Books Like...

"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.

Storm Warning is the first book in the Mage Storms trilogy, part of the Valdemar saga. The story revolves around the threats facing Valdemar and neighboring Karse as they navigate delicate negotiations towards a lasting alliance. The plot is centered on the overwhelming forces of the imperial army, the disorienting and dangerous magic sweeping the world, and the drastic measures needed for survival. The writing style is described as engaging and enjoyable, creating a believable world with characters that readers feel invested in.

The second book in the Mage Winds trilogy, 'Winds of Change' by Mercedes Lackey follows the characters Elspeth and Darkwind as they navigate through a world filled with magic, adventure, and complex relationships. The plot revolves around the protagonists coming into their powers, facing challenges, and dealing with a looming threat in the form of Falconsbane. The writing style is described as engaging, immersive, and filled with character development and interactions that keep the readers invested in the story.

'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.

'Owlflight' by Larry Dixon and Mercedes Lackey is a high fantasy novel that follows the story of Darian, a young outsider who finds acceptance in a new world just steps from his door. The book begins with Darian being sent into the woods by his mentor, Justyn, where he is befriended by the Hawkbrothers after his village is attacked by raiding barbarians. Together with his new friends, Darian must find a way to free his village from the clutches of the Bear Clan barbarians. The story focuses on Darian's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and bravery as he navigates through a world filled with magical creatures and tribal alliances.

The writing style of Mercedes Lackey in 'Owlflight' is praised for its world-building and character development. Lackey creates fully realized and flawed characters with plots that are character-driven, allowing for their arcs to develop over the entire trilogy series. The book is described as engrossing, with a well-rounded protagonist in Darian who is relatable in his faults and humanity. The novel is a blend of fantastical elements, intricate world-building, and engaging storytelling that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

'Magic's Pawn' by Mercedes Lackey is the first book in 'The Last Herald-Mage' trilogy and follows the story of Vanyel Ashkevron, a young man who is misunderstood by his family and seeks solace in music. Sent to live with his Herald Mage aunt, Vanyel discovers his magical powers and falls in love with one of her students, Tylendel, leading to a tragic love story. The book explores themes of self-discovery, love, and the struggle to control newfound powers in a fantasy world filled with rich emotional depth.

The writing style of 'Magic's Pawn' is described as catching and interesting, with a plot that captivates readers with its emotional richness and bittersweet storytelling. The protagonist, Vanyel, is portrayed as a complex character who undergoes significant growth and development throughout the book, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and emotional narratives.

"Valdemar" by Mercedes Lackey is the concluding book in 'The Founding of Valdemar' trilogy, which takes readers on a journey filled with magic, companions, Hawkbrothers, intrigue, and well-developed characters. The story is known for its twists and turns that keep readers engaged, especially as the origins of the Companions are finally revealed. The writing style captures the readers' attention by blending rich character development with enticing plotlines, incorporating elements of love, grief, and masterful storytelling.

Arrow's Flight is the second book in the Heralds of Valdemar series, continuing the story of Talia as she embarks on her internship as a full Herald. The book delves into Talia's struggles with her empathic gifts, her mentorship with Kris, and the challenges she faces while patrolling the northern sector of Valdemar. The plot focuses on Talia's growth, the testing she undergoes, and the ethical dilemmas she encounters, providing a coming-of-age tale set in a fantasy world. Lackey's writing style is described as engaging, with vivid descriptions of Talia's adventures, although some readers found the pacing to be occasionally slow.

Icefalcon's Quest is a continuation of the Darwath series, focusing on the character Icefalcon, a White Raider with a mysterious past. The story follows Icefalcon's journey to rescue the young king Tir, who has been kidnapped by an old enemy. Set in a world filled with necromancy, madness, and old enmities, the book delves into themes of heroism, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by the characters. The writing style by Barbara Hambly is described as detailed, with rich character development and a focus on world-building.

'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.