Books Like...

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks is a classic fantasy novel that follows the story of Shea Ohmsford, a young hero who, along with his companions, must save the world from the evil Warlock Lord. The book is often compared to The Lord of the Rings for its epic quest storyline and fantastical elements. Readers have noted similarities in character types and plot devices, but also appreciate the different writing style that makes the characters more accessible than Tolkien's. The book is described as a direct descendant of LOTR, focusing on the ongoing hero Allanon, a druid who manipulates the other characters in the story.

The plot of The Sword of Shannara unfolds as Shea and his companions embark on a journey to find the legendary Sword of Shannara to stop the evil god threatening their world. Despite being criticized for similarities to LOTR, readers find the magic and world-building of the story captivating. The book is praised for being a classic sword and sorcery tale with hints of Tolkien but still standing on its own as a great beginning to an exciting series. The writing is described as descriptive and immersive, drawing readers into a world of magic, adventure, and memorable characters.

'Survival' in the series 'After It Happened' by Devon C. Ford follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious virus wipes out 99% of the population, leaving only a handful of immune individuals. The story focuses on the struggles and challenges faced by these survivors as they navigate a world devoid of most of the population and resources, relying on their wits and newfound skills to stay alive. The writing style is described as refreshing, enthralling, and grounded, offering a unique take on the dystopian genre by showcasing ordinary people dealing with extraordinary events.

In 'The Elfstones of Shannara' by Terry Brooks, the story follows Wil Ohmsford, the last of the Shannara bloodline, as he is recruited by the Druid Allanon to escort Elven girl Amberle on a mission to save the Ellcrys, a magical tree crucial for protecting the land. The plot revolves around their quest to take a seed of the Ellcrys to Bloodfire for a chance at a rebirth, filled with adventure, cliffhangers, and dangerous encounters with demons. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and filled with imaginative creatures and thrilling action sequences, making it a fantastic example of a classic fantasy novel.

The book is praised for its well-crafted characters, including Wil and Amberle, the compelling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the gripping nature of the narrative that draws readers in. Despite some clichéd moments and familiar fantasy tropes, the book is commended for its entertaining plot, memorable creatures, and the heroic journey of the characters to overcome challenges and save their world.

'First King of Shannara' by Terry Brooks is a prequel to the original Shannara series, delving into the history of the land and the characters that shaped it. The story follows the Druid Bremen and a small group of followers as they seek to counter the Warlock Lord by creating the magical artifact, the Sword of Shannara. Set in a world recovering from a great war, the book explores themes of ancient knowledge, the consequences of magic misuse, and the battle between good and evil.

Nightfall by Stephen Leather follows the story of Jack Nightingale, a struggling private eye who discovers on his thirty-third birthday that his soul was sold to a demon by his real father, a confirmed Satanist. As Jack races against time to escape eternal damnation, he navigates a world of occult mysteries and dark forces, all while dealing with the consequences of his supernatural inheritance. The plot unfolds with brisk pacing, blending elements of hard-boiled crime mystery with touches of the occult, resulting in a propulsive and engaging read that keeps the reader hooked till the end.

The writing style in Nightfall is described as smooth and readable, with a touch of dark humor that lightens the narrative just when needed. Stephen Leather's storytelling weaves together elements of crime, thriller, and horror fiction seamlessly, creating a suspenseful and fun experience for readers who enjoy a mix of supernatural intrigue and fast-paced action.

'Tales from the Nightside' by Simon R. Green is a collection of short stories set in the dark and mysterious world of the Nightside, where readers encounter demons, angels, and a myriad of strange characters. The book provides background stories and additional information on many of the intriguing characters that inhabit this unique universe, such as Razor Eddie, Deadboy, and John Taylor. The writing style is described as engaging, with each story offering a mix of urban fantasy, humor, and disturbing creepiness that fans of the Nightside series have come to love.

"Fated" in the "Alex Verus" series by Benedict Jacka is an urban fantasy novel following the protagonist, Alex Verus, a mage with the ability to see into the future. Set in a world where powerful factions of magicians are in conflict, Alex navigates a dangerous path as he becomes entangled in a quest to open an ancient relic containing a powerful weapon. The book explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of one's choices, all while delivering a fast-paced and action-packed narrative. Written in a style reminiscent of Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files," the story balances world-building with character development, creating an engaging and intriguing urban fantasy setting.

The magic system in "Fated" is both familiar and unique, drawing readers in with its mysterious elements and well-crafted social and political dynamics. The narrative delves into the complexities of living amidst evil forces without succumbing to them, showcasing the growth of the lead character, Alex Verus, and his interactions with a diverse cast of supporting characters. While some aspects of the plot may feel derivative of other urban fantasy works, the book stands out for its engaging hero, intriguing world-building, and the promise of further exploration in subsequent installments of the series.

"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.

One night, Ben Holiday, High Lord of Landover, and his companions the wizard, Questor Thews and the sylph, Willow, each have a dream which compels them on a quest. The reappearance of the evil wizard Meeks and the sighting of a Black Unicorn might also have something to do with the situation. The novel starts with all the protagonists experiencing prophetic dreams and setting off on individual adventures, leading to a journey across a fantasy world. The characters go through the book much as they did in the first one, with new character additions like the mysterious cat Edgewood Dirk.

"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.