Books Like...
"Mage's Blood" in the series "The Moontide Quartet" by David Hair is a sprawling epic fantasy that follows the interconnected lives of various characters from different parts of the world as they prepare for the impending Moontide, a significant event that will bring war and upheaval. The story delves into political intrigue, religious conflicts, and the machinations of powerful mages, all set against the backdrop of a detailed and believable world created by David Hair. The narrative weaves together themes of power, love, and morality, creating a character-driven story with well-developed protagonists like Alaron, Ramita, and Elena.
If you liked Mage's Blood, here are the top 13 books to read next:
- #1
The Queen of Blood follows the story of Daleina, a young girl with the power to control malevolent spirits that threaten the land of Aratay. Despite her lack of natural magical abilities, Daleina is determined to protect her family and the people of Renthia. As she trains at the Academy to become an Heir, Daleina forms strong female friendships and embarks on a treacherous quest with her companions to confront the ambitious and dangerous Queen Fara. The book showcases a unique fantasy world where spirits are omnipresent and humans must navigate a delicate balance to prevent destruction.
The plot of The Queen of Blood is driven by Daleina's journey from a humble forest village to becoming the Queen of Blood, a title she earns through courage, resourcefulness, and a relentless desire to protect her loved ones. The writing style is described as engaging and fast-paced, with elements of tension that keep readers hooked from the beginning. The book features themes of empowerment, friendship, and the struggle against corruption, set against a backdrop of a world where spirits and humans coexist in a precarious balance.
Don’t trust the fire, for it will burn you. Don’t trust the ice, for it will freeze you. Don’t trust the water, for it will drown you. Don’t trust... - #2
'Across the Nightingale Floor' is a fantasy novel set in an alternate version of feudal Japan, where the story follows a young boy named Tomasu who discovers he is a member of a special clan with unique abilities. The plot involves themes of treachery, love, duty, and revenge as Tomasu, now known as Takeo, navigates his new identity, loyalties, and desire for vengeance. The writing style is described as light, engaging, and imaginative, transporting readers to a world scented with feudal Japan through an exciting and vindictive narrative.
The book alternates between the perspectives of two main characters, Tomasu and Kaede, who are both entangled in the power struggles of feudal Japan. As their stories unfold, the reader can predict a love interest between them, adding a layer of intrigue to the plot. Despite some predictable elements, the book is praised for its poetic descriptions, insights into Japanese culture, and the blend of historical fiction with fantasy elements, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.
But when I did get back, muddy from sliding down the hillside, bruised from fighting, once bleeding great spouts of blood from a stone wound to the head (I still have the scar, like a silvered thumbna... - #3
EMPIRE OF SILENCE is a science fiction epic depicting the chaos caused by the great migration of peoples known as Volkswanderung. The story follows Hadrian Marlowe, a man with a conscience in a far future empire, who embarks on a journey across the stars to seek answers to long-asked questions. Rendered excomminicado and stripped of his wealth and power, Hadrian faces exile, slavery, and gladiator battles as he navigates through a galaxy-spanning arena. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the emergence of a new reality from the ruins of chaos.
My mother was late to my birth, and both my parents watched from a platform above the surgical theater while I was decanted from the vat. They say I screamed as the scholiasts birthed me and that I ha... - #4
'The Warded Man' in the series 'The Demon Cycle' by author Peter V. Brett is a fantasy novel set in a world terrorized by demons that rise every night to hunt people. The story follows three main characters as they navigate through a dark and dangerous world, with intricate world-building and character development. The plot revolves around the characters' journey from adolescence to adulthood, their struggles, motivations, and sacrifices in a world where demons threaten their existence every night.
The book is praised for its unique concept of demons rising from the core of the earth every night, the intricate magic system of wards used for protection, and the character-driven storytelling that delves deep into the motivations and struggles of the protagonists. Readers appreciate the strong characterization, interesting plot, solid world-building, and original story that keeps them engaged and eager to read more.
