Books Like...
City of Bones by Martha Wells is a standalone fantasy novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce and relics from the ancient civilization are sought after for their power. The story follows Khat, a relic trader, who gets entangled in a dangerous quest for powerful artifacts alongside an intriguing cast of characters. The writing style is described as confident and clear, with vivid descriptions of the city's complex social structure and the treacherous desert landscape outside its walls.
If you liked City of Bones, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:In "Wheel of the Infinite" by Martha Wells, an exiled priestess named Maskelle is summoned back to her birth city to investigate the destruction of the Wheel of the Infinite, a sand model of the world that is recreated annually. Alongside a barbarian swordsman named Rian, Maskelle must navigate court intrigues, battle a demon puppet, and confront her past mistakes. The book is described as a stand-alone fantasy novel with vivid and imaginative world-building, alternating between the perspectives of Maskelle and Rian. The writing style is praised for sidestepping clichéd plots and melodramatic moments while featuring a powerful and older female lead.
She stood on a little hill, surrounded by the heavy jungle that lined either side of the river of mud that had once been the road, and watched the wagons crawl painfully by. They were wooden and brigh... - #2
Save:Ombria in Shadow by Patricia A. McKillip is a beautifully written fantasy novel set in a kingdom facing turmoil after the death of the prince. The story follows a cast of characters including a young prince, a plotting great aunt, a royal bastard, a mysterious sorceress, and her assistant, all intertwined in political maneuverings and secrets. The narrative explores the mystery of Ombria, a city with a shadowy existence, blending elements of power seeking, magic, ghosts, and political intrigue. McKillip's writing style is described as poetic, lush, and detailed, with a focus on character development and rich storytelling.
While the ruler of the ancient city of Ombria lay dying, his mistress, frozen out of the room by the black stare of Domina Pearl, drifted like a bird on a wave until she bumped through Kyel Greve’s un... - #3
Save:Magic is Unseen, hidden from mundanes by the laws of the magical community, which is currently undergoing a Turning, where leadership of the community may change from one House to another. Into this uncertainty comes a woman who's escaped from the House of Shadows, where sacrifices go for their magic to be painfully drained and used by others. The writing was engrossing, and beautiful, and I loved how Kat Howard created her characters and world. The premise of this book - magic in New York City and a regularly scheduled cycle of magic duels to elect the ruling House - is wonderful and well done. The Unseen World is ruled by magical houses, such as House Merlin and House Prospero, where competitions to demonstrate magical prowess eventually turn deadly.
The young woman cut through the crowded New York sidewalk like a knife. Tall in her red-soled stilettos, black clothing that clung to her like smoke, red-tipped black hair sharp and angular around her... - #4
Save:'The Raven Tower' by Ann Leckie is a unique fantasy novel that delves into the relationship between gods and humans, exploring the consequences of a world where gods' words hold immense power. The story follows a murder mystery in a fantasy setting, narrated by an ageless god fixed in a stone, and a quiet soldier named Eolo who sets out to solve the mystery of a missing leader and a deceased god, all while navigating complex political and supernatural dynamics. The writing style of the book is described as original, inventive, and thought-provoking, with a second-person narration that offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre.
I first saw you when you rode out of the forest, past the cluster of tall, bulge-eyed offering stakes that mark the edges of the forest, your horse at a walk. You rode beside Mawat, himself a familiar... - #5
Save:'Redemption in Indigo' by Karen Lord is a unique fairy tale that takes inspiration from Senegalese folklore but adds a Caribbean twist. The story follows Paama, a strong female protagonist, who is given the Chaos Stick and must navigate a world filled with spirit creatures, quest, redemption, and humor. The book is praised for its engaging writing style, the use of African-inspired mythology, and the refreshing departure from typical European-centered fantasy narratives.
