If you are a fan of The Umbrella Academy you may be looking for the perfect book that captures the show’s blend of dark humor, complex characters, and supernatural twists. Whether you are drawn to stories of dysfunctional families with hidden powers, or tales that explore the devastating consequences of those abilities, there are many book options. Here is a roundup of some of the best books that echo the charm and thrilling drama of The Umbrella Academy that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Blue Sargent, who has always avoided the privileged Raven Boys of Aglionby, is unexpectedly drawn to Gansey, a wealthy student she meets in a churchyard where the soon-to-be-dead appear each year. Gansey is on a mysterious quest with his friends Adam, Ronan, and Noah, each with their own struggles, and Blue finds herself entangled in their world despite her usual caution. As she becomes more involved, Blue grapples with the long-standing warning that her true love will die, a prophecy she never took seriously until now. While this novel is not directly about superheroes, this series centers around a group of teens with unique abilities, dealing with fate, family, and the supernatural that will please any fan of The Umbrella Academy.
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Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Montserrat, a skilled sound editor overlooked in the male-dominated film industry of ‘90s Mexico City, has long been in love with her best friend Tristán, a washed-up soap opera star. When Tristán’s new neighbor, a once-famous horror director, claims he can change their lives by finishing a cursed film involving Nazi occult magic, Montserrat and Tristán reluctantly agree to help. As they dive deeper, they start to encounter dark forces, with Montserrat sensing a sinister presence and Tristán becoming haunted by the ghost of his ex-girlfriend, realizing the curses and magic are more real than they ever imagined. This novel has a dark atmosphere and unique characters that will appeal to fans of The Umbrella Academy.
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Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Widely considered the greatest graphic novel ever, this Hugo Award-winning story explores the downfall of a group of superheroes, each burdened by their own human flaws. As their lives unravel, the very idea of what makes a superhero is explored, all while a mysterious assassin hunts them down. Fans of The Umbrella Academy will appreciate this story of flawed heroes and the consequences of their actions.
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Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Victor and Eli, once college roommates bonded by their brilliance and ambition, discover a way to potentially gain superpowers through near-death experiences. But their experiments lead to disaster, turning them from friends to bitter enemies. A decade later, Victor escapes prison to confront Eli, who is now on a mission to eliminate all super-powered individuals. This novel is perfect for fans of The Umbrella Academy because of its themes of superpowers, rivalry, and moral questions, with characters who blur the line between hero and villain.
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Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
Roger, gifted with languages, and his twin sister Dodger, a mathematical genius, instinctively understand the world through their unique abilities. Unaware of their true nature, they are neither fully human nor gods, at least not yet. Created by the alchemist Reed, who seeks to elevate them to godhood and claim their power for himself, the twins must take a dangerous path where the stakes are nothing less than divine ascension. The novel’s themes of identity, power, and destiny are similar to themes found in The Umbrella Academy.
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Renegades by Marissa Meyer
The Renegades, a group of super-powered individuals, restored peace in a society that had fallen into chaos, becoming symbols of hope and justice (except to the villains they defeated). Nova harbors a deep hatred for the Renegades and seeks revenge, even as she grows close to Adrian, a Renegade who believes in both justice and in her. Despite their connection, Nova remains loyal to the villains, who could destroy them both. Renegades will resonate with fans of The Umbrella Academy through its blend of action, moral problems, and complex characters.
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Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
In 1954 Chicago, 22-year-old Army veteran Atticus Turner sets out on a road trip to New England to search for his missing father, Montrose. Joined by his Uncle George, who publishes The Safe Negro Travel Guide, and his childhood friend Letitia, they head to the estate of Mr. Braithwhite, heir to the family that once owned one of Atticus’s ancestors. Along the way, they face both the everyday horrors of racist America and eerie supernatural threats straight out of George’s beloved weird tales. The unique blend of genres and dark themes within this novel will make fans of The Umbrella Academy enjoy this fantastic read.
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Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Ten years ago, Calamity struck, giving ordinary people extraordinary powers and turning them into power-hungry beings known as Epics. In the ruins of Chicago, the invincible Epic Steelheart has declared himself emperor, ruling with unmatched strength and a terrifying ability to control the elements. Only the Reckoners, a secretive group of humans dedicated to studying and killing Epics, dare to fight back—and David, who witnessed Steelheart kill his father and saw him bleed, is determined to join them and seek revenge. Steelheart is sure to capture the hearts of fans of The Umbrella Academy through its characters, found family, and supernatural abilities.
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Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
The Emperor requires necromancers, and the Ninth Necromancer needs a skilled swordswoman. Gideon, tired of her life among unfriendly nuns and skeletons, just wants to escape, armed with her sword and some magazines. But to gain her freedom, she must assist her rival, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, in a perilous trial where success means immortality, but failure could mean the death of their House. This world of dark humor, complex world-building, and unique characters matches the tone of The Umbrella Academy.
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Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
In the capital twin cities of San-Er, competitors participate in deadly games for a chance at immense wealth, using their ability to jump between bodies. Princess Calla Tuoleimi, who killed her parents and aims to overthrow the monarchy, plans to use the games to reach her reclusive uncle, while Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat, enters the games as his last hope to save his comatose love. As alliances form between Calla, Anton, and the King’s adopted son, August, Calla must choose between her personal vengeance and her kingdom’s future. Full of power, betrayal, and rebellion, Immortal Longings is sure to entertain any fan of The Umbrella Academy.
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