Books matching: dark magic systems
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- #1
Save:Gideon the Ninth is a fantasy sci-fi novel about lesbian necromancers entangled in a Battle Royale cum murder mystery in a haunted mansion in space. The book follows the irrepressibly snarky goth jock lead, Gideon, through action sequences that could rival the best of shounen anime. Despite a hand-wavy world-building at times, the extremely metal plot turns and great ending keep readers hooked. The storytelling style is described as a new level of reading, encouraging readers to give it a try, especially through the audio version for better comprehension.
IN THE MYRIADIC YEAR OF OURLORD—the ten thousandth year of the King Undying, the kindly Prince of Death!—Gideon Nav packed her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and she escaped from the House... - #2
Save:In the veiled city of Occhia, House Morandi rules under the control of the Watercrea, who transforms blood into water for the citizens. The protagonist, Emanuela Ragno, is engaged to her best friend, Alessandro Morandi, with a plan to gain power by becoming head of the most powerful house in Occhia. However, when a bruise-like omen appears on an Occhian's skin, signaling a sacrifice to the Watercrea, Emanuela's life takes a drastic turn as secrets about other cities beneath the ruby veil emerge. As Emanuela navigates the dangerous political landscape, she must confront a worthy adversary in the form of the Heart, a young woman claiming to create water without blood, leading to a power struggle that puts everyone at risk.
Emanuela, a ruthless and power-hungry protagonist, drives the fast-paced story forward with her questionable decisions and unapologetic pursuit of power. The book delves into a world where water requires blood, showcasing dark magic systems and intricate world-building that immerses readers in the chilling atmosphere of the red veil, while Emanuela's complex character development keeps the plot unpredictable and engaging.
- #3
Save:In 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo, the story revolves around Galaxy Alex Stern, a survivor dealing with a traumatic past who is recruited to oversee the mystical activities of the secret societies at Yale. As part of House Leathe, the ninth house, Alex becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets, disappearances, and murder on campus. The book delves into themes of trauma, magic, violence, and the power dynamics within the elite circles of Yale, creating a world where the supernatural intertwines with the everyday struggles of its characters. The writing style is described as dark, compelling, and filled with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the atmospheric setting of Yale University.
By the time Alex managed to get the blood out of her good wool coat, it was too warm to wear it. Spring had come on grudgingly; pale blue mornings failed to deepen, turning instead to moist, sullen af... - #4
Save:'The Mirror Empire' by Kameron Hurley is an epic fantasy novel that delves into a complex world filled with vivid characters and intriguing cultures. The book introduces readers to a universe where multiple worlds collide, each with its own societal norms, magical systems, and gender identities. The plot revolves around nations at war, facing threats from beyond their world, all against the backdrop of binary suns and menacing flora. The writing style of the book is described as intricate, dark, and full of grey morality questions, offering a unique and challenging reading experience that requires concentration to fully immerse oneself in the elaborate worldbuilding.
Because ruin so often came from the sky, borne by fickle satellites on erratic orbits, Shao Maralah Daonia did not think to look to the sea until it was too late. She expected the next wave of invader... - #5
Save:The Black Company is a gritty military fantasy novel that follows the exploits of a mercenary band in service to a powerful sorceress known as the Lady. The story is narrated from the perspective of Croaker, the company's physician and annalist, providing a unique viewpoint of the conflicts between the Lady and the rebels who oppose her. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a world where mercenaries must navigate treacherous alliances and deadly battles.
Lightning from a clear sky smote the Necropolitan Hill. One bolt struck the bronze plaque sealing the tomb of the forvalaka, obliterating half the spell of confinement. It rained stones. Statues bled.... - #6
Save:Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is a mind-bending sequel in 'The Locked Tomb' series that delves into the journey of Harrow, a newly minted lyctor, as she navigates a world of mental disassociation, cosmic-level mysteries, and moral ambiguities. The book challenges readers with a complex layering of deceits and interweaving scenes from an alternate version of the previous volume, all set in eerie settings that are a far cry from conventional worlds, creating a dense and balky reading experience. The narrative style, filled with second-person perspective and a mix of confusion and clarity, keeps readers on their toes as they unravel the intricate plot twists and revelations.
