Books like 'Sphinx's Queen'
Readers who enjoyed Sphinx's Queen by Esther M. Friesner also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical young adult ancient times royalty m-f political-intrigue aristocratic heroine first-person-pov
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The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 80 ratingsNew York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller! In New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson’s second novel in the Truly Devious series, there are more twists and turns than Stevie Bell can imagine. No answer is given freely, and someone will pay for the truth with their life... -
The Apostle's Sister by Angela Elwell Hunt
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAya, daughter of Zebulon of Tarsus, does not want a traditional life. Because she has always lived in the shadow of her brilliant brother, she wants to use her gifts and be something more than a wife and mother... -
Daughter of Cana by Angela Elwell Hunt
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThomas and Tasmin, twin siblings hired to oversee a wedding feast in Cana, worry when the host runs out of wine . . . until a guest tells Tasmin to have the servants fill the pitchers by the gate with water from the cistern. Reluctantly, she obeys and is amazed when rainwater turns into the finest wine ever tasted in Cana... -
La regina eretica: Il romanzo di Nefertari by Michelle Moran
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsIn ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family’s past and remake history.The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty’s royal family–with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names... -
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A Woman of Words by Angela Elwell Hunt
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDisciple Matthew, a former tax collector, is invited to work with Peter, James, and John in Jerusalem. He dreams of preaching and performing miracles like his fellow apostles, but he finds his dreams postponed because of a request from Yeshua's mother. Well aware of the passing years, Mary asks Matthew to help her record the stories of Yeshua while the eyewitnesses are still alive... -
Training the Duke by Alexa Aston
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAn army officer who has returned to his childhood home . . .An earl’s daughter forced to earn her own living . . .Two damaged souls who find friendship . . . and love . . .Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley’s head wound leaves him blind in one eye and unsuited to lead men into battle... -
The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead
The final installment in Richelle Mead's sweeping, enthralling Glittering Court series answers the trilogy's biggest question: what is the secret that drives Tamsin to win at all costs?Tamsin Wright is unstoppable...Categorized as:
first-person-pov m-f young adult historical mystery love triangle other-man-woman length-long -
The FitzOsbornes at War by Michelle Cooper
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMichelle Cooper completes her heart-stealing epic drama of history and romance with The FitzOsbornes at War. Sophie FitzOsborne and the royal family of Montmaray escaped their remote island home when the Nazis attacked. But as war breaks out in England and around the world, nowhere is safe. Sophie fills her journal with tales of a life during wartime. Blackouts and the Blitz... -
Redeeming Grace: Ruth's Story by Jill Eileen Smith
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen famine visits Bethlehem, Boaz holds out hope for rain while his relative Elimelech moves his wife Naomi and their sons to Moab. For a while, it appears the Lord is blessing Elimelech's family, and his sons marry two lovely Moabite women. But calamities strike, one after another, leaving Naomi alone in a foreign land with only her childless daughters-in-law for comfort... -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 2 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsShurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne'er-do-well ruler to govern...Categorized as:
m-f royalty political-intrigue historical young adult length-short boss & employee east-asian-mc -
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur
June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, crafts a devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today’s world, based on a true story from Korean history.Hope is dangerous. Love is deadly.1506, Joseon...Categorized as:
m-f royalty young adult historical mystery from hate to love glimpses-kisses east-asian-mc -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 1 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsShurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern...Categorized as:
m-f political-intrigue royalty contemporary length-short young adult boss & employee east-asian-mc -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 7 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisers. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne'er-do-well ruler to govern...Categorized as:
m-f political-intrigue royalty historical young adult length-short boss & employee east-asian-mc -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 8 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisers. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern...Categorized as:
m-f political-intrigue royalty historical young adult length-short boss & employee east-asian-mc -
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An Angel's Story by Max Lucado
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSpiritual beings populate the stories of Scripture. Angels singing. Demons infecting. Heavenly hosts fighting . . . Ignore the armies of God and Satan and you ignore the heart of Scripture. Ever since the snake tempted Eve in Eden, we've known: there is more to this world than meets the eye... -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 3 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern...Categorized as:
m-f political-intrigue royalty contemporary length-short historical young adult boss & employee -
