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Shadow Magic - Lyra by Patricia C. Wrede
Shadow Magic
Book 1 in the series:Lyra

While the Noble Lord of Brenn is trying to form alliances to protect the land of Alkyra from their old enemies, the Lithmern, his daughter Alethia is kidnapped from the midst of her twentieth birthday party by strange faceless men. They are using strange magic, and take Alethia deep into the woods, where strange creatures out of Alkyra's distant past are rumored to dwell. Alethia's brother, Har, and his friend, the trader Maurin, set off in pursuit of her, but if any of them want to get home, let alone save their country, they are going to have to uncover the truth of the old tales, and learn to work with the fabled magical creatures in order to defeat the dark magic being used by their common enemies. The best part of the book are the scenes with dialogue among the main characters, where Alethia's wit and charm shine through, putting a smile on the reader's face. However, these moments are interspersed within a mishmash of overused high fantasy tropes and a lack of character development for secondary characters, making it feel like a blend of clichés without a cohesive structure.

If you liked Shadow Magic, here are the top 19 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 19 
  1. #1

    Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold - Magic Kingdom of Landover by Terry Brooks
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    "Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" by Terry Brooks follows the story of a Chicago lawyer named Ben Holiday who feels like something is missing from his life. When he comes across a listing in a Christmas catalog for a magical kingdom, he decides to take a chance and purchases it. Upon arriving in the magical kingdom of Landover, Ben discovers that the kingdom is in disarray with no money in the treasury, no army, and enemies lurking. The story delves into Ben's journey of trying to restore the kingdom to its former glory, facing challenges, and balancing a sense of responsibility without proper authority. The writing style is described as clever and escapist, with an engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the world of Landover.

    The plot of "Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" revolves around Ben Holiday's unexpected acquisition of a magical kingdom and his subsequent struggles to bring order and magic back to Landover. explores themes of escapism, responsibility, and the challenges of leadership in a fantasy setting accessible through a Christmas catalog. The writing style, while dated due to being published in 1986, is noted for its clever storytelling and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.

    Ben Holiday stood frozen before the open cubicle of his mailbox, eyes slipping across the gaily decorated cover of the catalogue to the white address label and the name of his dead wife. The lobby of ...

  2. #2

    Rhapsody: Child of Blood - Symphony of Ages by Elizabeth Haydon
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    Rhapsody is the first book in The Symphony of Ages series by Elizabeth Haydon. The story follows the journey of Rhapsody, a Namer with the power to attune herself to the vibrations of all things and change their identities through music. Along with her companions, she embarks on an epic adventure that spans continents and centuries, uncovering mysteries and facing challenges along the way. The book features a rich world with a music-based magic system and a blend of action, adventure, romance, and mystery.

    Meridion sat down at the Time Editor and began to work. He adjusted the lenses and checked the spools of diaphanous strands, ranging in density from the thick, clear film of the Past to the foggy, wis...

  3. #3

    Magician: Apprentice - The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
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    "Magician: Apprentice" by Raymond E. Feist follows the story of Pug, a young orphan who becomes an apprentice to a magician named Kulgan in the Kingdom of the Isles. As Pug struggles to master magic under his mentor's guidance, the kingdom faces a threat from the Tsurani invaders from another dimension, leading to a series of events that change the lives of key characters in the story. The plot includes elements such as interplanetary war, elves, dwarves, and a battle between the forces of Order and Chaos, all set in a medieval-style society. The writing style is described as simple, engaging, and enjoyable, with a mix of fantasy tropes and unique twists that keep readers engrossed in the story.

    Pug danced along the edge of the rocks, his feet finding scant purchase as he made his way among the tide pools. His dark eyes darted about as he peered into each pool under the cliff face, seeking th...

  4. #4

    Over Sea, Under Stone - The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
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    Over Sea, Under Stone is the first book in The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper. The story follows the Drew children on a holiday in Cornwall where they stumble upon an ancient map leading to a quest for a powerful artifact in the fight against the forces of evil. The book intertwines elements of the Arthurian legend with a tale of good versus evil, as the children find themselves caught in a battle that spans ages. The writing style is described as engaging for both children and adults, with a mix of mystery, fantasy, and adventure that keeps the reader intrigued.

    The plot of Over Sea, Under Stone is seen as a mix of a children's adventure story and a mystery with Arthurian overtones. The characters, including the Drew siblings and their mysterious uncle, are engaging and relatable, drawing readers into a world filled with secrets, action, and suspense. The book sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing readers to a world where ancient legends and modern-day children intersect in a quest for hidden treasures and the ultimate battle between light and darkness.

    Barney hopped from one foot to the other as he clambered down from the train, peering in vain through the white-faced crowds flooding eagerly to the St Austell ticket barrier. “Oh, I can’t see him. Is...

  5. #5

    Dealing with Dragons - Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede
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    "Dealing with Dragons" by Patricia C. Wrede follows the story of Princess Cimorene, who defies traditional princess roles and runs away to live with dragons. The book showcases Cimorene's unconventional approach to princess life, her involvement in dragon society, and her adventures with other princesses, witches, and wizards. The plot involves Cimorene foiling the plans of conniving wizards and saving the dragons from a wicked plot, all while maintaining a practical and independent attitude. The writing style is humorous, full of fairy tale references, and offers a fresh perspective on traditional princess narratives.

