Books Like...

'Taltos' in the series 'Vlad Taltos' by Steven Brust takes readers on an adventure back to the beginnings of Vlad's career, exploring how he met crucial people in his life and the origins of his habits and prejudices. The story unfolds through multiple timelines, showcasing Vlad's journey to the Paths of the Dead, his experiences with powerful Dragaerans, and his early days as an enforcer assassin. Brust skillfully weaves together snark and action, providing a coherent mix of storytelling that delves into Vlad's past and present quests.

'Issola' in the 'Vlad Taltos' series by Steven Brust delves into the intricacies of Dragaeran society and sorcery, unraveling mysteries from the origins of characters to the world itself. Vlad Taltos, the protagonist, finds himself entangled in an apocalyptic battle involving gods, Jenoine, and sorcery, leading to revelations about his friends and the society he lives in. Through a first-person narrative style, the book explores Vlad's growth, relationships, and his journey to uncover hidden truths while maintaining a witty and sharp tone throughout.

The Baron of Magister Valley is a stand-alone adventure novel set in the Dragaeran Empire fantasy universe, following the star-crossed couple Eremit of Cryden and his fiancée Livosha. The plot revolves around a vile conspiracy against their families, leading to a series of murders and Eremit finding himself imprisoned in a secure facility. The story is a tale of betrayal and revenge, written in a style that pays homage to Dumas, with a complex plot reminiscent of stories like The Count of Monte Cristo.

Wearing the Cape by Marion G. Harmon is a superhero story set in a world where superpowers emerged about a decade ago. The main character, a young woman named Hope Corrigan, gains powers after a terrorist attack and is trained to become a superhero by joining a local super team. The book explores serious issues like geopolitical implications of superpowered individuals and the effects of frequent battles on the body and mind. The writing style is engaging, focusing on Hope's journey from a rookie hero to a seasoned veteran, while delving into details about the superhero life in America and beyond.

'The Hero's Journey' by Joseph Campbell explores the common structural elements found universally in myths, fairy tales, dreams, and movies. The author uses movies to defend his philosophy and delves into the power of myths, archetypes, and heroic journeys from all cultures and times. Campbell believed that there is one great story of mankind retold in the individual mythologies of all cultures, encouraging readers to follow their bliss and fulfill their greatest potential within themselves and in service to their community.

'Dzur' in the 'Vlad Taltos' series by Steven Brust is a return to the classic style of Vlad Taltos, the assassin turned paladin, who finds himself entangled in old business that refuses to stay buried. The book is set in Adrilankha, focusing on Vlad's return to his roots and the intricacies of a fine dinner at Valabar's, which serves as a backdrop for musings on life and the ongoing caper. The narrative is interspersed with chapters detailing the various courses of a meal, adding depth to the plot and character development.

The story in 'Dzur' revolves around Vlad navigating the complexities of his past actions and relationships, particularly with his ex-wife Cawti, amidst political machinations and threats on his life. Brust's writing style is praised for its efficiency and subtle humor, with readers enjoying the fast-paced action, engaging plot, and the deeper understanding it provides of the Empire and Vlad's character.

Yendi is the second book in the Vlad Taltos series by Steven Brust, which serves as a prequel to the first book, Jhereg. The story follows Vlad Taltos as he establishes himself as a crime boss in the city, getting involved in a gang war and unraveling a centuries-old political conspiracy. The book combines elements of fantasy, detective fiction, and mafia battles, providing a mix of action, romance, and political intrigue. Readers are introduced to Vlad's relationships with various Dragaeran lords and ladies, including his future wife Cawti, in a fast-paced and complex narrative.

"The Silent Tower" by Barbara Hambly is a fantasy novel that follows a character from our world who finds herself in another world where magic exists. The story revolves around the protagonist, a computer programmer, who is transported to a magical realm and gets entangled in a serious plot involving wizards, evil ex-boyfriends, and a magical conflict. The narrative combines elements of a magical fantasy world with our contemporary technological world, creating an intriguing mix that captures the readers' attention. The writing style, although at times slow and filled with inconsistencies, introduces characters like the wizard Antryg Windrose, who becomes a favorite among readers and adds depth to the story.

is praised for its originality in blending the worlds of magic and technology, creating a unique setting for the characters to navigate. Despite some flaws in the underlying rationale and pacing issues, the story gradually picks up momentum as the characters embark on a journey together, leading to a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager to continue with the series. The richly detailed magical world, compelling characters like Antryg and Joanna, and the gripping conflict between different worlds offer a captivating reading experience for fans of fantasy fiction.

'Athyra' in the 'Vlad Taltos' series by Steven Brust is a departure from the usual first-person narrative style, now told from the perspective of a young Dragaeran named Savn. This shift offers a new view of Vlad Taltos as seen by others in his world, exploring themes of coming of age, questioning assumptions, and the consequences of one's actions. The plot revolves around Savn's interactions with Vlad, leading to unexpected outcomes that challenge both characters' beliefs and motivations.

'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.