Books matching: animal companion
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- #1
Save:A bold, gorgeously written fantasy that doesn't shy from complex themes - an instant classic for anyone who likes to read with their brain (and heart) fully engaged.
In 'The Golden Compass,' readers are transported to a parallel universe where each human has an animal daemon companion, a physical representation of their soul. The story follows young Lyra Belacqua on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the missing children, the concept of Dust, and the oppressive forces at play in her world. The narrative is filled with intricate world-building, complex characters like armored bears and witches, and a blend of fantasy elements that keep readers engaged and curious about the unfolding adventure.
Philip Pullman's writing style in 'The Golden Compass' is praised for its ability to address serious issues without being preachy, creating a compelling and imaginative story that resonates with both young adult and adult readers. The book delves into themes of faith, destiny, and the power of individual conscience, all set against a backdrop of suspense, mystery, and parallel universes, making it a captivating read that challenges the traditional boundaries of YA fantasy literature.
Lyra and her dæmon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of sight of the kitchen. The three great tables that ran the length of the hall were laid already, the silver...1995•408 pages - #2
Save:A rich, slow-burning, emotionally powerful fantasy about loyalty, loneliness, and survival - ideal for those who love character depth and intricate world-building, but a little heavy for anyone seeking fast-paced adventure.
In the first installment of The Farseer Trilogy, "Assassin's Apprentice," readers are introduced to FitzChivalry Farseer, the bastard son of a prince, who is raised in a dangerous position where there are people who want him dead. Swearing allegiance to his grandfather the king, Fitz becomes an apprentice to the royal assassin, navigating a world filled with courtly intrigue, political tensions, and the looming threat to his life. The book is praised for its in-depth story, intricate world-building, and fantastic character development, setting the stage for a tale full of twists and intrigue.
A history of the Six Duchies is of necessity a history of its ruling family, the Farseers. A complete telling would reach back beyond the founding of the First Duchy, and if such names were remembered...1995•449 pages A darkly inventive, female-led fantasy adventure with one of the coolest takes on necromancy out there. A must for fans of original magic, strong heroines, and rich worldbuilding - just expect to work for some of your answers. Worth the hype!
Sabriel follows the journey of a young woman who unexpectedly inherits her father's title as Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer, and embarks on a quest that takes her across the wall into another world. The book delves into a dark and magical Old Kingdom where Sabriel must rescue her father from the Land of the Dead while battling against evil forces trying to destroy the balance of the realm. The narrative weaves intricate world-building, necromancy, and a band of loyal companions, creating a suspenseful and engaging story filled with vivid descriptions of the magical realm and its inhabitants.
The writing style of Sabriel is praised for its dark and cold atmosphere, with the protagonist navigating through desperate situations in the Old Kingdom and Death itself. The book introduces a unique magical system involving bells and a necromancer's duty to lay the dead to rest, all while exploring themes of family legacy, self-discovery, and the struggle between good and evil in a fantasy setting that captivates readers with its originality and depth.
THE RABBIT HAD been run over minutes before. Its pink eyes were glazed and blood stained its clean white fur. Unnaturally clean fur, for it had just escaped from a bath. It still smelt faintly of lave...1995•463 pages- #4
Save:A sharp, quick-moving fantasy that's part mystery, part mafia tale - Jhereg is a cult favorite for a reason. If the world doesn’t grip you in the first few chapters, stick with it: the ride is worth it for anyone who loves clever, character-driven fantasy.
'Jhereg' in the series 'Vlad Taltos' by Steven Brust follows the adventures of Lord Vladimir Taltos, a human assassin and crime lord within the House of Jhereg. The story details how Vlad is offered a job he can't refuse, leading him to navigate a world of high fantasy, complex political intrigue, and criminal underworld. is described as a quick, amusing, and light-hearted read, akin to a fantasy version of a Michael Crichton novel but with added humor and fantasy elements.
The plot of 'Jhereg' is noted for its solid writing, interesting characters, particularly the protagonist Vlad Taltos, and a mix of action and mystery elements. introduces readers to a unique world of Dragaera, filled with varying magical systems, political tensions, and a diverse cast of characters. Throughout the story, Vlad's adventures as an assassin and detective unfold, showcasing his wit, humor, and interactions with his companions and enemies.
ISLIPPED THE POISON dart into its slot under the right collar of my cloak, next to the lockpick. It couldn’t go in too straight, or it would be hard to get to quickly. It couldn’t go in at too much of...April 1983•242 pages - #5
Save:A wild, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt send-up of LitRPG and dystopian tropes - if you’re into off-beat, character-driven, and meta-funny sci-fi/fantasy, Dungeon Crawler Carl is an absolute must-read (or must-listen).
In 'Dungeon Crawler Carl,' readers are thrust into an absurd and violent game-like world where survival means killing monsters and fellow humans Battle Royale style. The protagonist, Carl, stands out as a balance of blue-collar everyman, nerd, and isekai protagonist, navigating through a mix of absurd violence and depravity with close companionship with his cat and complicated feelings towards his ex and father. The writing style is described as modern and idiomatic, with masterful dialogue that elevates fictional craftsmanship while maintaining natural and unaffected character interactions.
