Books like 'The Hands of the Emperor'
Readers who enjoyed The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy high fantasy magic office queer found-family political-intrigue politician royalty
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Wintertide by Michael J. Sullivan
A FORCED WEDDING. A DOUBLE EXECUTION. TWO THIEVES HAVE OTHER PLANS.The New Empire intends to celebrate its victory over the Nationalists with a day that will never be forgotten. On the high holiday of Wintertide, they plan to execute two traitors (Degan Gaunt and the Witch of Melengar) as well as force the Empress into a marriage of their own design... -
![Secret History by Brandon Sanderson]()
Secret History by Brandon Sanderson
Mistborn: Secret History is a companion story to the original Mistborn trilogy. As such, it contains HUGE SPOILERS for the books Mistborn (The Final Empire), The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages. It also contains very minor spoilers for the book The Bands of Mourning. Mistborn: Secret History builds upon the characterization, events, and worldbuilding of the original trilogy... -
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![The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler]()
The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler
Against all odds, Owen Kiskaddon grew from frightened boy to confident youth to trusted officer in the court of Kingfountain—and watched its regent, Severn Argentine, grow ever more ruthless and power-mad. Robbed of his beloved protector, his noble mentor, and his true love, Owen has anticipated the day when the king he fears and reviles, yet loyally serves, will be toppled... -
![The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan]()
The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsThree times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria.When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire... -
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![The Crown Tower by Michael J. Sullivan]()
The Crown Tower by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsTWO MEN WHO HATE EACH OTHER. ONE IMPOSSIBLE MISSION. A LEGEND IN THE MAKING.A warrior with nothing to fight for is paired with a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Together they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm’s most valuable possessions... -
![Elantris by Brandon Sanderson]()
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Elantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the benefit of all. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of the Shaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed... -
![Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey]()
Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe long-awaited story of the founding of Valdemar comes to life in this 3rd book of a trilogy from a New York Times bestselling author and beloved fantasist.The refugees from the Empire have established a thriving city called Haven with the help of the Tayledras and their allies... -
![He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan]()
He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsHow much would you give to win the world?Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire: to seize the throne and crown herself emperor.But Zhu isn’t the only one with imperial ambitions... -
![At the Feet of the Sun by Victoria Goddard]()
At the Feet of the Sun by Victoria Goddard
Cliopher Mdang has been appointed Viceroy of Zunidh by his beloved Radiancy, the Last Emperor, who has now left him behind in the Palace to safeguard the world during his absence on a quest to find an appropriately magical heir... -
![The Emerald Storm by Michael J. Sullivan]()
The Emerald Storm by Michael J. Sullivan
A MESSAGE IS INTERCEPTED. A SINISTER PLAN LAUNCHED. TWO THIEVES STAND IN THE WAY.Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Marius. Fearing Hadrian is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his ex-partner for one last mission... -
![Penric's Demon by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Penric's Demon by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsOn his way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric comes upon a riding accident with an elderly lady on the ground, her maidservant and guardsmen distraught. As he approaches to help, he discovers that the lady is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world... -
![Mira's Last Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Mira's Last Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsIn this sequel to the novella “Penric’s Mission”, the injured Penric, a Temple sorcerer and learned divine, tries to guide the betrayed General Arisaydia and his widowed sister Nikys across the last hundred miles of hostile Cedonia to safety in the Duchy of Orbas... -
![Penric's Fox by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Penric's Fox by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsSome eight months after the events of Penric and the Shaman, Learned Penric, sorcerer and scholar, travels to Easthome, the capital of the Weald. There he again meets his friends Shaman Inglis and Locator Oswyl... -
![Pet by C.S. Pacat]()
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... -
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![Tuyo by Rachel Neumeier]()
Tuyo by Rachel Neumeier
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRaised a warrior in the harsh winter country, Ryo inGara has always been willing to die for his family and his tribe. When war erupts against the summer country, the prospect of death in battle seems imminent. But when his warleader leaves Ryo as a sacrifice -- a tuyo -- to die at the hands of their enemies, he faces a fate he never imagined... -
![Talyn: Descent by Benjamin Medrano]()
Talyn: Descent by Benjamin Medrano
