What Books Are Similar To 'Under The Earth Over The Sky'?

If you loved 'A Sky Beyond the Storm' for its epic battles and emotional depth, you might dive into 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang. Both books share a brutal, war-torn setting where characters are forced to make impossible choices. The magic systems are equally devastating, blending mythology with raw power. Rin’s journey in 'The Poppy War' mirrors Laia’s in its relentless stakes and moral ambiguity. Kuang doesn’t shy away from trauma, much like Sabaa Tahir, making every victory feel bittersweet. Another pick is 'Children of Blood and Bone' by Tomi Adeyemi. It’s got that same blend of rebellion and rich cultural inspiration, though with a more vibrant, West African-infused world. The romance subplots are just as intense, and the action sequences are cinematic. If you craved 'A Sky Beyond the Storm’s' mix of personal and political stakes, Adeyemi’s work delivers that in spades—plus, it’s got talking lionaires! For something quieter but equally haunting, 'The Wolf and the Woodsman' by Ava Reid explores faith and identity with prose that’ll gut you.

If you loved 'Earth Divination: Earth Magic' for its blend of nature spirituality and practical magic, you might dive into 'The Green Witch' by Arin Murphy-Hiscock. It’s got that same cozy, earthy vibe but focuses more on modern witchcraft tied to the natural world. I adore how it breaks down herbal lore and seasonal rituals—it feels like chatting with a wise friend over a cup of herbal tea. Another gem is 'Earth Power' by Scott Cunningham, which digs into folk magic with stones, plants, and wind. It’s less divination-heavy but shares that grounded, elemental energy. For a poetic twist, 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer isn’t a magic manual, but its Indigenous wisdom about reciprocity with nature left me spellbound. It deepened my appreciation for the themes in 'Earth Divination' in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re craving more divination-specific reads, 'The Way of the Hedge Witch' by Joanna van der Hoeven pairs nicely. It’s like a love letter to hearth and land, with rituals that feel intimate and doable. I stumbled on it after a rainy afternoon spent reorganizing my altar, and it just clicked. Also, don’t skip 'Sigil Witchery' by Laura Tempest Zakroff—though it’s more symbol-focused, her approach to crafting personal sigils from natural patterns echoes the book’s connection to earth energies. Honestly, half my shelf is now filled with books that make me want to garden barefoot at midnight.

If you loved 'The Other Side of the Sky' for its blend of fantasy and sci-fi, you might want to dive into 'A Thousand Pieces of You' by Claudia Gray. It’s got that same heart-pounding mix of parallel worlds and romance, but with a twist—each dimension feels like a whole new story. The protagonist’s journey is packed with emotional highs and lows, and the way Gray weaves science into the narrative feels effortless. Another gem is 'Skyward' by Brandon Sanderson. While it leans heavier into sci-fi, the protagonist’s grit and the sky-bound adventures echo the determination in 'The Other Side of the Sky'. Plus, Sanderson’s world-building is just chef’s kiss. I couldn’t put it down, and I bet you’ll feel the same tug to keep reading late into the night.

If you loved 'The Earth Book' for its blend of environmental themes and lyrical storytelling, you might dive into 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It’s a gorgeous mix of science, Indigenous wisdom, and personal narrative that feels like a love letter to the planet. Kimmerer’s voice is so warm and inviting—it’s like sitting by a fire listening to stories that reconnect you to the earth. Another gem is 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers. It’s a novel, but it reads like a epic ode to trees and the hidden networks of nature. The way Powers weaves together human lives with the quiet, ancient wisdom of forests is downright magical. It’s thicker and more sprawling than 'The Earth Book,' but if you’re craving that same awe for the natural world, it’s a must-read.

If you loved the raw emotional depth and wartime setting of 'Under the Broken Sky', you might find 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak equally gripping. Both explore the resilience of children in horrific circumstances, though Zusak’s lyrical narration through Death’s perspective adds a surreal layer. I bawled my eyes out reading both—they don’t shy away from brutality but balance it with fleeting moments of tenderness, like sharing stolen words or hidden bread crusts. For something more recent, 'White Bird' by R.J. Palacio (of 'Wonder' fame) delves into WWII with a graphic novel format. The art amplifies the visceral fear and hope, much like how 'Under the Broken Sky' uses sparse prose to punch you in the gut. Palacio’s tale leans heavier into allegory, but the core theme of kids navigating adult-made chaos hits just as hard.

