Books like 'The Song of Achilles'
Readers who enjoyed The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical gay romance fantasy war ancient times friends to lovers royalty forbidden love class difference slow burn
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 1 by 墨香铜臭, Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù
Wei Wuxian was once one of the most powerful men of his generation, a talented and clever young cultivator who harnessed martial arts and spirituality into powerful abilities. But when the horrors of war led him to seek more power through demonic cultivation, the world's respect for his abilities turned to fear, and his death was celebrated throughout the land...Categorized as:
ancient times angst friends to lovers queer slow burn fantasy historical legends & fairy tales -
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
The Goblin Emperor meets "Magnificent Century" in Alexandra Rowland's A Taste of Gold and Iron, where a queer central romance unfolds in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, finds himself at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court—the body-father of the queen's new child—in an altercation which results in his humiliation...Categorized as:
royalty queer class difference secret-relationship friends to lovers slow burn male-pov sweet-hero -
魔道祖師 三 [Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 3] by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù, 墨香铜臭
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 25 ratings蓮花塢被滅後,存活下來的兩個少年,一個慘遭化丹,一個則被丟下夷陵的亂葬崗。可岐山溫氏並沒能繼續猖狂太久,少年之一以江氏家主的身分,聯合金、聶、藍三家展開了射日之征;而另一名少年,則以魔道之姿回歸,加入復仇的行列。 過去已成回憶,對魏無羨與藍忘機而言,眼下更要緊的,是揭開赤鋒尊死因的真相,並讓藍氏家主藍曦臣明白金光瑤私底下的陰毒手段。... -
Yield Under Great Persuasion by Alexandra Rowland
Tam Becket has hated Lord Lyford since they were boys. The fact that he’s also been sleeping with the man for the last ten years is irrelevant. When they were both nine years old, Lyford smashed Tam’s entry into the village’s vegetable competition. Nearly twenty years later, Tam hasn’t forgiven the bastard...Categorized as:
queer class difference sweet-hero friends-benefits friends to lovers royalty male-pov fantasy -
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杀破狼 [Sha Po Lang] by Priest
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn the age of the Great Liang Dynasty, the lives of the people were made convenient with steam-powered machines that run on a fuel named Violetstream Gold... -
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Tang Jiuqing, 唐酒卿
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe fan-favorite danmei/Boys’ Love novel series originally released in Chinese!In this historical tale of war and political intrigue, an intense relationship burns between the son of an infamous traitor and the vengeful nobleman who despises him...at first... -
Pet by C.S. Pacat
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsPet follows the rise of Ancel at the poisonous court of Vere. Set during the events of Captive Prince... -
A Suitable Consort (For the King and His Husband) by R. Cooper
Everyone expects the king to rage at the suggestion that he find a new spouse to stand alongside--or better yet, replace--his beloved husband. Some might be planning on it, hoping to incite another conflict like what has plagued the country since the death of the last legitimate ruler... -
Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel) Vol. 5 (Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel) #5) by Meng Xi Shi
The beloved danmei/Boys’ Love wuxia novel series from China that inspired the donghua (animated series) streaming in English!In this historical tale, a Daoist martial artist must begin a journey of healing and self-reflection as he resists the temptations of the powerful leader of a demonic sect... -
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 3 by Priest
The steampunk danmei/Boys' Love novels from China that inspired multimedia adaptations--written by priest, the author behind live-action hits Guardian and Word of Honor !The discovery of violet gold, a vital fuel for steam-powered machines, propelled the empire of Great Liang into an age of prosperity... -
Brute by Kim Fielding
Brute leads a lonely life in a world where magic is commonplace. He is seven and a half feet of ugly, and of disreputable descent. No one, including Brute, expects him to be more than a laborer. But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and when he is maimed while rescuing a prince, Brute’s life changes abruptly. He is summoned to serve at the palace in Tellomer as a guard for a single prisoner...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sweet-hero queer secret-relationship forbidden love hurt-comfort m-m fantasy -
Stars of Chaos by Priest
The discovery of violet gold, a vital fuel for steam-powered machines, propelled the empire of Great Liang into an age of prosperity. But for Chang Geng, a young man raised on the impoverished northern border, the concerns of the empire are as distant as the stars above. When raiders from the north attack Chang Geng's small village, he discovers that the life he knows is a lie... -
