Books Like...
Age of Assassins by R.J. Barker is a fantasy novel set in the Tired Lands, following the story of Girton Clubfoot, an apprentice assassin, and his master Merela Karn as they are tasked with uncovering a plot to assassinate the heir to the throne. The book combines elements of fantasy and mystery, with a focus on subterfuge and intrigue rather than traditional epic fantasy themes. The writing style is described as poetic at times, with beautiful passages and a nice flow that adds color to the story. The world building is subtly done, depicting a bleak setting where magic comes at a price and is considered an abomination by the people of the Tired Lands.
Girton Clubfoot's journey in the book involves discovering new emotions like friendship, love, betrayal, and loss as he navigates the complexities of life in the castle. The story is told from Girton's perspective, allowing readers to experience his coming of age as he questions his past and his role as an assassin, all while trying to prevent a murder and untangle a web of lies and deceit.
If you liked Age of Assassins, here are the top 49 books to read next:
- #1
The Queen's Poisoner by Jeff Wheeler follows the story of a young boy named Owen Kiskaddon who becomes a hostage in Kingfountain after his father's betrayal. The plot revolves around Owen navigating the courtly intrigue, with the help of characters like Ankarette Tryneowy and Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on character development and intricate plotting, set in a world filled with magic and political complexities.
Lady Eleanor sat at the window seat of her chambers, gently stroking her son’s head in her lap. Owen was her youngest child, the one who had barely survived his birth. He was a frail lad of eight, tho... - #2
The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker is a nautical fantasy set in a world of scattered islands where the Hundred Isles are at war with the Gaunt Isles. The battles take place on seas between ships made from the bones of extinct sea dragons. The story follows the crew of the Tide Child on a secret mission to find and defend the last dragon in their world. The writing style is described as unique, cryptic, and layered, with brutal and bloody scenes that do not shy away from death and blood. The worldbuilding includes intricate shipboard customs, a complex society with a matriarchal structure, and a dark undertone that adds depth to the narrative.
The two would-be jade thieves sweated in the kitchen of the Twice Lucky restaurant. The windows were open in the dining room, and the onset of evening brought a breeze off the waterfront to cool the d... - #3
'These Guns for Hire' is a collection of short stories centered around hitmen, assassins, and killers for hire. The stories vary in genres from mystery to horror, with some blending elements of humor and supernatural themes. The book features a diverse range of authors contributing stories that explore the dark and intriguing world of hitmen, providing a mix of spine-chilling scares, suspenseful twists, and unexpected humor.
The writing style of 'These Guns for Hire' is described as high octane, heart-pumping, and pulse-pounding, offering readers a variety of stories that can be considered pulp, noir, supernatural, humorous, or unclassifiable. The book showcases the talents of both established mystery writers and horror authors, bringing together a collection of 31 gripping tales that cater to fans of horror, mystery, and suspense alike.
It took me a second. Rusty parts of my brain creaked into motion, reached back twenty years. Yeah, I recognized the voice. I told him so. No emotion in my tone. Let’s see what this long lost voice wan... - #4
The Traitor God by Cameron Johnston is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of Edrin Walker, a powerful magician and a god killer who has been on the run for the last ten years dodging daemons and debt. When he witnesses his best friend's murder through a magical bond they share, he decides to return to his city of Setharis to avenge his friend's death. The book is set in a society governed by a council of wizards, with a caste system based on magical abilities. The story combines elements of mystery, action-packed magical battles, and a morally grey protagonist navigating a world full of monsters, demons, gods, and titans.
- #5
Gods of the Wyrdwood by R.J. Barker is a fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world where everything, including weapons and armor, is made out of wood. The story follows Cahan, a character who was called as a child to accept a symbiote and save the world, but his life takes a different turn when another rises in his place. Despite being cast aside and hunted, Cahan finds himself unable to escape the world's demands as he navigates a setting filled with unique creatures and plants, reminiscent of a world like PRINCESS MONONOKE. The book is praised for its immersive world-building, complex characters, and the way it slowly draws readers in with its rich and detailed setting.
