Book picks similar to
Snakes and Shadows by Amy Hopkins


fantasy
urban-fantasy
paranormal
adventure

Newcomer


Emilia Zeeland - 2020
    That is, until they show their teeth during class at the Academy.And then there are the hunters—the humans trying to uncover our secrets. I’m talking about Mason Fowler, my next-door neighbor with smoldering, brandy-colored eyes, who has taken a sudden interest in me.In a whirlwind of magical twists, I must learn to tell friend from foe, master my abilities before I lose them, and figure out how to hide my powers from Mason. Because revealing the truth could lead to war…No wonder they call me the harbinger of death.Newcomer is a young adult fantasy novel about a magical academy and the creatures it hides—the good, the bad and those in between. If you like complicated friendships, dark family secrets, and slow-burn romance, this story will pull you in and leave you wanting more.Step into a world of magical intrigue now!

Freshman Witch


Ingrid Seymour - 2019
    Everybody knows that. Since it came out on the news that Supernaturals exist, I’ve heard they can do spells, shapeshift, live forever, you name it. Wonderful, right? Whatever. In my world—where I’m homeless and spend my time avoiding rats and meth heads—magic sounds like major BS.But, when I’m accused of stealing and they’re about to arrest me, the item I took disappears from my hand as if by magic. WTF?Just like that, the Supernatural Academy swoops in and recruits me. But I don’t belong there, and everyone else agrees, including, Rowan Underwood, this rich and annoyingly handsome warlock who has it in for me. He’s investigating the theft of magical artifacts, and he thinks I’m involved. Seriously? I just got here.But I can’t worry about that, not while dead kings try to drain my essence or a spell from these angry pixie minotaurs sends my hair follicles into overdrive until I look like Cousin It.Yet, I can’t avoid Rowan, and while I learn enough magic to stay alive, I also need to keep myself from falling for a guy who’s clearly my worst decision ever. You’ll love this magical academy book because everyone wants a chance to become who they are truly meant to be.  Get it now.

Wolves


C. Gockel - 2012
    Galaxies away Loki is waking up in a prison cell, strangely without a hangover, and with no idea what he’s done wrong — this time anyway. But he does know Thor is hiding something, Odin is up to something wicked, and there seems to be something he’s forgotten...In this tale that is equal parts “Another Fine Myth,” “American Gods,” and “Once Upon a Time,” a very nice midwestern girl and a jaded, still very mischievous Loki must join forces to outwit gods, elves, magic sniffing cats, and nosy neighbors. If Loki can remember exactly what he’s forgotten and Amy can convince him not to be too distracted by Earthly gadgets, her boobs, or three day benders, they just might pull it off...This first volume of "I Bring the Fire" is for anyone who suspects chaos and mischief makers might have their own redeeming qualities, and anyone who just wants a good fantasy romp through modern Earth, ancient Asgard, and beyond!

Run, Kat, Run and Encantado Dreams


Ramy Vance - 2019
     After killing three dead gods—again—you’d think I’d get a break. Some time off to lick my wounds in a very cat-like fashion. But my stalker has other plans. And after discovering who my stalker is—or rather, was—I miss the good old days when my enemies were dead gods and world armies. My name is Katrina Darling, and my stalker just had to be one of the most powerful creatures in all of creation, didn’t he? Encantado Dreams, Book 8: Katrina Darling hasn’t been back for the start of the semester, leaving a void in her seat and in her boyfriend’s heart. Luckily for both, I’m a shapeshifter who specializes in pretending to be a long-lost lover. And Justin is just too yummy to not indulge in. But when you’re a 500-year-old shapeshifter who’s broken her fair share of happy homes, you tend to make enemies. And one of my mine just showed up, making things a bit more complicated than I’d like. My name is Isabella Ramirez, and what was supposed to be a harmless little fling has turned into something far more deadly. If you like the Dresden Files, Mercy Thompson or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then you’ll be helplessly addicted to the Mortality Bites series. "Mythology, satire, and brutal honesty. Vance delivers a knockout punch of fun and fearlessness in every last one of his books. Not only does he make you laugh, he makes you think. That's a rare combination that few authors ever achieve, and Vance does it splendidly." — John P. Logsdon, author of the Paranormal Police Department series. What Amazon readers are saying: ★★★★★ ‘Urban Fantasy at its best.’ ★★★★★ ‘Irritatingly unputdownable.’ ★★★★★ ‘Refreshing in its uniqueness.’ ★★★★★ ‘Boy was this long overdue! I was just whining to my husband about how everyone seems to be working from the same book outline when this little gem popped up.’ ★★★★★ ‘Great world building.’ ★★★★★ ‘Really enjoyable story. I went directly to Book 2.’ ★★★★★ ‘Genuine giggles on every page.’ ★★★★★ ‘Oh I needed that ... Something different.’ ★★★★★ ‘Ex-vampires, avatars, fae, and humans just trying to get along… Make time to sit down and read through in one sitting.’ The Mortality Bites Series takes place in the GoneGod World... an inspiring and unique setting of myths, magic and mischief. But what is the GoneGod World? Four years ago, the gods left. All of them. Their last message to humanity was "Thank you for believing in us, but it is not enough. We're leaving. Good luck." At first no one took them seriously. Until, that is, all the denizens of all the heavens and hells started showing up on people's doorsteps.

