Books like 'The Inside Story'

Readers who enjoyed The Inside Story by Michael Buckley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.

contemporary  fantasy  mystery  action / adventure  urban fantasy  supernatural  magic  retellings  children  fairy-tale 

  • An Author's Odyssey by Chris Colfer

    An Author's Odyssey by Chris Colfer

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 30 ratings
    The fifth book in Chris Colfer's #1 New York Times bestselling series The Land of Stories!In the highly anticipated continuation of the Land of Stories series, Conner learns that the only place to fight the Masked Man's literary army is inside his own short stories! When the twins and their friends enter worlds crafted from Conner's imagination, finding allies no one else could have ever dreamed...
  • Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull

    Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull

    Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars
    · 59 ratings
    After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx—leader of the Society of the Evening Star—is after the final artifacts needed to open the great demon prison, Zzyxx. If the legendary prison is opened, a tide of evil is certain to usurp control of the world.In an effort to intercept the final artifacts, Kendra, Seth and the Knights of the Dawn race to strange and exotic preserves across the globe...
  • Worlds Collide by Chris Colfer

    Worlds Collide by Chris Colfer

    Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars
    · 44 ratings
    The epic conclusion to Chris Colfer's #1 New York Times bestselling series The Land of Stories!In the highly anticipated conclusion to the Land of Stories series, Conner and Alex must brave the impossible...
  • A Grimm Warning by Chris Colfer

    A Grimm Warning by Chris Colfer

    Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars
    · 46 ratings
    The Brothers Grimm have a warning for the Land of Stories.Connor Bailey thinks his fairy-tale adventures are behind him - until he discovers a mysterious clue left by the famous Brothers Grimm. With help from his classmate Bree and the outlandish Mother Goose, Conner sets off on a mission across Europe to crack a two-hundred-year-old code...
  • Everblaze by Shannon Messenger

    Everblaze by Shannon Messenger

    Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars
    · 46 ratings
    A New York Times bestselling seriesA USA TODAY bestselling seriesA California Young Reader Medal–winning seriesSophie uncovers shocking secrets—and faces treacherous new enemies—in this electrifying third book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.Sophie Foster is ready to fight back...
  • War Hammer by Shayne Silvers

    War Hammer by Shayne Silvers

    Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.Two old dudes want to kill me. Oh, and one of them is my ancestor…And after centuries of practice, they’re pretty good at the whole murder thing. But at least they want to kill each other just as badly.Now, I’ve taken down a Greek Goddess, worn a Horseman’s Mask, and I ride a homicidal unicorn who hates rainbows with a passion...
  • Beyond the Kingdoms by Chris Colfer

    Beyond the Kingdoms by Chris Colfer

    Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars
    · 43 ratings
    Fairy tales are just the beginning.The Masked Man is on the loose in the Land of Stories, and it's up to Alex and Conner Bailey to stop him...except Alex has been thrown off the Fairy Council, and no one will believe they're in danger...
  • Exile by Shannon Messenger

    Exile by Shannon Messenger

    Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars
    · 45 ratings
    Sophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together. But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there...
  • Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull

    Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull

    Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars
    · 63 ratings
    Brace yourself for a shocking secret.Two hidden artifacts have been found. Three more remain unrecovered. More preserves face destruction as the Society of the Evening Star relentlessly pursues new talismans. Reading in Patton’s Journal of Secrets, Kendra learns the location of the key to a vault housing one of the artifacts...
    Categorized as:
    children  dragons  fae  fairy-tale  family  humor  low-fantasy  magic
  • Hazards in the Hidden City by Auburn Tempest, Michael Anderle

    Hazards in the Hidden City by Auburn Tempest, Michael Anderle

    Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Ye screw with this lass, ye get put on yer ass.A wedding on an enchanted island of magic. A guest list of gods, immortals, shifters, dragons, and druids. And a sentient city waking after centuries…What could go wrong?When Fiona’s magnet for mayhem weighs in on her special day, there’s no escaping the fallout…or the island...
  • Dark Days by Derek Landy

    Dark Days by Derek Landy

    Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars
    · 39 ratings
    Meet Skulduggery Pleasant: detective, sorcerer, warrior.Oh yes. And dead.Skulduggery Pleasant is gone, sucked into a parallel dimension overrun by the Faceless Ones. If his bones haven’t already been turned to dust, chances are he’s insane, driven out of his mind by the horror of the ancient gods. There is no official, Sanctuary-approved rescue mission. There is no official plan to save him...
  • Sucker Punch by Kristen Painter

    Sucker Punch by Kristen Painter

    Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars
    · 23 ratings
    Newly appointed vampire governor of New Jersey, Belladonna Barrone is fast discovering that life as a vampire isn’t much easier than life as a mobster’s wife. But that experience certainly taught her some things about how to handle the problems that come with being governor. That is until a friend is kidnapped by the fae and his life put in danger, all because of her actions...
  • The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy

