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In an alternate Renaissance Italy where the church regulates magic and licenses magicians, fiery Fiametta Beneforte wants to be more than her goldsmith mage father's unpaid apprentice. When the Duchy of Montefoglia is laid under military and magical siege, she unexpectedly must join with Thur Ochs, a young Swiss miner and foundryman, to tap their skills in both metalwork and necromancy to rescue her father's soul and combat an evil sorcerer. The characters get into so many unexpected situations that one wonders how in the heck they can EVER ever survive to GET OUT. Fiametta's life shatters when she and her mage artisan father are caught up in the squabbles between two dukedoms, and now she has to find a way to free her town from the invading duke before he is able to use black magic using her father to cement his hold on it.
If you liked The Spirit Ring, here are the top 90 books to read next:
- #1
Save:D'Shai by Joel Rosenberg is a fantasy novel set in a world loosely based on medieval Japan where magic is a part of everyday life. The story follows a protagonist who is a member of an acrobatic troupe and gets entangled in a murder mystery that he must solve to clear his name. The book intricately weaves elements of magic, acrobatics, and the unique D'Shai culture into the narrative, providing readers with a blend of fantasy and mystery. The writing style is described as spare yet engaging, with a consistent and believable magic system that immerses the reader in the world created by Rosenberg.
Old Adan, the keeper of the Scion’s Inn, who had spent part of the previous hour sharing gossip with Duerni Draven, fell silent. It was a commonplace to chat with a customer; it was another thing enti... - #2
Save:In "Wheel of the Infinite" by Martha Wells, an exiled priestess named Maskelle is summoned back to her birth city to investigate the destruction of the Wheel of the Infinite, a sand model of the world that is recreated annually. Alongside a barbarian swordsman named Rian, Maskelle must navigate court intrigues, battle a demon puppet, and confront her past mistakes. The book is described as a stand-alone fantasy novel with vivid and imaginative world-building, alternating between the perspectives of Maskelle and Rian. The writing style is praised for sidestepping clichéd plots and melodramatic moments while featuring a powerful and older female lead.
She stood on a little hill, surrounded by the heavy jungle that lined either side of the river of mud that had once been the road, and watched the wagons crawl painfully by. They were wooden and brigh... - #3
Save:"Ethan of Athos" follows the story of Dr. Ethan Urquhart, a specialist in reproductive medicine from the male-only planet of Athos. When their ovarian cultures start to fail, Ethan is sent on a mission to find new genetic material to save his society from extinction. The plot takes Ethan on a journey filled with intrigue, espionage, and encounters with women, which is a shock to someone who has never seen a woman before. The writing style of the book is described as light-hearted, amusing, and fast-paced, providing an entertaining adventure as Ethan navigates through a world completely different from his own.
Ethan pressed the hypospray against the circular end-membrane of the cannula, administering the measured dose. He checked his instrumentation: placenta tightening nicely, shrinking from the nutritive ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Vorkosigan Saga ) - #4
Save:Red Thunder is a science fiction novel that follows a group of young adults, supported by a washed-up astronaut and a genius inventor, as they build a spaceship to travel to Mars using a revolutionary power source. The plot revolves around the challenges and adventures faced by the characters as they work towards their goal, with a mix of action, humor, and character dynamics. The writing style is characterized by detailed descriptions, a focus on interpersonal relationships, and a blend of humor and fantastical elements.
I ALWAYS THOUGHT the VentureStar looked like a tombstone. When it was standing on end it was twice as tall as it was wide. It wasn’t very thick. It was round at the top. For a night launch it was illu... - #5
Save:In the book 'Flesh and Spirit' from the 'Lighthouse' series by Carol Berg, readers are immersed in a dark fantasy world where a severely injured protagonist named Valen finds refuge in a monastery. As the plot unfolds, Valen becomes entangled in a web of politics, secret societies, and intrigue, all revolving around a mysterious book of maps in his possession. The narrative is described as first-person and subtly haunting, with a protagonist who is initially neither likable nor heroic, but gradually becomes more understandable to the readers as the story progresses.