Mated to the Dragon


Kayla Wolf - 2019
    Her defenses against men are ironclad. Known among her friends as the Single One, Lisa has enough on her plate, what with trying to get the clients of her dating agency suitable partners. But her defenses start coming down when a certain gold-eyed hunk of mystery with a huge chest and dark, luscious curls, walks into her life, bleeding and wounded. When he kisses her, it feels like the tide coming in. And somehow, even though she is a Professional Handler of Feelings she knows that if she doesn't get his shirt off immediately she is going to die... Alexander is the King of dragons. But his dragons are dying. There’s a prophecy he has to fulfill to break the curse – and that prophecy means finding his human mate. Which proves more difficult than he thought when he runs into a pack of wolves who try to destroy him. When he finds himself in close quarters with a gorgeous dating coach who can help him find his mate, he doesn’t refuse. But close quarters can get very … hot. Very steamy... And very dangerous… This story contains mature content and is intended for 18+ readers only.

Destiny Gift


Juliana Haygert - 2013
    Nineteen-year-old Nadine, a student at NYU, works hard to better her family’s life in the harsh conditions. When she starts having strange visions of someone named Victor, she tries to ignore the flashes, afraid she might be going insane. But when she bumps into a very real Victor, her entire world shifts. Her visions taking a turn for the worse, Nadine is bombarded with prophecies of eerie fates, unfamiliar gods, sharp-clawed demons… and instructions. Along with the reluctant Victor, she finds her path entwined with yet another man, Micah, who may be able to shed light on her dark revelations.Directed down an unbelievable path of magic and mayhem, the three must unravel clues from the visions in order to restore an ancient creed. The chance to bring sunlight to the world again is in Nadine’s gift, but only if the evil forces behind the darkness don’t manage to stop her first.

Cruel Magic


Eva Chase - 2019
    Then mages barge into my family’s home, murder my parents, and whisk me off to a university known to the rest of magical society as Villain Academy. It turns out I’m Persephone Bloodstone, the long lost heir to one of the five royal families of dark magic. I’m destined to learn how to manipulate the world with fear—and to stand beside the four other scions: the scorching-hot, arrogant young men who rule this school. Unfortunately, I’m having trouble locating my supposedly wicked skills. I don’t want to use a power that feeds off people’s pain, but I have to tap into my talents fast if I want to survive. I’ve got no time to grieve for my family. The students here are even more vicious than the teachers, and my fellow scions are worst of all. The four of them crush anyone who doesn’t kowtow. No way will I bow to any villain, no matter how brutally alluring. They can turn on the charm or tear me down, but they can’t break me, even if I can barely get my magic working. They’ve never met anyone like me before. I don’t care about ruling. I just want to avenge the people I loved. It doesn’t matter what kind of power runs through my veins. I’m taking Villain Academy down. *Cruel Magic is the first in a university-age paranormal academy series. Expect magical villainy, a tough heroine who bends to no one’s will, a dollop of steam, and a slow-burn reverse harem romance where there'll be no choosing required.*

Recurve


Shannon Mayer - 2015
    I should be at my father's side as a royal princess. But as a half-breed, bastard child, that isn't going to happen. I've been accused of attacking the queen, my wicked stepmother, and my life is suddenly on the line. I have only two options left to me: banishment, or training to become one of the King's Elite Guards, an Ender.Option one will kill me.Option two is meant to break me, but it's the only way to survive.Did I mention I have no power like the rest of the elementals, and my connection to the earth is worth next to nothing?Could things get any worse? Of course they can. Welcome to being an Elemental.

Three Mages and a Margarita


Annette Marie - 2018
    Those are my official reasons for answering a wanted ad for a skeevy-looking bartender gig. It went downhill the moment they asked me to do a trial shift instead of an interview - to see if I'd mesh with their "special" clientele. I think that part went great. Their customers were complete dickheads, and I was an asshole right back. That's the definition of fitting in, right? I expected to get thrown out on my ass. Instead, they...offered me the job? It turns out this place isn't a bar. It's a guild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I'm exactly the kind of takes-no-sh*t bartender this guild needs, or there's a good reason no one else wants to work here. So what's a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course - with a pay raise.

