Books Like...

In 'Traitor's Blade' by Sebastien de Castell, the story follows Falcio, Kest, and Brasti, former Greatcoats who are on a mission given by their late king. Set in a broken country ruled by corrupt Dukes and Duchesses, the trio navigates through betrayal, power struggles, and injustice while upholding the legacy of their fallen king. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy, swashbuckling action, political intrigue, and themes of honor and conviction. The writing style is described as engaging, witty, and fast-paced, with well-developed characters and a richly imagined world.

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne is a post-apocalyptic adventure following the journey of Scarlett McCain, a streetwise and skilled girl thief, and Albert Browne, a clueless boy with psychic powers. Set in a dystopian United Kingdom divided into seven kingdoms, the story unfolds as Scarlett and Browne navigate a world filled with dangers like the Tainted, mutated animals, and sinister towns with hidden agendas. The two outlaws form an unlikely duo as they embark on a road trip towards London, encountering obstacles and unlocking secrets along the way. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Scarlett and Albert, providing a blend of humor, action, and mystery in a Wild West-inspired setting.

In the book 'Half a King' by Joe Abercrombie, readers follow the journey of Prince Yarvi, who unexpectedly becomes king after the death of his father and older brother, only to be swiftly ousted from the throne through betrayal. Sold into slavery, Yarvi embarks on a quest for vengeance, forming alliances and facing enemies as he navigates a world filled with deceit and violence. Abercrombie's writing style presents a fast-paced narrative with intricate world-building and complex characters who must make difficult choices in a morally grey setting.

The Novice is a young adult fantasy novel that follows the story of Fletcher, an orphan who discovers he has the rare ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, Fletcher must travel with his demon, Ignatius, to an academy for adepts where he must endure grueling lessons to prepare for serving as a Battlemage in the Empire's war against Orcs. The book explores themes of friendship, racism, and political unrest in a world filled with various races like Orcs, Elves, and Dwarves. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with consistent pacing and a cliffhanger ending that keeps readers engaged.

In The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman, the story is set in a world resembling America's Wild West but with a twist - the West is untamed and unmade, filled with demons, magic, and supernatural beings. The narrative follows the power struggles between two factions, the Gun and the Line, representing industrialization and conformity, and the wilderness frontier, respectively. The book explores themes of conflict, allegory, and the clash between technology and faith, all while creating a darkly fantastical version of the American frontier.

In a post-apocalyptic world, Wasp is the Archivist, responsible for capturing and destroying ghosts. When a ghost speaks back to her, Wasp embarks on a quest to find a specific ghost, leading to a journey through the underworld where she learns about her past and abilities. The story showcases strong friendships, world-building, and a constantly twisting plot as Wasp navigates her role as Archivist and her internal conflicts. The writing style immerses readers in a new world, explaining details as the story progresses, with a grand sense of world-building despite the short length of the novel.

Tanya Huff's 'Summon the Keeper' follows Claire, a Keeper, who is summoned to a decrepit bed and breakfast in Kingston, Canada, to close a portal to Hell. The story is filled with humor, light romance, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and Greek gods, all set in a unique urban fantasy world. The book features a mix of quirky characters, including a talking cat, a charming handyman, and a sexy ghost, as Claire navigates her duties as a magical guardian while dealing with unexpected challenges and humorous situations.

Claire must juggle closing the Hell portal, managing unusual guests at the bed and breakfast, and balancing her magical responsibilities with her personal life. The writing style is described as gentle, witty, humorous, and energetic, with Tanya Huff weaving together a story that combines light-hearted fantasy elements with entertaining urban fantasy tropes, creating a fun and engaging read that offers a fresh take on the genre.

'Avis Blackthorn: Is Not An Evil Wizard!' by Jack Simmonds is a YA fantasy set in a magical boarding school called Hailing Hall. The story revolves around Avis, who is the only good person in a family of evil wizards working for the evilest sorcerer in all the seven magical kingdoms. Avis struggles to make friends and step out of the shadow cast by his family, while also dealing with enemies and trying to find his place in the magical world. The plot is filled with detailed descriptions of magic, interesting twists on the magical school genre, and a focus on themes like friendship, kindness, and the consequences of revenge.

The writing style of Jack Simmonds in 'Avis Blackthorn: Is Not An Evil Wizard!' is engaging and consistent, with realistic character development and a unique spin on the typical magical school storyline. explores Avis's journey as he navigates through friendships, enmities, and family dynamics, all while trying to find his own identity and purpose in a world where he stands out as the white sheep in a family of dark wizards.

"Bloodlines" by Richelle Mead follows the story of Sydney Sage, an alchemist tasked with protecting a royal Moroi girl while navigating challenges and mysteries in a boarding school setting. The plot unfolds with Sydney facing internal struggles and external threats, all while trying to prove herself trustworthy and redeem her past actions. Readers are introduced to a new perspective in the Vampire Academy world, with intricate character development and a plot filled with twists and turns that keep them engaged till the end.

The Thorn of Emberlain by Scott Lynch is the highly anticipated fourth installment in the 'Gentleman Bastards' series. The book delves deeper into the world of Locke Lamora and Jean, exploring their bond amidst deep challenges and complexities. The writing style is described as smart, funny, and full of plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Despite delays, fans eagerly await the release of this book which promises to continue the adrenaline-filled journey of the series.