In 2025, the Marvel Cinematic Universe officially entered the third part of the Multiverse Saga. Lasting until 2027, Phase Six surrounds the vast exploration of alternate timelines and introduces new heroes to the Avengers universe.
Even among the chaos of the multiverse, viewers can expect to encounter several familiar faces. With a new movie releasing this July, Spider-Man is one fan-favorite who’s set to make many more appearances.
So, in honor of the MCU’s bright future and long history, here’s a list of six books that are sure to help you reminisce on some previous great Marvel hits!
If you liked Spider-Man: No Way Home, read Renegades by Marissa Meyer
Renegades is a fantasy novel following the conflict between a superhero syndicate of Renegades and a villainous resistance of Anarchists. The story focuses on Nova, an Anarchist spy infiltrating the Renegades as revenge, and Adrian, a Renegade committed to justice. Despite their opposing beliefs, they quickly form a deep connection. But as Nova becomes closer to the Renegades, she and Adrian will both have to figure out if their allegiance is to their respective sides or to each other.
This book is perfect for fans of Peter Parker, especially in the latest Spider-Man movie. Like Peter, Nova faces heartbreaking losses that drive her toward hatred and vengeance. And, also like Peter, Adrian is determined to do the right thing even when it seems impossible. Readers who loved the tension in Spider-Man: No Way Home as Peter walked the line between hero and villain will find a similar moral ambiguity in both the Renegades and the Anarchists.
Renegades also offers fantastical and captivating world-building. It blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and superhero narratives in order to create a uniquely dystopian society. Readers who love high-stakes, tension-filled alternate worlds will love the intricate complexities found in Renegades‘ Gatlon City.
If you liked The Avengers, read The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
The City We Became is an urban fantasy novel set in an alternate version of New York. The city’s soul manifests in a diverse group of avatars—one for each of its five boroughs—who embody the unique culture in their respective areas of New York. But when an ancient and unknown evil emerges to destroy the city, the avatars must figure out how to work together, master their powers, and defend their home.
Fans of The Avengers will find this novel’s team dynamics incredibly familiar. The avatars are very reminiscent of the early Avengers, who also possess vastly different values that lead to prejudice and infighting. Yet, like their superhero counterparts, the avatars must either make peace with their differences or succumb to the evil force threatening New York.
Despite its fantastical plot, The City We Became tackles very relevant issues like gentrification, racism, and identity. It pays homage to New York City and the human experience in general, incorporating mythical elements that every fantasy reader will love. For Marvel fans and non-fans alike, this book is a perfect blend of entertainment and social commentary that will leave you wanting more.
If you liked Captain America: The First Avenger, read Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen
Here and Now and Then is a sci-fi thriller following Kin Stewart, a time-traveler stranded over a century in the past. Choosing to embrace his new life in the 1990s, Kin attends college, gets married, and even starts a family. But when a rescue team shows up eighteen years later, he must make a choice between the home he left behind and the one he has learned to love.
Kin’s journey is remarkably similar to that of Captain America, who spent decades frozen and unaware of time’s passage. Both men face immense difficulties in adapting to their new present and undergo conflicts between personal values and duty. Readers who loved Cap’s steadfast determination to do what’s right will similarly adore Kin’s commitment to saving his daughter.
Here and Now and Then delves into the intricacies of time travel with a unique creativity that every sci-fi fan will love. But despite its futuristic setting, it’s also a very character-driven novel. Kin is imperfect and unknowledgeable, but he’s poignantly dedicated to preserving both of his lives. For every reader who loves an emotional story, this book is sure to tug on your heartstrings.
If you liked Iron Man, read Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City by K.J. Parker
Sixteen Ways to Defend A Walled City is a fantasy novel centered around Orhan, a genius yet unorthodox engineer. After a dangerous army wipes out his city’s army, Orhan remains the only person capable of saving his home. But with almost no supplies of his own, Orhan must rely only on his resourcefulness and luck to defend the capital.
