Books Like...

'Last Wish' by Helen Harper is the final installment in the 'Highland Magic' series, where Integrity Adair, a pacifist with a knack for humor and thievery, navigates a world filled with demons, intrigue, and magical beings. The book follows Integrity as she faces the threat of the Steward Aifric Moncrieffe, deals with the complexities of her relationships, and strives to save Scotland despite the prophecies working against her. With twists, humor, and a touch of romance, 'Last Wish' ties up loose ends and delivers a satisfying conclusion to Integrity's story.

The writing style in 'Last Wish' is praised for its ability to balance humor, drama, and action seamlessly. Readers appreciate the character development, particularly Integrity's unwavering morals and the evolution of relationships throughout the series. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged until the satisfying ending.

The Hedge Knight is a prequel story to the Game of Thrones series, following the adventures of a hedge knight named Dunk and his squire Egg. The story is set in the world of Westeros, a century before the events in A Song of Ice and Fire, and revolves around Dunk entering a tournament, making friends and enemies, and discovering the complexities of the medieval world. The writing style is described as gritty, brutal, and balanced with vibrant artwork in the graphic novel adaptation.

'Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection' by Brandon Sanderson is a compilation of short stories and novellas set in Sanderson's expansive Cosmere universe. The book contains companion pieces to larger works, offering deeper insights into various worlds and characters. Readers praise the in-depth lore surrounding Sanderson's worlds, the intricate magic systems, and the postscripts that provide additional context to the stories.

'The Stolen Child' by Keith Donohue is a dark and melancholy novel that explores the story of two changelings - one a human child who becomes a changeling and the other a changeling who transforms back into a human. The book delves into themes of identity, memory, and the loneliness experienced by both characters as they grapple with their past and present realities. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two characters, providing a unique insight into their struggles and experiences.

The author, Keith Donohue, weaves a compelling tale based on the changeling myth, drawing inspiration from folklore and fairy tales. The story is intricately crafted, exploring the emotional depth of the characters and the evolving dynamics between humans and faeries. Donohue's writing style is subtle and evocative, gradually revealing key points that leave a lasting impact on the reader. The book offers a fresh take on old legends, making readers ponder on the mysteries of the past and the complexities of human nature.

'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' is a collection of three novellas set in the Westeros universe, 100 years before the events in 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. The stories follow the adventures of Sir Duncan the Tall, an impoverished hedge knight, and his squire Egg, who would later become King Aegon. The novellas provide backstory for the great houses of Westeros, featuring interesting and complicated characters, twisty politics, dragons, and battles. The main characters, Dunk and Egg, form a charming duo as they wander the Seven Kingdoms, having adventures and mishaps along the way.

The book offers a lighter and more fun tone compared to 'A Song of Ice and Fire', with a focus on the relationship between Dunk and Egg, a humble hedge knight and a talkative squire who is the heir to the Targaryen throne. The stories are entertaining and full of humor, providing a refreshing break from the darker themes of the main series. The illustrations by Gary Gianni add depth to the storytelling, reminiscent of Golden Age illustrators like Howard Pyle and NC Wyeth, enhancing the reader's immersion into the world of Westeros.

'Snow, Glass, Apples' by Neil Gaiman is a dark retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, narrated from the perspective of the wicked stepmother. The story takes a twisted turn, exploring themes of fear, dread, and horror through stunning artwork and a gripping narrative style that keeps readers engaged and haunted long after finishing the book.

The Infernal City by Greg Keyes is a novel set in The Elder Scrolls universe, providing an easy and enjoyable read for fans of the video game series. The book introduces various characters and locations familiar to Elder Scrolls players, incorporating elements of TES lore and showcasing a plot that leaves readers hooked and entertained.

The story revolves around a plot that involves a world-threatening evil and takes readers on a journey through familiar and new settings within the Elder Scrolls universe. The writing style of Greg Keyes captures the essence of the TES world, offering a quick and engaging read that immerses fans into the intricate and fantastical realm of Tamriel.

'Mythago Wood' by Robert Holdstock is a fantasy novel that delves into the mysteries of Ryhope Wood, an ancient forest with the power to bring forth mythagos - beings from myths and legends created by human consciousness. The story follows Steven Huxley as he navigates the wood's enchantments and uncovers family secrets while encountering a mix of mythic figures like Celtic princesses, Norse warriors, and other legendary beings. The narrative weaves elements of British folklore, Jungian archetypes, and the exploration of the collective unconscious, creating a rich and immersive world that blurs the lines between reality and myth.

The book is narrated in a first-person style, providing a personal and introspective view of Steven's journey as he navigates the complexities of Ryhope Wood and its inhabitants. The plot unfolds post-World War II in rural England, blending themes of love, family dynamics, and the interplay between ancient myths and contemporary life. Holdstock's writing style is praised for its atmospheric and evocative descriptions, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between imagination and reality blur, offering a unique and captivating reading experience.

'Elric of Melnibone' by Michael Moorcock is the first in the Elric Saga series, featuring Elric, the albino emperor of the Dragon Isle. Elric rules the island empire of Melnibone from the Ruby Throne in dreaming Imrryr, a civilization in decline. The story follows Elric's struggles against external threats, power plays within his family, and his own illnesses. He makes a deal with Chaos that comes at a great cost, leading to a dark and anti-heroic narrative. The writing style is described as dark, melancholic, and lyrical, with a focus on Elric's quest for survival and mastery of his evil blade, Stormbringer.

The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams is the first book in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, following the story of Simon, a kitchen boy who becomes entangled in a world of ancient evil, mysterious groups, and royal conspiracies. The book is praised for its creative storytelling, character development, and intricate world-building, setting the stage for an epic fantasy series filled with rich details and complex characters.