Books Like...
If you liked Mother of Learning, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Wildly entertaining, original, and unexpectedly moving - a must-read for anyone who likes time travel hijinks, superheroes, and a good laugh. Even if it's not your usual genre, it's worth giving a shot!
"The Perfect Run" follows the story of Ryan Quicksave, a character with the ability to create save points in his life and restart from them. Set in a post-apocalyptic Italy, the plot revolves around Ryan navigating time loops to uncover various plots, organizations, and characters in New Rome. The writing style is engaging and well-written, with a fast-paced and fun story that keeps readers immersed in the unique superpower mechanics and world-building lore.
He blamed the people of New Rome for this. The city’s inhabitants were as nervous as coffee addicts in the morning, and drove their cars like monkeys out for his blood. Moving on the walkway would hav...February 2021 - #2
A fast-paced, heartwarming, and clever start to a progressively deeper fantasy series - perfect for anyone craving magical schools, lovable underdogs, and inventive worldbuilding.
'Into the Labyrinth' in the 'Mage Errant' series by John Bierce is a coming-of-age fantasy novel set in a magical academy. The story follows the protagonist, Hugh of Emberlin, a young mage who struggles with his magical abilities and faces challenges as he navigates through a complex magic system. The book introduces readers to a well-developed world with intricate world-building elements, a unique magic system, and a small cast of relatable and diverse characters. The plot revolves around Hugh's growth as a character, his journey from self-doubt to embracing his powers, and his experiences in a school setting reminiscent of other popular fantasy series.
Hugh slid farther back into the space behind the bookshelf. Rhodes and his friends might have chosen him as their favorite victim, but their attention span usually wasn’t too long. If he stayed hidden...October 2018•214 pages - #3
A delightfully nerdy mashup of magic, puzzles, and RPG fun - perfect for fans of crunchy magic systems, but might feel slow or too technical for others.
Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe is a unique blend of RPG elements and intricate magic systems set in a world filled with dungeon crawls and magical schools. The story follows Corin Cadence, a character who is speculated to be on the autism spectrum, as he navigates through a world of attunements and cultivation-like progression. The book combines dungeon diving, magic school, and world-building with elements of betrayal and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style in Sufficiently Advanced Magic is characterized by detailed descriptions of the magic system and the world, reminiscent of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign or a computer program technical manual. The narrative balances between a dungeon grind and a detailed exploration of magical systems, enchanting, and attunements, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre with modern touches on topics like racism, asexuality, and child abuse.
Bringing weapons and armor into the test was strictly forbidden, but there weren’t any rules about bringing a backpack full of supplies. I had double checked, triple checked. Maybe they’d consider my...February 2017•624 pages - #4
A stats-heavy LitRPG romp with fast-paced leveling and a delightfully detailed world - a must for gamelit fans, though the repetitive structure and marathon dungeon scenes won’t be for everyone.
The Primal Hunter is a Fantasy LitRPG that follows the paths of a group of office workers suddenly transported to the Multiverse, where they must survive a designated tutorial scenario. The story mainly focuses on Jake Thayne, a character with unique abilities as a Bloodline Patriarch, adjusting to his new role as an Archer in a fantasy world. The plot involves combat, character development, and exploration of the LitRPG universe, with detailed descriptions of the RPG system and world-building.
The author, Zogarth, presents an engaging narrative that goes beyond the typical LitRPG or Fantasy story, delving into the social aspects and psychology of the characters in-depth. The characters face challenges, make choices, and undergo growth as they navigate the tutorial scenario, showcasing exceptional character work and intricate world-building. The book offers a blend of combat, RPG elements, and a captivating storyline that keeps readers immersed in the world of the Multiverse.
It was just another boring Monday morning. The sparse rays of sunlight that found their way through the blinds’ narrow gaps did little to disturb the man sleeping deeply on the bed. However, the seren...March 2022•692 pages - #5
Unmatched in scope and heart, "The Wandering Inn" is a sprawling, ongoing journey through a vivid fantasy world. It’s not for the impatient, but if you invest, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable characters, emotional payoffs, and endless adventure. Try a few chapters for free - there’s a reason it has such a devoted following!
The Wandering Inn is a slow-paced fantasy novel with a unique twist of characters from our world being teleported to a fantasy world filled with monsters and different races. The story is a mix of light humor and grim tragedy, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and personal growth. The writing style is described as somewhat grounded, with a well-developed world and memorable characters that evolve throughout the series.
After a few minutes, the traveler sat back up. No, not a traveler. She hadn’t intended to travel anywhere tonight. The young woman frowned as she rubbed at her face. She’d been going to the bathroom a... - #6
A sprawling, satisfying sci-fi progression fantasy epic with great characters and worldbuilding - just be ready for a slow start and lots of detail before the story kicks into high gear. Recommended for fans of long, character-driven journeys!
