Books Like...
'A Knight of the Word' by Terry Brooks continues the story of John Ross, a knight who is struggling with his service to the Word. Set five years after the previous book, the story follows Nest, a young woman with magical abilities who is faced with a dilemma. As Nest travels to Seattle to find Ross and deliver a message, a mystery unfolds that must be solved to determine Ross's fate. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged in the battle between good and evil in a world of magic and mystery.
If you liked A Knight of the Word, here are the top 5 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Word & Void)
- #1
'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.
The old man just appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. The Borderman was watching for him, sitting well back within the concealing shadows of a spreading hardwood high on a hillside overlooking the whol...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Original Shannara ) - #2
Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks is the first book in the Genesis of Shannara trilogy, set in a post-apocalyptic world where civilization has fallen into darkness and humanity is close to total destruction. The story follows multiple characters as they navigate a world destroyed by war, plague, and demons, with themes of survival, hope, and the consequences of greed and environmental destruction. The writing style of the book is described as standard Terry Brooks - a bit flowery and self-indulgent at times, but engaging and focused on unfolding a compelling story.
HE IS FASTasleep in his bed on the night that the demon and the once-men come for his family. They have been watching the compound for days, studying its walls and the routine of the guards who ward t... - #3
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.
The sun was already sinking into the deep green of the hills to the west of the valley, the red and gray-pink of its shadows touching the comers of the land, when Flick Ohmsford began his descent. The... - #4
'Dies the Fire' by S.M. Stirling is a post-apocalyptic novel where a mysterious event disables all modern technology, throwing the world back into a pre-industrial era. The story follows different groups of survivors as they navigate a world without electricity, guns, or machinery, focusing on their struggles to adapt to the new reality and rebuild society. The book explores themes of community, survival, and the impact of historical models on shaping the new post-technological world. The writing style includes detailed descriptions and complex character development, with a mix of pagan and historical elements woven into the narrative.
The plot of 'Dies the Fire' revolves around how society copes with the sudden loss of technology and the shift to a more primitive way of life. The characters face challenges in food production, defense, and medical care, leading to a reconfiguration of social structures and power dynamics. The book delves into the personal journeys of individuals as they navigate the aftermath of the apocalyptic event, highlighting themes of resilience, adaptation, and the exploration of different responses to a changed environment.
Michael Havel pulled his battered four-by-four into the employees’ parking lot, locked up and swung his just-in-case gear out of the back, the strap of the pack over one shoulder and the gun case on t... - #5
'The Tainted Cup' by Robert Jackson Bennett is a murder mystery novel set in a fantasy realm with Sherlockian overtones. The story follows the investigation led by the duo Din and Ana into the murder of a government official, which leads them to a military border town with a backdrop of eldritch sea beasts and gruesome plant deaths. The narrative is a slow burn, building tension until an intense ending, with well-crafted and multifaceted characters that add authenticity to the story.