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTalyn’s in over her head.Talyn is finally beginning to take control of her life in a new world. Learning that her problems aren't natural is a first step, but before she can take true measures, her life takes a turn for the worse. Cast into the depths of Castra's dungeon, she survives only on the sufferance of others... -
![The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart]()
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsThe emperor's reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire's many islands.Lin is the emperor's daughter and spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets... -
![The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served as page and is named secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule... -
![Seeker's Portrait by Hannah Walker]()
Seeker's Portrait by Hannah Walker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPrince Elijan has spent his life protected by castle walls, prevented from fully experiencing the world outside. He longs to see the empire he will one day rule, but his only view is from the safety of the windows in his suite. He yearns to find out what life has to offer... -
![The Shadow Mark by Mason Thomas]()
The Shadow Mark by Mason Thomas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Lords of Davenia Novel Auraq Greystone, once a military officer with a promising future, exists on the fringe of society. Accused of murder, Auraq is on the run from the ax—until two fugitives crash into his solitary life. One is a young man named Kane... -
![Gifting Fire by Alina Boyden]()
Gifting Fire by Alina Boyden
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThe battle has been won, but the war is just beginning.Although at long last Razia Khan has found peace with herself and love with her prince, Arjun, her trials are far from over. In order to save her prince and his city from certain destruction, Razia made a deal with the devil--her father, the Sultan of Nizam. Now the bill has come due... -
![The Shattering of the Spirit-Sword Part I by Sam Farren]()
The Shattering of the Spirit-Sword Part I by Sam Farren
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPrincess Castelle is the last of her bloodline. Kept safe by the spirits bound to the forest surrounding her, Castelle devotes herself to studying all a future Queen needs to know, waiting for the day she can wield Brackish. The spirit-sword is her birthright. Only those worthy of ruling the archipelago can temper Brackish’s ancient rage without succumbing to it... -
![Unbroken by Alli Temple]()
Unbroken by Alli Temple
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA pirate’s home is the sea, sailing beyond the horizon with her true love.Aboard the Crimson Siren, Captain Cinder finally has the life she’s always dreamed of. Her freedom is restored, her crew is a trustworthy bunch, and the princess who holds her heart is by her side.But trouble brewing back in Redmere threatens to pull Cinder and Princess Georgina apart before their future can truly begin... -
![Yours, Forever After by Beth Bolden]()
Yours, Forever After by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsFifteen years ago, Prince Graham of Ardglass barely escaped from the ancestral castle with his young life. Rescued by a magical creature and spirited off to a faraway valley, he grew into a strong, capable man—never shirking his duties on the farm, but forever bitter over his father’s betrayal... -
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![The Judas Blossom by Stephen Aryan]()
The Judas Blossom by Stephen Aryan
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAn imaginative and sprawling epic fantasy reimagining of the Mongol Empire's invasion of Persia, following the lives and treacherous journeys of four key figures in the heart of war.1260, Persia: Due to the efforts of the great Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire covers a vast portion of the known world... -
![The Heart of the Kingdom by Sasha L. Miller]()
The Heart of the Kingdom by Sasha L. Miller
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAll Cenric wanted was a necklace to gift to his lady love, in the hopes it might persuade her to actually become his lady love... -
![Blood for Magic by Aundrea Singer]()
Blood for Magic by Aundrea Singer
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwenty-year-old Tarquin is smart, tactless, and braver than he knows. He’s also been Mage of the Realm of Kelor for two years, taking the title from his mother after she died protecting Kelor from a terrible threat. While on a quest to heal his dying brother, Tarquin is attacked by a horrific, flesh-eating monster... -
![Heir to Frost and Storm by Ben Alderson]()
Heir to Frost and Storm by Ben Alderson
“I needed this. I needed him. My mind was a storm and I wanted him to take it all away.”At the prestigious and competitive Saylam Academy, Max trains to master his magic, surrounded by enemies who will stop at nothing to see him fail.As he fights to survive, Max’s romance with proud, passionate healer Simion grows ever more intense... -
![Lady Knight by L.-J. Baker]()
Lady Knight by L.-J. Baker
Rated: 3.82 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRhiannon, outcast and female knight, seeks a cause worthy of a chivalric hero in a medieval world of magic and misogyny. Eleanor, a wealthy widow, has given up all hero of finding passionate love and her perfect knight - until she meets Rhiannon. Aveline, a powerful priestess, needs a warrior for her secret mission of starting a holy war... -
![A Betrayal of Storms by Ben Alderson]()
A Betrayal of Storms by Ben Alderson
Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and From Blood and Ash, this new, fantasy romance about a half-fey boy and his personal guard preventing a war between the realms.Wychwood, the realm of the fey prepare for war against the humans who hate, hunt and kill them for coin...
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