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The Time of the Dark - Darwath by Barbara Hambly
The Time of the Dark
Book 1 in the series:Darwath

'The Time of the Dark' by Barbara Hambly follows the story of Gil Patterson, a scholar who is drawn into another world where she must join forces with a magician named Ingold Inglorion and a biker named Rudy to combat the mysterious Dark beings threatening civilization. As they navigate the dangers of this medieval world filled with magic, the characters face the looming threat of the Dark while also grappling with the societal challenges of preserving knowledge and cohesion. The plot unfolds with engaging writing that immerses readers into a rich and gritty setting, filled with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters who evolve throughout the story.

If you liked The Time of the Dark, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Silent Tower - Windrose Chronicles by Barbara Hambly
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    "The Silent Tower" by Barbara Hambly is a fantasy novel that follows a character from our world who finds herself in another world where magic exists. The story revolves around the protagonist, a computer programmer, who is transported to a magical realm and gets entangled in a serious plot involving wizards, evil ex-boyfriends, and a magical conflict. The narrative combines elements of a magical fantasy world with our contemporary technological world, creating an intriguing mix that captures the readers' attention. The writing style, although at times slow and filled with inconsistencies, introduces characters like the wizard Antryg Windrose, who becomes a favorite among readers and adds depth to the story.

    is praised for its originality in blending the worlds of magic and technology, creating a unique setting for the characters to navigate. Despite some flaws in the underlying rationale and pacing issues, the story gradually picks up momentum as the characters embark on a journey together, leading to a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager to continue with the series. The richly detailed magical world, compelling characters like Antryg and Joanna, and the gripping conflict between different worlds offer a captivating reading experience for fans of fantasy fiction.

    The wizard Thirle looked up sharply at Caris’ question, strongly reminding the young man of a fat gray field rabbit at the crack of a twig. Then he relaxed a little. “Not yet.” He picked up the garden...

  2. #2
    Dragonsbane
    Book 1 in the series:Winterlands

    Dragonsbane - Winterlands by Barbara Hambly
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    When a courtier comes riding into Jenny's path, flourishing his words and falling off his horse gallantly, she can't help but shake her head. Especially when she learns that he's there to convince Lord Aversin to slay a dragon for the kingdom. And as a witch and his lover, Jenny can't help but be dragged into this adventure. Overall, a rather dull book. The characters read very world weary and that translates into the book as well. Most of it is tromping through the wilderness to get to a place with a rather pragmatic and dismal tone. I'm all for practicality, but for some reason this book just reeks of it. Which makes it a little dull. It's satirical in a toss cold water on you sort of way. It's the type of book that literally says hey, your Dragonbane is a hick and adventuring actually is cold and wet and icky. But there's no spark of humor or entertainment in this book at all. Just pragmatic Jenny with her little magic and down to earth John with his good intentions to help out his king and his lands. I did appreciate a lot of aspects of the book. Gareth was both annoying and entertaining. I absolutely loved the ending and the idea that there is a spirit animal in every person. I loved Jenny's interaction with the dragon, and oh my gosh, that description of music and gold that was just beautiful. But... this book was just so practical and almost boring. Two stars for a good concept. But at the same time, two stars for making it rather grey and dull. Recommended only for those who want to read about a down to earth kind of adventure.

    She was not sure any more whether it was magic which told her this, or simply the woodcraftiness and instinct for the presence of danger that anyone developed who had survived to adulthood in the Wint...

  3. #3

    The Calling of the Three - Night-Threads by Ru Emerson
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    "The Calling of the Three" by Ru Emerson is a fantasy novel that explores a world where magic exists and the characters are faced with the task of fighting against an usurper to restore the rightful duke. The plot involves three Americans who are transported into this magical realm and must protect the heir and his sister, despite their lack of knowledge about this world. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of action and character development that quickly draws the reader into the story.


  4. #4
    Burning Water
    Book 1 in the series:Diana Tregarde

    Burning Water - Diana Tregarde by Mercedes Lackey
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    "Burning Water" by Mercedes Lackey is the first book in the Diana Tregarde series, featuring a powerful witch who assists the police in solving occult crimes. Set in 1980s Dallas, Texas, the story follows Diana as she teams up with detective Mark Valdez to investigate a series of ritualistic murders with supernatural elements. The plot unfolds with a mix of police procedural and supernatural mystery, delving into Aztec mythology and showcasing Diana's witchcraft skills in a race against time to stop a powerful evil force.

    The book is described as a blend of urban fantasy and occult fiction, focusing on Diana Tregarde's character as a strong, knowledgeable, and powerful witch. The narrative combines elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements, creating an engaging story that keeps readers hooked with its brisk pace and dynamic main characters.

    Lupe sobbed harshly, her voice muffled, as if smothered by the darkness all about her. She clawed at the rubble that hemmed her in; her finger-ends were surely raw and bloody, but she couldn’t see the...

  5. #5
    Winds of Fate
    Book 1 in the series:Mage Winds

    Winds of Fate - Mage Winds by Mercedes Lackey
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    "Winds of Fate" follows the story of Elspeth, the Heir to Valdemar, as she embarks on a quest to find mages to help defend her kingdom against the threat of Ancar. Alongside her companion Skif, Elspeth faces challenges and discovers her own magical abilities, while also encountering the Tayledras, a magical community. The plot weaves between Elspeth's journey and the story of Darkwind, a Tayledras mage turned scout, as they both navigate through their respective challenges. The writing style is described as simple and suited for a young adult audience, with long minor scenes and concise major scenes, focusing on character development and world-building.

