Books Like...

'Hall of Smoke' by H.M. Long is a fantasy novel following Hessa, an Eangi warrior priestess of Eang, the Goddess of War, who embarks on a journey to win back her goddess's favor after her village is attacked. The book is filled with battles, alliances, betrayals, magic, and curses, set in a Viking-inspired world with unique gods and powers. The writing style is immersive, lyrical, and hypnotizing, with a focus on world-building and action-packed storytelling that keeps readers engaged until the wee hours of the morning.

The Grief of Stones is a meditative story about connections, choices, and doing one's best, while also being a tale of multiple mysteries and rich world-building that immerses readers into an interesting culture. The book features a different main character in a different environment, yet maintains a poignant humaneness similar to the beloved characters from The Goblin Emperor series.

'The Art of Prophecy' in the series 'The War Arts Saga' by Wesley Chu is a martial arts fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with unique weapons, mysterious ritual arts, and colorful sensory details. The plot unfolds unexpectedly with fast-paced action, twists, and turns that keep readers engaged. The book features an ensemble cast of compelling characters, including an older lady protagonist, and explores themes of prophecy, destiny, and the dynamics between different characters.

'Drunk on All Your Strange New Words' by Eddie Robson is a murder mystery set in a futuristic world where aliens called Logis coexist with humans in New York City. The protagonist, Lydia, works as a translator for an alien diplomat named Fritz. When Fritz is murdered, Lydia becomes the main suspect and embarks on a complex investigation to uncover the truth behind his death. The story delves into themes of communication barriers, political intrigue, and the challenges of cross-species interactions, all while maintaining a light and humorous tone.

In 'Made Things' by Adrian Tchaikovsky, readers are transported into a fantastical world where puppeteer Coppelia AKA Moppet discovers that her closest companions are not human but made of wood, steel, candlewax, and paper. Set in a city ruled by powerful mages, the story follows Coppelia's journey as she navigates through the underworld of thieves and the struggles against the Magelords of Loretz, accompanied by her homunculi friends Tef and Arc. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where intricate characters, including the homunculi and the thieves, face challenges and dangers while trying to find their place in a society dominated by magic and power struggles. With a lyrical writing style and solid plot twists, 'Made Things' is a captivating blend of action, adventure, and fantasy that explores themes of friendship, survival, and the quest for identity.

In the book 'The Wolf of Oren-yaro' by K.S. Villoso, readers are taken on a journey with Queen Talyien as she navigates betrayals, heartache, and perilous encounters while trying to reconcile with her self-exiled husband. The story is set in a non-Western, medieval Asia-inspired setting, where political intrigue and treachery abound. The plot unfolds with Talyien facing assassins, traitors, and political turmoil as she strives to reclaim her throne and her identity amidst a backdrop of diverse political organizations and a feudal Asian feel.

'The Wolf of Oren-yaro' is a character-driven epic where readers follow Queen Talyien's thought process and emotional turmoil as she grapples with her dual roles of ruler and individual. The narrative is filled with plot twists, unexpected turns, and a mix of romance, politics, and magic that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end.

In "Wheel of the Infinite" by Martha Wells, an exiled priestess named Maskelle is summoned back to her birth city to investigate the destruction of the Wheel of the Infinite, a sand model of the world that is recreated annually. Alongside a barbarian swordsman named Rian, Maskelle must navigate court intrigues, battle a demon puppet, and confront her past mistakes. The book is described as a stand-alone fantasy novel with vivid and imaginative world-building, alternating between the perspectives of Maskelle and Rian. The writing style is praised for sidestepping clichéd plots and melodramatic moments while featuring a powerful and older female lead.

'The Keeper's Six' by Kate Elliott is a fantasy novel that follows Esther, a grandmother and protagonist who is part of a team called a Hex. Esther embarks on a journey to rescue her kidnapped son Daniel, with the help of her old colleagues who possess unique talents for traversing between realms. The story is set in a complex and imaginative world where dragons, shape-shifting beings, and a system of hexes play crucial roles. The writing style blends elements of fantasy with classics and scripture, creating a rich and engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued.

The plot of 'The Keeper's Six' unfolds as Esther and her team of Hex members navigate through different realms to save Daniel, the Keeper, who has been taken captive. The book delves into themes of family, adventure, and the consequences of past actions, all set against a backdrop of intricate world-building and diverse characters. Despite being a standalone short novel, readers are left wanting more from this universe, eager to explore the depths of the story and the characters further.

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock is a fantasy novel set in a world of floating islands, blood magic, and mirror projections. The story follows Princess Isabelle des Zephyrs, a polymath physically disabled princess, and her devoted musketeer, Jean Claude. Together, they navigate a world filled with complex villains, court intrigue, and political marriages. The writing style is described as fast-paced, intricate, and detailed, with a mix of adventure, intrigue, and witty banter reminiscent of The Three Musketeers.

Set in a future where human worlds are organized in two empires - the Old Empire and the New Empire, both ruled by immortal emperors who have sworn to respect the interests of the guild of Webbers, 'A Matter of Oaths' is a space opera filled with political intrigue, lost identities, love, and emperors. The story follows Rafe, an amnesiac webber with a mysterious past, as he joins the crew of the patrol ship Bhattya and becomes entangled in events that threaten the stability of the galaxy. With elements of cyberpunk, queer romance, and complex character dynamics, the narrative unfolds through a mix of action-packed sequences and detailed world-building.

The writing style of 'A Matter of Oaths' is described as tight, fast-paced, and wholly enjoyable, with engaging main characters, twists and turns that keep the pages turning, and a satisfying ending that leaves readers wanting more. The book delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of breaking oaths, all set against a backdrop of intergalactic power struggles and technological advancements that shape the future of the universe.