- #6
"The Perfect Assassin" by K.A. Doore is a fantasy novel set in the desert city of Ghadid, where a young assassin named Amastan discovers a murder mystery that leads him to uncover dangerous secrets and face powerful entities known as jaani. The book explores themes of loyalty, family, and morality as Amastan navigates through a society filled with complex characters and intricate plot twists. The writing style is described as immersive, elegant, and filled with rooftop fight scenes, offering a refreshing take on the typical assassin narrative.
The wind tore at Amastan’s wrap, trying to slide warm fingers beneath the fabric and unravel the knots. It tasted of heat and dust, the only products of the sands that stretched endless before him. Hi... - #7
"Hit Man" by Lawrence Block follows the life of John Keller, a semi-retired hitman who seeks meaning in his life through therapy sessions, dog walking, stamp collecting, and navigating relationships. Despite his profession, Keller is portrayed as a relatable and somewhat mundane character, engaging in introspection and everyday activities while carrying out his deadly assignments. is structured as a collection of short stories that gradually weave together to form a novel narrative, showcasing Keller's complexities, quirks, and moral dilemmas in a noir and humorous tone.
Lawrence Block's writing style in "Hit Man" is characterized as light, enjoyable, and laid back, drawing readers into Keller's world of contract killings with a touch of dark humor and dry wit. The episodic nature of the book allows for the gradual development of Keller's character, as he navigates through his job as a hitman while attempting to connect with humanity through mundane activities and introspective musings. The novel presents Keller as an enigmatic figure who challenges traditional perceptions of hitmen by blending elements of mystery, humor, and character study.
Keller flew United to Portland. He read a magazine on the leg from JFK to O’Hare, ate lunch on the ground, and watched the movie on the nonstop flight from Chicago to Portland. It was a quarter to thr... - #8
The Butcher's Boy by Thomas Perry is a thrilling novel that follows a professional hitman, known only as the Butcher's Boy, who finds himself in a dangerous situation after completing a job for the Mafia. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to Elizabeth Waring, a Justice Department analyst, who uncovers a link between seemingly unrelated murders. The plot is fast-paced, filled with smart and inventive twists, and set in various US cities, primarily focusing on Las Vegas. Perry's writing style is described as smart, skillful, and captivating, with well-rounded characters and a compelling storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
1The union meeting, thought Al Veasy, had gone as well as could be expected, all things considered. He had finally figured out why the retirement fund was in such trouble all the time, when everybody ... - #9
In the grimdark fantasy novel 'Blackwing' by Ed McDonald, readers are introduced to a bleak world where mortals struggle against the odds imposed by godlike beings. The protagonist, Captain Galharrow, commands the Blackwings, a paramilitary force tasked with battling monsters created by the Deep Kings to reactivate Nall's Engine. As the story unfolds, Galharrow navigates a dangerous landscape known as the Misery, filled with twisted creatures and supernatural dangers, all while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the world as he knows it. McDonald's writing style is described as dark, twisted, and filled with gruesome scenes, redefining grimdark fantasy for many readers.
SOMEBODY warned them that we were coming. The sympathisers left nothing behind but an empty apartment and a few volumes of illegal verse. A half-eaten meal, ransacked drawers. They’d scrambled togethe... - #10
'A Clean Kill in Tokyo' follows the life of John Rain, a complex character who is a skilled assassin with a troubled past. Set in the intriguing backdrop of Japan, the story delves into Rain's personal struggles, his meticulous techniques to avoid detection, and the intricate web of relationships he navigates. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, involving corrupt politics, a dangerous romance, and a mission that puts Rain in the crosshairs of various adversaries. Barry Eisler's writing style vividly portrays the essence of Tokyo, incorporating detailed descriptions of the city's environment, culture, and customs, while keeping the narrative engaging and suspenseful.