Books like 'The Rose and the Thorn'
Readers who enjoyed The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 3 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù
Shoot Down the SunThe bloody war against the We Clan once led Wei Wuxian to seek power in demonic cultivation, and the dark acts he committed drove a wedge between him and Lan Wangji. Now, those old sins come back to haunt him as his reincarnated identity is revealed to the cultivation world... -
![Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù]()
Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù
FATES ALIGNED, BODIES INTERTWINEDThe Venerable of Empty Words, a monster that feeds off the fears of the fortunate, is hunting Xie Lian’s friend, the Wind Master Shi Qingxuan. Knowing that his abysmal luck inoculates him from the creature’s power, Xie Lian doesn’t hesitate to throw himself into harm’s way—to Hua Cheng’s horror and panic... -
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![Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù]()
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù
Rated: 4.68 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsHistory stands poised to repeat itself as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are besieged by walking corpses atop the Burial Mounds. It is here fate offers them a second chance to protect their loved ones and unmask the true instigator of this grisly onslaught... -
![Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti]()
Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsA Goodreads Choice Award Nomination for Best Fantasy Novel of 2017 The gods have been proven mortal and new heroes will arise as the battle continues in the sequel to Age of Myth--from the author of the Riyria Revelations and Riyria Chronicles series.In Age of Myth, fantasy master Michael J. Sullivan launched readers on an epic journey of magic and adventure, heroism and betrayal, love and loss... -
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![The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend by David Gemmell]()
The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsHe was known as Druss. The Deathwalker. Though the blood of merciless butchers coursed through his veins, he had found a fragile peace through his love for beautiful, mystical Rowena. Then came the day when Druss returned to their village and found everyone dead--massacred by slavers who had stolen the women to sell for gold. Rowena was among the missing... -
![Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan]()
Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsRich in magic and adventure, Michael J. Sullivan’s soaring fantasy novels are masterworks of heroism, love, and sacrifice. Now, in Age of War, the epic battle between humankind and the cruel godlike beings who once ruled them finally ignites in all its fury.The alliance of humans and renegade Fhrey is fragile—and about to be tested as never before... -
![The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike]()
The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike
The story continues in The Forgotten Kingdom, the second book in the astonishing Lost Queen trilogy, already hailed as “Outlander meets Camelot” (Kirsty Logan) and “The Mists of Avalon for a new generation” (Linnea Hartsuyker).AD 573. Imprisoned in her chamber, Languoreth awaits news in torment. Her husband and son have ridden off to wage war against her brother, Lailoken... -
![How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit: Bone 5 by A.J. Sherwood]()
How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit: Bone 5 by A.J. Sherwood
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsYou must negotiate return of dragon wing. Penalty levied against party members. Piemu unleashed. Accept quest? (YES) (no) How is this harder than the pirates? I’m looking at the reason. Uncalled for. True, but still uncalled for... -
![How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit: Bone 4 by A.J. Sherwood]()
How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit: Bone 4 by A.J. Sherwood
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDragon wing located on pirate ship! Board ship? (YES) (NO?!) I feel like this is a bad idea... -
![The Fae Artifactor by Honor Raconteur]()
The Fae Artifactor by Honor Raconteur
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPeople really have to stop kidnapping her…. Sevana has quite enough on her plate, what with her wonky magical core still spastically melting or exploding things on her. She has every intention of seeking professional help, if such a thing exists, but is stopped before she can even go back home. That is to say, she’s kidnapped. AGAIN... -
![Tributary by Lisa Tawn Bergren]()
Tributary by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsTRIBUTARY, a novella (1/2 the length of a normal novel), picks up a year after BOURNE... Lia struggles to overcome the fear that constant battle has heaped upon her; Gabi and Marcello face an unexpected crisis; and Lord Greco just may be ready to leave the grief and loss of his past behind him, so that he might grab hold of the future.. -
![Masquerade in Lodi by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Masquerade in Lodi by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsBastard’s Eve is a night of celebration for most residents in the canal city of Lodi -- but not for sorcerer Learned Penric and his Temple demon Desdemona, who find themselves caught up in the affairs of a shiplost madman, a dangerous ascendant demon, and a very unexpected saint of the fifth god... -
![Exile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey]()
Exile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAlberich had spent most of his youth in the Karsite military schools training to be an officer. As the son of an impoverished mother, he had no other career choice open to him. And Alberich had risen in the ranks with almost unnatural speed. He developed expertise with many weapons and excelled in academic subjects with an ease that was the envy of his classmates... -
