Books matching: dark magic
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- #1
Save:A Deadly Education follows the story of El, a loner student at the Scholomance, a magical school where students must survive deadly creatures and classmates without any help from teachers or guardians. The protagonist, El, navigates the treacherous environment while forming alliances to increase her chances of survival. The book is narrated in a first-person, stream-of-consciousness style, providing insights into the dark magic world, classmates, and rules of the school.
I DECIDED that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life. I hadn’t really cared much about him before then one way or another, but I had limits. It would’ve been all right if he’d sav... - #2
Save:The Bone Doll's Twin is a dark fantasy story set in the kingdom of Skala, where a prophecy dictates that only a daughter of the royal line can rule. However, when the queen is overthrown by her son, King Erius, the kingdom starts to falter. To save the realm, mages hide the newborn princess as a boy, Tobin, by magically transforming her into a male form. Raised in isolation and surrounded by secrets, Tobin navigates a world where gender roles are shifting, and the struggle for power threatens the kingdom's stability. The book explores themes of identity, gender, and power in a haunting and suspenseful narrative, with well-crafted characters and a unique magic system that captivates readers.
The Bone Doll's Twin, the first book in the Tamir Triad series, weaves a tale of deception, prophecy, and political intrigue as Tobin, the disguised princess, grows up unaware of her true identity and destiny. Lynn Flewelling expertly crafts a world filled with tension and complex issues, focusing on the transformation of a girl into a boy to protect her from a power-hungry ruler. The narrative delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of hiding one's true self, creating a gripping and thought-provoking story that challenges traditional fantasy tropes.
An old man looks back at me from my mirror now. Even among the other wizards here in Rh�minee, I�m a relic of forgotten times. My new apprentice, little Nysander, cannot imagine what it was like to be... - #3
Save:Krabat by Otfried Preußler is a dark fairy tale about a young orphan named Krabat who becomes an apprentice in a mysterious mill. As he delves deeper into the secrets of the mill, he discovers that the miller is a black magician with ties to the devil. The story weaves elements of dark magic, friendship, trust, and love, creating a cautionary tale that explores themes of good and evil. The plot unfolds in a setting reminiscent of old fables, keeping readers intrigued and hoping for a happy ending.
The writing style of Krabat is described as tight and immersive, with interesting characters set in a Wendish backdrop. The book is praised for its ability to be enjoyed as both a wonderful imaginative story and an archetypal quest for liberation from dark forces through courage and love. The narrative strikes a mature tone despite being labeled as a children's or young adult book, making it a timeless and engaging read for both younger and older audiences.
It was between New Year’s Day and Twelfth Night, and Krabat, who was fourteen at the time, had joined forces with two other Wendish beggar boys. Although His Most Serene Highness, the Elector of Saxon... - #4
Save:In the series 'Devil's Bargain' by author Judith Tarr, 'The Devil's Bargain' delves into the emotionally compelling and exciting story of the third crusade. The plot revolves around Richard the Lionheart leading the Crusade against Saladin, with the twist of dark sorcery and magic intertwined in the historical events. Characters like Sioned, Richard's illegitimate half-sister, and Mustafa, a Moorish servant, add depth to the narrative with their conflicting loyalties and magical abilities. The writing style of Judith Tarr captivates readers with rich prose and intricate world-building, creating a seamless alternate history that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
- #5
Save:'Bryony and Roses' by T. Kingfisher is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, offering a fresh perspective with a no-nonsense heroine, a Beast with a dry sense of humor, and brooding dark magic. The story follows Bryony, a skilled and dedicated gardener from an impoverished family, who stumbles upon an enchanted manor house during a snowstorm. She must navigate the complexities of her stay as she faces the Beast's demand for her future as forfeit for the theft of a rose. The book cleverly plays with the traditional fairy tale elements, introducing a terrifying villain, a kind yet prickly House, and fleshed-out secondary characters like Bryony's sisters, Holly and Iris.
The writing style in 'Bryony and Roses' is described as straightforward, snappy, and delightful, with a witty, intelligent, and unsentimental relationship at its core. The author, T. Kingfisher, presents a refreshing blend of canonical elements and new ideas that keep the story engaging and suspenseful. The book is commended for its intelligent and playful approach to the retelling, offering a darker and lighter take on the original Beauty and the Beast story while maintaining a unique and captivating narrative.
