Books Like...

Never Die by Rob J. Hayes is a standalone fantasy novel that follows the story of a young boy named Ein who is tasked by a Shinigami to assassinate the Emperor of Ten Kings. To aid him in this quest, Ein has the power to resurrect legendary heroes to fight for him. As Ein gathers his team of heroes, they face battles against not only each other but also dangerous mythical creatures, all while venturing towards the city of Jieshu to fulfill their impossible mission. The narrative is a blend of Chinese wuxia action, Japanese folklore, and epic fantasy, with a focus on revenge, dark themes, and the complexities of the characters' motivations.

The book is filled with exhilarating action sequences, high-octane fight scenes, and intricate character interactions that draw inspiration from wuxia movies, anime, and Japanese mythology. Rob J. Hayes' writing style is described as fluid and smooth, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy, action, and eastern influences to create a captivating and fast-paced story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Jade Legacy is a captivating conclusion to 'The Green Bone Saga' by Fonda Lee, delving deep into family drama, character development, and complex relationships within the clan. The book explores themes of geopolitics, honor, power struggles, and the evolution of characters over multiple generations, set in a world where jade holds immense power and plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative.

In the sequel to 'Jade City', titled 'Jade War', the story expands beyond the conflict between the Mountain and No Peak clans in Kekon to involve international skullduggery, smuggling, and gang warfare across countries like Espenia and the Uwiwa Islands. The characters, including Hilo and Anden, face challenges in leadership and adaptation to new environments, with themes of family dynamics, power struggles, and the consequences of using jade in a world heavily influenced by real-world history. The narrative weaves together elements of martial arts, crime drama, and supernatural abilities, creating an intricate plot that explores loyalty, honor, and the complexities of mob families.

The author, Fonda Lee, skillfully builds upon the rich world established in the first book, delving deeper into character development and expanding the scope of the story while maintaining a focus on family dynamics and the internal conflicts within the clans. 'Jade War' explores themes of power, privilege, colonization, and the impact of war on individuals and societies, all set within a wuxia-inspired setting that blends action-packed scenes with moments of emotional depth and human vulnerability.

Holly by Stephen King is a gripping crime thriller that follows protagonist Holly Gibney as she delves into a series of mysterious disappearances that challenge her sanity. The plot is filled with twists and turns, drawing readers into a world of dread and unease where nothing is as it seems. Through Holly's eyes, the novel explores themes such as grief, trauma, and the power of belief, showcasing King's mastery of the horror genre as he weaves a story that is both gory and humanizing. Set during a polarizing time, the book touches upon real-world events like the Covid pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests, adding a layer of topicality to the suspenseful narrative.

Malice in 'The Faithful and the Fallen' series by John Gwynne is an epic fantasy novel that introduces readers to a vast world with multiple kingdoms and characters. The story revolves around a growing conflict between various factions, with a focus on good vs evil as the world prepares for a god war. The book is known for its detailed world-building, nuanced characters, and multiple points of view that provide insight into the different perspectives within the narrative. While some readers find the pacing slow at the beginning, the book picks up speed as the plot unfolds, leading to epic battles and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged.

"Jade City" by Fonda Lee is a modern-day epic fantasy set in a world where the power of jade grants superhuman abilities to certain individuals, leading to a power struggle between rival clans in the city of Janloon. The story follows the Kaul family of the No Peak clan as they navigate through a world of feuds, politics, and magical intrigue, creating a blend of mafia drama, gangster epics, and wuxia elements in a unique setting reminiscent of Hong Kong. The book offers a mix of intricate world-building, complex characters, intense action sequences, and a well-crafted plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

With its richly developed world, diverse cast of characters, and a compelling blend of mafia elements and magical powers, "Jade City" delivers a captivating story that combines family loyalty, political intrigue, and fantastical elements seamlessly. The narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and tradition within the context of a society where jade is not only a source of strength but also a catalyst for conflicts and alliances, creating a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and resilience in a world where magic and modernity coexist.

The Sword of Kaigen is a standalone fantasy novel that tells the story of the Matsuda family, particularly focusing on Misaki and her son Mamoru. Set in a Japanese-inspired fantasy world, the book explores themes of family dynamics, coping with tragedy, and embracing one's true self. The plot revolves around the family's struggles in a remote village where they train to become powerful warriors with unique magical abilities, facing challenges that test their beliefs and relationships.

'The Darkness That Comes Before' by R. Scott Bakker is a departure from ordinary fantasy literature, focusing on the intrigue surrounding a vast crusade with philosophical and introspective characters. The book delves into the perspectives, philosophies, egos, and pieties of key figures involved in the holy war, with occasional gory assassinations and sorceries. The narrative unfolds slowly, with complex character introductions and a focus on the build-up to a Holy War, leading to an absorbing and intriguing read that sets the stage for events to come.

The book presents a dark and gritty fantasy world with detailed character introductions, political drama, and a deep sense of history. It features a manageable cast of characters, each with shades of gray, competing factions, and a sense of impending apocalyptic force. The writing style is dense, philosophical, and well-crafted, providing readers with a challenging yet rewarding reading experience that leaves them eager to delve into the subsequent books in the series.

In 'Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution', R.F. Kuang presents an alternative history fantasy set in a Victorian Britain where the city of Oxford is the center of knowledge and progress. The story revolves around Robin Swift, a bright boy plucked from Canton, who is taken to England by Professor Richard Lovell to study languages at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. As Robin befriends a group of misfits, they find themselves embroiled in a revolution that challenges the foundations of the Empire, all while dealing with themes of colonialism, language, and power.

Kuang's writing style intricately weaves together elements of history, fantasy, and language, creating a detailed and immersive world where the power of the Empire is tied to the magic of enchanted silver inscribed with untranslatable words. Through a diverse cast of characters and a unique magic system, the author explores complex themes of colonialism, empire building, exploitation, and prejudice, offering a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the dark corners of history and society.

"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.