Ben-Hur (A Tale of the Christ) by Lew Wallace, W.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsThis carefully crafted ebook: "Ben-Hur (A Tale of the Christ)” is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents.Ben-Hur describes the adventures of Judah Ben-Hur, Jewish prince from Jerusalem who gets betrayed by his friend from childhood and enslaved by the Romans. He is taken to Rome where he becomes a charioteer and a Christian... -
Poppy's War by Lily Baxter
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsInternational bestselling author Lily Baxter returns with another emotional, heart-pounding saga set in World War II England. In 1939, thirteen-year-old Poppy is forced to evacuate her London home and flee to a grand country house on the coast of England... -
Midnight Rider by Joan Hiatt Harlow
Fourteen-year-old Hannah is an orphan living with her cruel aunt Phoebe in Salem, Massachusetts. Hannah recently lost her mother, and now her only comfort is her horse, Promise. But when her money-hungry aunt sells the horse and then indentures Hannah to the Boston family of a British general, Hannah vows to retrieve Promise at all costs, and join the fight for freedom... -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 5 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern...Categorized as:
m-f political-intrigue royalty contemporary length-short historical young adult boss & employee -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 4 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the Imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisers. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne'er-do-well ruler to govern...Categorized as:
m-f political-intrigue royalty contemporary length-short historical young adult boss & employee -
The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 6 by Kairi Yura, Sai Yukino
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA period fantasy in which a palace consort must guide a feckless emporer to assume the throne. Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T. Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office...Categorized as:
m-f political-intrigue royalty contemporary length-short historical young adult boss & employee -
The FitzOsbornes in Exile by Michelle Cooper
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsForced to leave their island kingdom, Sophie FitzOsborne and her eccentric family take shelter in England... -
Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsScarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood...Categorized as:
royalty historical young adult legends & fairy tales medieval sassy heroine length-medium -
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Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsCleopatra's Moon.The Critically Acclaimed Young Adult Novel Based On The Real Life Of Cleopatra's Daughter, Selene.The only daughter of the last queen of Egypt watches her beloved father--Mark Antony--fall on his sword in front of her. Then she hears the haunting wails of the priestesses of Isis on the island of Pharos and knows her mother died...Categorized as:
ancient times royalty historical young adult multicultural mystery love triangle other-man-woman -
A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson
After the Russian revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna, a young Russian Countess, has no choice but to flee to England. Penniless, Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed Westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination...Categorized as:
royalty m-f young adult historical legends & fairy tales clean boss & employee 20th century -
Noah's Wife by T.K. Thorne
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year! Noah's wife is Na'amah, a young girl with a form of autism (now known as Asperger's) who only wishes to be a shepherdess on her beloved hills in ancient Turkey—a desire shattered by the hatred of her powerful brother, the love of two men, and a looming disaster that threatens her world... -
How to Live without You by Sarah Everett
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn this heart-wrenching, coming-of-age story about family, grief, and second chances, seventeen-year-old Emmy returns home for the summer to uncover the truth behind her sister Rose’s disappearance—only to learn that Rose had many secrets, ones that have Emmy questioning herself and the sister Emmy thought she knew... -
A Song for the Stars (Proper Romance) by Ilima Todd
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsInspired by a true story Hawaiian Islands, 1779 As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaii, and he taught her everything he knows—how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love... -
Victoria by Daisy Goodwin
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 47 ratings“They think I am still a little girl who is not capable of being a Queen.”Lord Melbourne turned to look at Victoria. “They are mistaken. I have not known you long, but I observe in you a natural dignity that cannot be learnt. To me, ma’am, you are every inch a Queen... -
Loyal Heart by Anna Markland
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn impossible choice…love or family loyalty. Book I of a brand new series from Anna Markland, The Von Wolfenberg Dynasty. Sophia falls in love with a guest at her brother’s wedding, but he is an envoy sent by her father’s enemies. Brandt intends to return home as soon as his unwelcome obligation to attend the wedding is fulfilled... -
In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt is a truth universally acknowledged, that London’s first female solicitor in possession of the details of a deadly crime, must be in want of a suspect. The tenacious Lizzie Bennet has earned her place at Longbourn, her father’s law firm. Her work keeps her busy, but luckily she often has help from (and steals occasional kisses with) Mr... -
The Cartographer's Secret by Tea Cooper
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA young woman's quest to heal a family rift entangles her in one of Australia's greatest historical puzzles when an intricately illustrated map offers a clue to the fate of a long-lost girl. A mesmerising historical mystery set in the Hunter Valley from bestselling author Tea Cooper for readers of Natasha Lester and Kate Morton... -
Goong: Palace Story Vol.1 by Park So Hee
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMonarchy ended long ago in Korea, but there are still other countries with Kings, Queens, princes and princesses... -
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Sphinx's Princess by Esther M. Friesner
