Books Like...

In 'The Sunlit Man', Brandon Sanderson delivers a unique and compelling addition to The Cosmere series that is full of surprises, colorful characters, and imaginative world-building. The story follows a character on the run, a Knight Radiant with a shardblade, who fights for truth while trying to stay ahead of pursuit. The book is action-packed, full of wonder, and seamlessly connects to the larger Cosmere universe, offering a heartfelt tale with great emotional beats.

Sanderson's writing style in 'The Sunlit Man' showcases his outside-the-box thinking and talent for building unique worlds in an easily digestible way. The plot is breakneck-paced, filled with fantastic characters, and teases much to come in the Stormlight Archive. The book engages readers with its intricate storytelling, interconnected ideas, and well-formed resolutions, making it a must-read for fans of the Cosmere looking for a fresh and connected experience.

In 'The Soprano Sorceress', part of the Spellsong Cycle series by L.E. Modesitt Jr., the story follows Anna, a music teacher from Iowa who is transported to a world where sorcery exists through music. The book focuses on merging music with fantasy elements, with Anna using her skills in managing work politics to navigate the new world she finds herself in. Despite being spelled with youth and beauty, Anna's character effectively comments on social expectations of beauty versus ability. The narrative lacks depth and character development, but the basic story of a singer controlling magic through song keeps readers engaged.

'Beyond the Pale' in the series 'The Last Rune' by Mark Anthony is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of two Earthly protagonists, Travis and Grace, who are transported to the medieval world of Eldh. The story revolves around their adventures in a world filled with magic, alternate dimensions, and threats to both Eldh and Earth. The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the unique blend of humor and magic woven into the narrative.

The book introduces readers to a world where characters like Falken the bard, Lady Melia, and Queen Ivalaine are shrouded in mystery, while the residents of Eldh, including Lady Kyrene, King Boreas, Durge, and Beltan, are vividly portrayed. As Travis and Grace navigate through this new world, they encounter challenges, face off against an evil king, and embark on a quest to save both realms. Mark Anthony's writing style is commended for its ability to keep readers hooked from the prologue, with elements of humor, originality, and a touch of darkness reminiscent of Stephen King's works.

"The Sleeping Dragon" follows a group of college role players who are transported into the fantasy world of the game they were playing, assuming the characteristics and knowledge of their characters. They must navigate this dark and dirty world to survive, facing challenges such as dealing with slavery and trying to find a way back to Earth. The plot involves a mix of fantasy elements with 20th-century personalities, creating a unique and engaging storyline. The writing style combines elements of adventure and heroism with a gritty realism, exploring themes of survival, friendship, and the consequences of being thrust into a different world.

The Doomfarers of Coramonde is an action-packed fantasy novel that follows the story of a Vietnam War armored personnel carrier (APC) crew that is transported to an alternate reality where magic is real. The crew finds themselves embroiled in a magical war between good and evil, as they help the deposed prince reclaim his throne from an evil sorcerer and his puppet kinglet. The book seamlessly merges ancient and modern heroes, showcasing larger-than-life characters grappling with the eternal struggle of good versus evil. The writing style of Brian Daley is praised for its ability to immerse readers in a world where fantasy and sci-fi elements coexist harmoniously.

Wind and Truth is an epic installment in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series. The book unfolds a gripping plot with multiple perspectives, each revealing intricate layers of character development and narrative tension. Initially, the story builds slowly but transitions into a fast-paced roller coaster of events that culminate in profound impacts on the series' future. Readers experience a well-crafted blend of foreshadowing, twists, and genuine surprises that keep them engaged and eager to discover the fates of beloved characters.

Sanderson's writing style shines as he masterfully balances moments of introspection with high-stakes action. Each chapter pulls the reader deeper into a world rich with detail and lore while maintaining an exciting pace. The character arcs are significantly rewarding, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties together numerous plot threads from previous books. Despite some minor critiques about pacing in past works, Wind and Truth is celebrated as a standout achievement, reinforcing Sanderson's reputation as a master storyteller.

"I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons" by Peter S. Beagle follows Robert, a dragon exterminator who secretly loves the creatures he’s supposed to eliminate. When Princess Cerise seeks his help to clear the royal castle of dragons before her prince arrives, Robert's life takes unexpected turns, allowing him to navigate his complex feelings for both the dragons and the princess. His journey reveals deeper societal roles and character development, steering away from typical fantasy tropes toward a more fulfilling narrative.

Beagle’s writing style is celebrated for its beautiful prose and humor, making each sentence feel like a work of art. The story balances heartfelt moments with wit, drawing readers into a world rich with adventure and complexity. Characters are well-rounded, particularly Princess Cerise, who defies traditional roles, while the interactions among Robert, Cerise, and Prince Reginald showcase genuine respect. With its engaging blend of fantasy elements and relatable character struggles, the book captivates and entertains readers of all ages.

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is a unique addition to Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere series, showcasing a different writing style and storyline while still maintaining his authentic voice. The book follows the journey of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, exploring their connection and the world they inhabit through intricate character and relationship development. With elements of romance, heavy on character growth and world building, the story is a blend of fantasy, love, and malice, drawing readers in with its rich imagery and emotional depth.

"Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" by Terry Brooks follows the story of a Chicago lawyer named Ben Holiday who feels like something is missing from his life. When he comes across a listing in a Christmas catalog for a magical kingdom, he decides to take a chance and purchases it. Upon arriving in the magical kingdom of Landover, Ben discovers that the kingdom is in disarray with no money in the treasury, no army, and enemies lurking. The story delves into Ben's journey of trying to restore the kingdom to its former glory, facing challenges, and balancing a sense of responsibility without proper authority. The writing style is described as clever and escapist, with an engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the world of Landover.

The plot of "Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" revolves around Ben Holiday's unexpected acquisition of a magical kingdom and his subsequent struggles to bring order and magic back to Landover. explores themes of escapism, responsibility, and the challenges of leadership in a fantasy setting accessible through a Christmas catalog. The writing style, while dated due to being published in 1986, is noted for its clever storytelling and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.

'Galaxy' in the series 'High Table Hijinks' by author Christopher Johns is an urban fantasy novel that follows the story of Marcus, a Marine who is medically discharged and returns to Columbus to work as a bartender in a bar that serves monsters. The book introduces a world filled with magic, monsters, and technology set in modern times. Despite some abrupt transitions, the story unfolds with a mix of myth, magic, and technology, creating an exciting and mysterious atmosphere. The characters are portrayed realistically with flaws, making them relatable and drawing readers into the narrative.

The plot revolves around Marcus navigating his new life, encountering supernatural beings, and dealing with the challenges that come with his newfound role. The book combines elements of power fantasy with action-packed scenes and character development, creating a fast-paced and enjoyable read that keeps readers engaged. Despite some predictable moments, the book offers a fresh take on the litrpg genre and sets the stage for an interesting series with the potential for further exploration of the characters and their relationships.