Books Like...
'Soulstar' in 'The Kingston Cycle' series by C.L. Polk is a fantasy novel set in a world where magic has a price and political intrigue is at play. The story revolves around Robin Thorne, a strong and inspiring character, who leads the Solidarity group in their efforts to turn Kingston into a free democracy. is filled with elements like long-lost love, politics, revolution, assassination, magic, romance, and emotional turmoil, providing an exciting conclusion to the series.
The writing style of C.L. Polk is praised for its excellent world-building and captivating characters. explores themes of power, identity, and revolution, all set in a fantasy England where magic and politics intertwine to create a gripping narrative.
If you liked Soulstar, here are the top 33 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: The Kingston Cycle)
- #1Sword in the StarsBook 2 in the series:Once & Future
'Sword in the Stars' in the series 'Once & Future' by Cori McCarthy and Amy Rose Capetta is a fantastic duology with a unique twist on the Arthurian legend. The story follows Merlin and a diverse group of characters, including a gender-swapped King Arthur, as they navigate through time and space to break the tragic cycle of Arthurs. The writing style is fast-paced, emotionally complex, and filled with humor, queer representation, and themes of empathy and second chances. The characters' evolution, the witty dialogue, and the queer romance elements make this a highly recommended YA fantasy read.
The adventures in 'Sword in the Stars' take the reader on a journey to the original Camelot, where the group becomes entangled in the story they had not intended to interfere with. is praised for its beautiful literary adaptation of the Arthurian story, the found family theme, the inclusion of diverse representation, and the uplifting and inclusive storytelling. The writing style is described as comforting, affectionate, and filled with love, leaving readers feeling soothed and satisfied by the end, similar to the afterglow of watching a heartwarming TV show like Schitt's Creek.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Once & Future ) - #2
Bluebird by Ciel Pierlot is a fast-paced science fiction novel set in a galaxy embroiled in war between three factions. The protagonist, Rig, is a Nightbird rebel who takes on odd jobs, including rescuing refugees, in order to survive beyond the control of the warring factions. The story follows Rig's accidental quest as she navigates through political intrigue, high-stakes smuggling, and a dangerous heist while striving for individuality and self-determination in a dehumanized universe. As Rig faces challenges from her past and present enemies, she must rely on her wit, ingenuity, and the help of her friends to survive and protect what she holds dear.
Ciel Pierlot's writing in Bluebird seamlessly blends action with character development, creating a compassionate science fiction narrative that explores themes of resistance, friendship, and the costs of oppression. The book features diverse and well-developed characters, including strong female protagonists, LGBTQ+ relationships, and compelling dynamics that keep readers engaged in the intergalactic adventure filled with suspense, humor, and tender moments.
The neon lights of Red Dock shine brightly through the haze. When Rig breathes in, her lungs are thick with a mix of crystal smoke and a colorful assortment of gases from the refineries built into the... - #3
The Fling by Rebekah Weatherspoon is a steamy romance novel that follows the story of Annie, a woman who is engaged and exploring her bi-curiosity during a month apart from her fiancé. Annie's one-night fling with her lesbian personal trainer, Oksana, unexpectedly turns into a deeper emotional connection, leading to a journey of self-discovery and questioning her upcoming marriage. The book is filled with hot and sensuous love scenes, well-developed characters, and a storyline that keeps readers engaged with its mix of passion, romance, and emotional depth.
Drunk didn’t feel right, but it suited Annie’s mood. She took another gulp of her chilled Moscato, swirling the fruity wine around in her cheeks as she pulled up Jeff’s itinerary on her BlackBerry. Du... - #4
Unnatural Magic by C.M. Waggoner is a fantasy novel that intertwines two main stories - one following Onna, a student at a magic school, and the other focusing on Tsira, a young troll. The narrative explores themes of gender, sexuality, and culture clashes in a fascinating and unique way. The book delves into the characters' daily lives, showcasing their struggles to find their place in the world while investigating a series of troll murders. The writing style is described as dense and detailed, with a slow burn character development that sets in a magical world.
Since the earliest days of our nation, when Elgar was yet to walk among us and the trollfathers still guided our clans, we humans of Daeslund have been a singular people: unique in our government, in ... - #5
Readers found "Spear" by Nicola Griffith to be a captivating blend of Arthurian legends and fantasy elements. The book follows the journey of a young woman who discovers her magical heritage and sets out to find her true identity. Throughout the story, she encounters Arthur's knights, embarks on a quest for the Grail, and navigates a world filled with charming animals and vivid characters. The writing style is described as beautiful and poetic, evoking a sense of Middle English and drawing inspiration from Gaelic heroes of the King Arthur myths.
