Books Like...

The Will and the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Enna, a strong and kind-hearted young woman who lives on the edge of a forest filled with monsters. When a monster attacks her, she seeks help from Maekallus, a creature with a unique appetite for souls. As their fates become intertwined, they embark on a journey to unbind Maekallus and save Enna's soul. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil, all set in a world filled with magical creatures and captivating mysteries. The writing style is described as beautiful, lyrical, and immersive, drawing readers into a world where heartbreak and magic coexist.

The Devouring Gray is a young adult novel set in the small town of Four Paths, where five teenagers, including newcomer Violet Saunders, must come together to uncover dangerous secrets and face an ancient evil. The story is filled with unexpected twists, eerie characters, and dark magical elements that blend family history, present-day challenges, and supernatural powers into a captivating and atmospheric read. As the teens navigate political dynamics, hidden agendas, and the looming threat of the monster in the Gray, they must unravel mysteries, confront their own powers, and decide where their loyalties lie.

The Queen of Blood follows the story of Daleina, a young girl with the power to control malevolent spirits that threaten the land of Aratay. Despite her lack of natural magical abilities, Daleina is determined to protect her family and the people of Renthia. As she trains at the Academy to become an Heir, Daleina forms strong female friendships and embarks on a treacherous quest with her companions to confront the ambitious and dangerous Queen Fara. The book showcases a unique fantasy world where spirits are omnipresent and humans must navigate a delicate balance to prevent destruction.

The plot of The Queen of Blood is driven by Daleina's journey from a humble forest village to becoming the Queen of Blood, a title she earns through courage, resourcefulness, and a relentless desire to protect her loved ones. The writing style is described as engaging and fast-paced, with elements of tension that keep readers hooked from the beginning. The book features themes of empowerment, friendship, and the struggle against corruption, set against a backdrop of a world where spirits and humans coexist in a precarious balance.

'Beyond the Black Door' by A.M. Strickland is a dark fantasy novel that follows Kamai, a soul walker who discovers hidden truths about her past and her abilities after her mother's murder. The story delves into a world of soul walkers, court intrigue, and mysterious black doors that lead to secrets that challenge Kamai's understanding of herself and her society. The writing style is described as atmospheric, compelling, and original, with intricate world-building, nuanced exploration of asexuality, and a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.

'The Bone Houses' by Emily Lloyd-Jones is a fantasy novel that combines elements of horror, romance, and folklore. The story follows Ryn, a strong heroine who works as a gravedigger in a small town plagued by the undead known as bone houses. When the bone houses become more aggressive, Ryn sets out on an adventure with a mapmaker named Ellis to uncover the source of the unrest. The book is praised for its unique and interesting plot, engaging characters like Ryn and Ellis, and the dark fantasy setting that adds depth to the story. The writing style is described as flowing well, engaging, and filled with excellent descriptions that make the book hard to put down.

'A Far Wilder Magic' by Allison Saft is a cozy, atmospheric book set in a 1920s inspired world where magic alchemy and mythical creatures called demiurges exist. The story follows Margaret and Wes as they join a hunt for the last demiurge, the hala, in hopes of achieving their own goals. The book explores themes of racism, xenophobia, and LGBTQ representation while showcasing well-developed characters and a unique plot. The writing style is described as rich and sensory, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the setting and moments of the story.

Divine Blood, the first book in the 'Guardians of the Maiden' series by Beck Michaels, follows the journey of Dyna, a young healer seeking to save her village from a looming threat. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious Celestial named Cassiel, forming an unexpected bond that intertwines their fates. With a mix of magical creatures like angels, werewolves, and fae, the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a rich and complex world filled with adventure, self-discovery, and found families. The author, Beck Michaels, masterfully weaves together intricate plotlines and compelling characters, creating a captivating fantasy tale that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

'An Enchantment of Ravens' by Margaret Rogerson is a YA fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young adult heroine named Isobel who possesses the ability to paint and perform a Craft. The story delves into Isobel's encounters with the fae, the development of a sweet romance, and the exploration of a magical world filled with mythology and beautiful imagery. As Isobel navigates through her adventures, she grapples with the complexities of fae-human relationships, the limitations of magic, and the implications of her artistic creations on the fae realm. The plot unfolds with elements of romance, artistry, and fantastical creatures, ultimately leading Isobel to a deeper understanding of love, creativity, and self-discovery.

The writing style of 'An Enchantment of Ravens' is described as captivating, engaging, and thought-provoking by readers. The author, Margaret Rogerson, successfully weaves together a tale that combines elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure, drawing readers into a world where human emotions and creativity play a central role in the narrative. Through vivid imagery, well-developed characters, and exploration of themes like power dynamics and personal growth, the book offers a unique take on fae lore and immerses readers in a magical realm filled with enchanting possibilities.

'In Deeper Waters' by F.T. Lukens is a fairytale with a queer twist, a story of a prince named Tal exploring his kingdom for the first time and encountering a mysterious merman named Athlen. The relationship between Tal and Athlen is soft, tender, and focused on emotions and excitement of first love. The plot is filled with adventure, royal rescues, sibling dynamics, and magic, creating a nonstop ocean adventure that keeps readers engaged. The book delves into the inner workings of the kingdom, offering a glimpse into the politics and repercussions of the main characters' actions, adding depth to the storyline.

The writing style of 'In Deeper Waters' is engaging and captivating, with well-developed characters and a diverse, progressive world. It features wonderful representation, loving relationships, and strong family bonds within the royal family. The author, F.T. Lukens, brings the characters to life, making readers care about their problems and how they navigate through them. The book is praised for its focus on relationships, lack of rivalry among the royal family, and the overall tenderness portrayed in the interactions between the characters.

Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn is a fantasy novel set in the world of the Twelve Houses, where a powerful mystic named Senneth is commissioned by the King to investigate unrest among the noble families. Accompanied by the King's Riders and other mystics, Senneth embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the source of discontent and save the kingdom from a looming civil war. The book intricately weaves together political intrigue, magical powers, and strong character relationships, creating a captivating and immersive world for readers to explore.

The writing style in Mystic and Rider is described as engaging and easy to read, with a light tone that makes the book hard to put down. Sharon Shinn introduces complex characters like Senneth, Tayse, Kirra, and Cammon, each with their unique abilities and backstories, who form a camaraderie as they navigate the challenges and mysteries of the kingdom. The novel blends elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, offering a compelling mix of action-packed fantasy sequences, character-driven storytelling, and subtle political nuances that keep readers invested in the unfolding plot.