The transformation occurred at approximately 2:23 AM, Pacific Standard Time. As far as I could tell, anyone who was indoors when it happened died instantly. If you had any sort of roof over you, you w...September 2020•445 pages - #6
Save:A fun, mythology-rich urban fantasy romp that's perfect for light reading and witty banter - but may feel a bit shallow if you crave deep character development or serious stakes.
'Hounded' in 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' series by Kevin Hearne follows the story of Atticus, a 2100-year-old Druid living in Tempe, Arizona, who runs an occult bookstore and is being pursued by vengeful Irish gods. The plot involves a mix of mythology, folklore, and supernatural beings, with Atticus navigating through encounters with gods, werewolves, vampires, witches, and other unexpected characters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, full of snark, humor, and wit, with a focus on character development and interactions, particularly the unique relationship between Atticus and Oberon, his Irish Wolfhound who communicates with him through mind speak.
There are many perks to living for twenty-one centuries, and foremost among them is bearing witness to the rare birth of genius. It invariably goes like this: Someone shrugs off the weight of his cult...2011•329 pages - #7
Save:A satisfying finale to the Founding of Valdemar trilogy - full of magic, adventure, and heart, even if it leaves you wishing for just a bit more.
"Valdemar" by Mercedes Lackey is the concluding book in 'The Founding of Valdemar' trilogy, which takes readers on a journey filled with magic, companions, Hawkbrothers, intrigue, and well-developed characters. The story is known for its twists and turns that keep readers engaged, especially as the origins of the Companions are finally revealed. The writing style captures the readers' attention by blending rich character development with enticing plotlines, incorporating elements of love, grief, and masterful storytelling.
When one is accustomed to constant work, anything but work feels strange. Is it unhealthy if one finds the work itself pleasurable? What does one’s work take the place of? Kordas’s perpetually active...December 2023•484 pages - #8
Save:Inventive, immersive, and emotionally rich, The Bone Shard Daughter is a standout fantasy debut that’s perfect for anyone seeking a fresh world and complex characters. Worth sailing into if you enjoy unique magic and multi-POV storytelling.
'The Bone Shard Daughter' by Andrea G. Stewart is a fantasy novel set in The Drowning Empire, where bone shard magic is used by the emperor to control constructs made from people's bones. The story follows multiple characters, including Lin, the emperor's daughter who lost her memories and is striving to prove herself, and Jovis, a smuggler searching for his missing wife while accompanied by a mysterious creature. The plot is filled with palace intrigue, rebellion, and a unique magic system that keeps the reader engaged. The writing style is described as fluid, immersive, and balanced, making it hard to put the book down once the reader becomes invested in the story.
He didn’t speak this disappointment when I answered his question. But he said it with narrowed eyes, the way he sucked on his already hollow cheeks, the way the left side of his lips twitched a little...September 2020•460 pages - #9
Save:A heartwarming, character-driven fantasy overflowing with magical horses and found-family feels - perfect for lovers of gentle, uplifting escapes, though its simplicity and style may not suit everyone.
"Arrows of the Queen" by Mercedes Lackey follows the story of Talia, a young girl who is chosen to become a Herald to the queen of Valdemar after escaping an abusive home life. Talia undergoes training to become a Herald, facing challenges such as attempts on her life, rogue mind magic, and dealing with a difficult princess. Set in Valdemar, a land filled with mind magic and white horses called Companions, the story emphasizes the importance of friendship and overcoming obstacles. is a coming-of-age tale that showcases Talia's growth in confidence and abilities as she navigates her new role in the kingdom.
The writing style of "Arrows of the Queen" is described as engaging, enjoyable, and immersive, creating a believable world with well-developed characters. explores themes of self-discovery, inner strength, and the power of friendship, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy novels with strong female protagonists.
Agentle breeze rustled the leaves of the tree, but the young girl seated beneath it did not seem to notice. An adolescent of thirteen or thereabouts, she was, by her plain costume, a member of one of...March 1987•320 pages - #10
Save:A wholesome, hilarious, and surprisingly touching cultivation parody that’s as comforting as your favorite comfort food - highly recommended for anyone who loves heart, humor, and a refreshingly cozy twist on fantasy.
'Beware of Chicken: A Xianxia Cultivation Novel' by Casualfarmer is a refreshing take on the Xianxia genre, focusing on themes of kindness, generosity, family, and joy. The protagonist, Jin, is isekai'd into a world of cultivation but chooses to lead a peaceful life as a farmer, setting off a unique path of cultivation. The story is beautifully crafted with elements of love, betrayal, humor, courage, atonement, and redemption intricately woven together. The writing style is gentle and profound, avoiding the typical tropes of violent battles and instead offering a meandering yet captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged.
He stared at the young man before him wearing the blue robes of an Outer Disciple of the Cloudy Sword Sect. The boy had a black eye and his arm in a sling. Lu Ri could see the telltale signs of wounds...May 2022•373 pages