![Exile's Valor by Mercedes Lackey]()
Exile's Valor by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThis stand-alone novel in the Valdemar series continues the story of prickly weapons-master Alberich. Once a heroic Captain in the army of Karse, a kingdom at war with Valdemar, Alberich becomes one of Valdemar's Heralds. Despite prejudice against him, he becomes the personal protector of young Queen Selenay... -
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![I Went on an Adventure and All I Got was This Barbarian Orc by Jennifer Cody]()
I Went on an Adventure and All I Got was This Barbarian Orc by Jennifer Cody
Starting an adventure is always an exciting time. I’ve gone on a few by myself, but nothing compares to gathering a full party and seeing how everyone will mesh. We might have a clumsy bard and a chaotic paladin, but with everyone working together, we’ll figure out what’s happening in Fasgard... -
![The Villainess Turns the Hourglass by Ant Studio]()
The Villainess Turns the Hourglass by Ant Studio
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAfter her lowly mother married a count, Aria enjoyed a life full of luxury while harassing her gentle stepsister Mielle. Several years later, Aria is about to be executed when Mielle reveals that she wickedly tricked Aria into building the bad reputation that ultimately brought her to the scaffold... -
![The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman]()
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsFrom Lynda Cohen Loigman, the bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters, comes a heartwarming story of two extraordinary women from two different eras who defy expectations to utilize their unique gift of seeing soulmates in the most unexpected places in The Matchmaker's Gift... -
![The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart]()
The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart
Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain...Categorized as:
mystery magic high fantasy historical fantasy arthurian paranormal legends & fairy tales -
![The Prison of Buried Hopes by C.J. Archer]()
The Prison of Buried Hopes by C.J. Archer
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIn the fifth instalment of this epic fantasy series, a journey south brings together nine eclectic friends and leads them ever closer to answers – and danger. On their journey south to Freedland, Josie, Dane and their friends sense that someone is following them. Hiding in the twin cities of Merrin Fahl seems like their best course of action – until they’re recognized by strangers... -
![March Story, Vol. 4 by Kim Hyung-Min]()
March Story, Vol. 4 by Kim Hyung-Min
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAmong the quiet villages and towns of 18th century Europe, demons known as the Ill hide within the most beautiful works of art, sparked to life by the torment of their creators. Attracted by their jewel-like allure, the unwary find themselves possessed by the Ill and driven to horrific acts of violence. Only the hunters of the Ciste Vihad can dispel the Ill... -
![March Story, Volume 2 by Kim Hyung-Min]()
March Story, Volume 2 by Kim Hyung-Min
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReads R to L (Japanese Style) M audience.Among the quiet villages and towns of 18th century Europe, demons known as the Ill hide within the most beautiful works of art, sparked to life by the torment of their creators. Attracted by their jewel-like allure, the unwary find themselves possessed by the Ill and driven to horrific acts of violence... -
![A Dangerous Ruse by Tilly Wallace]()
A Dangerous Ruse by Tilly Wallace
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHer opponents have her cornered, unless Sera makes an unexpected move… Seraphina continues to pick at the secrets entangling her. Then, during a ball, she spots a piece of enchanted jewellery eerily similar to the bracelet she once wore. But before she can find out about its origins, its owner is murdered. At least this time no one is blaming Sera... -
![The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart]()
The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsArthur Pendragon is King! Unchallenged on the battlefield, he melds the country together in a time of promise. But sinister powers plot to destroy Camelot, and when the witch-queen Morgause -- Arthur's own half sister -- ensnares him in an incestuous liaison, a fatal web of love, betrayal, and bloody vengeance is woven...Categorized as:
mystery magic high fantasy historical fantasy arthurian paranormal legends & fairy tales -
![The Black Raven by Katharine Kerr]()
The Black Raven by Katharine Kerr
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsFor the devoted followers of the dazzling Deverry and Westlands cycle, Katharine Kerr continues the magical epic saga she began in The Red Wyvern .In her latest tale, the scene shifts seamlessly between the shattered land of the Rhiddaer and the historic end of the Civil Wars, when Lilli, newly apprenticed to dweomer, fought with her untried powers to save her beloved Prince Maryn from evil... -
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![The Fire Dragon by Katharine Kerr]()
The Fire Dragon by Katharine Kerr
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsKatharine Kerr has enchanted readers with her magical Deverry and Westlands cycle, and now she brings to a breathtaking conclusion the epic saga begun with The Red Wyvern and The Black Raven .The final chapter begins in the holy city as it rises from the ashes of Deverry's long wars. Prince Maryn prepares to claim the high kingship, but still the rebel Boar clan stands fast against him... -
![Wit'ch Gate by James Clemens]()
Wit'ch Gate by James Clemens
