Books Like...
The Hob's Bargain is a standalone fantasy novel by Patricia Briggs that tells the story of Aren, a magical person living in a land where magic has been suppressed by blood mages. After a tragic event leaves Aren alone and facing danger, she makes a bargain with a creature named the Hob to protect her village using magic. As the land is plagued by raiders, outlaws, and the return of magical creatures, Aren must navigate a world where magic is both feared and necessary for survival. The book explores themes of magic, sacrifice, survival, and the balance between good and evil in a world filled with mythical beings.
If you liked The Hob's Bargain, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:When Demons Walk by Patricia Briggs is a fantasy novel set in a land torn apart by war, where wizards are believed to be a thing of the past but are needed to fight a demon. The story follows Sham, a thief and sorceress, who is enlisted by Lord Kerim to help in the fight against the demon that is targeting members of the ruling class. Despite Kerim's disbelief in magic, Sham's abilities are crucial in solving the mystery and battling the demon. The book combines elements of mystery, magic, action, and a touch of romance, creating a suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
Sham sat on a low stone fence in the shadows of an alley pulling on her boots. In the darkness that even the moonlight failed to reach, a sea breeze caressed her hair. She drew in a deep breath of the... - #2
Save:Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Seraph, a Raven mage from the dwindling Traveler race. The book explores the world where Travelers possess magic and are bound by duty to protect ordinary people from dark forces. Seraph, along with her husband Tier and their children, gets entangled in a dangerous adventure to save Tier and combat the evil threatening their land. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing a richly crafted world with a mix of realism and fantasy elements, showcasing the complexities of the characters and their relationships.
The writing style of the book is described as a blend of traditional fantasy with a touch of originality, featuring well-developed characters and a compelling plot. The narrative follows the journey of Seraph and Tier, portraying their growth as individuals and as a family while navigating through conflicts, mysteries, and magical elements. The story builds gradually, introducing various characters and locations, leading to a satisfying climax that sets the stage for a sequel.
The horse, like the sword Tier carried, was of far better quality than his clothing. He’d scavenged both the horse and sword from men he’d killed: the sword in his first year of war, the horse earlier... - #3
Save:'Masques' by Patricia Briggs is a high fantasy novel that follows the story of Aralorn, a green wild magic user and mercenary, who is sent to spy on the powerful mage Geoffrey ae'Mage. As Aralorn uncovers dark secrets and political intrigue, she must navigate through a world of illusions and danger to join a rebellion against the corrupt mage. Alongside her companion, Wolf, a mysterious mage with a dark past, Aralorn embarks on a journey filled with magic, political intrigue, and complex relationships. The book explores themes of loyalty, bravery, and the struggle against power-hungry individuals, set in a world where magic and mystery abound.
The writing style in 'Masques' is described as engaging and captivating, with well-developed characters that come to life on the pages. The story features elements of romance, political intrigue, and fantasy, creating a rich and immersive reading experience for fans of the genre.
It had seemed like a good idea at the time. She intended to sneak in as a servant—she was good at being a servant, and people talked in front of servants as if they weren’t there at all. But then ther... - #4
Save:"Dragon Bones" by Patricia Briggs is a traditional fantasy novel following the story of Ward of Hurog, who pretends to be simple-minded to survive his father's abuse. After his father's death, Ward must prove himself worthy to inherit his lands. With elements of magic, a quest for redemption, political intrigue, and unexpected twists, the book takes readers on a journey filled with dragons, family secrets, and character growth. The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, with humorous dialogues and a touch of unpredictability that keeps the reader captivated.
Breathing heavily from the climb, I sat upon the ancient bronze doors some long-distant ancestor had placed flat into the highest face of the mountain. The doors were huge, each as wide as I was tall ... - #5
Save:In "Wheel of the Infinite" by Martha Wells, an exiled priestess named Maskelle is summoned back to her birth city to investigate the destruction of the Wheel of the Infinite, a sand model of the world that is recreated annually. Alongside a barbarian swordsman named Rian, Maskelle must navigate court intrigues, battle a demon puppet, and confront her past mistakes. The book is described as a stand-alone fantasy novel with vivid and imaginative world-building, alternating between the perspectives of Maskelle and Rian. The writing style is praised for sidestepping clichéd plots and melodramatic moments while featuring a powerful and older female lead.
She stood on a little hill, surrounded by the heavy jungle that lined either side of the river of mud that had once been the road, and watched the wagons crawl painfully by. They were wooden and brigh... - #6
Save: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.
The day was long, and Khat was bored with bargaining. He leaned on one pole of the awning and looked out into the dusty street, ignoring Arnot's wife, who was examining their find as if she had never ... - #7
Save:Heart's Blood is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale set in a medieval Irish town called Whistling Tor. The story follows Caitrin, a young scribe fleeing from her past, who finds refuge at Whistling Tor where she meets the reclusive chieftain Anluan. As Caitrin's relationship with Anluan develops, she learns about the curse that binds him to the hilltop and sets out to break it, leading to a mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy elements. The book is known for its engaging storyline, believable characters, and a writing style that blends elements of Celtic folklore and historical fiction.
Dusk was falling, and mist was closing in over a landscape curiously devoid of features. Apart from low clumps of grass, all I could see nearby was an ancient marker stone whose inscription was obscur... - #8
Save:Ombria in Shadow by Patricia A. McKillip is a beautifully written fantasy novel set in a kingdom facing turmoil after the death of the prince. The story follows a cast of characters including a young prince, a plotting great aunt, a royal bastard, a mysterious sorceress, and her assistant, all intertwined in political maneuverings and secrets. The narrative explores the mystery of Ombria, a city with a shadowy existence, blending elements of power seeking, magic, ghosts, and political intrigue. McKillip's writing style is described as poetic, lush, and detailed, with a focus on character development and rich storytelling.
While the ruler of the ancient city of Ombria lay dying, his mistress, frozen out of the room by the black stare of Domina Pearl, drifted like a bird on a wave until she bumped through Kyel Greve’s un... - #9
Save:Magic is Unseen, hidden from mundanes by the laws of the magical community, which is currently undergoing a Turning, where leadership of the community may change from one House to another. Into this uncertainty comes a woman who's escaped from the House of Shadows, where sacrifices go for their magic to be painfully drained and used by others. The writing was engrossing, and beautiful, and I loved how Kat Howard created her characters and world. The premise of this book - magic in New York City and a regularly scheduled cycle of magic duels to elect the ruling House - is wonderful and well done. The Unseen World is ruled by magical houses, such as House Merlin and House Prospero, where competitions to demonstrate magical prowess eventually turn deadly.
The young woman cut through the crowded New York sidewalk like a knife. Tall in her red-soled stilettos, black clothing that clung to her like smoke, red-tipped black hair sharp and angular around her... - #10
Save:Rhane examined the slender, long-fingered woman who stood so quietly within the pool of light just outside his room. It was too late for a casual caller; nor was she dressed in the manner of Siolan wo...WHERE THE GODS TREAD, CAN ANY MAN FOLLOW? Menx, the mysterious world where technology is taboo and reality is seldom what it seems. Menx is fast approaching the time when it must decided for or against membership in the Galactic Concord, and Rhane en
...
