Books Like...

'Nyphron Rising' in 'The Riyria Revelations' series by Michael J. Sullivan follows the story of Princess Arista as she employs thieves Royce and Hadrian on a mission amidst political turmoil and impending war. The plot revolves around the complexities of political diplomacy, clandestine plotting, and the struggle against the church's quest for dominance. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters like Princess Arista, Royce, and Hadrian, who bring depth to the story through humor, realism, and unexpected twists.

'As Meat Loves Salt' by Maria McCann is a historical fiction novel set during the English Civil War, following the life of Jacob Cullen, a troubled and violent man who goes from being a servant to a soldier in Cromwell's New Model Army. The book delves into Jacob's complex relationships, particularly with his fellow soldier Christopher Ferris, exploring themes of love, obsession, violence, and inner turmoil. The narrative is rich in historical detail, depicting the political, religious, and social upheaval of seventeenth century England, while also portraying the personal struggles and moral dilemmas of the characters.

The writing style in 'As Meat Loves Salt' is described as gripping, atmospheric, and meticulously researched, with vivid descriptions of battlefields and life during the English Civil War. The protagonist, Jacob Cullen, is portrayed as a deeply flawed and complex character, whose descent into madness and obsession is both unsettling and compelling. The novel balances historical accuracy with the exploration of human emotions and relationships, making it a dark and intense read that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.

'The Gathering Storm' is the twelfth book in 'The Wheel of Time' series, written by Brandon Sanderson after the passing of Robert Jordan. Sanderson seamlessly continues the epic saga, focusing on characters like Rand, Egwene, and Mat as they navigate through battles, revelations, and character development. The plot moves towards a conclusion, with the pace improving and various storylines starting to converge. Sanderson's writing style is praised for being more concise and faster-paced than Jordan's, while still capturing the essence of the series.

The book is lauded for reinvigorating the series and providing a sense of closure to long-time readers. Sanderson's ability to tie up loose ends, develop characters, and maintain the original feel of Jordan's work is highlighted. Fans appreciate the increased action, humor, and dramatic scenes in 'The Gathering Storm', as well as the anticipation it builds for the final two books in the series.

In "The Grey King," Will Stanton is sent to Wales to recover from an illness, where he befriends Bran, a mysterious boy who turns out to be the Pendragon son of King Arthur. Together, they must awaken the Sleepers to help defeat the Dark. The book is praised for its use of Welsh mythology in the plot, the intriguing character development of Bran, and the suspenseful storytelling that keeps readers guessing about the characters' true identities. The writing style is described as engrossing, with a focus on mature themes like death, illness, love, and loss, setting it apart from other books in "The Dark is Rising" series.

The book explores the deepening of magical adventures and the complexity of characters, particularly Will and Bran. The setting of Wales adds a rich atmosphere to the story, blending local myths and folklore seamlessly with the battle of light and dark forces. The narrative is compelling, with a strong sense of urgency in facing the threat from the Dark, and the incorporation of Welsh landscape and mythology enhances the overall reading experience.

'Towers of Midnight' in 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan, continued by Brandon Sanderson, follows the epic tale of Rand, Egwene, Nynaeve, Matt, Perrin, and other characters as they navigate through a world on the brink of a final battle between light and darkness. The book intricately weaves together multiple storylines, showcasing struggles, quests, and otherworldly adventures. The writing style alternates between Robert Jordan's gravitas and Brandon Sanderson's lighter touch, creating a rich tapestry of plot developments and character growth. Despite some pacing issues and character inconsistencies, the book delivers intense action-packed scenes and emotional moments that keep readers engaged till the end.

'The Girl in 6E' by A.R. Torre follows the story of Deanna Madden, a young woman who has locked herself in her apartment for over 3 years due to her strong urge to kill. To make a living, Deanna works as a camgirl under the persona Jess Reilly, engaging with clients from different walks of life. As Deanna navigates her online world, she faces a decision when she suspects a client of being a potential predator, leading her to confront the dangers lurking outside her safe haven. The plot unfolds with a mix of thriller elements, exploration of Deanna's psyche, and a touch of romance, keeping readers engaged with its unique storyline and character development.

The writing style in 'The Girl in 6E' is described as gripping and suspenseful, with a blend of first-person narration from Deanna's perspective and occasional shifts to third-person points of view to unravel mysteries and add depth to the plot. delves into dark themes, offering a page-turning experience that balances psychological insights, erotic undertones, and unexpected twists, making it a compelling read that captivates readers till the end.

Crossroads of Twilight is the tenth book in 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan. The book is criticized for its slow pace and lack of significant plot progression. Readers express frustration over the extensive focus on political maneuvering and the feeling of being stuck in the story without much advancement. Despite some character developments, many opinions highlight the book's lack of major events and the struggle to remember significant occurrences, leading to a sense of stagnation in the series.

'The Palace Job' by Patrick Weekes is a high fantasy ensemble heist book reminiscent of Ocean's Eleven in a Dungeons and Dragons setting. The story follows Loch, a rogue captain, who assembles a diverse crew to recover a stolen elvish book, leading them on a wild adventure filled with fights, witty banter, and unexpected twists. The book features a mix of fantasy elements like magic, floating cities, and mythical creatures, creating a fun and entertaining read for fans of caper stories.

The writing style of 'The Palace Job' is described as light and easy to read, with a focus on humor, clever dialogue, and a fast-paced plot filled with double-crossings and surprises. Despite some predictable twists and juvenile humor, the book manages to engage readers with its diverse cast of characters and the thrilling escapades they embark on.

'Among Others' by Jo Walton is a coming-of-age story about Mor, a teenage girl who keeps a diary documenting her love for science fiction and fantasy books, her struggles with family dynamics, and her encounters with magic and fairies. The narrative weaves between Mor's real-life events and her fantastical experiences, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The book explores themes of grief, identity, outsiderhood, and the power of literature to provide solace and connection.

In "Dorothy Must Die" by Danielle Paige, readers are introduced to Amy, a girl from Kansas who finds herself in a twisted version of Oz where Dorothy has turned into a power-hungry dictator. With the help of the remaining wicked witches, Amy is tasked with assassinating Dorothy to restore Oz to its former glory. The story delves into themes of good versus evil, the consequences of power, and the unexpected twists that can occur in well-known fairy tales. The writing style is described as dark, fast-paced, and immersive, with vivid world-building and well-developed characters that keep readers engaged throughout the book.