    The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy

    Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars
    · 39 ratings
    The third bone-breaking, belly-busting adventure in the series that puts the “funny” back in, um, funny series...
  • Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull

    Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull

    Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars
    · 63 ratings
    Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn...
    Categorized as:
    children  dragons  fae  fairy-tale  family  low-fantasy  magic  myths
  • The Council of Mirrors by Michael Buckley

    The Council of Mirrors by Michael Buckley

    Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars
    · 36 ratings
    The thrilling conclusion to the beloved New York Times bestselling Sisters Grimm series!   Grany Relda’s body has been hijacked by the Master, and it’s up to Sabrina, Daphne, and the rest of the Grimms to fight for her freedom and that of Ferryport Landing in the series’s grand finale...
  • Witching For Moxie by Deanna Chase

    Witching For Moxie by Deanna Chase

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    Iris Hartman thought she’d finally gotten everything she’d ever wanted. She had her dream job of mayor of Premonition Pointe and was married to a handsome, charismatic man who adored her. But after finding out her husband was involved with a local drug dealer, she suddenly found herself single and forced to step down as mayor. Now she’s starting over...
  • Market Forces in Gretna Green by Linzi Day

    Market Forces in Gretna Green by Linzi Day

    Rated: 4.79 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    OK, I admit it. I didn’t think it through when I kidnapped the king. But it seemed like a good idea at the time—even Rollo agreed.Cut me some slack? The idiotic Galician emperor’s latest act of cowardice coming at the same time as the life changes my best mate was juggling—so badly—had thrown me off balance.Aysha’s always been my rock...
    Categorized as:
    magic  paranormal  dragons  humor  fae  female-mc  low-fantasy  fantasy
  • Between Homes by W.R. Gingell

    Between Homes by W.R. Gingell

    Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars
    · 13 ratings
    G'day. I'm Pet. Not, not Pet--I am a pet. Well, I was a pet: I used to belong to two fae and a stroppy vampire. Now I'm homeless. I mean, I was always technically homeless, but this time it's different...
  • The Crown of Ptolemy by Rick Riordan

    The Crown of Ptolemy by Rick Riordan

    Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars
    · 40 ratings
    In their first encounter, demigod Percy Jackson and magician Carter Kane had to battle a giant crocodile on Long Island. A month later, Annabeth Chase ran into Carter's sister, Sadie, on the A train to Rockaway, where the pair fought a god named Serapis. Now trouble is brewing again, this time on Governor's Island...
  • Rise of the Fae by Linsey Hall

    Rise of the Fae by Linsey Hall

    Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    Darkness rises. But so do I. The false queen has taken everything from me. My throne, my people, and worst of all, my mate. Her dark curse has stolen Tarron’s mind and compels him to try kill me.I’ll do anything to cure him and stop her. When a prophecy tells me to go find the Dragon Bloods, I know I’ll be walking into a deadly situation. It won’t stop me...
  • Painting the Blues in Gretna Green by Linzi Day

    Painting the Blues in Gretna Green by Linzi Day

    Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    My powers are growing, and my tolerance is low. My second week in my new role as the Gretna Green Recorder is making the first week look relaxing.I have quite the to-do list.✅ Fix a thousand-year-old injustice that threatens the future of the Pictish royal family and their realm? Check.✅ Test my new Knight Adjutant candidates? Check...
    Categorized as:
    magic  paranormal  humor  fae  dragons  myths  female-mc  retellings
  • The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

    The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 72 ratings
    He's b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sadie Kane can't seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all...
  • Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire

    Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire

    Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars
    · 31 ratings
    The twelfth installment of the Hugo-nominated, New York Times-bestselling Toby Daye urban fantasy series!Things are not okay.In the aftermath of Amandine's latest betrayal, October "Toby" Daye's fragile self-made family is on the verge of coming apart at the seams...
  • The King's Shadow by K.M. Shea

    The King's Shadow by K.M. Shea

    Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    I just spent the last month pretending to be the pet cat of an elf king. Today, I discovered we’re enemies.In a supernatural society filled with vampires, werewolves, and wizards, I’ve always been an outcast with my ability to turn into a housecat. No one knew what I was.Turns out, I’m a shadow—a race of supernaturals that were wiped out by the elves centuries ago...
    Categorized as:
    fae  family  female-mc  friendship  humor  magic  myths  paranormal
  • The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

    The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

    Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars
    · 67 ratings
    Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales.The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner...
  • Glimmer of Deception by Heather G. Harris