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe dazzling epic of The Banned and the Banished has established James Clemens as an exciting new voice in fantasy fiction. Now his remarkable skills reach their peak with Wit’ch Gate, as one girl remains her realm’s only hope against the forces of darkness . . -
![The Book of Lost Enchantments by Jessica Dodge]()
The Book of Lost Enchantments by Jessica Dodge
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt twenty-nine, Nora Cameron's life feels adrift, her days are spent working in her parents’ bakery, and her nights are spent alone watching Hallmark movies. She yearns for something beyond her predictable existence, though she has no idea what that might be. That is, until fate intervenes, and Nora is swept into an unforeseen adventure to Scotland... -
![The Book of Lost Enchantments by Jessica Dodge]()
The Book of Lost Enchantments by Jessica Dodge
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt twenty-nine, Nora Cameron's life feels adrift, her days are spent working in her parents’ bakery, and her nights are spent alone watching Hallmark movies. She yearns for something beyond her predictable existence, though she has no idea what that might be. That is, until fate intervenes, and Nora is swept into an unforeseen adventure to Scotland... -
![The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods, Evie Gaughan]()
The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods, Evie Gaughan
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsEdie is … not in Paris?Edie Lane left everything behind in Ireland for a once-in-a-lifetime job at a bakery in Paris. Except, thanks to a mistranslation, the bakery is not in Paris, and neither is Edie.The tiny town of Compiègne, complete with its local bakery on the Rue de Paris, holds many secrets... -
![The Dragon Sage by Jay Lynn]()
The Dragon Sage by Jay Lynn
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA mesmerizing blend of breath-taking action and incredible sorcery. Fans of Throne of Glass and A Game of Thrones will not be able to put down this epic fantasy adventure. Standing alone in a dark cell, Alec waits for the death he cannot seem to escape. The pungent smell of sweat and blood are permanently absorbed into his scarred skin... -
![Master of Restless Shadows: Book One by Ginn Hale]()
Master of Restless Shadows: Book One by Ginn Hale
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFreshly graduated Master Physician Narsi Lif-Tahm has left his home in Anacleto and journeyed to the imposing royal capitol of Cieloalta intent upon keeping the youthful oath he made to a troubled writer. But in the decade since Narsi gave his pledge, Atreau Vediya, has grown from an anonymous delinquent to a man renowned for penning bawdy operas and engaging in scandalous affairs... -
![Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold]()
Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsGlen David Gold's literary debut dazzled critics and fans from coast to coast. Now Carter's center stage for a spectacular paperback . . . The response to Glen David Gold's debut novel, Carter Beats the Devil , was extraordinary. He hypnotized us with his portrait of a 1920s magic-obsessed America and of Charles Carter--a.k.a... -
![The Wicked Day by Mary Stewart]()
The Wicked Day by Mary Stewart
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsBorn of an incestuous relationship between King Arthur and his half sister, the evil sorceress Morgause, the bastard Mordred is reared in secrecy. Called to Camelot by events he cannot deny, Mordred becomes Arthur’s most trusted counselor -- a fateful act that leads to the "wicked day of destiny" when father and son must face each other in battle...Categorized as:
magic mystery high fantasy historical fantasy arthurian legends & fairy tales paranormal -
![Resistance by Amy Rae Durreson]()
Resistance by Amy Rae Durreson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHow do you rebuild a broken nation? Iskandir doesn’t know, but as resistance leader turned peacetime governor, he’s trying his best, even though he believes his best will never be good enough.But things are about to get a lot worse in Tiallat. First, the rats begin to die. Next, humans begin to sicken too... -
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![The Mystery of Rufford Abbey: A dual timeline novel with a paranormal twist by Stephen Taylor]()
The Mystery of Rufford Abbey: A dual timeline novel with a paranormal twist by Stephen Taylor
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn absorbing Medieval mystery you won’t be able to put down! For fans of Freda Lightfoot, Anthony Doerr, Sebastian Faulks and Kate Atkinson... -
![Danger for a Duchess by Nellie H. Steele]()
Danger for a Duchess by Nellie H. Steele
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAmidst the shadows of unsolved mysteries, Lenora faces a new enigma that could shatter her world. Who killed her father?As Lenora struggles to decipher the eerie happenings surrounding her daughter and strives to free her friend’s trapped spirit, a new puzzle emerges–one that hits too close to home... -
![The Temple of Forgotten Secrets by C.J. Archer]()
The Temple of Forgotten Secrets by C.J. Archer
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGlancia is plunged into perilous times, but it's the events in her village that worry Josie more. A terrible fire puts the lives of those she loves at risk and threatens to shatter the uneasy peace. Josie and the captain investigate the cause of the blaze, but powerful enemies try to stop them. As the dangers grow more intense, so do the feelings between Josie and the captain... -
![Legacy of Kings by C.S. Friedman]()
Legacy of Kings by C.S. Friedman
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe young peasant woman Kamala has proven strong and determined enough to claim the most powerful Magister sorcery for herself-but now the Magisters hunt her for killing one of their own. Her only hope of survival lies in the northern Protectorates, where spells are warped by a curse called the Wrath that even the Magisters fear... -
