If you’ve ever wished your family reunions were a bit more, well, explosive—or if you’re still holding out hope that your weirdest quirks are actually superpowers in disguise—then you’re probably an Umbrella Academy fan through and through. The dysfunctional superhero saga has captivated audiences with its blend of offbeat characters, time-travel chaos, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry.
But what do you do when you’ve binged every episode and still crave more of that dark, quirky, and downright unpredictable vibe? Fear not, dear reader, because the world of books has plenty of hidden gems that will satisfy your appetite for the strange and spectacular.
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Fourth Wing (2023)
Best for Fans of Power Struggles and Action-Packed Fantasy
Books To Read If You Love Umbrella Academy
Best for Fans of Power Struggles and Action-Packed Fantasy
Fourth Wing (2023)
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros follows twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, who is forced to join a brutal war college for dragon riders. Small and fragile, Violet must survive among ruthless cadets and uncover dark secrets in a world where only the strong graduate.
- Dragons, telepathy, and a war college?what more could you ask for in a fantasy adventure?
- Violet?s journey from underdog to hero is as satisfying as it is thrilling.
- The romance is sizzling, even if the dialogue sometimes isn?t.
- You might roll your eyes at some clichés, but you?ll still be turning pages late into the night.
This story is filled with intense battles, political intrigue, and deeply complex characters who are pushed to their limits, quite like the struggles faced by the Hargreeves siblings. Fans of Umbrella Academy will especially appreciate Violet’s journey of self-discovery and the complicated relationships she builds along the way, not unlike the quirky family dynamics that make the show so compelling.
With dragons, magic, and a fast-paced plot that never lets up, Fourth Wing offers the same mix of thrills, emotional depth, and surprises that keep you hooked on Umbrella Academy.
Best for Fans of LGBTQ+ Characters
Dreadnought: Nemesis – Book One
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This book introduces Danny Tozer, a transgender teen who unexpectedly inherits the powers of the world’s greatest superhero, Dreadnought. As Danny’s body transforms to match her true identity, she must navigate personal challenges while battling the villainous cyborg Utopia.
- Danny?s superhero transformation is both epic and emotionally satisfying.
- The fight scenes are so intense, you might find yourself dodging imaginary punches while reading.
- Perfect for fans of morally complex superheroes?no one is purely good or evil, just like in Umbrella Academy.
- You might wish for more downtime between action scenes to catch your breath?but who needs rest when saving the world?
Much like the Hargreeves siblings, Danny faces the challenges of coming to terms with who she is in a world that’s often hostile to her existence. The book’s exploration of identity, acceptance, and the struggle to find one’s place in a chaotic world mirrors the themes that make Umbrella Academy so compelling. With its morally gray characters and intense, well-crafted action scenes, Dreadnought offers a fresh perspective on the superhero narrative, making it one of the best LGBT novels in the genre.
Best for Fans of Young Heroes and Mythological Adventures
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
This collection, complete with a bonus poster and striking cover art by John Rocco, follows Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, as he and his demigod friends embark on epic quests against monsters, gods, and ancient foes from Greek mythology.
- Percy?s sarcastic humor makes even the darkest moments feel lighter and more relatable.
- The blend of Greek mythology with modern-day settings is brilliantly done and endlessly creative.
- The friendships in this series are so genuine, they?ll make you wish you had your own demigod squad.
- You?ll finish the series wishing you could go on just one more quest with Percy and the gang.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is a must-read if you’re searching for one of the best fantasy novels that combines humor, heart, and heroism.
The series kicks off with The Lightning Thief, where we meet Percy Jackson, a sarcastic and relatable teenager who discovers he is the son of Poseidon. As a demigod, Percy’s life takes a wild turn, thrusting him into a world filled with monsters, gods, and ancient prophecies.
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For fans of Umbrella Academy, the series shares a similar blend of high-stakes action and character-driven storytelling, where a young hero must grapple with immense power and responsibility. The mix of modern-day settings with ancient mythology provides a unique backdrop that will appeal to anyone who loves stories that reimagine legendary tales in contemporary ways.
Best Dystopian Thriller
The Hunger Games 4-Book Paperback Box Set
This 4-Book Paperback Box Set includes all four of Suzanne Collins’s captivating novels set in the dystopian world of Panem. From the 10th annual Hunger Games to the thrilling conclusion, this collection takes readers through the intense and gripping saga of survival, rebellion, and the fight for freedom in a world where the odds are never in your favor.
- Katniss Everdeen is a fierce, relatable heroine who embodies strength and vulnerability.
- The series’ exploration of dystopian society feels both chilling and relevant.
- Fast-paced action combined with deep emotional and ethical questions keeps you hooked.
- You might find yourself questioning reality TV a little more intensely after reading?sorry, “Survivor” fans!
