Families who loved The Falconer by Elizabeth May often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager is processing a deep loss and feels at odds with the world's expectations of how they should behave. While it is wrapped in the excitement of a Victorian steampunk fantasy, it is at its heart a study of the rage and isolation that follow the death of a parent. Aileana Kameron leads a double life as a refined lady and a monster hunter, providing a powerful metaphor for the hidden internal battles many teens fight while maintaining a polite exterior. Because of its intense action and darker themes regarding grief and revenge, this story is best suited for older teens aged fourteen and up. It offers a cathartic experience for readers who feel misunderstood by their peers or who are struggling to find their own identity amidst family pressure. It validates the idea that it is okay to be angry and that healing often requires facing your demons rather than just hiding them.