![Dark Horse by Mary H. Herbert]()
Dark Horse by Mary H. Herbert
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter her entire clan was massacred, a young woman assumes her brother's identity and becomes a warrior - all to exact revenge upon the chieftain who ordered her family slain. But the chieftain, Lord Medb, has resurrected the forbidden art of sorcery and plans to destroy all who oppose him in this dark ages fantasy world... -
![The Dragon King's Imperial Wrath: Falling in Love with the Bookish Princess of the Rat Clan Vol. 2 by Aki Shikimi]()
The Dragon King's Imperial Wrath: Falling in Love with the Bookish Princess of the Rat Clan Vol. 2 by Aki Shikimi
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTHE RAT PRINCESS DIARIESRuiying, princess of the rat clan, has begun her formal training to become a worthy bride for dragon king Yawen. Much to her excitement, this comes with unconditional access to a treasure trove of knowledge! However, her teacher, Meiyu, informs her that being a “fated mate” holds special meaning in the dragon clan... -
![The Two-Faced Queen by Nick Martell]()
The Two-Faced Queen by Nick Martell
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Hollows is on the brink of civil war as brother and sister vie for the throne in the second novel of the trilogy which Brandon Sanderson called “excellent.” “Simply put, this series is a master class in grand-scale storytelling. The future of epic fantasy is here—and this saga is it... -
![Taming the Marquess, Season 1 by Rofan Gourmet, Golji]()
Taming the Marquess, Season 1 by Rofan Gourmet, Golji
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLaranora Ador gets more than she bargained for when she rescues a young boy from being sold off in an infamous auction house. The boy is actually Eskal Van Dyck, the "Crazy Marquess," in disguise! Unaware of his violent and heartless true nature, Laranora takes Eskal under her wing... -
![The Seat of Magic by J. Kathleen Cheney]()
The Seat of Magic by J. Kathleen Cheney
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMagical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill…. It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City... -
![Blood of an Exile by Brian Naslund]()
Blood of an Exile by Brian Naslund
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBershad stands apart from the world, the most legendary dragonslayer in history, both revered and reviled.Once, he was Lord Silas Bershad, but after a disastrous failure on the battlefield he was stripped of his titles and sentenced to one violent, perilous hunt after another... -
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![Pretender to the Crown by Melissa McShane]()
Pretender to the Crown by Melissa McShane
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWillow North is a thief, and despite her secret magical talent for sensing worked metal, she has never wanted to be anything else. But when her former fiancé appears on her doorstep with the eight-year-old King of Tremontane in tow, she is drawn into the political conflict surrounding the boy King's ascension... -
![Broken Lords by A.F. Dery]()
Broken Lords by A.F. Dery
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAnswering the High Lord's summons, the leaders of the Union meet at his Court. Thane, Dread Lord of Eladria, is among them and eager to see justice done to his former friend-turned-adversary, Malachi, but their meeting raises more questions than answers. An unexpected catastrophe shakes his trust to its very core and he is forced to question all he once held true... -
![An Incarnation of Shadow and Light by S.A. Christianson]()
An Incarnation of Shadow and Light by S.A. Christianson
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour magicians abuse their magic to gain power in a corrupt Victorian inspired world.In the Kingdom of Verchiél only a handful of people known as Incarnate can use magic. Equally feared and respected, they are revered as saints and indulged like gods. But the sudden deaths of Verchiél’s rulers unleashes a power struggle between four Incarnate, each seeking power to fulfil their own desires... -
![Tales of a Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney]()
Tales of a Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBe careful of the dark and those that call it friend.Katherine Woodrow is Fey, and all she wants is to graduate from the Institute of Magic. But when the prejudiced mortal council threaten her position at the institute, she is left with only one option: accept a Mage Partnership with the elusive Lord Blackthorn.Emrys Blackthorn is a riddle Kat is fearful of solving... -
![This Time I Will Find Happiness! (Kondo Koso Shiawase Ni Narimasu!) Vol.1 (This Time I Will Find Happiness! (Manga) #1) by Mamenosuke Fujimaru, Riko Saiki]()
This Time I Will Find Happiness! (Kondo Koso Shiawase Ni Narimasu!) Vol.1 (This Time I Will Find Happiness! (Manga) #1) by Mamenosuke Fujimaru, Riko Saiki
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWait for me, Louisa. Her lover Graham, who was chosen as a brave warrior, said so and set off to defeat the Demon King. But I have no intention of waiting for him... -
![The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Gaughan, Evie Woods]()
The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Gaughan, Evie Woods
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsEdie is … not in Paris?Edie Lane left everything behind in Ireland for a once-in-a-lifetime job at a bakery in Paris. Except, thanks to a mistranslation, the bakery is not in Paris, and neither is Edie.The tiny town of Compiègne, complete with its local bakery on the Rue de Paris, holds many secrets...
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