~Why it fits: The series is built around an elaborate magical underworld and an ensemble of morally complex teens.
~Why it matters: Combines action, social themes, and character-driven storytelling that hooks reluctant readers.

🔗https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23437156-six-of-crows

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.3

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3

Citation: Maas, Sarah J. Throne of Glass. Bloomsbury, 2012.

Common Core ELA Alignment: (Reading Literature and Speaking & Listening)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.6: Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3: Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions on grade-level topics.

Citation: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and Council of Chief State School Officers. Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts. 2010. Common Core State Standards Initiative, https://corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ADA-Compliant-ELA-Standards.pdf

• Lets students analyze how film transforms written fantasy into visual storytelling.

• Encourages cross-media literacy and discussions of adaptation choices.

~Why it matters:

Expands Bardugo’s "Grishaverse"; visualizes themes of oppression, magic, and identity through costuming, tone, and cinematography.

🔗https://youtu.be/b1WHQTbJ7vE?si=NKXlntRcsfZiTJ3y

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.7 — analyzing multiple interpretations of a text.

Source: Reactor (Tor.com) — Templeton, Molly. “Holding Out for More Heroes.” 29 June 2023. 🔗https://www.tor.com/2023/06/29/holding-out-for-more-heroes/
Perspective: Examines the growing trend toward morally gray and complex protagonists in speculative and YA fantasy fiction. Templeton argues that readers still crave stories about compassion and moral courage, even amid darker narratives — offering a useful contrast to the antihero dynamics in Six of Crows.
ELA Tie-In: RI.9-10.2; SL.9-10.1

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Magic, YA, Science Fiction Fantasy

Genres: Urban Fantasy, YA, Romance, Paranormal, Vampires

Genres: Urban Fantasy, YA, Paranormal, Romance

Genres: Urban Fantasy, YA, Romance, Paranormal, Angels, Magic

Genres: Vampires, YA, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Magic

• YA Protagonist: The main characters are young adults, but the stories explore more mature and somber subjects than typical YA fiction.

• Horror Elements: The focus is on psychological dread and suspense, often featuring supernatural creatures like vampires or werewolves.

• Grim Themes: The narrative explores violence, tragedy, and moral ambiguity. Unlike high fantasy, which emphasizes hope and clear-cut heroes, dark fantasy delves into difficult choices and flawed characters.

• Twisted Tropes: It takes familiar fantasy elements, such as magic and mythical creatures, and gives them a sinister or dangerous twist.

Themes:

• Good vs. Evil

• Destiny vs. Fate

• Chosen One

• Moral ambiguity

Twisted Trope:
Dark Rise takes familiar fantasy tropes, like the chosen one narrative, and twists them to surprise the reader. 

Darker subject matter:

The series deals with sensitive and potentially triggering topics, including murder, torture, abuse, and romantic coercion.

Themes:

• Sacrifice vs. Duty

• Betrayal vs. Loyalty

• Personal growth,

• Freedom vs. Obligation

• Deception :"There are lies and liars all around you."

After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?" --Goodreads.com.

Themes:

• Ambition

• Power

• Revenge

• Intrigue

• Deception

• Seduction

• Manipulation

Darker Subject Matter:

Morally ambiguous protagonist who is an ambitious and murderous anti-heroine.

Horror Elements:

The novel begins with Alessandra killing her first love. The protagonist is not afraid of getting her hands dirty to get what she desires.

Secondary World Setting

High fantasy takes place in a fully imagined, fictional world separate from our own, often called a "secondary world." This is distinct from urban or contemporary fantasy, which uses our familiar world. The secondary world usually has its own:

• Geography: Detailed maps and distinct regions.

• History and Lore: Deep, complex backstories, cultures, and languages.

• Political Systems: Unique governments, kingdoms, or empires.

The plot typically centers on a conflict that has catastrophic stakes, threatening the very existence or balance of the entire world. This often involves:

• An epic quest undertaken by a chosen hero or fellowship

• A clear battle between the forces of good and evil.

• A journey that requires the protagonist to travel great distances and undergo significant personal growth.

Magic and Fantasy Creatures

These stories are defined by the pervasive and powerful presence of supernatural elements. This includes:

• A well-defined magic system with specific rules and limitations, which may be wielded by certain characters.

• A variety of mythical or fantastical beings-- dragons, elves, dwarves, orcs-- that are integral to the world and the conflict.

• Setting: The stories take place in the present day and often in real-world locations.

  • Cities, high schools, etc.

• Urban Setting: The story is fundamentally rooted in a modern city, whether real or fictional, where the city itself becomes an integral part of the narrative.

While the series contains elements of romance and adventure, its core plot centers on a deadly competition set in a world of cursed kingdoms, creating a pervasive atmosphere of deception and betrayal.

Horror elements:

• Cannibalism

• Sword, knife and arrow violence

• Emotional abuse and manipulation

~Why it matters: Encourages reflection on belonging, ambition, and the pull between logic and intuition — resonant for students navigating their own coming-of-age experiences.

🔗 https://maggiestiefvater.com

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2,RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.6

Citation: Stiefvater, Maggie. The Raven Boys. Scholastic Press, 2012.

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.7

Citation: Reeve, Philip. Mortal Engines. Scholastic, 2001.

Since this subgenre is a blend, qualifying novels may lean more towards one side or the other. However, the fantasy setting and relationship-heavy narrative are a mainstay.

Romance: This slow-burn romance emerges between Paedyn, an Ordinary who hides her powerlessness, and Prince Kai, an Elite. Their emotional connection deepens as the novel progresses with ample banter and tension.

Fantasy Elements: A loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this novel features magic that spans both the Fae and human worlds. This high fantasy has intricate world-building with a heavy focus on the Fae realm.

Romance: The romantic escapades of the main character, Feyre, are the central plot of the series. Prominent tropes include enemies-to-lovers, slow-burning passion, fake dating, forced proximity, and forbidden love.

Romance: The romance central to this novel incorporates enemies-to-lovers, fated love, forbidden romance, slow-burning passion, and a morally gray love interest.

• Steampunk: The novel also has steampunk technology central to the plot, which consists of clockwork automatons and various steam-powered inventions.

• Historical elements: To ground the story within the time period, the novel incorporates quotes from Victorian literature and genuine historical details from Queen Victoria's reign.

• Alternate History: Since the dead begin to rise during the Battle of Gettysburg, the Civil War ends abruptly and alters American history immensely.

• Supernatural Elements: The existence of the undead requires young adults to enroll in specialty combat schools to fight off the oppressive force.

• Historical Elements: Although the gangs within the novel are fictionalized, they are contextualized by the rise of Chinese Communists and the Green Gang.

• Fantastical Elements: The mysterious madness is rooted in a water monster (a guai) that appears in the Huangpu River.

• Historically Inspired Setting: Although the setting is fictional, it's explicitly inspired by French history and culture. The religious conflict mirrors the witch trials and religious persecution that occurred within France. Additionally, the witch-hunting Chasseurs in the novel are mirrors of the witch hunters of the Inquisition in the 16th and 17th centuries.

• Fantastical Elements: Within this world, there are varying witch ovens that specialize in elemental or blood magic. Any magic produced in this world requires a trade-off or sacrifice as well.

🔗 https://www.rebeccarossauthor.com

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.5

Citation: Ross, Rebecca. Divine Rivals. Wednesday Books, 2023.

🔗https://www.roshanichokshi.com

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.6, RL.9-10.9

Citation: Chokshi, Roshani. The Gilded Wolves. Wednesday Books, 2019.