    Cimorene's character is highlighted as strong, independent, and empowering, breaking away from gender norms and fairy tale conventions. The book features elements of magic, adventure, humor, and female empowerment, making it an engaging and fun read for readers of all ages. The story not only entertains but also delivers messages of individuality, courage, and the ability to accomplish great things by being different.

    Linderwall was a large kingdom, just east of the Mountains of Morning, where philosophers were highly respected and the number five was fashionable. The climate was unremarkable. The knights kept thei...

  6. #6
    The Wee Free Men
    Book 30 in the series:Discworld

    The Wee Free Men - Discworld by Terry Pratchett
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    In "The Wee Free Men" by Terry Pratchett, readers are introduced to Tiffany Aching, a young girl with dreams of becoming a witch. When her brother is kidnapped by the evil Fairy Queen, Tiffany must embark on a daring adventure armed with only a frying pan, her common sense, and the help of the Nac Mac Feegles, a group of tiny but fierce blue men. The story is filled with magic, humor, and action as Tiffany faces off against the Fairy Queen and other dangers of the fairy world, showcasing themes of bravery, wit, and the power of storytelling.

    The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters like Tiffany Aching and the Nac Mac Feegles, and the unique blend of humor and wisdom that Terry Pratchett is known for. With elements of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, "The Wee Free Men" offers a delightful and heartwarming tale that appeals to both children and adults alike.

    The exploring of the universe was being done with a couple of twigs tied together with string, a stone with a hole in it, an egg, one of Miss Tick’s stockings (which also had a hole in it), a pin, a p...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld )

  7. #7

    Dragonflight - Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
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    'Dragonflight' by Anne McCaffrey is the first book in the 'Dragonriders of Pern' series, introducing readers to the world of Pern where telepathic dragons bond with their riders to protect the planet from a deadly alien threat known as Threads. The story follows characters like Lessa and F'lar as they navigate through political intrigue, time travel, and the responsibilities of being dragonriders, all set against a backdrop of a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. McCaffrey's writing style is described as easy to read, with a focus on world-building and character development, creating a captivating and original narrative that has stood the test of time.

    LESSA WOKE, COLD. Cold with more than the chill of the everlastingly clammy stone walls. Cold with the prescience of a danger stronger than the one ten full Turns ago that had then sent her, whimperin...

  8. #8
    Six of Crows
    Book 1 in the series:Six of Crows

    Six of Crows - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
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    'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is a gripping YA heist novel set in a fantasy world where a mastermind, Kaz Brekker, assembles a team of teenagers with special gifts and dark pasts to undertake an impossible mission in the dangerous city of Ketterdam. The story revolves around their quest to kidnap a scientist experimenting with enhancing special powers for military purposes, leading to a tale of revenge, loyalty, friendship, and intricate schemes against a backdrop of a richly imagined world filled with magic and complex characters.

    The book is a heist thriller with a fantasy twist, featuring a group of misfits led by Kaz who navigate through a city controlled by gangs and a corrupt council. The narrative is driven by detailed schemes, plot twists, and the individual growth of the characters, as they face challenges, form relationships, and strive to achieve their goals in a world on the brink of change and chaos.

    He was supposed to be making his rounds at the Hoede house, but for the last fifteen minutes, he’d been hovering around the southeast wall of the gardens, trying to think of something clever and roman...

  9. #9

    The Raven Boys - The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
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    Blue, a non-psychic girl from a family of psychics, gets entangled in a quest with a group of boys from a prestigious school to find a mystical spot tied to a Welsh king named Owen Glendower. The story is set in Henrietta, Virginia, and is narrated by four main characters as they explore the realms of magic and mystery surrounding ley lines and psychic energy. The book combines elements of fantasy and YA without relying on monsters or excessive violence, focusing instead on the characters' development and their pursuit of the mystical king.

    It was April 24, St. Mark’s Eve. For most people, St. Mark’s Day came and went without note. It wasn’t a school holiday. No presents were exchanged. There were no costumes or festivals. There were no ...

  10. #10
    Sabriel
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Abhorsen

    Sabriel - Abhorsen by Garth Nix
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    Sabriel follows the journey of a young woman who unexpectedly inherits her father's title as Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer, and embarks on a quest that takes her across the wall into another world. The book delves into a dark and magical Old Kingdom where Sabriel must rescue her father from the Land of the Dead while battling against evil forces trying to destroy the balance of the realm. The narrative weaves intricate world-building, necromancy, and a band of loyal companions, creating a suspenseful and engaging story filled with vivid descriptions of the magical realm and its inhabitants.

    The writing style of Sabriel is praised for its dark and cold atmosphere, with the protagonist navigating through desperate situations in the Old Kingdom and Death itself. The book introduces a unique magical system involving bells and a necromancer's duty to lay the dead to rest, all while exploring themes of family legacy, self-discovery, and the struggle between good and evil in a fantasy setting that captivates readers with its originality and depth.

    THE RABBIT HAD been run over minutes before. Its pink eyes were glazed and blood stained its clean white fur. Unnaturally clean fur, for it had just escaped from a bath. It still smelt faintly of lave...

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