- #6
A young princess becomes queen when her uncle dies and recruits a lower ranking noble's daughter as her spymaster. Together, they navigate through revenge, political reform, and opposition, both malicious and well-intentioned, in their way. The book handles court intrigue and relationships delicately, reminiscent of "The Goblin Emperor," with heartfelt relationships and a balance between fantasy elements and emotional growth of the characters.
As the carriage thundered along the road, the grief finally hit. My chest ached as if someone had dumped cold water over me. I’d spent ten years in my family’s estate – too cold in winter, too warm in... - #7
'Longshadow' by Olivia Atwater is a delightful blend of faerie tale, charming romance, and intriguing murder mystery set in Regency England and Faerie. The story follows Abigail Wilder, a young woman discovering her identity and magical abilities while investigating mysterious deaths of girls she knows. Atwater's writing style is described as whimsically dark, addressing dark themes with eloquence and integrating diverse characters and magical structures seamlessly into the narrative.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Regency Faerie Tales ) 'The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry' by C.M. Waggoner is a sapphic Victorian fantasy novel that follows the protagonist, Dellaria, a hard-drinking woman living in a fantasy Victorian world. She becomes entangled in bodyguard business that leads into a criminal plot, all while navigating her own personal struggles and desires. The story is filled with whimsical elements, witty humor, and a touch of mystery, as Dellaria and her fellow bodyguard, Winn, face unknown assassins and unexpected dangers. The writing style incorporates alternate or created words mixed with Victorian language mannerisms, which adds to the unique and immersive world-building of the book.
The book delves into themes of survival, ethics, character growth, and companionship, all set against a backdrop of a fantastical world with a touch of steampunk and urban fantasy elements. The characters, particularly Dellaria and Winn, are described as delightfully morally ambiguous yet lovable, with complex motivations and relationships. The plot, while slow-paced at times, allows for the development of character relationships and showcases the personalities of the characters, creating an interesting and engaging rough-and-tumble adventure filled with humor, excitement, and unexpected twists.
That maybe wasn’t so accurate, to be very fair to herself, which Delly preferred to be. To be very fair to Dellaria, she didn’t have to do too much to misplace her mam. Her mam had a way of misplacing...- #9
In "Death by Silver," we follow the intriguing cases of two protagonists, Julian Lynes, a private detective, and Ned Mathey, a metaphysician, in Victorian London. The story unfolds as they investigate a cursed silver case for Edgar Nevett, delving into a world of magic and mystery. As the plot thickens with the murder of Nevett and the involvement of Scotland Yard, the duo navigates through red herrings, secrets, and scandals to uncover the truth. Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold expertly weave together a tale of friendship, romance, and intrigue, set against a backdrop of Victorian London with a touch of magical elements.
The writing style in "Death by Silver" is reminiscent of classic authors like Conan Doyle and Wodehouse, blending magical elements seamlessly into the Victorian setting. The character dynamics between Julian and Ned, their complex relationship, and the engaging murder mystery plot make for a compelling read that keeps readers hooked till the satisfying end.
Ned Mathey hung up his hat as he came back into his chambers from the square outside, and his clerk Miss Cordelia Frost looked up from her desk with an expression of mild curiosity. “Everything all ri... - #10
'The River Has Teeth' by Erica Waters is a YA feminist story about two girls, Natasha and Della, who are on a quest to find answers amidst the backdrop of missing girls in the Bend. Natasha's sister, Rochelle, goes missing, leading Natasha to team up with Della, a witch with ties to the Natural Preserve. As they delve into the dark secrets of the Preserve and face the challenges posed by the magic of the Bend, they navigate through family bonds, sapphic romance, and a murder mystery. The book explores themes of anger, determination, sisterhood, and the consequences of one's actions, set against a backdrop of woodsy horror and a flood of rage.
The story unfolds with Natasha and Della risking everything to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, showcasing the power of anger, the magic of the world, and the unique bond of sisters. The characters are complex and flawed yet compelling and likeable, offering meaningful insights into family dynamics, oppression, stigma, and love. The narrative weaves together elements of monster fights, magic, and a strong emphasis on the consequences of anger, both positive and negative, as the characters face the challenges posed by the Bend and confront the mysteries surrounding the missing girls.
The prison is always quiet but never still. A train’s low rumble vibrates the cement walls, releasing ancient dust in ghostly breaths. Water drips. Mice scurry in the ruins. Starlings flutter in the r...