Set in the dystopian nation of Panem, this story follows Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year-old girl from the poorest district, as she is thrust into the deadly Hunger Games—a brutal, televised event where children are forced to fight to the death.
When her younger sister is selected to participate, Katniss volunteers to take her place, setting off a chain of events that will change her life—and the world—forever.
Fans of Umbrella Academy will appreciate the series’ exploration of a dystopian society where characters must confront their own inner demons while facing external threats. Its intensity and moral complexity will remind you of the strategic depth found in a dystopian board game, where every move could mean life or death!
Best High-Stakes Action
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
I Am Number Four is the first book in the Lorien Legacies series. It follows John Smith, an alien teenager hiding on Earth from the Mogadorians, a deadly alien race. As the fourth of nine survivors from Lorien, John must harness his developing powers to survive and protect his new home.
- Fast-paced, action-packed narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
- Relatable characters and strong relationships, especially between John and Henri.
- Intriguing world-building that leaves you wanting to learn more about the Lorien Legacies.
- The romance subplot might feel a bit cliché, but it adds a layer of tension for younger readers.
This next book follows John Smith, an alien from the planet Lorien, who has been on the run on Earth, hiding from the deadly Mogadorians who destroyed his home world. John is one of the nine remaining Lorien Legacies, each with unique developing powers, destined to fight back and reclaim their planet.
But there’s a catch—the Mogadorians can only kill the Legacies in a specific order, and John is Number Four. With the first three already dead, his time is running out.
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For fans of Umbrella Academy, the mix of superhuman abilities, a looming threat, and the theme of fighting for survival will feel familiar and incredibly nerve-wracking.
Best Dark Fantasy Novel
Vicious by Victoria Schwab
Vicious by Victoria Schwab tells the story of Victor and Eli, once college roommates who discover the potential for extraordinary abilities through near-death experiences. Their experiments take a dark turn, leading to betrayal and a decade-long rivalry.
- The dark and twisted origin of superpowers makes the story haunting and unforgettable.
- Victor and Eli?s intense rivalry keeps you hooked, with both characters blurring the lines between hero and villain.
- The shifting timelines add depth and suspense, revealing the characters? motivations in layers.
- The dark tone might leave you craving something lighter afterward?but it’s worth the emotional ride!
Now, if you’re hunting for a dark fantasy novel with a comic-book feel, Vicious will captivate you from the first page to the last. Like Umbrella Academy, the story features characters with complex superpowers and an unconventional narrative that challenges the traditional notions of heroism.
The story follows Victor and Eli, two brilliant college roommates whose academic curiosity leads them down a dangerous path. Fascinated by the idea that near-death experiences can unlock extraordinary abilities, they push the boundaries of science and morality, resulting in a catastrophic fallout that turns them from best friends into bitter enemies.
Best for Fans of Gothic Themes
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children follows sixteen-year-old Jacob as he uncovers the eerie secrets of a remote island off the coast of Wales. Amid the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s orphanage, Jacob discovers that the children who once lived there were not only peculiar but potentially dangerous.
- The eerie, Gothic atmosphere makes the setting as captivating as the story itself.
- Unique and quirky characters with intriguing abilities keep the narrative fresh and engaging.
- The time loop concept adds a fascinating twist to the plot, making it unpredictable and exciting.
- The plot can get a bit convoluted at times, but the imaginative world-building makes up for it.
If you enjoy stories that mix the supernatural with a sense of wonder, you’ll want to check out Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Like the Hargreeves, the Peculiars in this story are children with extraordinary abilities, struggling with their powers while facing dark, mysterious threats. Both stories revolve around found families of misfits trying to navigate a world that doesn’t understand them.
The story follows Jake, an ordinary teenager, who stumbles upon a hidden orphanage filled with children with strange powers. Led by the mysterious Miss Peregrine, they live in a time loop, reliving the same day in 1943 to protect themselves from outside dangers. Dark, eerie, and full of wonder, this novel offers the same gothic, supernatural elements that make Umbrella Academy so captivating.
FAQs
Are these books as fast-paced and action-packed as Umbrella Academy?
Yes, many of the books on this list offer a similar adrenaline rush, with high-stakes action and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Some also delve into deep character development and complex narratives, ensuring you get that perfect mix of excitement and substance.
Are these books suitable for all ages?
The books vary in terms of content and target audience. Some are more appropriate for young adults, while others delve into mature themes that are better suited for adult readers. Always check the recommended age group or content warnings to find the right fit for your reading level.
Do I need to be a superhero fan to enjoy these books?
Not at all! While some of the books feature superheroes or supernatural elements, others focus more on the eccentric and the extraordinary without fitting neatly into the superhero genre. If you appreciate Umbrella Academy’s unique style and storytelling, you’ll likely enjoy these books, regardless of your typical genre preferences.
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