Books Like...

Sasha, a princess born in another world, is tricked into returning to Khanarenth where her enemies have caught up with her and her mother. The story follows their struggle to navigate a dangerous political landscape, filled with charm, intrigue, and betrayal. The plot is engaging, with sword fights, magic, and heavy-duty attraction, all set in a well-developed magical world with strong female characters.

Banner of the Damned by Sherwood Smith is a standalone novel set in the Sartorias Deles world, taking place some 400 or 500 years before most of the other books in the series. The story follows Emras, a scribe, as she becomes entangled in momentous events in Colendi and Marloven Hesea, experiencing intricate political machinations and the discovery of an evil mage. The book is praised for its meticulous world-building, intricate character development, and a narrative that weaves together multiple storylines leading to a climactic revelation.

'Time of Daughters I' by Sherwood Smith is a captivating tale set in Marloven Hess, interweaving joy, sorrow, heartbreak, and triumph amidst themes of friendship and humor. The narrative follows a family dynasty story, showcasing the growth of children into adolescence, the complexities of adult relationships, and the hopes and resentments that define the characters. The book delves into the unexpected rise of a new king in Marlovan Iasca, exploring themes of power, influence, and character development through the lens of compelling characters like Lineas and Connar. Sherwood Smith masterfully weaves past events into the story, creating a rich tapestry of history and character dynamics that keep readers engrossed.

The book also addresses themes of gender performance, transgender identity, and diversity with nuanced storytelling. Sherwood Smith's writing style is described as readable, entertaining, and perceptive, offering a vivid portrayal of a world where magic coexists with human complexities. The narrative unfolds with a tight focus on the royal family, showcasing intricate character development and a compelling storyline that keeps readers invested in the lives of the characters.

In "Court Duel," the sequel to "Crown Duel," readers follow Countess Meliara as she navigates court intrigue and politics after the Crown War. Meliara's journey involves learning about government, facing challenges at court, and unraveling mysterious letters and a hidden romance. The book combines elements of fantasy, romance, and courtly drama, with vivid world-building and well-developed characters. The narrative is filled with twists, humor, and challenges that keep readers engaged, making it a compelling coming-of-age story for Meliara.

The story in "Court Duel" is described as a mix of adventure, court politics, and unexpected romance. Meliara's character growth, her interactions with the Marquis of Shevraeth, and the challenges she faces in the court setting are central to the plot. The writing style is praised for its humor, well-developed characters, and engaging dialogue that immerses readers in the world of Remalna. Overall, the book offers a blend of fantasy elements, intriguing plot twists, and a strong focus on character relationships and personal growth.

'A Posse of Princesses' by Sherwood Smith is a coming-of-age story following Princess Rhis as she attends a grand party hosted by the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. Throughout the party, Rhis learns valuable lessons about appearances, first impressions, and the importance of friendship. The plot involves an abduction of a princess, leading Rhis and her friends on an adventure filled with magic and unexpected twists. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a strong female protagonist set in a fantasy world.

Countess Meliara and her brother embark on a mission to protect their people from a tyrannical king who threatens their kingdom. The story unfolds in two parts, Crown Duel and Court Duel, showcasing the protagonist's journey from leading a battle against the king to navigating court intrigue. The book blends elements of adventure, fantasy, romance, and political struggles, with a focus on character growth and personal conflicts in a vividly described world.

Even the Darkest Stars follows the protagonist Kamzin, a village girl who dreams of becoming an explorer. When her sister is chosen to lead an expedition to climb the treacherous mountain Raksha, Kamzin's jealousy leads her to join the journey with the Royal Explorer, River Shara. The story unfolds with a mix of magic, adventure, and a love triangle as Kamzin navigates through dangerous obstacles and unexpected plot twists on her quest to retrieve a talisman for the Emperor. The writing style is described as descriptive and immersive, allowing readers to feel like they are hiking alongside Kamzin and River.

Rondo Allegro by Sherwood Smith is a historical romance novel set in the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows Anna Duncannon, a young woman forced into a marriage of convenience with a British Navy captain, Henry Duncannon. As war ravages Europe, Anna navigates her way through various challenges, including touring with an opera company and surviving the turmoil of post-revolutionary France. The novel beautifully depicts Anna's growth and maturity, as well as the evolving relationship between her and her husband, culminating in a heartfelt love story set against a backdrop of historical events.

Sherwood Smith's writing style in Rondo Allegro is praised for its attention to detail, vivid descriptions of historical settings, and engaging storytelling. The author's meticulous research and dedication to authenticity bring the world of the protagonists to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters' journeys of self-discovery, love, and resilience.

'Danse de la Folie' by Sherwood Smith revolves around Clarissa, who is shipwrecked on her way to Holland and is saved by a handsome but broke Marquis. She ends up staying at his home and becomes fast friends with his younger sister, Kit. The story unfolds in London, where the girls find themselves entangled in love triangles, with Clarissa's wealth and high status attracting unwanted attention. The plot is filled with twists and turns, humor, insight, and romance, all woven together seamlessly by the author. The writing style captures the essence of the regency era, with well-developed characters and a captivating storyline that keeps readers absorbed until the very end.

Georgiana, a sweet natured girl with no loving family, finds herself entangled in a web of lies when she saves the spoilt and arrogant Rob, who she later discovers is Westmorland. As their relationship develops, Georgiana must navigate her feelings for both Rob and her real fiancé while Rob struggles with amnesia and a newfound desire to be a better man. The story unfolds with a charming and romantic tone, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, all expertly handled by Caroline Linden's writing style.