Golden Stage [黄金台] by 苍梧宾白 (Cang Wu Bin Bai)
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis... -
Golden Stage by 苍梧宾白 [Cang Wu Bin Bai], 苍梧宾白
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis... -
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黄金台 [Huángjīn Tái] by Cang Wu Bin Bai, 苍梧宾白
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis... -
Letters to Half Moon Street by Sarah Wallace
When shy and bookish Gavin Hartford is sent to London, he is prepared to be very bored and very lonely. But after he accidentally forms an acquaintance with dashing man-about-town Charles Kentworthy, his life is turned completely upside-down. Mr. Kentworthy seems determined to educate Gavin on how to enjoy city life. As Gavin opens up to Mr... -
The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong (Novel) Vol. 1 by Xue Shan Fei Hu
After Li Yu stays up all night to read an engrossing webnovel, he finally falls asleep–only to wake up in the world of the novel itself. And not as himself, but as a helpless fish! Shocked and dismayed, Li Yu quickly realizes that he must live in a tank owned by Mu Tianchi, the tyrant of the novel who never speaks... -
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 2 by Priest
ENEMIES FROM WITHOUT AND WITHINFour years ago, Chang Geng and Gu Yun parted in anger. When fate draws them together again, Chang Geng, a once-awkward teen, is now an elegant and adroit young man.But storms lie ahead. As Great Liang faces foreign pressure from without, Gu Yun finds himself embroiled in turmoil within the imperial court... -
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 5 (Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #5) by Priest, Eleven small jars
DAWN OF A NEW ERAWith the Wolf King in the north defeated, Great Liang turns its full attention to the war's southern front, where the Westerners have occupied the fertile land of Jiangnan. Gu Yun races south to lead Great Liang's fledgling navy, while Chang Geng is recalled to the capital to solve the pressing matter of funding the war effort... -
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Tang Jiu Qing, st
SCOURGE OF A NATIONShen Zechuan is the eighth son of the traitorous Prince of Jianxing, a man who doomed his cities and people to destruction at the hands of the foreign enemy. As the only surviving member of his reviled line, Shen Zechuan bears the hatred of the nation. And no one's hate burns hotter than that of Xiao Chiye, the youngest son of the powerful Prince of Libei... -
The Sleeping Soldier by Aster Glenn Gray
After a century-long sleep, a Union soldier wakes up in 1965.Cavalry lieutenant Russell Krause is all at sea in this strange new century of electric lights and automobiles. But he soon acquires a Caleb O’Connor, a kind-hearted, history-loving college student with secrets he’s desperate to hide... -
Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu Vol. 4 by Meng Xi Shi, Me.Mimo
"I FEAR THERE WILL BE A RAIN OF BLOOD."Having saved Yuwen Song from war-torn Chang'an, Shen Qiao helps him start a new life training at Bixia Sect. Yet everyone's got their demons, and it's not long before Shen Qiao's own mischievous Demon Lord, Yan Wushi, appears... -
南禅 [Nan Chan] by Tang Jiuqing, 唐酒卿
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratings这人世八苦我尽尝遍,不求佛,但求你。狷狂难驯妖怪攻x清冷寡欲幼稚神仙受I have experienced all the eight sufferings of this world.I do not ask for nirvana, but for you... -
Golden Terrace Volume 1 by Cang Wu Bin Bai, E. Danglars
It is year twenty-five of the Yuantai Era of the Great Zhou Empire. The renowned Marquis of Jingning, commander of the Beiyan Cavalry, Fu Shen is injured on the battlefield at the northern border. Returning with a broken leg to the capital, Fu Shen learns that the emperor has conferred a marriage for him—with another man... -
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Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu Vol. 3 by Tang Jiu Qing, st
DESPERATE MEASURESAfter a close call with a deadly epidemic and an attempt on the emperor's life, the imperial court of Qudu is in turmoil. The emperor is determined to hold someone among the noble clans accountable, a desire Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye are prepared to use to their political advantage... -
A Spark of Death and Fury by Nicole Bailey
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe world is on fire.But one thing burns hotter.Revenge.The high gods have fallen.The spark is gone.And chaos is the new king.Amidst a scrabble to survive, gods step up to steal Zeus’ place. The treachery they cause pushes characters' moral boundaries and forces them into one last fight for survival.A blaze of wrath may save them all or finally lead to their ruin... -
