Books Like...

Blyd and Pearce is a Medieval fantasy mystery novel that follows Daveth Blyd, a city guard hired to find a thief named Jory Pearce. As Daveth delves deeper into the case, he finds himself questioning his beliefs and loyalties, leading to a race against time to uncover the truth amidst dark conspiracies and danger. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged with its historical feel, alternate universe setting, and well-developed characters.

'Tournament of Losers' by Megan Derr follows the journey of Rath, a reluctant participant in a tournament where the grand prize is marriage into a noble or royal family. Rath, driven by a need to settle his father's debts, finds himself swept into a world of challenges and unexpected romance. The book features well-fleshed-out characters, a mix of predictability and surprises in the plot, and touches on themes of survival, empathy, and the complexities of relationships. Megan Derr's writing style is praised for its ability to create a fantasy world that is both familiar and unique, with sardonic humor and engaging storytelling.

The Engineered Throne by Megan Derr is a fantasy novel that follows Vellem as he embarks on an arranged marriage with Prince Perdith to secure peace between their warring nations. The story takes a dark turn with assassination attempts and tragic events during their wedding ball, setting the tone for a plot filled with political enmity, conflict, and Vellem's journey to becoming a leader in a new country. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on world-building, intricate character development, and a slow-burn romance that unfolds amidst the challenges faced by the main characters.

Lord Mouse by Mason Thomas is a queer fantasy novel that follows the story of Mouse, a skilled thief and assassin hired to rescue Lord Garron from enemy territory. The book is praised for its world-building, character development, and plot progression. Readers appreciate the natural flow of events, detailed actions, and cleverness displayed by the main characters. The story combines elements of adventure, danger, and political intrigue in a medieval-type setting, with a hint of romance between the two male leads.

Lord of the White Hell, Book 1 is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world rich with magic and intriguing cultures. The story follows Kiram, a young outsider at the Sagrada Academy, as he navigates through a society that is both magical and deeply rooted in religion. The plot unfolds with a focus on Kiram's coming of age, his unique background as a Haldiim in Cadeleonian territory, and the evolving romance between him and his roommate, Duke Javier. The author, Ginn Hale, skillfully weaves together elements of worldbuilding, character development, and magical intrigue to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.

'Sacrati' by Kate Sherwood is a tale of two men, Theos and Finnvid, from different worlds who find love amidst cultural differences and societal expectations. The story follows their journey of romance, adventure, and personal growth, set in a unique world with well-developed characters and intricate politics. Despite the captivating storyline and engaging writing style, some readers were disappointed by the ending, which left them feeling devastated and questioning the characters' choices.

'The High King's Golden Tongue' by Megan Derr is a high fantasy novel set in a world with war in the background, focusing on a king and his betrothed, Prince Allen Gaulden. The story follows Allen as he is rejected by the High King Sarrica, leading him to join a band of mercenaries on a dangerous mission. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and mysteries abound, all set against a backdrop of political intrigue and romance. The writing style is described as engaging, with rich world-building, complex characters, and a mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance elements that keep readers hooked until the end.

In "Anhaga" by Lisa Henry, readers are taken on a journey filled with fantasy elements, character-driven storytelling, and a touch of romance. The story follows Min, a rogue and thief, who embarks on a dangerous mission to retrieve Kazimir Sabadine, a young man caught in the midst of a mysterious and perilous situation. As Min navigates through a world filled with witches, sorcerers, and fae, he discovers truths about himself and his companions, including his nephew Harry. The plot is driven by character relationships, humor, suspense, and a hint of sweetness, making it an engaging and immersive read. Lisa Henry's writing style shines through with well-developed characters, rich world-building, and a unique blend of fantasy elements that keep readers hooked until the very end.

Champion of the Scarlet Wolf, Book One by Ginn Hale is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Elezar, a loyal yet conflicted duelist, as he embarks on a dangerous mission to the far north to uncover the powers threatening war. Along the way, Elezar encounters strange magic, old gods, hedge witches, corrupt rulers, and religious figures, all while wrestling with his own internal struggles regarding his society's views on same-sex relationships. The plot unfolds with a sense of urgency and dynamism, revealing deep-rooted societal issues and personal conflicts that Elezar must navigate to protect his homeland and loved ones.

The writing style of Champion of the Scarlet Wolf is described as smooth and engaging, with well-developed characters and a heart-breaking backstory for Elezar that adds layers to his character. The book expertly weaves together elements of mystery, politics, powerful forces, and personal relationships, creating a fantasy romance that captivates readers with its intricate world-building and complex character dynamics.

In "Battle of Will" by Sasha L. Miller, readers are taken on a journey where a Skirfallan mage named Ackley saves the crown prince of Morcia, Prince Ealdwin, ultimately becoming magically bound to him. Set in a fantasy world filled with war, treachery, and intrigue, the two protagonists must navigate their forced bond while dealing with a country that despises Ackley's race. The story unfolds with a slow build-up, rich descriptions of the world and characters, and a focus on the evolving relationship between enemies turned allies amidst political turmoil and personal growth.

The plot of "Battle of Will" is hailed for its classic high fantasy elements, intricate world-building, and the depth of the main characters, Ackley and Ealdwin. The story explores themes of trust, friendship, and personal transformation as the protagonists face challenges, court intrigues, and their own inner conflicts. With minimal explicit content, the book stands out for its emphasis on fantasy elements, detailed storytelling, and the journey of the characters from adversaries to companions.