'Iron Prince' by Bryce O'Connor follows the protagonist, Reidon Ward, as he navigates a world where users strive to become the strongest. The story combines elements of progression fiction and action-packed dueling style combat within a unique sci-fi setting. Readers are drawn into Reidon's journey towards his ultimate destination, witnessing his drive and determination to achieve his goal despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way. is praised for its captivating plot, solid writing, and well-developed characters, making it a compelling read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
“The Simulated Combat Tournaments developed by the Intersystem Collective Military are arguably mankind’s greatest form of entertainment. Complex engagement training at the core of their design, since...October 2020•884 pages - #7
A must-try for LitRPG and progression fantasy fans who live for epic worldbuilding and steady power-ups, but less suited for readers seeking character depth or realistic odds.
'Defiance of the Fall' follows the main character who is described as aggressive, direct, and morally conflicted in a ruthless multiverse. The storyline starts with Earth being forcibly integrated into the multiverse, leading the main character to navigate magic and leveling systems to find his family and defend himself. As the plot progresses, the main character evolves from a desk jockey to a power-hungry individual, engaging in conflict and striving for strength in a world filled with demons and other powerful beings.
The writing style of 'Defiance of the Fall' is noted for its worldbuilding, epicness, and subtle humor. The author is praised for their ability to foreshadow events and create a sense of gravitas in the narrative. blends elements of fantasy, LitRPG, and a hint of Sci-Fi, keeping readers interested despite some pacing issues and basic characterizations.
Information is power. It can both be the sword with which you impale your enemy, or the sword you impale yourself upon. That was what was going through Zac’s head as he walked through the woods, a sma...2021•727 pages - #8
A smart, heart-filled twist on the magic school genre - engaging, character-driven, and ideal for fantasy fans who enjoy a slow-burn story with great worldbuilding and friendships. Just be ready for a gentle pace now and then!
Mark of the Fool 1 by J.M. Clarke follows the journey of Alex Roth, a young man who, after being branded with the Mark of the Fool, is chosen as one of the heroes to fight the returning Ravener. The story revolves around Alex's character growth as he overcomes challenges, navigates the academy setting, and harnesses his unique abilities to become a true hero. The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the exploration of themes such as coming of age, magic systems, and overcoming adversity.
The writing style of Mark of the Fool 1 is described as immersive and engaging, with a focus on character development and world-building. The book blends elements of action, adventure, and slice of life, creating a narrative that slowly builds momentum and captivates readers with its detailed descriptions and intricate magic systems.
Throughout the day, he’d become more and more fascinated with them like how most young boys in Thameland became fascinated with the idea of knights. At the end of his last class, he’d asked around cam...September 2022•698 pages - #9
A wild, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt send-up of LitRPG and dystopian tropes - if you’re into off-beat, character-driven, and meta-funny sci-fi/fantasy, Dungeon Crawler Carl is an absolute must-read (or must-listen).
In 'Dungeon Crawler Carl,' readers are thrust into an absurd and violent game-like world where survival means killing monsters and fellow humans Battle Royale style. The protagonist, Carl, stands out as a balance of blue-collar everyman, nerd, and isekai protagonist, navigating through a mix of absurd violence and depravity with close companionship with his cat and complicated feelings towards his ex and father. The writing style is described as modern and idiomatic, with masterful dialogue that elevates fictional craftsmanship while maintaining natural and unaffected character interactions.
The transformation occurred at approximately 2:23 AM, Pacific Standard Time. As far as I could tell, anyone who was indoors when it happened died instantly. If you had any sort of roof over you, you w...September 2020•445 pages - #10
A sprawling, inventive, and character-driven superhero college story - rich on detail and heart, but not for readers demanding a brisk pace. Great for those who want to sink into a detailed world and follow an ensemble cast of underdogs.
'Super Powereds: Year 1' by Drew Hayes is a novel set in a world where people are categorized as normal, powered, or super powered. The story follows five young individuals who are selected for an experimental program to turn powereds into supers. Enrolled in Lander University to train as heroes, they must navigate college life while keeping their hero training and powered past a secret. The book combines elements of superhero and coming-of-age genres, focusing on character relationships, personal growth, and the challenges faced by young metahumans.
The writing style in 'Super Powereds: Year 1' is described as engaging, with a good balance between action, dialogue, and exposition. The characters are well-crafted, each with distinct voices and realistic backgrounds. The novel delves into the thoughts and emotions of the characters, providing insight into their personalities and motivations. The plot is praised for being fresh and multi-layered, offering a mix of combat challenges, character development, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged throughout the story.
Campus was nearly deserted as Vince stood outside Melbrook, watching the sun journeying higher into the morning sky. Always an early riser, his time at camp had made sleep an even more infrequent acti...2013•774 pages











