Books Like...

'The Assassin's Blade' in the 'Throne of Glass Collections' series by Sarah J. Maas is a collection of five novellas that serve as prequels to the 'Throne of Glass' series. The book delves into the backstory of the main character, Celaena Sardothien, showcasing her journey from an arrogant young assassin to a more mature and complex character. The plot follows Celaena's adventures, challenges, and relationships as she navigates the dangerous world of assassins, pirates, and mysterious realms.

Readers praised the book for its engaging storytelling, fast-paced plot, and strong character development. The writing style was appreciated for its ability to immerse readers in Celaena's world, evoking emotions ranging from excitement to heartbreak. The novellas provide insight into Celaena's past, her motivations, and the events that shape her into the formidable assassin she becomes in the main series.

House of Sky and Breath is a dark fantasy novel set in the world of Crescent City, where the protagonists, Bryce and Hunt, navigate a magical and haunting world filled with angels, demons, fae, and other supernatural beings. The story unfolds with a mystery surrounding the disappearance of Sophie, a rare Thunderbird, and her brother Emil, leading the characters on a quest to uncover corruption and devastating truths. The intricate world-building, well-developed characters, and suspenseful plot keep readers captivated, while the dynamic relationships and steamy scenes add depth and realism to the story.

House of Flame and Shadow is the long awaited third installment in the Crescent City series, following Bryce Quinlan as she navigates through Midgard and beyond, surrounded by unfamiliar individuals and uncertain alliances. The book starts off incredibly fast-paced with multiple character POVs, maintaining suspense, romance, and power struggles that keep readers engaged. The plot revolves around high stakes, pushing the characters' relationships to the brink while dealing with the imminent destruction of their world.

The book is a fantastic blend of suspense, romance, and power struggles, perfect for fans of fantasy and intricate worlds filled with magic, lore, and political intrigue. The story delves into themes of love, sacrifice, destiny, resilience, and friendship, portraying characters with significant emotional depth as they face challenges and navigate through trauma, relationships, and personal growth.

Switched by Amanda Hocking is the first book in the Trylle Trilogy, where readers are introduced to a unique story revolving around Wendy Everly, a young girl who discovers her true identity as part of the Trylle, a group of Scandinavian trolls. The plot follows Wendy's journey of self-discovery, her struggles with her past, and her growth as a character throughout the book. The writing style incorporates Scandinavian folklore and mythology, adding a historical and realistic quality to the supernatural elements in the story.

In the book 'Need' by Carrie Jones, the protagonist Zara is dealing with the loss of her stepfather and her subsequent emotional detachment. Her mother sends her to live with her grandmother in Maine, where Zara encounters a mysterious stalker who turns out to be a supernatural being. With the help of new friends, Zara uncovers a dark secret from the town's past involving the disappearance of boys. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers her own connection to the supernatural world and must confront dangerous creatures like pixies and werewolves.

The book 'Need' is a paranormal teen romance that combines elements of mystery, danger, and self-discovery. Through the character of Zara, the author explores themes of grief, bravery, and the supernatural. The writing style captures the sense of foreboding and suspense as Zara navigates her new surroundings and uncovers the truth about her heritage and the existence of pixies in the world.

The Fiery Cross, the fifth book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, continues the saga of Jamie and Claire Fraser along with their family and friends in the Colonies. Set in pre-revolutionary times, the book delves into the settlers' resentment towards the British, offering detailed descriptions of daily life, including activities like dyeing cloth, hunting, and medicine. The plot moves slowly, with multiple perspectives from the main characters, leading to a mix of minor adventures and unresolved storylines.

The book explores the challenges faced by the characters, such as tragic encounters, historical events, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of impending war. Despite the slow pace and lack of a strong through line, Gabaldon's prose and character development shine through, making the readers feel immersed in Jamie and Claire's world by the end of the book.

'Restore Me' by Tahereh Mafi, the fourth book in the 'Shatter Me' series, delves into the complexities of the characters' relationships, internal struggles, and the looming threat of power and cruelty. The writing style captures the emotional turmoil and growth of the characters, particularly Juliette and Warner, as they navigate through a world filled with secrets, dramatic moments, and unexpected twists. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense, drama, and gripping storytelling, keeping readers engaged until the cliffhanger ending that sets the stage for future conflicts and revelations.

The novella 'A Court of Frost and Starlight' in the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series by Sarah J. Maas delves into the aftermath of a war, exploring the emotional struggles and coping mechanisms of the characters. Set during the Winter Solstice, the book provides insight into the inner workings of the characters' minds, their relationships, and their personal growth. The writing style, although lacking in traditional plot progression, focuses on character development and interactions, offering a glimpse into the lives of the beloved Inner Circle.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros continues the Empyrean series with intense romance and tension. Readers feel that the main characters, Violet and Xaden, developed their relationship too quickly, causing a questionable dynamic filled with toxic arguments. Some enjoy the engaging narrative, describing it as 'brain candy' or akin to reading a magazine, but others critique the lack of depth in the plot and world-building. Despite mixed reviews, the excitement for the book is palpable, with many fans eager for future installments in the series.

In "The Throne of Broken Gods" by Amber V. Nicole, readers are immersed in a gripping tale of Dianna's grief and descent into darkness after experiencing manipulation, torture, and loss. The story unfolds with a slow burn romance between Dianna and Samkiel, set against a backdrop of vengeance, grief, and redemption. The book delves deep into themes of trauma, self-sabotage, and the pursuit of retribution, showcasing the intricate dance between grief and guilt.

The narrative is enriched by multiple points of view, providing insights into characters like Dianna, Samkiel, and Kaden. The world-building is top-tier, creating a modern urban setting that seamlessly blends fantasy elements. The book balances action, romance, friendship, suspense, and relief, offering a captivating and imaginative world with complex characters and dynamic relationships.