Books Like...

Divine Blood, the first book in the 'Guardians of the Maiden' series by Beck Michaels, follows the journey of Dyna, a young healer seeking to save her village from a looming threat. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious Celestial named Cassiel, forming an unexpected bond that intertwines their fates. With a mix of magical creatures like angels, werewolves, and fae, the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a rich and complex world filled with adventure, self-discovery, and found families. The author, Beck Michaels, masterfully weaves together intricate plotlines and compelling characters, creating a captivating fantasy tale that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

'Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country' by Rosalind Miles is a retelling of the Arthurian legends from Guenevere's perspective. It explores Guenevere's journey as she becomes queen of the Summer Country after the unexpected death of her mother. The story delves into the complex relationships between Guenevere, King Arthur, and Lancelot, as well as the power struggles and plots involving Merlin and Morgan. The writing style is described as descriptive and interesting, with a slightly different slant on the Arthurian tale compared to other retellings.

'Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle' by Rosalind Miles is a historical fiction novel that retells the love story of Tristan and Isolde, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal struggles. The plot follows Isolde's journey as she navigates her relationship with Tristan, her conflicts with her mother, the Queen of Ireland, and her responsibilities to her land. is praised for its well-developed characters, emotional depth, and engaging storytelling style that brings to life the legendary characters of Tristan and Isolde.

"In Camelot's Shadow" in the series "Queens of Camelot" by Sarah Zettel tells the story of Risa of the Morelands and Sir Gawain of the Round Table, filled with Celtic mythology and Arthurian Legend. Risa's father has sold her to a sorcerer, and Gawain must rescue her, while another witch aims for Arthur's throne. The pacing is a little slow, but the characters are well developed and sympathetic. The plot involves marauding Saxons, sorcerous machinations, and Gawain's tendency to save damsels, leading to a mix of love, passion, temptation, loyalty, fantasy, and mythology.

Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn is a coming-of-age story following Corie, the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, as she navigates between two worlds - spending her summers at the royal castle and learning to be a healer with her grandmother. The book explores themes of personal growth, court intrigue, romance, and the complexities of Corie's dual identity, all set in a fantasy world with elements of fairy tale romance and political intrigue.

'Peaches and Honey: These Immortal Truths' by R. Raeta is a beautifully written novel that spans over 800 years, following the intertwined lives of the immortal protagonists Anna and Khiran. The story delves into themes of immortality, humanity, suffering, kindness, and the ever-changing world they inhabit, touching on social issues such as poverty, wars, and the impact of historical events on the characters' lives. The writing style is described as stunning, with readers praising the author's ability to create a unique and immersive reading experience that blends fantasy, historical elements, and romance.

"The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the women characters surrounding Prince Arthur. The book explores themes of power, politics, religion, and the clash between the matriarchal Celtic culture and the rising patriarchal Christianity. Through intricate storytelling and fantasy elements, the novel delves into the choices, rituals, and struggles faced by the women of Camelot, offering a fresh and enchanting take on the well-known Arthurian tales.

The narrative spans lifetimes, chronicling the lives of characters like Morgaine, Arthur, Lancelot, and Merlin, while also weaving in historical and legendary elements. Bradley's writing style is described as deep, detailed, and immersive, drawing readers into the world of Avalon and the complexities of the Arthurian era. The book is praised for its unique perspective, intricate plot, and the emotional depth it brings to the characters, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read for fans of fantasy and Arthurian legends.

In "Embellish," part of the "Romance a Medieval Fairytale" series by Demelza Carlton, we meet George, a cobbler who seeks to clear his name of cowardice by slaying a dragon terrorizing the people. To achieve this, he advertises for an assistant, leading him to Melitta, a royal tailor yearning for adventure. Together, they face dangerous creatures and challenges, using trickery and teamwork to defend themselves. The story is filled with danger, excitement, and a bit of romance as George and Melitta navigate their way through their journey, all while trying to ignore the growing feelings between them.

The book is a retelling of the Brave Little Tailor fairytale, featuring two protagonists who each bring their own strengths and flaws to the story. The plot follows their adventures, showcasing their determination, courage, and the development of their relationship as they work together to overcome obstacles and face their fears. With a mix of humor, wit, and danger, "Embellish" offers a unique twist on a classic tale, set in a colorful world full of strong female characters and interconnected storylines within the series.

Bloodguard by Cecy Robson is an action-packed romance fantasy that features a dual point of view, equally split between a gladiator and a princess, a combination that offers readers a fresh take on the genre. The plot centers around a gladiator tournament set in a medieval world, filled with both bloodshed and political intrigue. Readers have noted the fast pacing and well-written arena battles, with a mix of romance and twists that keep the story engaging and entertaining.

"Keeper of Enchanted Rooms" by Charlie N. Holmberg follows the story of Merritt Fernsby, a man who unexpectedly inherits Whimbrel House, an enchanted property on Blaugdone Island. As Merritt grapples with the magical quirks of the house and the mysteries surrounding it, he is aided by Hulda Larkin from BIKER, an organization that deals with magical buildings. The plot unfolds with elements of magic, suspense, humor, and romance, as Merritt navigates the challenges presented by Whimbrel House and its ghostly inhabitants, while also facing external threats like the villain Silas Hogwood.