Bryony pushed her cloak back from her face and looked up. The space between Fumblefoot’s ears had become her entire world for the past half-hour, and she was a little surprised at how large the forest... - #6
Save:'Trial by Fae' follows the story of Mordaca Mari, a rare dragon blood demon slayer living in Darklane with her sister Aeri. Practicing blood magic by day and slaying demons at night, Mari's life takes a turn when a powerful stranger arrives, claiming a connection to her. As Mari delves deeper into the fae realm, she uncovers secrets about her family history and faces challenges involving dark magic and the mysterious King Tarron. The plot is fast-paced, with elements of mystery, romance, and self-discovery, creating an engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked until the end.
The city street was silent as I made quick work of checking his body for charms or weapons. Demons often carried valuable loot, and I wouldn’t leave it behind. I patted down pockets and even flipped h... - #7
Save:Master of One by Jaida Jones is a fantasy novel that blends modern and ancient elements with a touch of humor, creating a unique and unexpected reading experience. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, including a trans woman, gay individuals, and characters with disabilities, all seamlessly integrated into the narrative without feeling forced or tokenistic. The magic system in the book, while underdeveloped for some readers, is described as fun and intriguing, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story. Despite some criticisms about pacing and structure, the book is praised for its character development, relationships, and the fantastic representation of marginalized groups.
“Like shitfire you surrender.” Lord Ever-Loyal came to stand beside his son. “Baeth, I learned the blade from your father before he was pinning your diapers. When the Queensguard take a man in the mid... - #8
Save:In the veiled city of Occhia, House Morandi rules under the control of the Watercrea, who transforms blood into water for the citizens. The protagonist, Emanuela Ragno, is engaged to her best friend, Alessandro Morandi, with a plan to gain power by becoming head of the most powerful house in Occhia. However, when a bruise-like omen appears on an Occhian's skin, signaling a sacrifice to the Watercrea, Emanuela's life takes a drastic turn as secrets about other cities beneath the ruby veil emerge. As Emanuela navigates the dangerous political landscape, she must confront a worthy adversary in the form of the Heart, a young woman claiming to create water without blood, leading to a power struggle that puts everyone at risk.
Emanuela, a ruthless and power-hungry protagonist, drives the fast-paced story forward with her questionable decisions and unapologetic pursuit of power. The book delves into a world where water requires blood, showcasing dark magic systems and intricate world-building that immerses readers in the chilling atmosphere of the red veil, while Emanuela's complex character development keeps the plot unpredictable and engaging.
- #9
Save:The Lingering Dark by Jade Church is a sapphic fantasy novel set in the Kingdom of Stars, following the story of Saiph, an immortal star and heir to the kingdom who is sent on a mission to kill a mortal woman claiming to be the true heir to the throne. However, after crossing realms, Saiph is captured by rebel humans and must rely on the help of Auren, the queen's guard, to navigate through the challenges she faces. The book explores themes of trust, loyalty, and questioning one's beliefs, as Saiph begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her mission and her mother's motives.
The writing style of The Lingering Dark is described as fast-paced, filled with witty banter, complex yet simple magic systems, and a diverse set of characters that readers quickly grow to love and root for. The plot unfolds with a mix of tension, romance, and mystery, keeping readers engaged from start to finish, and ending on a cliffhanger that leaves them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
- #10
Save:'King Maker' in the series 'Kingdom of Runes' by Audrey Grey follows the protagonist Haven as she navigates a world of magic, danger, and intricate relationships. The story delves into revelations about Haven's identity, her struggles with balancing light and dark magic, and her complicated relationships with characters like Archeron and Stolas. The plot is filled with twists and turns, emotional rollercoasters, and a magical competition that challenges Haven's thinking and forces her to make mature decisions.
The writing style of 'King Maker' is described as intense and emotional, with readers expressing a range of feelings from anxiety to excitement while reading. features a mix of magic, action, romance, and danger, keeping readers engaged and invested in the characters' journeys. The author, Audrey Grey, is praised for her ability to create a captivating story that includes plot twists, well-developed characters, and a compelling narrative that leaves readers wanting more.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kingdom of Runes )
