Books Like...

The Grief of Stones is a meditative story about connections, choices, and doing one's best, while also being a tale of multiple mysteries and rich world-building that immerses readers into an interesting culture. The book features a different main character in a different environment, yet maintains a poignant humaneness similar to the beloved characters from The Goblin Emperor series.

'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.

In "The Witness for the Dead," set in the world of "The Goblin Emperor," readers follow Thara Celehar, a spirit medium, as he navigates the city of Amalo, dealing with mysteries like a serial poisoner, a forged will, and a murdered opera singer. The book combines elements of fantasy and murder mystery, with Celehar using his ability to communicate with the dead to unravel the truth behind various deaths. The writing style is praised for its intricate world-building, atmospheric descriptions, and the engaging storyline that follows Celehar's investigations and interactions with the city's residents.

In "Nice Dragons Finish Last," readers are introduced to Julius Heartstriker, the smallest dragon in his clan who prefers to keep to himself and play online games rather than embrace his draconic nature of domination and manipulation. When his mother, Bethesda, forces him into human form and banishes him to Detroit with a mission to prove himself as a dragon, Julius teams up with a human mage named Marci to navigate a world where magic has returned, dragons rule territories, and danger lurks at every corner. The book combines elements of urban fantasy and science fiction, offering a unique world filled with mythical creatures, intrigue, and humor.

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.

'Godkiller' by Hannah Kaner is a debut fantasy novel that follows the protagonist Kissen and her companions on a journey filled with self-discovery, growth, and challenges. The plot involves a quest where the characters face personal struggles, navigate complex relationships, and encounter unexpected twists. The writing style is described as engaging, with multiple point-of-view chapters that provide insight into the thoughts and feelings of each character, ultimately leading to a heartfelt final stand and a surprising twist that keeps readers engaged.

'Thornhedge' by T. Kingfisher is an inside-out retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, where the hero is a fairy named Toadling who guards a sleeper in a tower hidden in a forest of thorns. The novella is described as an imaginative original work with a fine balance of drama and poetic lines, creating an atmospheric setting that seamlessly blends realism with wonderment. The story follows Toadling's journey as she interacts with a sympathetic knight and delves into her past, revealing layers of magic, enchantment, and unexpected character dynamics.

The Element of Fire by Martha Wells is a debut fantasy novel set in the kingdom of Ile Rien, where court politics and sorcery intertwine to create a complex and engaging plot. The story follows characters like the weak King Roland, the cunning Queen Dowager Ravenna, the sorcerer Urbain Grandier with his own agenda, and the mysterious half-fey half-sister Kade Carrion. As the kingdom faces threats from within and outside, the narrative delves into palace intrigue, familial relationships, and the clash of magical powers, all while maintaining a rich 17th-century Parisian setting with elements of Faery.

'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison follows the story of Maia, the overlooked and despised half-goblin son of the emperor, who unexpectedly becomes the emperor after a tragic accident claims the lives of his father and brothers. Thrust into a world of court intrigue and political maneuvering, Maia must navigate his new role as emperor, facing challenges of betrayal, loneliness, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on interpersonal tensions, political negotiations, and a subtle touch of fantasy elements to explain cultural differences.

'Gun Love' by Jennifer Clement is a poignant and lyrical novel that follows the life of Pearl, a 14-year-old girl who grows up homeless in a car parked outside a trailer park in Central Florida. Through Pearl's perspective, the story delves into themes of poverty, violence, love, and gun culture. The narrative beautifully portrays the bond between Pearl and her mother, the struggles they face, and the impact of a stranger entering their lives, ultimately leading to a tragic event that changes everything.

The writing style in 'Gun Love' is described as casual, deep, and intimate, making the story feel palpable and emotionally resonant. The use of a young girl as the narrator adds innocence to the narrative, highlighting the senselessness and tragedy of gun violence while exploring complex social issues such as homelessness, poverty, and the impact of guns on individuals and communities.