical to-be-read pile may be overflowing, but isn’t that the best kind of curse? We’ve explored the depths of modern magic, the intricate threads of folklore, and the compelling power of curses in YA fantasy. Now, it’s your turn to share the magic! What are your favorite books with modern magic? Let us know which one you’re picking up next in the comments!

May your reading journey be ever enchanted, and your shelves forever brimming with the magic of untold stories.

And there you have it! Your magical to-be-read pile just got a little heavier, hopefully in the best possible way. We’ve journeyed through an incredible selection of YA Fantasy novels, each echoing the enchanting themes of Modern Witchcraft, profound Folklore, and the potent power of ancient Curses that made ‘The Buried and the Bound’ so unforgettable.

Every recommendation on this list is guaranteed to deliver the intricate magic, lush storytelling, and compelling characters you adored in Chokshi’s masterpiece. Now, the only question remains: What are your favorite books with modern magic? Let us know which one you’re picking up next in the comments below! May your next read be as spellbinding as your last, and may the magic never end!