    Glimmer of Deception by Heather G. Harris

    Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars
    · 17 ratings
    I’m Jinx, a private investigator, a truth seeker and a wizard. You'd think of all those skills would make it so easy for me to get to the heart of things. And honestly? I thought I knew what had happened to my parents that night - I thought I finally knew the truth about how they'd died. But I've taken a tumble down the rabbit hole and everything I thought I knew was topsy turvy...
  • Resurrection by Derek Landy

    Resurrection by Derek Landy

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 18 ratings
    The skeleton detective is coming back to life...again! It's the tenth, triumphant novel in the Skulduggery Pleasant series, and it will rearrange your world.Skulduggery and Valkyrie are back in the tenth instalment in the best-selling Skulduggery Pleasant series - an incredible and unexpected treat for the legions of fans around the world...
  • Ties that Bond in Gretna Green by Linzi Day

    Ties that Bond in Gretna Green by Linzi Day

    Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    It’s Valentine’s week in the Gateway, and Niki McKnight is preparing to conduct her first bondings for the fated, soul-bonded mates of the Kingdoms.She was a registrar who married thousands of people in her former job—this will be a breeze ... Right?Wrong!The bondings don’t quite go to plan. Cue hilarity, heartbreak and mysterious magical prophecies for some of our favourite characters...
    Categorized as:
    magic  paranormal  witches-wizards  myths  dragons  fae  humor  family
  • Family and Honor by K.N. Banet, Kristen Banet

    Family and Honor by K.N. Banet, Kristen Banet

    Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars
    · 29 ratings
    Jacky Leon got away with it. She defended a little human girl, made a few unlikely acquaintances, and survived to tell the tale. Now she’s the only werecat in the supernatural community who can say a small family of werewolves lives in her borders. That isn’t a good thing, though...
    Categorized as:
    children  fae  family  female-mc  friendship  humor  magic  paranormal
  • Magic and Other Misdemeanors by Michael Buckley

    Magic and Other Misdemeanors by Michael Buckley

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 36 ratings
    Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are ready to tackle their own case: who is stealing the magical possesions of the most powerful Everafters in town? With Granny distracted by Mayor Heart's campaign against human residents, the girl detectives appear to be on their own...
  • Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley

    Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley

    Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars
    · 37 ratings
    The Fairy-Tale Trial Of The CenturyIn Ferryport Landing, everyone gets a day in court- even the Big Bad Wolf. Mr.Canis is put on trial for past crimes, and Mayor Heart's kangaroo court is determined to find him guilty. It's up to the Grimms to uncover evidence to save their friend, though Sabrina starts to wonder whether they would all be safer with the Wolf in jail...
  • The Problem Child by Michael Buckley

    The Problem Child by Michael Buckley

    Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars
    · 37 ratings
    A GRIMM FAMILY REUNIONFor Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, the latest in a long line of fairy-tale detectives, there is one mystery they want to solve more than all the others: Who kidnapped their parents more than a year ago? Sabrina enters the hideout of the Scarlet Hand, the sinister group of Everafters who are keeping her parents prisoner...
  • Forever by Chanda Hahn

    Forever by Chanda Hahn

    Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars
    · 30 ratings
    With the Godmother Guild destroyed by Teague's army, Mina finds herself without the guidance of her Fae godmother. Alone and confused, she must lean on her friends for support. The dark prince threatens their very existence with a show of power on the human plane that has everyone running for their lives...
    Categorized as:
    drama  fae  fairy-tale  female-mc  friendship  humor  magic  myths
  • What Abigail Did That Summer by Ben Aaronovitch

    What Abigail Did That Summer by Ben Aaronovitch

    Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars
    · 18 ratings
    Ghost hunter, fox whisperer, troublemaker.It is the summer of 2013 and Abigail Kamara has been left to her own devices. This might, by those who know her, be considered a mistake. While her cousin, police constable and apprentice wizard Peter Grant, is off in the sticks, chasing unicorns, Abigail is chasing her own mystery...
  • Once Upon a Crime by Michael Buckley

    Once Upon a Crime by Michael Buckley

    Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars
    · 36 ratings
    Sabrina and Daphne's adventures continue in their hometown of New York City as they bring Puck to Faerie to cure the wounds. With the help of Granny Relda, the girls must figure out who killed Puck's father, King Oberon, while navigating the warring factions of Everafters that make their homes in every neighbourhood of New York City...
  • Magic Redeemed by K.M. Shea

    Magic Redeemed by K.M. Shea

    Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars
    · 30 ratings
    I thought life would be easier after I unsealed my magic. Spoiler: it’s not. I want to free my family from my traitorous cousin, but with all the allies he’s got guarding his back, even my new powers won’t be enough to beat him. My best bet is to use my parents’ signet ring to prove my claim of leadership...
    Categorized as:
    dragons  fae  family  female-mc  humor  low-fantasy  magic  myths
  • The Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley

    The Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley

    Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars
    · 40 ratings
    Orphaned sisters Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their mysterious grandmother. The girls start school, and Daphne is lucky to get Snow White for a teacher, but Sabrina is stuck with mean Mr Grumpner and a class of mildly psychotic sixth graders. When Mr Grumpner is murdered, the sisters must discover which Everafter is responsible...
  • The Awakening by Nora Roberts

    The Awakening by Nora Roberts

    Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars
    · 39 ratings
    In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword—representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own…When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places...
    Categorized as:
    dragons  drama  fae  family  female-mc  friendship  magic  myths
  • Witchy Tales by Amanda M. Lee

    Witchy Tales by Amanda M. Lee

    Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    Look out Hemlock Cove, Aunt Tillie is on a rampage. What else is new, right? She’s determined to move her wine business to the next level, and she needs twenty-four hours of peace and quiet to do it. There’s only one thing standing in her way. Well, make that a whole family of obstacles … and one ticked-off FBI agent...
  • Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

    Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 68 ratings
    At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother Seth find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures...
    Categorized as:
    children  dragons  fae  fairy-tale  family  humor  magic  myths
  • Peace Talks by Jim Butcher

    Peace Talks by Jim Butcher

    Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars
    · 45 ratings
    When the Supernatural nations of the world meet up to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities, Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, joins the White Council's security team to make sure the talks stay civil...
    Categorized as:
    dragons  fae  family  humor  law-enforcement  low-fantasy  magic  myths
  • Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret by Liz Kessler

    Emily Windsnap and the Siren's Secret by Liz Kessler

    Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars
    · 19 ratings
    Follow the siren call to Emily's magical new adventure! Can the spunky half-mer girl pass Neptune's test--and help humans and merpeople get along? Emily Windsnap is finally enjoying a swimmingly peaceful life on Allpoints Island, hanging out with her mermaid BFF, Shona, and her new friend Aaron (half-merperson like herself )...
  • The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland, Kari Sutherland

    The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland, Kari Sutherland

    Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars
    · 29 ratings
    From the New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series, Tui T. Sutherland, and her sister, Kari Sutherland, comes the Menagerie series, perfect for fans of Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series and The Spiderwick Chronicles.In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures...
  • If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch

    If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 40 ratings
    Beware!Dangerous secrets lie between the pages of this book.OK, I warned you. But if you think I'll give anything away, or tell you that this is the sequel to my first literary endeavor, The Name of This Book is Secret, you're wrong...
  • Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston

    Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston

    Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    The highly anticipated third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers! Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Nevermoor.War has come to the supernatural world, and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge...
  • How to Claim an Undead Soul by Hailey Edwards

    How to Claim an Undead Soul by Hailey Edwards

    Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars
    · 19 ratings
    Life was simpler for Grier when she was flat broke and a social pariah. Now she’s carrying the baggage that goes along with the title of Dame Woolworth, and shouldering that weight is giving her a serious crick in the neck. Her work as a Haint is the one thing that makes her feel normal, but even that’s more paranormal than usual...
    Categorized as:
    coming-of-age  drama  fae  family  female-mc  friendship  humor  magic
  • Tricks for Free by Seanan McGuire

    Tricks for Free by Seanan McGuire

    Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars
    · 30 ratings
    Penance, noun:1. Punishment for past actions.2. An attempt to pay for what can’t be bought.3. See also “exile.”Antimony Price is on the run. With the Covenant on her tail and her family still in danger, she needs to get far, far away from anyone who might recognize her—including her own mice. For the first time in a long time, a Price is flying without a safety net...
    Categorized as:
    dragons  drama  family  female-mc  friendship  humor  magic  myths
  • Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

    Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

    Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars
    · 67 ratings
    For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven...
    Categorized as:
    children  dragons  fae  fairy-tale  family  humor  magic  myths
  • Destined by Aprilynne Pike

    Destined by Aprilynne Pike

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 38 ratings
    Destined delivers all the romance and action that fans expect as it brings Aprilynne Pike’s Wings series to a deeply satisfying conclusion. Laurel used to think she was an ordinary girl from Crescent City, California. She never would have believed she was truly a faerie from a realm called Avalon...
    Categorized as:
    drama  fae  fairy-tale  family  friendship  humor  low-fantasy  magic
  • Broken Compass by Jaymin Eve

    Broken Compass by Jaymin Eve

    Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars
    · 31 ratings
    Note from author: Broken Compass is a spinoff set within the Supernatural Prison World. Told in dual POVs from Maximus Compass and Mischa Lebron. This is full length and standalone with a HEA. You do not need to read the Supernatural Prison trilogy first.Maximus Compass is a vampire without direction. Without heart. And without soul...
    Categorized as:
    coming-of-age  dragons  drama  fae  female-mc  humor  magic  myths
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