Books Like...

In "Far-Seer" by Robert J. Sawyer, readers are introduced to a unique world where a species of highly evolved, sentient Tyrannosaurs called Quintaglios play out a thinly veiled version of human history. The protagonist, Afsan, an apprentice astrologer, embarks on a transformative journey that challenges the beliefs of his society as he discovers the true nature of their world through a telescope known as the far seer. The book explores themes of religion, philosophy, and societal evolution through the lens of a dinosaur society on the brink of significant change.

The writing style in "Far-Seer" is praised for its ability to create a truly dinosaur society that feels authentic and distinct from human culture. The plot unfolds with a mix of adventure, philosophical musings, and societal commentary, keeping readers engaged as Afsan navigates the complexities of his world and grapples with challenging truths that could alter the course of his society's future.

The Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon is set in a time before the Valdemar kingdom, during a war between two powerful mages, Urtho and Maar. The book follows the story of Skandranon, a gryphon, and his human friend Amberdrake, as they navigate the complexities of war, loyalty, and friendship in a world filled with magical creatures and political intrigue. The narrative explores themes of power struggle, creation of magical beings, and the battle between good and evil, all while providing a fast-paced and emotionally charged adventure that captures the readers' imagination.

"Winds of Fate" follows the story of Elspeth, the Heir to Valdemar, as she embarks on a quest to find mages to help defend her kingdom against the threat of Ancar. Alongside her companion Skif, Elspeth faces challenges and discovers her own magical abilities, while also encountering the Tayledras, a magical community. The plot weaves between Elspeth's journey and the story of Darkwind, a Tayledras mage turned scout, as they both navigate through their respective challenges. The writing style is described as simple and suited for a young adult audience, with long minor scenes and concise major scenes, focusing on character development and world-building.

When a courtier comes riding into Jenny's path, flourishing his words and falling off his horse gallantly, she can't help but shake her head. Especially when she learns that he's there to convince Lord Aversin to slay a dragon for the kingdom. And as a witch and his lover, Jenny can't help but be dragged into this adventure. Overall, a rather dull book. The characters read very world weary and that translates into the book as well. Most of it is tromping through the wilderness to get to a place with a rather pragmatic and dismal tone. I'm all for practicality, but for some reason this book just reeks of it. Which makes it a little dull. It's satirical in a toss cold water on you sort of way. It's the type of book that literally says hey, your Dragonbane is a hick and adventuring actually is cold and wet and icky. But there's no spark of humor or entertainment in this book at all. Just pragmatic Jenny with her little magic and down to earth John with his good intentions to help out his king and his lands. I did appreciate a lot of aspects of the book. Gareth was both annoying and entertaining. I absolutely loved the ending and the idea that there is a spirit animal in every person. I loved Jenny's interaction with the dragon, and oh my gosh, that description of music and gold that was just beautiful. But... this book was just so practical and almost boring. Two stars for a good concept. But at the same time, two stars for making it rather grey and dull. Recommended only for those who want to read about a down to earth kind of adventure.

Blood Music by Greg Bear is a novel that delves into the consequences of a scientist's experiment gone wrong, where intelligent organisms based on his own DNA are released into the world, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. The story follows different characters affected by the spread of these organisms, showcasing the impact on humanity as a whole. The book combines elements of bioengineering, nanotechnology, and apocalyptic themes, creating a narrative that explores the transformation of human bodies by intelligent cells.

In "Winter's Tale" by Mark Helprin, readers are taken on a journey to a magical version of New York City where a love story unfolds between a middle-aged Irishman and a young girl who is dying. The book is described as a fabulous urban fairy tale that defies labels, with characters that are vividly drawn and belong to a more magical time. The author's writing style is praised for its beautiful descriptions of surroundings and events, capturing the essence of the city and creating a sense of wonder and magic.

"Valdemar" by Mercedes Lackey is the concluding book in 'The Founding of Valdemar' trilogy, which takes readers on a journey filled with magic, companions, Hawkbrothers, intrigue, and well-developed characters. The story is known for its twists and turns that keep readers engaged, especially as the origins of the Companions are finally revealed. The writing style captures the readers' attention by blending rich character development with enticing plotlines, incorporating elements of love, grief, and masterful storytelling.

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.

"Seveneves" by Neal Stephenson is a science fiction novel that starts with the sudden destruction of the moon, leading to catastrophic events on Earth. The book follows humanity's struggle for survival as they plan to escape to space by building a Cloud Ark centered around the ISS. The story delves into intricate technical details, orbital mechanics, and the challenges faced in preserving a sliver of humanity. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on the immediate aftermath of the disaster and the second part jumping 5000 years into the future, exploring new characters and genetic determinism.

"Shards of Honour" by Lois McMaster Bujold is a space opera that follows the story of Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force and Captain Aral Vorkosigan of the Barrayaran Imperial Navy. When their paths cross on an unexplored planet after facing different challenges, they must work together to survive and navigate through war, love, and complicated loyalties. The book introduces the readers to the origins of Miles Vorkosigan's parents and sets the stage for a series of adventures in a universe filled with political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and unexpected romance.

The narrative of "Shards of Honour" is driven by well-developed characters like Cordelia and Aral, who are portrayed as mature, complex protagonists with interesting dynamics. The writing style is described as engaging, with elements of romance, action, and adventure interwoven into a science fiction setting. The story explores themes of survival, love, and the clash of cultures, offering a blend of character-driven storytelling and intriguing world-building that sets the foundation for a long-running series.