Books Like...
The Veiled Throne by Ken Liu is a thrilling addition to the Dandelion Dynasty Series. The story is an intricate, elegant epic tale set in a fantasy version of ancient China with pre-industrial technology added. The book focuses on the royalty, common folk, soldiers, enemies, gods, and bamboo punk technology of the fictional empire of Dara. The plot weaves together heartwarming scenes with sadness, balancing various plotlines and character arcs. The book introduces new characters and clever plot twists, such as a cooking competition that serves as a microcosm of the Lyucu Dara war, keeping the reader entertained and engaged.
If you liked The Veiled Throne, here are the top 6 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: The Dandelion Dynasty)
- #1
Save:Moon Witch, Spider King is a sequel that delves into the history of Sogolon, the Moon Witch, providing a new twist to the narrative by showcasing her story from a different perspective. The book is set in a vibrant and rich fictional world created by Marlon James, where the story unfolds with intricate details and vivid characters. The writing style is dense yet rewarding, showcasing the author's brilliant imagination and storytelling skills.
One night I was in the dream jungle. It was not a dream, but a memory that jump up in my sleep to usurp it. And in the dream memory is a girl. See the girl. The girl who live in the old termite hill. ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dark Star Trilogy ) - #2
Save:'Death's End' by Liu Cixin is the final installment in the 'Remembrance of Earth’s Past' series, exploring grand concepts of humanity's destiny in an uncaring universe. The narrative spans from the cultural revolution to 18 million years in the future, delving into the inescapable darkness of the vision while raising questions about morality and the bleak nature of the universe. The author masterfully progresses from one event to its inevitable consequence, leading to a mind-blowing conclusion that challenges readers to think about the dark questions posed by the storyline.
presents a mix of hard science fiction and anthropological ideas, with each installment in the series showcasing a unique tone and direction. 'Death's End' changes themes and storylines multiple times, highlighting human survival as a species and focusing on the grandest scale of the trilogy. The narrative inspires with its raised stakes, despite losing some relatability found in the previous books, and provides an epic conclusion that is unlike any other science fiction novel.
His sense of time was very accurate: The tremor came the moment he expected it, a powerful, violent quake that seemed to originate from deep within the earth. The vibrating silver candelabra hummed, a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Remembrance of Earth’s Past ) - #3
Save:Ken Liu's 'The Hidden Girl and Other Stories' is a collection of thought-provoking short stories that delve into themes such as technology, artificial intelligence, dystopian futures, and the human condition. Through a blend of science fiction and fantasy, Liu weaves together stories that explore the impact of digitized consciousness, climate change, wealth inequality, and the consequences of modern-day colonialism. The writing style is described as enchanting, balancing brilliant storytelling with elements of traditional Chinese beliefs and societal reflections.
Ona wished she could call on a smaller version of herself to solve her problems. She imagined that nested inside her was Obedient Ona, who enjoyed diagramming Classical Computer Languages and studying... - #4
Save:King's Dragon, the first book in the Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott, follows the intertwined fates of characters like Alain, Liath, and Sanglant in a fantasy world reminiscent of historical Europe but with added elements of magic and different fantasy races. The plot unfolds slowly, focusing on character development and world-building, with strong female characters and a mix of familiar fantasy tropes woven into a unique setting. The story is set in a kingdom torn by war, where the main characters, each with their own struggles and destinies, navigate through political intrigue, magic, and personal growth.
In the northernmost reaches of the North Mark of Wendar lay a cluster of hamlets and villages known as Heart’s Rest. The people here spoke a peculiar dialect of Wendish flavored with odd words and unc... - #5
Save:'The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories' by Ken Liu is a collection of short stories that range from fantasy to science fiction to historical fiction. The stories explore themes of technology, human emotions, Asian immigrant experiences, and cultural histories. Ken Liu's writing style is described as enchanting, thought-provoking, and emotionally affecting, with a talent for weaving traditional Chinese beliefs and cultural elements into his narratives.
There is no definitive census of all the intelligent species in the universe. Not only are there perennial arguments about what qualifies as intelligence, but each moment and everywhere, civilizations... - #6
Save:The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams is the first book in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, following the story of Simon, a kitchen boy who becomes entangled in a world of ancient evil, mysterious groups, and royal conspiracies. The book is praised for its creative storytelling, character development, and intricate world-building, setting the stage for an epic fantasy series filled with rich details and complex characters.
ON THIS day of days there was an unfamiliar stirring deep inside the dozing heart of the Hayholt, in the castle's bewildering warren of quiet passages and overgrown, ivy-choked courtyards, in the monk...
