Books Like...

Ombria in Shadow by Patricia A. McKillip is a beautifully written fantasy novel set in a kingdom facing turmoil after the death of the prince. The story follows a cast of characters including a young prince, a plotting great aunt, a royal bastard, a mysterious sorceress, and her assistant, all intertwined in political maneuverings and secrets. The narrative explores the mystery of Ombria, a city with a shadowy existence, blending elements of power seeking, magic, ghosts, and political intrigue. McKillip's writing style is described as poetic, lush, and detailed, with a focus on character development and rich storytelling.

The First Book of Swords by Fred Saberhagen is the beginning of a trilogy that introduces readers to a future Earth transformed into a medieval serfdom after a devastating war. In this world, gods create magical swords with unique powers and set them loose to play games with humanity. The story follows characters like Jord, who receives the sword Townsaver from the god Vulcan, and Mark, his son who unwittingly becomes entangled in a game involving these enchanted swords. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to a variety of characters, including dragonslayers and nobles, all seeking to possess these powerful and mysterious blades. The book combines elements of high fantasy with a post-apocalyptic setting, offering a blend of magic, gods, and ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

The writing style of The First Book of Swords has been praised for being well-written, engaging, and easy to follow. The author, Fred Saberhagen, introduces readers to a world where gods are bored and seek entertainment through the creation of the Swords of Power. Each sword has its own unique abilities and vulnerabilities, adding depth to the narrative. The book explores themes of power, fate, and the consequences of wielding such potent artifacts, weaving a tale that captivates fans of sword and sorcery genre with its imaginative storytelling and character development.

"Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" by Terry Brooks follows the story of a Chicago lawyer named Ben Holiday who feels like something is missing from his life. When he comes across a listing in a Christmas catalog for a magical kingdom, he decides to take a chance and purchases it. Upon arriving in the magical kingdom of Landover, Ben discovers that the kingdom is in disarray with no money in the treasury, no army, and enemies lurking. The story delves into Ben's journey of trying to restore the kingdom to its former glory, facing challenges, and balancing a sense of responsibility without proper authority. The writing style is described as clever and escapist, with an engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the world of Landover.

The plot of "Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" revolves around Ben Holiday's unexpected acquisition of a magical kingdom and his subsequent struggles to bring order and magic back to Landover. explores themes of escapism, responsibility, and the challenges of leadership in a fantasy setting accessible through a Christmas catalog. The writing style, while dated due to being published in 1986, is noted for its clever storytelling and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.

"Arrows of the Queen" by Mercedes Lackey follows the story of Talia, a young girl who is chosen to become a Herald to the queen of Valdemar after escaping an abusive home life. Talia undergoes training to become a Herald, facing challenges such as attempts on her life, rogue mind magic, and dealing with a difficult princess. Set in Valdemar, a land filled with mind magic and white horses called Companions, the story emphasizes the importance of friendship and overcoming obstacles. is a coming-of-age tale that showcases Talia's growth in confidence and abilities as she navigates her new role in the kingdom.

The writing style of "Arrows of the Queen" is described as engaging, enjoyable, and immersive, creating a believable world with well-developed characters. explores themes of self-discovery, inner strength, and the power of friendship, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy novels with strong female protagonists.

The Crystal Shard is the first book in a series that details the adventures of modern fantasy's most popular character, Drizzt Do'Urden. R.A. Salvatore has created legions of fans with his ability to put an action movie into book form. The book introduces many of the characters that fans of the series have come to love, Wulfgar, Bruenor, and of course Drizzt. The basic synopsis of the Icewind Dale books would be as follows: In 'The Crystal Shard', a power-hungry wizard has gained control of a crystal containing deep magic. War breaks out between his army of various monstrous creatures and the people of Ten Towns, a community of people settled around the many lakes in Icewind Dale. The conflict makes friends out of former enemies, but we start to see that some prejudices in the Realms run too deep for most to let go.

The Ninth Rain is a fantasy novel that introduces readers to a unique world filled with mysteries and secrets. The story follows a group of characters with different points of view as they navigate through a world-changing event that leads to the unraveling of hidden truths. The plot is filled with suspense, drama, and intriguing twists that escalate towards a gripping climax. The writing style seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams is the first book in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, following the story of Simon, a kitchen boy who becomes entangled in a world of ancient evil, mysterious groups, and royal conspiracies. The book is praised for its creative storytelling, character development, and intricate world-building, setting the stage for an epic fantasy series filled with rich details and complex characters.

'Wizard's First Rule' by Terry Goodkind follows the story of Richard Cypher, a woodsguide who embarks on a journey to find his father's killer. Along the way, he teams up with a mysterious woman named Kahlan to save the world from an evil tyrant named Darken Rahl. is filled with adventures, magic, and a touch of romance, offering lessons about fear, belief, and the triumph of good versus evil. The plot is a classic fantasy tale with a chosen hero, a wise wizard, a quest, a traitor, and an evil antagonist, all set in a detailed world created by the author.

The narrative style of 'Wizard's First Rule' is fast-paced and engaging, keeping readers hooked from the beginning. introduces intriguing characters like Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd, who face challenges, torture, and betrayals as they navigate through a world of magic and danger. The story is a blend of adventure, mystery, and self-discovery, making it a captivating read for fantasy lovers.

Clive Barker's 'The Thief of Always' tells the tale of a young boy named Harvey Swick who, bored with his life, is lured by a mysterious figure to the Holiday House, a place where every day is a different holiday and every wish is granted. However, Harvey soon realizes that the seemingly perfect house holds dark secrets and he must find a way to escape and save his friends. The story is described as a dark fairy tale with a sinister undertone, reminiscent of traditional folk tales but with a modern twist that keeps readers engaged and slightly unnerved. Barker's writing style is praised for its craftmanship, vivid imagination, and the ability to transport readers into a world filled with wonder and danger.

In 'Kings of the Wyld' by Nicholas Eames, the story follows a group of retired mercenaries who reunite to embark on one last adventure to save a member's daughter from a dangerous situation. The book is described as a fun and fast-paced fantasy novel with a humorous and self-aware take on the classic epic fantasy genre. The characters are portrayed as lovable, the plot is filled with thrilling and entertaining moments, and the writing style is engaging and easy to follow.