There are men of violence. There are men who drink. And then there was Ansige, a man with a vice so pathetic as to be laughable. He ate; he lived for his belly. No one would believe that a woman could... - #6
Save:'Magic for Liars' by Sarah Gailey is a murder mystery novel set in a school for mages, where the protagonist, Ivy Gamble, a non-magical private investigator, is called to solve a murder that has occurred at the school where her magical twin sister teaches. The story explores themes of jealousy, family dynamics, and self-discovery as Ivy navigates through the magical world to uncover the truth behind the murder. Gailey's writing style combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and character-driven narrative to create a unique and engaging story that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships within a magical setting.
The book is praised for its originality, well-written character development, and unexpected plot twists that keep the readers engaged. Gailey's storytelling weaves together elements of magic, mystery, and family dynamics, offering a fresh perspective on the high school for wizards trope. The narrative challenges traditional magical school tropes by focusing on realistic teenage behavior and social structures, making the magical world feel more relatable and authentic to readers.
IT MIGHT TAKE A LITTLE while to get there, but I’ll tell you everything, and I’ll tell you the truth. As best I can. I used to lie, but when I tell you the story, you’ll understand why I had to lie. Y... - #7
Save:'The Cloud Roads' by Martha Wells follows the journey of Moon, a shape-shifter who doesn't know his true identity and has been wandering alone among different cultures. When he is discovered by his own people, the Raksura, he is thrust into a conflict that could determine the fate of his entire species. The book is praised for its creative world-building, complex characters, and engaging storyline that blends adventure with themes of identity and belonging. The writing style is described as a mix of action-packed scenes and detailed descriptions that bring the fantastical world of the Three Realms to life.
The day started out normal enough. Moon had been hunting alone as usual, following the vargit, the big flightless birds common to this river valley. He had killed one for himself, then taken a nap on ... - #8
Save:Under the Pendulum Sun is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Catherine Helstone as she ventures into Faerie to find her missionary brother, Laon, and help him save the souls of the Fae. The book delves into a nightmare Faerie world filled with gothic horror elements, religious themes, and a dark elegance that gradually unfolds as the protagonist navigates through a mysterious and cruel land. The story combines Victorian influences with a theological twist, creating a unique and atmospheric narrative that slowly draws readers in until the final act unveils the full picture with a captivating sense of ambition.
Great and ancient empires, Mahomedan and Heathen, have received a shock by the prowess of British arms, nerved and strengthened by GOD, which has broken down strong, and hitherto invulnerable barriers... - #9
Save:"Phoenix Extravagant" by Yoon Ha Lee is a fantasy novel set in a secondary fantasy world inspired by Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China. The story follows Jebi, a nonbinary artist who is forced to work for the invaders controlling their country, leading Jebi to uncover dark secrets about the destruction of art and artifacts to create magical pigments for automatons. Jebi's journey involves political intrigue, rebellion, and a forbidden romance with a duelist named Vei, all while navigating complex societal themes and a unique magical system involving special paints and automatons.
The book is praised for its originality, world-building, and the exploration of themes such as art, gender, and family honor. Readers appreciate the diverse representation of nonbinary and gay characters, the intricate magical elements tied to the story's history, and the engaging plot that balances political thriller elements with character-driven narratives. The writing style is described as beautiful, nuanced, and immersive, with a focus on exploring the inner values of humans through the characters' perspectives and moral struggles.
GYEN JEBI STROVE to keep their hand from shaking as they dipped their brush into the paint they’d mixed from pigments, a part of every artist’s training. Remember, they reminded themself, you’re good ... - #10
Save:'The Cursed' by Dave Duncan revolves around a world where the cursed are individuals afflicted with a disease that grants them unique abilities, but also brings fear and condemnation from society. The storyline follows characters like Gwin Solith and Bullion Tharn who find themselves at the center of a resistance movement against invading armies. The novel is praised for its fascinating concept, strong and likable characters, and the protagonist's ability to influence the cursed. Despite some rushed conclusions and obscure motivations of certain factions, the book presents a gripping plot with a mix of adventure and underlying commentary.
Gwin was helping Tob the stableboy replace the wheat sheaf over the door. She was needed only when a cart came along and threatened to sweep ladder and Tob and wheat sheaf all away together, but her p...