    “But—” Elspeth protested weakly. The empty salle echoed back her words faintly. She stared at Herald Kerowyn and tried to make some sense of what she’d just been ordered to do. Repair armor? Why shoul...

  6. #6

    Oathblood - Valdemar: Vows and Honor by Mercedes Lackey
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    Oathblood by Mercedes Lackey is a collection of short stories featuring the dynamic duo of Tarma and Kethry. The book showcases the beginning of their paths, their growing friendship, and family bond. Readers are taken on various adventures with the two characters, providing glimpses into their school and their life after the events of Oathbreakers. The stories delve into the world of sword and sorcery, offering a mix of adventures, morals, and character development that keeps readers engaged.

    This is the very first appearance of Tarma and Kethry, and how they met. I distinctly remember presenting this and a second Tarma and Kethry story to Marion in person. The occasion was just before one...

  7. #7

    Four & Twenty Blackbirds - Bardic Voices by Mercedes Lackey
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    "Four & Twenty Blackbirds" in the 'Bardic Voices' series by Mercedes Lackey follows Constable Tal Rufen as he investigates a series of murders targeting street singers. The story unfolds with a noir detective feel, combining elements of fantasy, mystery, and crime-solving. Despite the slow pacing and early reveal of the killer, the book ties up loose ends from previous installments while introducing new characters and a different approach to storytelling.

    The plot revolves around the pursuit of a serial murderer in Kingsford, where Constable Tal works alongside Justiciar Ardis to unravel the mystery. As the violence escalates, Tal suspects a deeper conspiracy at play, leading to a race against time to apprehend the killer. delves into the characters' motivations through detailed monologues and analyses, culminating in unexpected twists that set it apart from traditional narratives in the series.

    Rain, cold rain, as icy as only a midwinter night could make it, dripped despairingly into the dismal streets of the city of Haldene. It should have cleansed the pavements, but instead it left them lo...

    (Also, see 98 recommendations for the series Bardic Voices )

  8. #8

    The Last of the Renshai - Renshai by Mickey Zucker Reichert
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    The Last of the Renshai is a high fantasy novel set in a world based on Norse Mythology, following the warrior race called the Renshai who dedicate their lives to mastering swordsmanship. The story revolves around the main character, Rache, a young blonde warrior whose life is thrown into chaos when his village is attacked. The plot is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists and turns, as it follows Rache's journey over the next decade. The book features immortal wizards, warriors, kings, gladiators, and hunters, all with clear motivations for their actions, resulting in collision courses that cannot be avoided.

    The writing style of the book is fast-paced, covering a lot in a few pages, with a depth in the world-building, realistic characters, and great action scenes. The plot twists and turns without slowing down, and the characters respond emotionally to the events around them, making them relatable and likable even amidst dire circumstances.

    The Southern Wizard, Carcophan, strode through the rough-hewn corridors of the castle in the Eastern royal city of Stalmize. Gray hair dappled with black streaked into a wild mane behind him, uncoveri...

  9. #9
    Sing the Four Quarters
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Quarters

    Sing the Four Quarters - Quarters by Tanya Huff
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    Annice, a former princess turned bard, finds herself facing treason accusations against her lover, the Duc of Ohrid, while also dealing with her forbidden pregnancy. The book combines music and elemental magic in a unique fantasy setting where bards sing to elemental spirits for power and assistance. The plot revolves around Annice's quest to uncover the truth behind the accusations against her lover and navigate the consequences of her treasonous condition, all while showcasing solid world-building and character development.

    “Was it something I said?” The innkeeper laughed as the young woman continued her headlong dash out the door, ignoring him completely. Lifting a slab of fried ham off the grill and onto an already ful...

  10. #10
    The Oathbound
    Book 1 in the series:Vows and Honor

    The Oathbound - Vows and Honor by Mercedes Lackey
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    'The Oathbound' by Mercedes Lackey is the opening book in the duology of books dealing with Kethry and Tarma, a mage and a sword-sworn fighter bound by oath to one another and to the Goddess. The story follows their adventures as they travel together as mercenaries, defending women in need of deliverance despite the personal peril they face. The book is structured more like a collection of short stories, each chapter presenting a different adventure, rather than a continuous building story. The characters of Tarma and Kethry are engaging, and the plot, while somewhat episodic, is strong and enjoyable, especially when accompanied by the sequel 'Oathbreakers'.

    The book delves into the journey of Tarma and Kethry, two oathbound sisters with contrasting roles - a Sworn Sword and a mage, united by their oath to protect women in distress. The plot unfolds through a series of episodic adventures that highlight the bond between the two women and their dedication to their cause. Despite being written over 30 years ago, the book is praised for being ahead of its time in focusing on two strong female protagonists and tackling themes of femininity and female empowerment within a fantasy setting.

    The sky was overcast, a solid gray sheet that seemed to hang just barely above the treetops, with no sign of a break in the clouds anywhere. The sun was no more than a dimly glowing spot near the west...

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