The book is praised for its ability to expand upon the world and characters introduced in the first installment, 'Gideon the Ninth,' providing a compelling continuation of the story that challenges preconceptions and offers fresh perspectives. With a focus on character development and intriguing mysteries, Harrow the Ninth keeps readers engaged through its chaotic and over-the-top narrative, delivering surprises, twists, and a deluge of exposition that culminates in a metal-filled climax, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the final installment in the series.
YOUR ROOM HAD LONG AGO plunged into near-complete darkness, leaving no distraction from the great rockingthump—thump—thump of body after body flinging itself onto the great mass already coating the hu...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Locked Tomb ) - #7
Save:Twelve-year-old Sunny, an albino American living in Nigeria, discovers she has magical powers and joins a group of magical students to catch a criminal with similar abilities. The story has been compared to Harry Potter but stands out for its unique cultural perspective and world-building. Nnedi Okorafor blends fantasy and reality seamlessly, creating engaging characters and an immersive setting that keeps readers hooked.
I have two older brothers. Like my parents, my brothers were both born here in Nigeria. Then my family moved to America, where I was born in the city of New York. When I was nine, we returned to Niger... - #8
Save:"Blood of Elves" in 'The Witcher' series by Andrzej Sapkowski follows the story of Ciri, a princess saved during a war and brought to the safety of the Witcher Stronghold, Kaer Morhen. Trained by Geralt and advised by Tris Marigold, Ciri learns to fight and embrace her destiny amidst a world filled with political intrigues and dangers. The plot intertwines dialogue-driven scenes with moments of introspection, focusing on character development and the complexities of relationships within a rich fantasy world.
The narrative alternates between dialogue-heavy sections and moments of action, exploring themes such as the nature of magic, the neutrality of war, and the exploitation of racism and fear for power gain. The story progresses through interconnected short stories, offering insights into Ciri's journey and her interactions with various characters, including Geralt, Yennefer, and Triss, while delving into the political landscape and Ciri's prophecy of the Blood of Elves.
Verily I say unto you, the era of the sword and axe is nigh, the era of the wolf’s blizzard. The Time of the White Chill and the White Light is nigh, the Time of Madness and the Time of Contempt: Tedd... - #9
Save:'The Steel Remains' by Richard K. Morgan is a gritty and dark fantasy novel that follows the stories of three disparate heroes dealing with their own baggage from past campaigns. The plot intertwines themes of violence, explicit sexual encounters, and a mix of swords and sorcery with a touch of science fiction. The characters are portrayed as flawed individuals with complex histories, set in a world filled with gods, aliens, political intrigue, and battles between church and state.
The writing style of Morgan is described as descriptive, dark, and gritty, with a 'no holds barred' approach. The novel explores themes of alien encounters, brutal violence, and graphic sex scenes, which are intertwined with a fast-paced adventure filled with family obligations, political tensions, and societal prejudices. The story is characterized by its unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, creating a rich and dirty world where heroes navigate through a complex and adult-themed narrative.
When a man you know to be of sound mind tells you his recently deceased mother has just tried to climb in his bedroom window and eat him, you only have two basic options. You can smell his breath, tak... - #10
Save:Spindle, part of 'The Two Monarchies Sequence' by W.R. Gingell, is a whimsical and enchanting tale that intricately weaves together elements of fairytales and magic. The story follows Poly, who awakens after 300 years in a castle tower, not as a princess as believed, but alongside a spacey wizard named Luck and a stray puppy named Onepiece. Together, they embark on an adventure to break the curse surrounding Poly and navigate the bureaucratic challenges of being pseudo-royalty in a new era. The writing style of the book is reminiscent of Diana Wynne Jones' works, with a touch of humor, mystery, and a narrative that expects readers to keep up with the fast-paced plot.
Polyhymnia knew perfectly well that she was dreaming. Her hair was in pigtails and she was wearing a smock, suggesting a dream age of perhaps twelve or thirteen. The dream itself was a distant memory ...