"Nefertiti was far more than just a pretty face." Nefertiti may be the dutiful daughter of a commoner, but her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And she's the kind of girl who acts first, and apologizes later whenever she witnesses injustice or cruelty. But she is also extraordinarily beautiful... -
The Highlander by Zoe Saadia
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBorn in the Highlands, Kuini thought his life was simple. You hunt and you fight, defending your towns against the raids of the Lowlanders and then raiding their lands in turn. His father was the Warriors’ Leader, and he wanted to be just like him. Yet, Texcoco, the mighty Capital of the Lowlands, seemed incredibly beautiful, sparkling, its pyramids magnificent... -
The Bad Queen: Rules and Instructions for Marie-Antoinette by Carolyn Meyer
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHistory paints her as a shallow party girl, a spoiled fashionista, a callous ruler. Perhaps no other royal has been so maligned and so misunderstood as Marie-Antoinette.From the moment she was betrothed to the dauphin of France at age fourteen, perfection was demanded of Marie-Antoinette... -
Doomed Queen Anne by Carolyn Meyer
Rated: 3.91 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsShe risked everything to become queenThough born without great beauty, wealth, or title, Anne Boleyn blossomed into a captivating woman. She used her wiles to win the heart of England’s most powerful man, King Henry VIII, and to persuade him to defy everyoneincluding his own wifeto make her his new queen. But Anne’s ambition proved to be her fatal flaw... -
The Song of Us by Kate Fussner
Rated: 3.91 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThis stunning debut and wholly original queer middle grade novel-in-verse retelling of "Orpheus and Eurydice" adds a new chorus to the songs of great love, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World.Love at first sight isn't a myth. For seventh graders Olivia and Eden, it's fate... -
Cleopatra's Heir: A Novel of The Roman Empire by Gillian Bradshaw
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe might and power of Julius Caesar, the man who conquered the known world. The beauty of Cleopatra, the woman who conquered the conqueror. Together they could have forged an empire whose power had never been seen before. Tragically, it was not meant to be... -
The Betrayal by Mary Hooper
Rated: 3.89 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn this follow-up to By Royal Command , Lucy is asked to continue her work on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I. But will her romance with Tomas, the queen's fool, get in the way? There's also Mistress Juliette, the mysterious new lady-in-waiting... -
The Betting Season by Ava Stone, Jerrica Knight-Catania
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn Ava Stone's By Any Other Name... Lady Philippa Casemore caused quite a scene at her very first ball of her very first season. She even landed herself, somehow, on the pages of the infamous betting book at White's gentleman's club. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember one moment of the night in question. Not the music. Not the notorious rake she'd dragged into the middle of the dance floor... -
The Tale of Nefret by M.L. Bullock
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwin daughters of an ancient Bedouin king struggle under the weight of an ominous prophecy that threatens to divide them forever. Royal sibling rivalry explodes as the young women realize that they must fight for their future and for the love of Alexio, the man they both love. The Tale of Nefret chronicles their lives as they travel in two different directions... -
Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan
Rated: 3.87 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsOrphan Meg Fellowes makes her living picking pockets—until she steals from the wrong nobleman. Instead of rotting in prison like she expected, she’s whisked away to the court of Queen Elizabeth and pressed into royal service, where she joins four other remarkable girls in the Maids of Honor, the Queen’s secret society of protectors... -
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The Conquest by Jude Deveraux
Lovely Zared Peregrine was the pride of her family, a treasure her rough-hewn brothers would strive at any cost to protect from their ancient enemies, the Howards. The Peregrines had suffered loss enough. Thus Zared's brothers trained her in the arts of war, and dressed her in boy's clothing. Beyond the castle walls, none knew that the youngest Peregrine was a girl... -
The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards
Rated: 3.81 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEngland, 1584.When beautiful Lady Jane Rievaulx begins her service to the Queen at Richmond Palace, she is thrilled to see the court's newest arrival . . . Master James Lacey.No matter that Jane was previously courted by the eldest Lacey brother—James is the one who has won her heart. For his part, James cannot deny his fascination with Jane; his plans, however, do not allow for love... -
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The Other Countess by Eve Edwards
Rated: 3.81 of 5 stars · 32 ratings"Part romance, part suspense, part friendship . . . The Other Countess will not disappoint--it really is pure gold!"--Historical Novels ReviewEngland, 1582Ellie—Lady Eleanor Rodriguez, Countess of San Jaime—possesses a worthless title, but her feisty spirit captivates the elite of the Queen's court—especially the dashing new Earl of Dorset... -
The Rogue's Princess by Eve Edwards
Rated: 3.74 of 5 stars · 13 ratings1586 – London, England. Sixteen-year-old Mercy Hart is the daughter of one of London’s richest – and strictest – cloth merchants. Kit Turner is an actor and the illegitimate son of the late Earl of Dorset. A chance encounter finds Kit falling for the beautiful Mercy’s charms, but their love is forbidden. A merchant’s daughter and a vagabond – it simply cannot be... -
Patience, Princess Catherine by Carolyn Meyer
Rated: 3.79 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWill Catherine ever become queen? England anxiously awaits Prince Arthur’s betrothed—the Spanish princess who will be its future queen. But when Arthur dies not long after the wedding, Catherine of Aragon’s fate becomes uncertain...
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