The Engineered Throne by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsLord Vellem is a man desperate for escape. His father hides from his problems in alcohol, his mother hides from her misery in drugs, and his brother fled to the relative safety of the royal palace. Vellem eventually found solace in the Royal Army Corp of Engineers, but still could not entirely escape... -
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) Vol. 4 (Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #4) by Priest
EVIL IN THE BLOODAs Chang Geng continues his dangerous mission investigating corruption in the south, Gu Yun races back to the capital in hopes of stopping a bloody insurrection. But internal unrest is not all that threatens the throne of Great Liang as foreign enemies gather on both land and sea... -
Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) Vol. 2 (Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) #2) by Meng Xi Shi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA HAUNTING IN THE DESERTRival investigators Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao embark on a diplomatic journey westward, hoping to build a key alliance that will stand against the power-hungry Eastern Khaganate... -
The House of the Red Balconies by A.J. Demas
Hylas has come to Tykanos to build an aqueduct. He has not come to enjoy the island’s main attraction: the six houses where the companions of Tykanos, courtesans both female and male, offer tea and elegant conversation. Yet he cannot ignore them as he finds himself renting a room in one of the tea houses and meeting his neighbour, the beautiful, chronically ill companion Zo...Categorized as:
queer ancient times friends to lovers fantasy m-m historical age difference length-short -
The Half Life of Valery K by Natasha Pulley
From the author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and The Kingdoms, an epic Cold War novel set in a mysterious town in Soviet Russia... -
The High King's Golden Tongue by Megan Derr
Prince Allen has trained his entire life to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious mother, who has made their kingdom one of the wealthiest and most influential in the empire. For the past few years he has trained to become the new consort of the High King... -
Bound by Blood by Mia West
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’ll do anything for the man he loves.Even the unthinkable.Bedwyr has everything he could want. He’s come back from a devastating injury, and he’s a warrior again, regaining his father’s respect battle by successful battle.Best of he has Arthur. When they aren’t fighting effortlessly side by side, they’re making the most of every secret nook and shadow in the village to celebrate their victories... -
Christmas Angel by Eli Easton
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen John Trent, a dedicated member of the new Bow Street Runners, finds an exquisite carved angel floating in the Thames, he can’t stop thinking about it. He tracks down its creator, a sad and quiet young sculptor. But neither the angel nor the sculptor is done with John just yet. The blasted angel refuses to leave him be, behaving not at all like an inanimate object should... -
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Main Gauche and Other Tales by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsTales of brothers, swords, and the men they most desire...Main Gauche — Though he was born to nobility, the loss of first his father, and then his mother, has left Dagger a peasant. His stepfather is cruel and greedy, and refuses to claim Dagger as his own... -
Socially Orcward by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Dave is a simple orc with a simple life. He has his dragons, his music, and his friends, and that’s mostly enough. Sometimes though, he gets lonely and wishes there was someone he could share his interests with—maybe even someone he could hold hands with, although he knows it’s not likely that there’s a special person out there for someone who’s seven feet tall and green to boot... -
Deceived by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAUTHOR'S NOTE: This book has been revised. The story Deceived has a new, longer ending. The story The Highwayman is now it's own book, and the following stories have been added to this volume: The Wager, Seconds, Runaways . This book also contains all the free ficbits posted to my website... -
Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu Vol. 3 by Meng Xi Shi
The beloved danmei/Boys’ Love wuxia novel series from China that inspired the donghua (animated series) streaming in English!In this historical tale, a Daoist martial artist must begin a journey of healing and self-reflection as he resists the temptations of the powerful leader of a demonic sect... -
Saffron Alley by A.J. Demas
A month ago, eunuch sword-dancer and spy Varazda collided with ex-soldier Damiskos at a seaside villa during a dizzying week of intrigue, assassinations, and a fake love affair that—maybe—turned real. Now Varazda is back home in Boukos, at the center of a family and community he dearly loves, and Damiskos is coming to visit.Things aren’t going according to plan... -
