Books Like...

Never Die by Rob J. Hayes is a standalone fantasy novel that follows the story of a young boy named Ein who is tasked by a Shinigami to assassinate the Emperor of Ten Kings. To aid him in this quest, Ein has the power to resurrect legendary heroes to fight for him. As Ein gathers his team of heroes, they face battles against not only each other but also dangerous mythical creatures, all while venturing towards the city of Jieshu to fulfill their impossible mission. The narrative is a blend of Chinese wuxia action, Japanese folklore, and epic fantasy, with a focus on revenge, dark themes, and the complexities of the characters' motivations.

The book is filled with exhilarating action sequences, high-octane fight scenes, and intricate character interactions that draw inspiration from wuxia movies, anime, and Japanese mythology. Rob J. Hayes' writing style is described as fluid and smooth, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy, action, and eastern influences to create a captivating and fast-paced story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Jade Legacy is a captivating conclusion to 'The Green Bone Saga' by Fonda Lee, delving deep into family drama, character development, and complex relationships within the clan. The book explores themes of geopolitics, honor, power struggles, and the evolution of characters over multiple generations, set in a world where jade holds immense power and plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative.

In the sequel to 'Jade City', titled 'Jade War', the story expands beyond the conflict between the Mountain and No Peak clans in Kekon to involve international skullduggery, smuggling, and gang warfare across countries like Espenia and the Uwiwa Islands. The characters, including Hilo and Anden, face challenges in leadership and adaptation to new environments, with themes of family dynamics, power struggles, and the consequences of using jade in a world heavily influenced by real-world history. The narrative weaves together elements of martial arts, crime drama, and supernatural abilities, creating an intricate plot that explores loyalty, honor, and the complexities of mob families.

The author, Fonda Lee, skillfully builds upon the rich world established in the first book, delving deeper into character development and expanding the scope of the story while maintaining a focus on family dynamics and the internal conflicts within the clans. 'Jade War' explores themes of power, privilege, colonization, and the impact of war on individuals and societies, all set within a wuxia-inspired setting that blends action-packed scenes with moments of emotional depth and human vulnerability.

The Sword of Kaigen is a standalone fantasy novel that tells the story of the Matsuda family, particularly focusing on Misaki and her son Mamoru. Set in a Japanese-inspired fantasy world, the book explores themes of family dynamics, coping with tragedy, and embracing one's true self. The plot revolves around the family's struggles in a remote village where they train to become powerful warriors with unique magical abilities, facing challenges that test their beliefs and relationships.

"Jade City" by Fonda Lee is a modern-day epic fantasy set in a world where the power of jade grants superhuman abilities to certain individuals, leading to a power struggle between rival clans in the city of Janloon. The story follows the Kaul family of the No Peak clan as they navigate through a world of feuds, politics, and magical intrigue, creating a blend of mafia drama, gangster epics, and wuxia elements in a unique setting reminiscent of Hong Kong. The book offers a mix of intricate world-building, complex characters, intense action sequences, and a well-crafted plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

With its richly developed world, diverse cast of characters, and a compelling blend of mafia elements and magical powers, "Jade City" delivers a captivating story that combines family loyalty, political intrigue, and fantastical elements seamlessly. The narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and tradition within the context of a society where jade is not only a source of strength but also a catalyst for conflicts and alliances, creating a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and resilience in a world where magic and modernity coexist.

'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu is an epic fantasy novel that takes inspiration from ancient Chinese history while incorporating elements of Polynesian and Japanese culture. The story follows the lives of two main characters as they navigate through a world filled with political intrigue, battles, and complex relationships. The narrative style of the book has been described as quasi-historical, allowing the author to cover large events over vast distances and time periods, creating a rich tapestry of a world.

Malice in 'The Faithful and the Fallen' series by John Gwynne is an epic fantasy novel that introduces readers to a vast world with multiple kingdoms and characters. The story revolves around a growing conflict between various factions, with a focus on good vs evil as the world prepares for a god war. The book is known for its detailed world-building, nuanced characters, and multiple points of view that provide insight into the different perspectives within the narrative. While some readers find the pacing slow at the beginning, the book picks up speed as the plot unfolds, leading to epic battles and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged.

In 'Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution', R.F. Kuang presents an alternative history fantasy set in a Victorian Britain where the city of Oxford is the center of knowledge and progress. The story revolves around Robin Swift, a bright boy plucked from Canton, who is taken to England by Professor Richard Lovell to study languages at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. As Robin befriends a group of misfits, they find themselves embroiled in a revolution that challenges the foundations of the Empire, all while dealing with themes of colonialism, language, and power.

Kuang's writing style intricately weaves together elements of history, fantasy, and language, creating a detailed and immersive world where the power of the Empire is tied to the magic of enchanted silver inscribed with untranslatable words. Through a diverse cast of characters and a unique magic system, the author explores complex themes of colonialism, empire building, exploitation, and prejudice, offering a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the dark corners of history and society.

'She Who Became the Sun' by Shelley Parker Chan is a historical fantasy novel set in 14th century China under Mongol rule. The story follows Zhu, a girl who takes on her deceased brother's identity to escape a fate of insignificance and embarks on a journey to claim greatness. The narrative weaves themes of ambition, identity, and destiny, portraying Zhu's struggle against societal expectations and her desire for power and revenge. The book combines elements of fantasy, Asian culture, and historical events, creating a rich and immersive world where characters face moral dilemmas and challenges that test their resolve.