Books Like...

'Once & Future' is a refreshing and unique retelling of the King Arthur legend set in space, featuring diverse characters and a fast-paced, emotionally complex storyline. The book follows a group of characters who must navigate King Arthur's court while dealing with time travel, complex relationships, and the mystery of Merlin's condition. The writing style is engaging, blending comedy, mystery, and engaging character dynamics to create an epic space mission full of twists and turns.

'Taliesin' by Stephen Lawhead is the first book in 'The Pendragon Cycle' series, offering a unique interpretation of the Arthurian legend intertwined with the myth of Atlantis. The story follows the lives of Princess Charis from Atlantis and the bard Taliesin from Britain, whose destinies become intertwined through romance and marriage, leading to the birth of Merlin. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, the clash of Christianity with pagan beliefs, and the emergence of dark times, setting the stage for the legendary King Arthur.

The Other Merlin by Robyn Schneider is a fresh and feminist take on the Arthurian legend, focusing on Emry Merlin, the daughter of the famous wizard Merlin. When Emry's twin brother, Emmett, is summoned to court to take up his role as the court wizard, she decides to disguise herself as him and take his place. As she navigates court intrigues and scandals, Emry finds herself entangled with characters like Prince Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere. The story explores themes of gender identity, privilege, and the struggle for recognition and acceptance in a world where opportunities are unequally distributed based on wealth and gender.

Emry's journey at court brings to light her magical abilities and her growing feelings for Prince Arthur. With witty banter, anachronisms, and a modern teen spirit, The Other Merlin offers a unique and engaging perspective on the Arthurian tale. Emry's determination to prove herself as deserving of the role of court wizard, despite societal expectations and gender norms, sets the stage for a compelling narrative filled with romance, intrigue, and self-discovery.

"The Skystone" by Jack Whyte is the first book in the Camulod Chronicles series, a historical fiction take on the Arthurian legend. Set in Roman Britain, the novel follows the story of Publius Varrus, a Roman soldier and blacksmith, who becomes intertwined in the events that will shape the future of Britain. The book explores the Roman Empire's decline, the beginning of a new era, and the lineage leading up to King Arthur, all while providing a realistic and detailed depiction of life during that time period.

The writing style of "The Skystone" is described as historical and captivating, with a focus on character development and intricate details of Roman military life. The book weaves together elements of history, adventure, and nation-building, setting the stage for a series that delves into the origins of the Arthurian myths with a grittier and more realistic approach.

'Firelord' by Parke Godwin is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend with a gritty and realistic portrayal of the characters and setting. The book delves into the complexities of the relationships between King Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, and other key figures, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known tale. Godwin's writing style is praised for its evocative prose, historical accuracy, and ability to bring the characters to life in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart is a continuation of the Arthurian saga, following Merlin's journey to bring Arthur into power. The book focuses on Merlin's role in protecting and guiding Arthur from his birth until his ascension to the High King of Britain, portraying a realistic late Romano British setting intertwined with magical elements. The plot covers Merlin's interactions with key characters, such as Uther Pendragon and Arthur, and the events leading up to Arthur's crowning as the rightful king of Britain. Stewart's writing style blends historical accuracy with mystical storytelling, creating a captivating narrative that delves into Merlin's perspective and his quest to fulfill his destiny.

'Merlin' in 'The Pendragon Cycle' series by Stephen Lawhead is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend, focusing on Merlin's perspective. It tells the story of Merlin from his boyhood, exploring his journey as he grows into his powers and becomes a key figure in King Arthur's life. The narrative delves into Merlin's role as a mentor to Arthur, his involvement in the events leading up to the establishment of Camelot, and his eventual sealing away by Nimue. offers a different approach to the familiar legend, portraying Merlin as a relatable and human character, with a touch of magic and mysticism.

The writing style of Stephen Lawhead in 'Merlin' is praised for its immersive quality, blending elements of fantasy, history, and mythology. The author skillfully weaves together the early history of Britain, the Druids, the military cult of Mithras, and the emergence of the new Christian religion into the narrative. Through Merlin's point of view, readers are taken on a journey that combines adventure, magic, and a reimagined perspective on the legendary figures of King Arthur, Merlin, and others.

Half Sick of Shadows is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend, focusing on the character of Elaine Shallot, an Oracle with the power of Sight. The story explores Elaine's attempts at manipulating the future, her deep connections with her friends, and the complex dynamics within the Arthurian world. The narrative is presented through a mix of past, present, and future timelines, providing a unique perspective on the well-known characters of Arthur, Guinevere, Morgana, and Lancelot. Laura Sebastian weaves a tale that reshapes the Arthurian legend while delving into themes of destiny, friendship, and the consequences of one's choices.

By Force Alone is a gritty retelling of the Arthurian legend, presenting familiar characters like Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Gawain in a new light. The story unfolds in a dark and dirty version of the legend, portraying a Britain that feels more realistic and less romanticized. The writing style is described as sharp and fast-paced, with a narrative that keeps readers engaged as they witness the characters navigate themes of power, wealth, and brutality.

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike is a historical fiction novel set in 6th century Wales, focusing on the life of Langoureth, a twin sister of Lailoken who is later known as Merlin. The story delves into Langoureth's journey as she navigates between the Old Ways and the rise of Christianity, her marriage to a Christian High King's son, and her forbidden love for another man. The plot familiarizes readers with the conflict between ancient beliefs and the changing world, while immersing them in the richly painted landscape of Scotland during this tumultuous time. The narrative, told predominantly from Langstureth's perspective, captures the essence of court intrigues, romance, and the inevitable clash of cultures.