The story in 'Flesh and Spirit' is praised for its intricate plot twists that begin right from the start, involving Valen in efforts to protect his world from apocalyptic threats while navigating personal challenges rooted in his family history. Carol Berg's writing style is highlighted as a standout feature, with vivid and descriptive storytelling that keeps readers engaged and eager to turn the pages late into the night.
On my seventh birthday, my father swore, for the first of many times, that I would die face down in a cesspool. On that same occasion, my mother, with all the accompanying mystery and elevated languag... - #6
Save:City of Bones by Martha Wells is a standalone fantasy novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce and relics from the ancient civilization are sought after for their power. The story follows Khat, a relic trader, who gets entangled in a dangerous quest for powerful artifacts alongside an intriguing cast of characters. The writing style is described as confident and clear, with vivid descriptions of the city's complex social structure and the treacherous desert landscape outside its walls.
The day was long, and Khat was bored with bargaining. He leaned on one pole of the awning and looked out into the dusty street, ignoring Arnot's wife, who was examining their find as if she had never ... - #7
Save:'Beguilement' by Lois McMaster Bujold is the first installment in 'The Sharing Knife' fantasy series. It follows the unconventional romance between Fawn, a farmer girl, and Dag, a Lakewalker patroller, set in a world where people are divided into farmers and Lakewalkers who protect the land from magical creatures called malices. The story delves into their forbidden love, adventures, and struggles against the backdrop of a richly imagined fantasy world with elements of romance and magic. The writing style is described as efficient, with a focus on character development and world-building, creating an engaging and optimistic coming-of-age story.
Fawn came to the well-house a little before noon. More than a farmstead, less than an inn, it sat close to the straight road she’d been trudging down for two days. The farmyard lay open to travelers, ... - #8
Save:'The Course of Love' by Alain de Botton is a unique tale that delves into the complexities of a married life, exploring the ups and downs encountered by a couple from their initial meeting to their journey through parenting. The author skillfully weaves together fictional storytelling with insightful musings on love, relationships, and human behavior, creating a narrative that feels like a case study of a modern couple's life rather than a traditional novel. Readers are taken on a thought-provoking journey that challenges societal notions of romantic perfection and emphasizes the importance of sustaining love through life's mundane realities.
The hotel is on a rocky outcrop, half an hour east of Málaga. It has been designed for families and inadvertently reveals, especially at mealtimes, the challenges of being part of one. Rabih Khan is f... - #9
Save:'The Misplaced Legion' by Harry Turtledove is a fantasy novel that follows a Roman legion and their Gaul commander, Viridovix, who are magically transported to a world where magic is real and different cultures from various points in history coexist, including a Byzantine analogue. The legion becomes mercenaries for the Videssian Empire, impressing the locals with their fighting style and earning a high reputation. The story blends elements of alternate history, ancient battles, and fantastic journeys, creating a mix of realistic characters, political maneuvering, and engaging plot twists.
The author, Harry Turtledove, expertly combines fantasy elements with historical settings, showcasing his worldbuilding skills and ability to create a vivid and immersive fictional universe. The narrative follows the Romans' struggles and triumphs as they adapt to their new surroundings, face internal and external enemies, and navigate the complex political landscape of the Videssian Empire, all while maintaining a balance between realism and fantasy that keeps readers engaged and eager to explore more of the Videssos universe.
THE SUN OF NORTHERN GAUL WAS PALE, NOTHING LIKE THE hot, lusty torch that flamed over Italy. In the dim stillness beneath the trees, its light came wan, green, and shifting, almost as if undersea. The... - #10
Save:'The Lost Princess' in the series 'Chrysanthe' by Yves Meynard is a fantasy novel that delves into the journey of a girl growing up and learning to question the beliefs she was raised with. It explores themes of identity, trust, and self-discovery in a highly magical setting. The story starts with the main character as a young child and follows her as she navigates through various fantasy realms, facing challenges and uncovering truths about herself and the world around her.
The narrative of 'The Lost Princess' is a blend of urban and high fantasy, with elements of romance and a focus on character development. addresses complex topics such as manipulation, false memories, and trauma, offering a commentary on real-world issues like satanic ritual abuse moral panic. Despite some parts of the story being reminiscent of other fantasy works, the book promises an engaging read with its intriguing plot twists and vivid portrayal of the protagonist's journey towards self-realization.
