Books Like...

Colours in the Steel is a fantasy novel set in the Triple City of Perimadeia, where court cases are decided by advocates fighting each other with swords. The main character, Bardas Loredan, a fencer at law, becomes entangled in a curse after a successful case. Meanwhile, Temrai of the Plainspeople learns the ways of the city before returning home to lead a horde in attacking the city. The book explores themes of revenge, consequences, and the blurred line between right and wrong. The writing style is described as prosaic yet down-to-earth, with a focus on detail and intricate plotting that leads to unexpected outcomes.

'Bodyguard Of Lightning' in the series 'Orcs: First Blood' by author Stan Nicholls is a unique take on Orcs, portraying them as disciplined warriors with a strict code of honor, unlike the chaotic hordes of Tolkien's Mordor. The story follows the Orcs as they navigate a world where Humans are divided into different factions, and the Orcs find themselves battling against evil forces while trying to maintain their noble qualities. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action sequences, and introduces readers to a world where Orcs are the central characters, providing a fresh perspective on traditional fantasy storytelling.

The narrative style of the book attempts to humanize Orcs, depicting them as misunderstood creatures facing moral dilemmas and fighting against oppressive forces. Despite some deviations from traditional Orc characteristics, the book presents a gripping storyline that delves into themes of honor, power struggles, and the clash between different civilizations.

Scourge of the Betrayer follows the journey of Arkamandos, a scribe who joins a group of soldiers led by the mysterious Captain Braylar Killcoin to record their actions as directed by their King. The story is narrated from Arki's perspective, providing a unique and somewhat unreliable view of the events as they unfold. The book is set in a medieval-like world filled with murder, politics, and adventure, where the characters are thrown into a world of violence and dark fantasy.

The writing style of Jeff Salyards in Scourge of the Betrayer is characterized by intricate detail, realistic dialogue, and a focus on the group of soldiers doing their thing without fetishizing violence. The plot development is driven by the interactions between the characters, with a dash of magic and unique weapons adding depth to the story. The narrative unfolds through Arki's eyes, offering a fresh perspective on the lives of soldiers and creating a compelling and engaging reading experience.

Thomas Cale, a young acolyte raised by the Redeemers at the Sanctuary of Slotover, is trained to be a soldier in a brutal and unforgiving environment. After witnessing a horrific act, Cale escapes with two friends and a girl, setting off a chain of events that could lead to war. The book follows Cale's journey as he navigates a world filled with religious zealots, secret societies, and the struggle to find his own identity amidst the chaos. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of fantasy elements and references to familiar places that blur the lines between reality and imagination.

'Transfer of Power' in the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn is a high-octane political thriller where the White House is taken over by terrorists, leaving over 100 hostages and the president trapped inside. It's up to Mitch Rapp, the CIA's top counterterrorism operative, to lead a stealthy rescue mission and regain control. The story is filled with action-packed sequences, espionage, and political intrigue, showcasing the heroism of Rapp and the intense battle between good and evil. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and rich in detail, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book.

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence is a dark fantasy novel that follows the journey of Prince Jorg, a young and ruthless protagonist seeking revenge in a post-apocalyptic medieval world. The story is narrated through the eyes of Jorg, a character described as a psychopath by some readers, who leads a band of outlaws on a bloody and violent quest for power and vengeance. The writing style is noted for its gritty and dark tone, with a fast-paced plot that delves into themes of brutality, survival, and the consequences of a shattered world.

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks is a classic fantasy novel that follows the story of Shea Ohmsford, a young hero who, along with his companions, must save the world from the evil Warlock Lord. The book is often compared to The Lord of the Rings for its epic quest storyline and fantastical elements. Readers have noted similarities in character types and plot devices, but also appreciate the different writing style that makes the characters more accessible than Tolkien's. The book is described as a direct descendant of LOTR, focusing on the ongoing hero Allanon, a druid who manipulates the other characters in the story.

The plot of The Sword of Shannara unfolds as Shea and his companions embark on a journey to find the legendary Sword of Shannara to stop the evil god threatening their world. Despite being criticized for similarities to LOTR, readers find the magic and world-building of the story captivating. The book is praised for being a classic sword and sorcery tale with hints of Tolkien but still standing on its own as a great beginning to an exciting series. The writing is described as descriptive and immersive, drawing readers into a world of magic, adventure, and memorable characters.

"The Shadow of the Torturer" by Gene Wolfe follows Severian, a young apprentice torturer with the burden of total recall, as he navigates a vivid and haunting alternative world. The book immerses readers in a masterfully crafted setting with detailed descriptions, but some find the plot dour and the pacing meandering, leading to mixed feelings about the protagonist and the overall story.

Severian's journey is filled with mysterious encounters, cryptic dream sequences, and a slow revelation of the world's setting. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and dreams, creating a challenging yet rewarding reading experience for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and thought-provoking allegories.

"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.

Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny is a science fiction novel that intricately blends Hindu and Buddhist mythology with futuristic elements. The story follows a hero, known as Sam or the Buddha, who leads a rebellion against god-like beings who suppress human progress using a mix of technology and mysticism. The narrative is non-linear, with flashbacks revealing the backstory of the epic struggle, creating a unique and complex world where magic is indistinguishable from technology. The book delves into themes of religion, colonialism, and freedom, offering a thought-provoking exploration of human progress and societal control.