Books Like...

The Exchange follows the story of Mitch McDeere from The Firm, 15 years after escaping from the Chicago mob. Mitch, now a lawyer in a global law firm, finds himself in a dangerous situation when one of his colleagues is abducted in Europe by a Middle East group. The story involves Mitch traveling around the world to negotiate and gather ransom money, with his wife Abby also getting involved. The book is set in the past, around 2006, and features an international flavor with a focus on the dangers faced by large law firms in a changing world.

The Exchange is praised for its fascinating storyline involving a lawsuit, international travel, and high-stakes negotiations. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of different countries, the insight into the legal world, and the subtle humor injected into serious situations by the author. The book is noted for being a sequel to The Firm but stands out on its own with its intriguing plot and updated portrayal of the main characters.

'Defiant' in the 'Skyward' series by Brandon Sanderson follows the protagonist Spensa, the daughter of a disgraced fighter pilot, on her quest to defend her homeworld of Detritus from the alien Krell. The story showcases Spensa's growth, her ability to see others and forgive, and the challenges she faces as she navigates through a world filled with stereotypes and obstacles. is described as having a Top Gun or Iron Eagle feel, with elements of How to Train Your Dragon, and is praised for its portrayal of honor and character development.

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.

Witch King by Martha Wells is a complex fantasy novel featuring a demon named Kaiisteron, known as Kai, as the central character. The book is set in a world filled with intricate magic systems, demons, witches, and humans working together against a common foe. The story unfolds with Kai waking up to find himself murdered and entombed at the bottom of the sea, setting off a series of events where he and his companions try to unravel the mystery of his death. The narrative is told in a mix of present and past timelines, providing background information crucial to understanding the characters and the plot. Readers are drawn into a world with complex world-building, detailed magic systems, and a central character who is both snarky and compassionate.

'A Prayer for the Crown Shy' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming novella that follows the journey of Dex, a gender-neutral monk, and Mosscap, a robot, as they travel across the human-occupied places of Panga. The book explores their developing friendship, their interactions with different communities, and the philosophical questions they encounter along the way. Becky Chambers' writing style gently conveys the struggles of the main characters in determining their identities and desires, focusing on the characters and their evolving bond rather than relying on action or romance to drive the narrative.

Bookshops & Bonedust is a prequel in the Legends & Lattes series, focusing on a young orc warrior named Viv who finds herself recovering from an injury in a quiet seaside village called Murk. While there, she befriends a bookseller named Fern and becomes entangled in a mystery involving a necromancer. The book explores Viv's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the joy of reading, all set in a cozy low-stakes fantasy world. The writing style, narrated by Travis Baldree, brings the characters and the story to life, with vivid descriptions and distinct character voices.