The Stolen Court by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsBertin is a liar and a thief. Once an orphan on the street stealing purses, his life was forever changed when he saved a boy's life—and then became that boy to the rest of the world. But one lie always leads to another, and life as a Belemeren spy planted in the Engineer Corp has led him to the role of liaison in Ruemri, a kingdom he helped Ruemri's enemies steal... -
Prince and Bodyguard by Tavia Lark
Cuddling with your bodyguard is normal—right?Vana Dire can’t show weakness if he wants to survive the Draskoran court. The only man he can be vulnerable with is Daromir—Vana’s magic-bound bodyguard. The binding lets them share each other’s pain, and Vana depends on Daromir’s comfort as much as his services as a guard. Vana could never risk their friendship...Categorized as:
friends to lovers royalty angst forbidden love secret-relationship queer slow burn sweet-hero -
无双 Peerless by Meng Xi Shi, 梦溪石
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 13 ratings开皇三年,上承北朝,下开盛唐的大隋刚刚拉开序幕,隋帝杨坚设解剑府,为布谋摄密,一统天下而准备。风雪之夜,于阗国前来朝贡的车队中途被劫杀,无一活口,解剑府二府主凤霄,奉帝命亲往调查。边陲六工城中,各方势力风云际会,高人强者狭路相逢。向来无往不利的凤二府主,却在一个病鬼道士身上碰了壁。不斗不知道,一斗才发现,这病痨鬼的马甲居然比自己还多。古代悬疑破案文,庙堂之高,江湖之远,你要的都有。cp:身体很残分分钟都可能挂掉的智商担当颜控受vs武力值爆表很爱演戏的自恋洁癖攻半架空,不考据。 "Peerless"In the third year of the Kaihuang era, as the Great Sui began to unfold between the fall of the Northern Dynasties and the rise of the glorious... -
The Painted Crown by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPrince Istari has spent his life reviled: his parents wish he had never been born, the royal court of Belemere avoids him for fear of angering the king, and everyone else is kept away by his notorious reputation as a deadly sharpshooter. Now a hostage of peace in Tallideth, he is subjected to their hatred as well—even that of Regent Vellem, who once considered him a comrade in arms... -
Driven by Duty by Mia West
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA woman’s place is with those she’s willing to fight for…A warlord’s daughter has responsibilities. No one knows that better than Gwen, only daughter and political pawn of her father, Uthyr.But with her husband banished and her brother gone after him, Gwen isn’t leaving her fate in Uthyr’s hands one moment longer. She has a plan and needs an accomplice she can trust... -
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Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsAlexander the Great died at the age of thirty-three, leaving behind an empire that stretched from Greece and Egypt to India and a new cosmopolitan model for western civilisation. In Alexander's childhood, his defiant character was molded into the makings of a king... -
The Wife is First 妻為上 by Lu Ye Qian He
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe wife is first, the country is second, and the husband is of lesser importance.All of his life was spent riding a war horse and accomplishing meritorious military services. But what was the result? In the end, he was cast aside once he had served his purpose.Out of selfishness, he had favored his consort and neglected his wife... -
The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton
In medieval England, duty is everything, personal honor is more valued than life itself, and homosexuality is not tolerated by the church or society. Sir Christian Brandon was raised in a household where he was hated for his unusual beauty and for his parentage... -
Spoils of War by Kellie Dennis Book Cover by Design, Hannah Walker
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsJecks Cordant, High General of the Kabarian army was used to life being a certain way. Jecks knew things didn’t tend to change when you were at the top of your career. He was wrong. In one moment, because of one small letter, his entire world tilted. Everything was different... -
Something Human by A.J. Demas
They met on a battlefield and saved each other's lives. It's not the way enemies-to-lovers usually works. Adares comes from a civilization of democracy and indoor plumbing. Rus belongs to a tribe of tattooed, semi-nomadic horse-breeders. They meet in the aftermath of battle, when Rus saves Adares's life, and Adares returns the favour... -
穿成囚禁男主的反派要如何活命 How to Survive As a Villain by Yi Yi Yi Yi, 伊依以翼
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 14 ratings萧予安穿书了。穿成了种马小说里囚禁男主,之后被男主给活活剜死的断袖少年君王。凄惨,悲凉。于是萧予安开始为了能活下去而努力。但是!那些路人甲乙丙丁,你们想要搞男主也就算了,能不能不要老把他送我床上来啊?萧予安觉得自己是宠男主没错,可是那是因为他想沐浴主角光辉啊!萧予安:“不要再把男主当我的禁脔了!!!你们不怕死,可是我想活啊!!!”还有男主啊,你在原小说里可是有夜御十女的丰功伟绩的,能不能好好地追你的老婆们啊?为什么你的大小三四五老婆都和别人跑了!你还一脸无所谓的样子!等等,这好像都是萧予安自己的锅?大概是一个前期受宠攻,后期攻宠受的故事。 轻松!搞笑!作者爬墙注意"How to Survive as a Villain"Xiao YuAn trasmigrated into a novel...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer fantasy historical m-m forced proximity from hate to love bad boys
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