This book is absolutely perfect for all Tony Stark lovers. Like Tony, Orhan faces an impossible problem that can only be solved with complex technology. Both men are sarcastic, witty, and have a knack for quick thinking in dangerous situations. Readers who loved the ingenuity present throughout Iron Man will find a similarly impressive brilliance in Orhan’s improvised defenses.
Sixteen Ways to Defend A Walled City also incorporates elements of historical fiction. Fans of Ancient Rome in particular will love the political tensions within the novel, which are very similar to those in that era. For every reader who loves strategy, complex planning, and battle, this book will pique your interest from the first line.
If you liked Thor: Ragnarok, read The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
The Library at Mount Char blends unique and fantastical storytelling with darker elements of horror. The novel follows a group of adopted siblings with god-like abilities after their guardian—a mysterious being called “Father”—disappears. With his expansive, powerful library left unattended, the siblings must fight both outside forces and each other in order to claim it as their own.
Fans of Thor: Ragnarok will adore this book’s plot. Like Thor, Loki, and Hela, these siblings are more than human, forced into a darkly humorous battle in the wake of their father’s absence. In particular, they display remarkable similarities to Loki, who also struggles to reconcile his powerful abilities with his humanity. Readers who loved the intense and personal battles in Thor: Ragnarok will encounter similar struggles in this novel’s captivating world.
The Library at Mount Char will likewise appeal to fans of thrillers. Although it draws on surreal and alien aspects, the plot is full of dark twists that will immediately hook readers. And for readers who prefer more emotional themes, it also delves into complex family relationships and what it truly means to be human.
If you liked Black Widow, read Sekret by Lindsay Smith
Sekret is a historical fiction novel told from the perspective of Yulia Chernina, a spy working for 1960s Soviet Russia. Yulia has unique psychic powers, which she is forced to use to undermine a US space program. But when an enemy spy with dangerous abilities begins to target her, Yulia must rely only on her own wits and instincts to survive.
Yulia’s difficult past parallels that of Natasha Romanoff. Both women were indoctrinated into the KGB against their will, which robbed them of a normal childhood. Yet they’re also survivors who know how to navigate extremely dangerous situations. Although Yulia possesses fantastical powers, she still has very similar instincts and abilities to Natasha.
This book is made for fans of spy thrillers. With her superiors hiding dangerous secrets and enemies lurking around every corner, Yulia’s world is full of intrigue, espionage, and competition. For Marvel fans and non-fans alike, Sekret will draw readers in from the very first page.
If you liked Guardians of the Galaxy, read Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Set in 2380, Aurora Rising is a space opera following a group of graduating cadets. Star-student Tyler Jones is excited to receive his first mission, but then he recklessly rescues Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley from two hundred years of cryo-sleep. As a result, Tyler isn’t able to build the team of his dreams—instead, he’s stuck with the misfits that nobody else wanted. But as Aurora’s existence raises centuries-old tensions, Tyler’s crew becomes the universe’s last hope to avoid an intergalactic war.
Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy should pick this one up. Like Peter Quill’s rag-tag bunch of heroes, Tyler’s team has seemingly nothing in common. But as powerful forces threaten their lives, both groups must work together to avoid a catastrophic war. For readers who loved The Guardian’s found-family atmosphere, Tyler and his group will provide equally humorous yet emotional bonds.
Aurora Rising is also ideal for sci-fi fans. It’s filled to the brim with futuristic technology, alien beings, and shocking plot twists. For every reader who adores intense, high-stakes heist storylines, this novel will leave you eager to explore more of Aurora and Tyler’s captivating world.
Gear up and get reading!
Hopefully, one of the books on this list inspired you to tap into your Marvel spirit and dive into some exhilarating stories!
With so many exciting projects on the horizon, now is the perfect time to expand your love of the MCU to similarly captivating novels. And if you’re craving something a little more philosophical, these deep and complex books are sure to change the way you read.
So suit up, settle down, and dive into a great book!
