Books Like...

'Time of Daughters I' by Sherwood Smith is a captivating tale set in Marloven Hess, interweaving joy, sorrow, heartbreak, and triumph amidst themes of friendship and humor. The narrative follows a family dynasty story, showcasing the growth of children into adolescence, the complexities of adult relationships, and the hopes and resentments that define the characters. The book delves into the unexpected rise of a new king in Marlovan Iasca, exploring themes of power, influence, and character development through the lens of compelling characters like Lineas and Connar. Sherwood Smith masterfully weaves past events into the story, creating a rich tapestry of history and character dynamics that keep readers engrossed.

The book also addresses themes of gender performance, transgender identity, and diversity with nuanced storytelling. Sherwood Smith's writing style is described as readable, entertaining, and perceptive, offering a vivid portrayal of a world where magic coexists with human complexities. The narrative unfolds with a tight focus on the royal family, showcasing intricate character development and a compelling storyline that keeps readers invested in the lives of the characters.

'The Trouble with Kings' by Sherwood Smith is a fantasy novel that follows Princess Flian Elandersi, who wakes up with no memory and a nasty bump on her head. She is told that she has run away from her father to marry King Jason but is saved by a roguish prince named Jaim. As Flian's memories return, she navigates through political machinations, abductions, and multiple suitors, all while trying to find her way back home and discover her true strength and place in the world. The plot is filled with excitement, surprises, and a strong female protagonist who defies traditional fantasy heroine stereotypes.

Sasha, a princess born in another world, is tricked into returning to Khanarenth where her enemies have caught up with her and her mother. The story follows their struggle to navigate a dangerous political landscape, filled with charm, intrigue, and betrayal. The plot is engaging, with sword fights, magic, and heavy-duty attraction, all set in a well-developed magical world with strong female characters.

'A Posse of Princesses' by Sherwood Smith is a coming-of-age story following Princess Rhis as she attends a grand party hosted by the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. Throughout the party, Rhis learns valuable lessons about appearances, first impressions, and the importance of friendship. The plot involves an abduction of a princess, leading Rhis and her friends on an adventure filled with magic and unexpected twists. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a strong female protagonist set in a fantasy world.

'Inda' by Sherwood Smith is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Inda, a second son destined for a different path than his older brother. The book delves into Inda's journey as he navigates through war games, unexpected enemies, and challenges he never imagined. The plot takes a sharp turn halfway through, evolving into something more original and intriguing, set in a medievaloid fantasy world with unique societal twists. The narrative style is described as detailed, intricate, and ambitious, with a focus on character development and worldbuilding.

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy follows the adventures of Felicity Montague, a determined young woman who aspires to become a doctor in a world that denies women such opportunities. Alongside her friends Sim and Johanna, Felicity embarks on a journey filled with pirates, dragons, and challenges that test her beliefs and abilities. The book explores themes of feminism, misogyny, imperialism, asexuality, and the complexities of female friendships, all while maintaining a balance between historical fiction and fantastical elements. The writing style is a blend of humor, adventure, and strong character development, with a focus on addressing important societal issues with grace and compassion.

Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear is a space opera that follows Haimey Dz, an engineer and space salvage operator, along with her pilot Connla and their AI Singer. The trio embarks on a mission to salvage a derelict ship, but things take a dangerous turn when Haimey gets infected with an unidentified parasite that alters her skin and perception. As they navigate through interstellar piracy, Haimey finds herself entangled in a web of politics, relics of a lost civilization, and her own mysterious past. The story delves into themes of identity, exploration, and the consequences of encountering advanced alien technology, all while exploring a vast universe filled with diverse species and complex ethical dilemmas.

Countess Meliara and her brother embark on a mission to protect their people from a tyrannical king who threatens their kingdom. The story unfolds in two parts, Crown Duel and Court Duel, showcasing the protagonist's journey from leading a battle against the king to navigating court intrigue. The book blends elements of adventure, fantasy, romance, and political struggles, with a focus on character growth and personal conflicts in a vividly described world.

Readers praised "Loveless" for its representation of asexuality and aromanticism, emphasizing the importance of platonic love and friendship. The book follows Georgia, an 18-year-old girl who discovers her asexuality and aromanticism, navigating her journey of self-discovery and understanding her identity. The writing style by author Alice Oseman was commended for being easy to read, suitable for the themes explored in the book, and offering hope to those who identify as asexual or aromantic.

"Elatsoe" by Darcie Little Badger is a fantasy novel set in an alternate USA where supernatural elements are accepted. The story follows Elatsoe, a Lipan Apache girl who can see and summon ghosts, continuing her family's tradition. When her cousin is murdered, Elatsoe sets out to uncover the truth with the help of her family, friends, and her ghost dog. The book blends urban fantasy with Lipan Apache myth, creating a rich and vibrant standalone fantasy with elements of mystery and magic. The writing style is described as easy to fall into, with a snappy plot that touches on themes of grief and compassion.