If you loved the vibrant, action-packed world of 'Hilo Book 1: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth,' you're probably craving more stories that blend humor, heart, and sci-fi adventure. One series that immediately comes to mind is 'Zita the Spacegirl' by Ben Hatke. It's got that same mix of quirky characters, interstellar mishaps, and a protagonist who’s thrown into an extraordinary situation. Zita’s journey is packed with whimsical aliens and high-stakes choices, much like Hilo’s, and the art style has a similar energetic feel. Hatke’s storytelling is both lighthearted and deeply emotional, making it a great follow-up for fans of Judd Winick’s work. Another fantastic pick is 'Cleopatra in Space' by Mike Maihack. This graphic novel series follows a young Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) who’s transported to a futuristic world where she’s destined to save the galaxy. The blend of history and sci-fi is unique, but the tone is just as fun and fast-paced as 'Hilo.' The dynamic between Cleo and her friends mirrors Hilo and DJ’s bond, with plenty of banter and teamwork. Plus, the art is colorful and dynamic, perfect for readers who adored 'Hilo’s' visual flair. For something a little different but equally engaging, 'Amulet' by Kazu Kibuishi might hit the spot. It’s a bit darker in places, but the core elements—a kid thrust into a fantastical world, mysterious technology, and a group of friends banding together—are all there. The series has a sprawling, epic feel, but it never loses sight of the characters’ humanity. If you liked how 'Hilo' balanced personal struggles with cosmic chaos, 'Amulet' does something similar, albeit with a more fantasy-oriented twist. Lastly, don’t overlook 'Nnewts' by Doug TenNapel. It’s another graphic novel series with a fish-out-of-water protagonist, this time a young newt named Herk who discovers he’s part of a larger destiny. The humor and action are top-notch, and the world-building is inventive. TenNapel’s art style is distinct, but the sense of adventure and the emotional beats will feel familiar to 'Hilo' fans. It’s a bit underrated, but that just makes it more fun to recommend—like sharing a hidden gem with a fellow enthusiast.

'To the Ends of the Earth' really stuck with me—that mix of personal introspection and grand adventure. If you loved that, you might dive into 'The Sea, The Sea' by Iris Murdoch. It’s got that same maritime setting, but with Murdoch’s signature philosophical depth. The protagonist’s obsessive reflections and the way the ocean mirrors his turmoil are eerily similar. Another gem is 'The Tartar Steppe' by Dino Buzzati. It’s quieter but just as haunting, following a soldier waiting endlessly for a war that never comes. The themes of existential waiting and the weight of time really echo Golding’s work. And if you want something more contemporary, 'The North Water' by Ian McGuire has that brutal, visceral seafaring vibe, though it’s darker and grittier.

I adore 'Between Two Skies' for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, so I totally get why you'd want similar vibes! If you loved the Southern setting and coming-of-age themes, 'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd is a must-read—it's got that same warmth and resilience, plus a dash of honey-sweet magic. For another atmospheric coastal tale, 'Salvage the Bones' by Jesmyn Ward packs raw beauty and family bonds amid Hurricane Katrina. Now, if you're craving more quiet but powerful girlhood stories, try 'Where the Crawdads Sing'—marshland mysteries and isolation done gorgeously. Or dive into 'The Stars Beneath Our Feet' for a modern, urban twist on healing after loss. Honestly, half my bookshelf is stuffed with these soulful, place-driven narratives—they stick with you like humidity on a Louisiana afternoon.

Wide-open skies, ragged airships, and characters who are as weathered as the worlds they travel—those are the kinds of books I chase, and they’re exactly why I loved stories like the one you mentioned. If you liked the mix of high-stakes travel, close-knit crews, and a world that feels both dangerous and full of wonder, these picks should hit the same sweet spot. 'The Aeronaut's Windlass' by Jim Butcher scratches the airship itch with a rollicking crew, clockwork politics, and big, cinematic skirmishes in the clouds. It leans into ensemble banter and inventive gadgetry in the way that keeps travel scenes feeling alive. For more lyrical worldbuilding and the slow build of political tension, 'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison offers a quieter but irresistible ride: a protagonist thrust into court life, learning to navigate alliances and moral choices while you root for their growth. If you want something with a seafaring analogue to airship combat, try 'The Bone Ships' by R. J. Barker, which takes nautical fantasy to sharp, original places and gives you that same salty camaraderie and inventive world rules. On the more mythic or romantic side, 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon spreads out into epic scope, dragon-streaked skies, and lush interwoven POVs, while 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld delivers alternate-history airship battles and a grin-inducing sense of adventure if you prefer a pulpy, fast-moving plot. For tight, character-forward fantasy with tender found-family vibes and queer representation that might echo the heart of the book you enjoyed, check out 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers. Each of these shares at least one core element with that skybound feel—whether it’s inventive travel, close crews, expansive worldbuilding, or emotional stakes—and together they make a nice reading loop if you want to chase the same blend of wonder and grit. Personally, I keep rotating through them when I crave that mix of wind-in-your-hair adventure and meaningful character moments.

If you loved the quirky, heartfelt vibes of 'Earth Yay,' you might enjoy 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers. It’s got that same cozy, character-driven sci-fi feel, focusing on relationships and small moments rather than epic battles. The crew of the Wayfarer feels like a found family, and the universe is painted with such warmth and humor. Another great pick is 'A Psalm for the Wild-Built' by the same author—it’s a quieter, philosophical story about a robot and a tea monk wandering through a post-industrial world. The themes of purpose and connection really resonate, much like 'Earth Yay.' For something more whimsical, 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune is a hug in book form, full of eccentric characters and tender moments.