Arlen paused in his work, looking up at the lavender wash of the dawn sky. Mist still clung to the air, bringing with it a damp, acrid taste that was all too familiar. A quiet dread built in his gut a... - #5
'Black Leopard, Red Wolf' by Marlon James is an epic fantasy novel that follows the protagonist Tracker on a quest to find a missing boy in a fictitious kingdom filled with witches, monsters, and other fantastical beings. The writing style is described as dense, original, and complete, drawing from African history and mythology while also incorporating excessive violence and profanity. The narrative weaves through towns, tribes, and cities, with a highly dysfunctional main character who is hired to find the boy by a merchant acting as an agent for a politicking individual with a non-traditional agenda. The story unfolds with a mix of mythical and magical characters, creating a brutal and gory world that is both intriguing and challenging to navigate.
I hear there is a queen in the south who kills the man who brings her bad news. So when I give word of the boy’s death, do I write my own death with it? Truth eats lies just as the crocodile eats the ... - #6
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.... - #7
"Magician: Apprentice" by Raymond E. Feist follows the story of Pug, a young orphan who becomes an apprentice to a magician named Kulgan in the Kingdom of the Isles. As Pug struggles to master magic under his mentor's guidance, the kingdom faces a threat from the Tsurani invaders from another dimension, leading to a series of events that change the lives of key characters in the story. The plot includes elements such as interplanetary war, elves, dwarves, and a battle between the forces of Order and Chaos, all set in a medieval-style society. The writing style is described as simple, engaging, and enjoyable, with a mix of fantasy tropes and unique twists that keep readers engrossed in the story.
Pug danced along the edge of the rocks, his feet finding scant purchase as he made his way among the tide pools. His dark eyes darted about as he peered into each pool under the cliff face, seeking th... - #8
The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor is a thriller that intertwines the lives of the main characters, Eddie and his friends, between 1986 and 2016. The story revolves around childhood memories, mysterious chalk figures, a murder, and the repercussions that haunt them in adulthood. The narrative style switches back and forth in time, revealing dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a sense of creeping dread that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
The letter arrives without a flourish or fanfare or even a sense of foreboding. It slips through the letter box, sandwiched between a charity envelope for Macmillan and a flyer for a new pizza takeawa... - #9
'Gardens of the Moon' in the series 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson introduces readers to a vast and complex world filled with intricate plots and fascinating characters. The story weaves together multiple storylines that eventually converge, creating a rich and compelling narrative that challenges readers with its depth and scope. Erikson's writing style immerses readers in a world where alliances shift, actions are complex, and choices have profound consequences, all while exploring themes of power, magic, and the involvement of gods in mortal affairs.
“Prod and pull,” the old woman was saying, “’tis the way of the Empress, as like the gods themselves.” She leaned to one side and spat, then brought a soiled cloth to her wrinkled lips. “Three husband... - #10
The Primal Hunter is a Fantasy LitRPG that follows the paths of a group of office workers suddenly transported to the Multiverse, where they must survive a designated tutorial scenario. The story mainly focuses on Jake Thayne, a character with unique abilities as a Bloodline Patriarch, adjusting to his new role as an Archer in a fantasy world. The plot involves combat, character development, and exploration of the LitRPG universe, with detailed descriptions of the RPG system and world-building.
The author, Zogarth, presents an engaging narrative that goes beyond the typical LitRPG or Fantasy story, delving into the social aspects and psychology of the characters in-depth. The characters face challenges, make choices, and undergo growth as they navigate the tutorial scenario, showcasing exceptional character work and intricate world-building. The book offers a blend of combat, RPG elements, and a captivating storyline that keeps readers immersed in the world of the Multiverse.
It was just another boring Monday morning. The sparse rays of sunlight that found their way through the blinds’ narrow gaps did little to disturb the man sleeping deeply on the bed. However, the seren...