Into The Shadows


Jenn D. Young - 2020
    Always looking over my shoulder. Waiting for the day that they would find me. Everyone I have ever loved has been ripped from me until I have nothing left but memories and dreams.For years, he has been the only thing to keep me sane. My demon prince from my dreams.His voice haunts me. Stirs me. Makes me yearn for him.But will I ever find him? Or will he find me?As my abilities manifest, will I be able to maintain control, or will they control me?VincentFor millennia, my life has been incomplete. Until I saw her.For years, I’ve watched over her. Protecting her from the monsters that chase her. Yet, I’m the biggest threat to her safety.My perfect Nephilim. My mate.Her face is there every time I close my eyes. Her voice soothes my very soul.Will I be able to shield her from the horrors of my world or will I fail and finally claim her as mine, damn the consequences?

Midnight Mage


Chandelle LaVaun - 2020
    None of this can be real. I’m not a mage with magical powers…I’m just me. Ellie Sutton. Your average, everyday seventeen-year-old high school human student. My biggest concerns are bullies, failed exams, and missing the express subway twice in one day.Magic is something I read about in comic books, it’s not real. People don’t move things with their minds or summon lightning with their hands. I don’t care what Stellan Wentworth says. It doesn’t matter that he’s breathtakingly beautiful or that his eyes sparkled when I challenge him. He’s the kind of hero found in romance novels, not my real life. I’m dreaming, I have to be.Because if I’m not, then what he’s telling me is true. This gorgeous, terrifying world is in turmoil…and if I don’t learn how to use my magic overnight…they’ll all die.Featuring a kickass heroine, forbidden love, and magic you’ll wish was real, fans of The Mortal Instruments, Twilight, or Harry Potter will love Chandelle LaVaun and Megan Montero’s brand new urban fantasy series!Pick up Midnight Mage and enter The Night Realm today!

The Iron Sword


Jocelyn A. Fox - 2011
    She has never faced down a garrelnost or traveled the hidden mysterious pathways between the mortal world and the realm of the Fae. She has never felt a magnetic attraction to a perilously handsome Sidhe knight with eyes as deep and impenetrable as the ocean. Tess O’Connor stopped believing in fairy tales as a child when her father died…but all that changes when she discovers that her best friend Molly is half-Fae—and has been summoned to the Unseelie Court by Queen Mab herself. The Queen of Night and Winter sends Finnead, one of her trinity of Named Knights, to escort Molly to Court, willingly or unwillingly. Mab believes that Molly is the fulfillment of a prophesy, the half-Fae child foretold to become the bearer of the Iron Sword, a legendary weapon that could mean the difference between victory and defeat for the Fae in their struggle against an ancient evil. While Tess quickly learns she is no match for the shadow spreading through the Fae world, she refuses to let her best friend face it alone; and as the first mortal in Queen Mab’s court in over five hundred years, she must use all her quick wit and tenacity to keep herself and Molly alive in the beautiful, dangerous Fae world as they hurtle toward the war that could destroy it…

The Dark of Twilight


Kate Danley - 2014
    When that day finally comes and she is sent to patrol the border's swamp with fellow warrior, Lars, it seems like her dream has come true. But something has followed her home. When Lord Arnkell's wedding is interrupted by a werewolf attack, the dream shifts into a nightmare... and Aein is the only one awake.Book One in the Twilight Shifters series.

Witch Way to Murder & Mayhem


Jane Hinchey - 2018
    She has questionable fashion sense, cough, can anyone say bedazzled Ugg boots and a tutu? But my Gran? She is awesome. So when she suggested I buy The Dusty Attic Bookstore I was all in, after all, what could go wrong?Try finding my high school nemesis dead on the floor of my newly acquired store for starters. Now I’m on the suspect list! Okay, so I just need to find the killer, clear my name, and pass my witches exam. Oh, didn’t I mention that? Yeah, seems the stunt I pulled on my cheating ex-fiancee cost me not only my job but my magic.My name is Harper Jones and this is not how I expected my return to my magical hometown of Whitefall Cove to go.

Fury Frayed


Melissa Haag - 2018
    It’s the one place she should be able to fit in, but she can’t. Instead, she itches to punch the smug sheriff in his face, pull the hair from a pack of territorial blondes, and kiss the smile off the shy boy’s face. Unfortunately, she can’t do any of that, either, because humans are dying and all clues point to her.With Megan’s temper flaring, time to find the real killer and clear her name is running out. As much as she wants to return to her own life, she needs to embrace who and what she is. It’s the only way to find and punish the creature responsible.