Books Like...
The Misenchanted Sword by Lawrence Watt Evans is a refreshing change from the usual fantasy tropes. The main character is intelligent and decent, stuck in a war that's gone on for a long time. The story focuses on a character and how the character is changed by magic and war, rather than the common fantasy plot of saving the world and defeating an overpowering enemy. The book is described as short and to the point, with a main character who is an ordinary person with some small talent for magic and a seriously flawed sword, making it more interesting than typical fantasy novels.
If you liked The Misenchanted Sword, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
In "Bridge of Birds," the author Barry Hughart weaves a tale set in ancient China, following the journey of a young man named Number Ten Ox and the sage Li Kao. The duo embarks on a quest to find the Great Root of Power to cure the children of Ku Fu village, encountering a mix of mythology, mystery, and humor along the way. The book is described as a blend of folk tale, fantasy, and comedy, with elements of ghosts, monsters, puzzles, and adventures intertwined in a quest that unfolds through various cities and folklore segments.
My surname is Lu and my personal name is Yu, but I am not to be confused with the eminent author of The Classic of Tea. My family is quite undistinguished, and since I am the tenth of my father’s sons... - #2
'Jhereg' in the series 'Vlad Taltos' by Steven Brust follows the adventures of Lord Vladimir Taltos, a human assassin and crime lord within the House of Jhereg. The story details how Vlad is offered a job he can't refuse, leading him to navigate a world of high fantasy, complex political intrigue, and criminal underworld. is described as a quick, amusing, and light-hearted read, akin to a fantasy version of a Michael Crichton novel but with added humor and fantasy elements.
The plot of 'Jhereg' is noted for its solid writing, interesting characters, particularly the protagonist Vlad Taltos, and a mix of action and mystery elements. introduces readers to a unique world of Dragaera, filled with varying magical systems, political tensions, and a diverse cast of characters. Throughout the story, Vlad's adventures as an assassin and detective unfold, showcasing his wit, humor, and interactions with his companions and enemies.
ISLIPPED THE POISON dart into its slot under the right collar of my cloak, next to the lockpick. It couldn’t go in too straight, or it would be hard to get to quickly. It couldn’t go in at too much of... - #3
The Phoenix Guards by Steven Brust is a clever homage to The Three Musketeers set in the world of Dragaera, focusing on a group of friends who join the Phoenix Guards and embark on adventures filled with intrigue, danger, and duels. The book is narrated in a style reminiscent of eighteenth-century novels, with a mix of old-fashioned language and convoluted plotlines that add to the charm and wit of the story. Through the eyes of the historian Paarfi, readers are taken on a journey through a richly detailed world where honor, politics, and friendship collide in a playful and engaging manner.
IT HAS NOW been a mere two score of years since we had the honor to have our work, Toward Beginning a Survey of Some Events Contributing To the Fall of the Empire, rejected by Lord Tri'ari and Master ... - #4
'Nine Princes in Amber' by Roger Zelazny follows the story of Prince Corwin who wakes up in a hospital with amnesia, slowly piecing together his identity as a member of a powerful family controlling the prime reality of Amber. As he competes with his siblings for the throne, political intrigue and alliances shape the narrative, set against a backdrop of shadow-walking between realities. Zelazny's world-building skills shine through, creating an original premise of parallel universes and a captivating blend of fantasy and suspense. The plot unfolds with twists, character development, and an engaging narrative that keeps readers absorbed throughout the quick-paced story.
The writing style of 'Nine Princes in Amber' is described as imaginative, compelling, and concise, weaving depth and history into a relatively short book of 175 pages. Despite its brevity, Zelazny's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a world that feels immersive and rich in detail. The narrative unfolds smoothly, blending elements of mystery, fantasy, and political intrigue to craft a gripping tale that leaves readers eager to delve deeper into the subsequent books in the series.
Then the fogs were slowly broken, and some of that which is called memory returned to me. I recalled nights and nurses and needles. Every time things would begin to clear a bit, someone would come in ... - #5
Fifty-One Tales by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories and prose pieces that delve into fantasy, mythology, and philosophical themes. The tales are often very short, atmospheric, and quirky, with some being twists on myths or fables. The writing style is described as poetic and literary, with a focus on irony, satire, humor, and sheer poetry packed into concise narratives.
I was climbing round the perilous outside of the Palace of Colquonhombros. So far below me that in the tranquil twilight and clear air of those lands I could only barely see them lay the craggy tops o... - #6
The God Box by Barry B. Longyear is a unique and original fantasy novel that follows the protagonist, Korvas, a likable rug merchant on a quest that is more about the journey to the heart than a physical adventure. The story is filled with elements of adventure, humor, and thought-provoking themes, revolving around the concept of the god box, where one can ask for what they need and give away what they don't want. The narrative style, presented in first person by Korvas himself, is engaging, funny, and deeply touching, making the book a refreshing and vivid read in the fantasy genre.
My story does not start very long ago. I was then, as you see me now, a handsome figure of a man. From inclination, rather than necessity, I was always interested in the possibility of learning more e... - #7
A Dreamer's Tales by Lord Dunsany is a collection of enchanting and whimsical stories that transport readers to mysterious and dreamlike realms. The writing style is described as poetic and descriptive, with each tale painting a unique and vivid picture filled with melancholic whimsy. The stories often involve magical journeys towards uncertain endings, reminiscent of the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and are praised for their dreamy, timeless, and mythic feel.
Toldees, Mondath, Arizim, these are the Inner Lands, the lands whose sentinels upon their borders do not behold the sea. Beyond them to the east there lies a desert, for ever untroubled by man: all ye... - #8
The Book of Wonder by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories that provide a unique and imaginative take on fantasy. The stories focus more on setting and imagery rather than plot and character development, creating a dreamlike and wondrous atmosphere. The tales are described as allegorical, nonsensically sensible snippets of a different world, reminiscent of dark nursery rhymes with a logical illogic that sets them apart from traditional fantasy narratives.
In the morning of his two hundred and fiftieth year Shepperalk the centaur went to the golden coffer, wherein the treasure of the centaurs was, and taking from it the hoarded amulet that his father, J... - #9
The Ladies of Mandrigyn is a fantasy novel where a group of women, after their city is conquered by an evil wizard enslaving most of the men, take matters into their own hands by kidnapping a famous mercenary, Sun Wolf, to train them in combat. As they prepare to fight back, relationships develop, strategies are formed, and the power of women emerges as a key force in the story. The plot weaves together elements of warfare, romance, and societal change, offering a fresh take on traditional fantasy tropes.
Starhawk, his tall, rawboned second-in-command, glanced up from cleaning the grime of battle off the hilt of her sword and raised dark, level brows inquiringly. Outside, torchlight reddened the windy ... - #10
'The Lure of the Basilisk' by Lawrence Watt-Evans follows Garth, a lord of the overmen, who embarks on a quest to gain fame and recognition. Sent by an oracle to find the Forgotten King, Garth is tasked with journeying to a distant city and retrieving a mysterious creature from its tombs. Along the way, he faces bandits, sorcerers, and ultimately encounters a deadly basilisk. The story blends typical fantasy tropes with unique elements, such as the overmen race and Garth's non-human perspective on human behaviors.
The plot unfolds as Garth navigates through challenges, showcasing the author's ability to bring new concepts to the fantasy genre. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of adventure, mystery, and humor. Readers are taken on a captivating journey with Garth as he delves into a quest that proves to be more complex than initially anticipated.
The village of Skelleth was the northernmost limit of human civilization, a perpetually starving huddle of farmers and ice-cutters; it shrank with each succeeding ten-month winter. Its existence depen...