Families who loved Julia Defiant by Catherine Egan often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the realization that life is rarely black and white and is struggling to reconcile their mistakes with their sense of self. Julia Defiant follows a young woman with the ability to vanish into a dark, nightmare realm as she tries to protect an innocent child from a power-hungry villain. It is a sophisticated fantasy that explores themes of moral compromise, the weight of secrets, and the fear that one might be fundamentally broken or 'bad.' While the action is high-stakes and sometimes violent, the heart of the story is Julia's internal battle with her own nature. It is best suited for older teens who enjoy complex world-building and characters who make difficult, sometimes regrettable choices in the name of the greater good.