For the longest time, I have struggled with finding a comparable title to my debut novel, The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice. I had pulled from many sources (Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, Star Trek, and general fantasy as a whole. But I hadn’t quite found a comparable title.
A lot of fantasy as of late, especially in the New Adult genre, didn’t quite fit in with what my book is about. It seems like that direction it goes in is one of the two: high fantasy or fae fantasy, based on what is popular right now.
My book doesn’t fall into either of those categories.
And this became a frustration. While I’m happy that my book stands on its own, to attract readers, you need comparable titles.
That changed after I read Six of Crows.
I’m ready to delve into the rest of the Grishaverse (although, I’m not sure how I’ll feel about Shadow and Bone due to how “YA” it really is). To me, the Grishaverse serves as a great comparable to my story.
Let me tell you why:
The world is composed of multiple countries with different feelings about magic (or Grisha), with different factions fighting. The world is diverse, and the way magic behaves is beautiful. Combined with references to more of an 1800s/1900s feeling, there was a similar vibe to my story…at least from a world building perspective.
The stories are very different though. My story deals with Death Gods as well as magic; the Grishaverse deals with the magic…and in Six of Crows, heists.
But, the purpose of a comparable title is this: I can say that if you’re someone who is 16+ and enjoys the Grishaverse, you might just enjoy my book.
That might not be the case with everyone. But, it is nice to say.
It’s a way to help market my book, as well as reach different audiences.
Will it work? Who knows.
And I’m sure I’ll find more comparable books as time goes on.
Until next time,
ESB
E.S. Barrison 