Books matching: unique fantasy realm
18 result(s)
- #1
The Stormbringer by Isabel Cooper is a fantasy romance novel set in a unique world filled with intricate world-building and detailed battle descriptions. The story follows Darya, a sentinel with special gifts, who discovers Amris, a General locked in time for 100 years, and together they must face dark forces unleashed by an evil sorcerer named Thyran. As the plot unfolds, the relationship dynamics between Darya, Amris, and the spirit of Gerant, Amris' late lover, become intertwined, leading to a complex and layered storyline that combines elements of epic tales and fantasy worlds.
The book is characterized by vivid descriptions of fights that immerse readers in the action, as well as a mix of fantasy and horror elements that create a mysterious and captivating atmosphere. Despite some readers finding the beginning confusing and the romance aspect less appealing, The Stormbringer offers a fresh take on the genre with its inventive storytelling and dynamic characters, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy romance.
- #2
Annice, a former princess turned bard, finds herself facing treason accusations against her lover, the Duc of Ohrid, while also dealing with her forbidden pregnancy. The book combines music and elemental magic in a unique fantasy setting where bards sing to elemental spirits for power and assistance. The plot revolves around Annice's quest to uncover the truth behind the accusations against her lover and navigate the consequences of her treasonous condition, all while showcasing solid world-building and character development.
“Was it something I said?” The innkeeper laughed as the young woman continued her headlong dash out the door, ignoring him completely. Lifting a slab of fried ham off the grill and onto an already ful... - #3
Forced to be Queen in the series Sacrificed to the Fae King by Lola Glass is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Noa, the main character, who finds herself in an impossible situation with a fae man. The book is praised for its slow burn storytelling, world-building, and the gradual revelation of secrets. The author, Lola Glass, introduces a unique twist to the fae genre, creating a refreshing and creative take on the fantasy elements. The characters, especially Noa and Auden, are well-developed, and their evolving relationship from enemies to friends is a highlight of the book.
“Three of the fae will escort you home to grab your things,” the government employee said, somehow maintaining a neutral expression as I stared at him with my mouth hanging open like I was a fish wait... - #4
The world of 'Savage Dominion' in the series 'Savage Dominion Book' by Luke Chmilenko is a violent and unique fantasy realm that warps standard tropes. Readers are introduced to deep world-building, dark fantasy elements, and character-driven storytelling that follows the main character's journey from Earth to a new world with the help of gods. The narrative explores themes of savagery, friendship, growth, and the challenges faced by characters in a devastated world.
Throughout the eons of human history, men have done a lot of really dumb things to get laid. When you put that into context, going for a ten-mile hike for a first date when you are as athletic as a ca... - #5
'The Memory Puller' by Kris K. Haines follows the story of Cassandra, a Shrouded Sister who takes memories from humans for the Fae. She is a rebellious character, akin to a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to help the poor. When caught during a heist by a handsome winged Fae Guard named Tristan, their interactions spark forbidden feelings due to her chastity vow. As they unravel a mystery together, their bond deepens, leading to intense and steamy moments. The book features a mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery elements, with a strong focus on character dynamics and world-building.
The writing style of Kris K. Haines in 'The Memory Puller' is engaging, with witty banter, captivating interactions, and a slow-burn romance that keeps readers hooked. The story is filled with twists and turns, leaving readers guessing and eager to uncover what happens next. The book also features well-developed secondary characters and a unique world that blends elements of fantasy with a modern setting, creating a compelling backdrop for the characters' adventures.
- #6
"Bone Swans" by C.S.E. Cooney is a collection of dark and gritty fantasy short stories and novellas that reimagines traditional fairy tales with a modern twist. The stories delve into themes of myth, folklore, and fantasy, presenting original and inventive interpretations of classic tales such as The Pied Piper, The Juniper Tree, and Rumpelstiltskin. Cooney's writing style is described as vivid, dark, and humorous, with a mordant sense of humor and a knack for crafting sentences that feel lovingly created. The stories feature a mix of mythic and contemporary elements, blending the sacred and the profane to create a wholly satisfying reading experience.
- #7
'Warrior from the Shadowland' in the series 'Elemental Phases' by Cassandra Gannon introduces readers to a unique world where the Elemental realms are controlled by Houses with powers matching fire, air, gravity, reflections, and shadows. The story revolves around Cross, the King of Shadowland, the sole surviving Shadow Phase, who is on a mission to find his 'match' to help him carry the burden of holding all the shadows in the universe. As the Water Phases search for a solution to reverse the Fall and save the universe, the narrative unfolds with a blend of humor, tragedy, and action, creating a captivating setting where immortal Elemental Phases struggle to survive in the aftermath of an apocalypse.
Despite the writing style being critiqued for typos and grammatical errors, readers are drawn into the compelling storyline that offers a unique depiction of elemental powers and a diverse cast of characters. explores themes of trust, destiny, and redemption, as the characters navigate unexpected relationships, face internal struggles, and work together to overcome challenges in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.
Two years after the Fall, Nia, Princess of the Water House, led a rebellion against the Council of All Houses. As far as rebellions went, Nia didn’t have a particularly impressive force of freedom fi... - #8
'Rogues' edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois is a collection of short stories from a variety of authors, focusing on the theme of rogues as characters. The book features stories from different genres, showcasing roguish characters in various settings and situations. The writing style varies from engaging and rich in detail to episodic and mixed in quality, providing readers with a diverse range of storytelling approaches.
The bloody blinding fogs and the bloody slapping water and the bloody universal sickening stink of rot. The bloody parties and masques and revels. Fun, everyone having bloody fun, or at least pretendi... - #9
The Outstretched Shadow is a high fantasy novel that follows the story of young Kellen, son of Archmage Lycalaelon, living in the Golden City of Thousand Bells. The city is ruled by High Magic, a precise and male-dominated form of magic that Kellen finds predictable and boring. However, when Kellen stumbles upon the forbidden books of wild magic, he embarks on a journey that leads him to uncover the secrets of a powerful enemy lurking in Obsidian Mountain. The book introduces a world filled with wizards, elves, dragons, and a great struggle between good and evil, setting the stage for an epic trilogy where alliances will be tested and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
The story is a classic tale of a young protagonist facing his fears and learning to stand on his own, set against the backdrop of a world teeming with magical creatures and ancient prophecies. The narrative weaves together themes of change, choices, responsibility, and the eternal battle between good and evil, with elements of magic, unicorns, demons, and a coming-of-age journey that propels the main character into a world of adventure and danger.
Perhaps—to some—they were. Certainly the number of superior kitchen servants that filled the streets of the Garden Market, their household livery enveloped in spotless aprons, pristine market baskets ... - #10
'Tokyo Cancelled' by Rana Dasgupta is a collection of thirteen modern-day fables framed within the story of passengers stranded at an airport on their way to Tokyo. The stories range from disturbing fairy tales to dystopian visions of the future and past, with unexpected twists and clear yet imaginative writing style. The characters in the stories accept a magical world with few questions, and the book delves into deep themes of love, struggle, and survival.
The book presents a scintillating world where reality blends into fantasy, similar to the fairy tales of childhood, with stories involving frozen Sleeping Beauty, twin dwarfs in love, and trees growing from people. The author's writing style is described as rich and varied, akin to Salman Rushdie's, with excellent imagery and a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged and pondering the deeper meanings woven throughout the tales.
A 747 had disgorged its 323 passengers into the middle of a vacant, snow-brushed tarmac expanse, left them to trudge across it through the cold and the floodlit glare to a terminus whose neon name was...