Books like 'The King's Messenger'
Readers who enjoyed The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy paranormal magic tudors military medieval mystery forced proximity
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Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 50 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... -
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... -
The Lady of the Loch by Elena Collins
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 24 ratings‘Although I believe I will die here in this castle, my spirit will never be silent.’Ravenscraig Castle, Scotland. 1307When the castle she works in is sacked by the army of Prince Edward of England, kitchen maid Agnes Fitzgerald manages to escape north of Inverness to throw herself at the mercy of the Lord and Lady at Ravenscraig Castle... -
The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe 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... -
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The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsTWO THIEVES WANT ANSWERS. RIYRIA IS BORN.For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception --- Gwen refuses to see them... -
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
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.. -
The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe sequel to the critically acclaimed The Children of Gods and Fighting Men , The Words of Kings and Prophets is the powerful new historical fantasy novel by Shauna Lawless.Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position... -
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
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... -
The Highland Witch by Susan Fletcher
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Massacre of Glencoe happened at 5am on 13th February 1692 when thirty-eight members of the Macdonald clan were killed by soldiers who had enjoyed the clan's hospitality for the previous ten days. Many more died from exposure in the mountains. Fifty miles to the south Corrag is condemned for her involvement in the Massacre... -
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... -
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 medieval historical fantasy arthurian paranormal legends & fairy tales -
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... -
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The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 33 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... -
Tomb of the Sun King by Jacquelyn Benson
Respectable lady scholars shouldn’t be dodging evildoers, escaping lost tombs, and chasing down magical artifacts.Archivist and suffragette Ellie Mallory always dreamed of putting her scholarly skills to work in the ancient sands of Egypt. She never imagined she would be doing so in order to save an object of legendary power from a batch of ruthless villains...Categorized as:
magic forced proximity mystery fantasy historical siblings-bff paranormal length-epic -
Child of the Phoenix by Barbara Erskine
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBorn in a burning castle in 1218, Princess Eleyne is brought up to support the Celtic cause against the English. She is taught to worship the old gods and to "scry" into the future and the past. Eleyne's second sight, however, involves her in the destinies of England, Scotland and Wales... -
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... -
A Well-Tempered Heart by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsThe sequel to the international best-selling novel The Art of Hearing Heartbeats Almost ten years have passed since Julia Win came back from Burma, her father’s native country. Though she is a successful Manhattan lawyer, her private life is at a crossroads; her boyfriend recently left her, she has suffered a miscarriage, and she is, despite her wealth, unhappy with her professional life... -
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... -
DragonKnight by Donita K. Paul
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsTrapped in an evil spell… can the knights of Paladin be rescued?Before vowing his allegiance to Wulder as a knight, Bardon heads to the mountains for solitude. His life is suddenly complicated by a woman and her granddaughter, N’Rae, on a mission to rescue the woman’s son trapped in a chamber of sleep... -
The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 39 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 medieval historical fantasy arthurian paranormal legends & fairy tales -
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... -
Blackveil by Kristen Britain
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsRead Kristen Britain's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community. The long-awaited sequel to Green Rider, First Rider's Call, and The High King's Tomb. Once a simple student, Karigan G'ladheon finds herself in a world of deadly danger and complex magic, compelled by forces she cannot understand when she becomes a legendary Green Rider-one of the magical messengers of the king... -
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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... -
Sleeper's Castle by Barbara Erskine
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsTwo women, centuries apart. One endless nightmare tearing Wales apart – and only they can stop it.Sunday Times bestselling author Barbara Erskine returns to Hay in the year that marks the 30th anniversary of her sensational debut bestseller, Lady of Hay.Hay-On-Wye, 1400 – War is brewing in the Welsh borders, Catrin is on the brink of womanhood and falling in love for the first time... -
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
Who was Merlin? Was the famed magician of Camelot & King Arthur's court really a sinister, all-powerful being from another world? Was he truly a Prince of Darkness? Or was he a man with the passions of other mortals? A man with unique intelligence & unusual gifts? Why was he so feared? How did he come by his occult powers? Why was the crystal cave so important to him? 5th century Britain is a...Categorized as:
mystery magic medieval historical fantasy arthurian paranormal legends & fairy tales -
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 . . -
A Time of Omens by Katharine Kerr
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 31 ratings“This grand saga is by a wide margin the best Celtic fantasy around.”— Chicago Sun-Times In Deverry the volatile history of humanity continues as a dashing young king journeys to his throne in disguise, fulfilling an ancient prophecy... -
The Gold Falcon by Katharine Kerr
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe cholera epidemic that ravaged the city of TrevHael has left many orphans in its wake, including Neb, the scribe's son, and his brother. Sent to the desolate farm of their last living relative, they soon learn that a worse plague lurks beyond the western border of Deverry... -
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
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
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 17 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... -
Days of Blood and Fire by Katharine Kerr
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIn the peaceful land of the Rhiddaer, Jahdo the ratcatcher's son stumbles upon a secret meeting between a city council man and a dangerous, mysterious woman. Suddenly the boy is tangled in a web of intrigue and black magic that drags him far from home. In the company of a blind bard, Jahdo must travel to Deverry to unravel the evil that binds him... -
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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... -
Duty by Brian K. Fuller
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsBook 2 of 4: The demon’s attack at the betrothal spreads fear and doubt throughout the nations of Ki’hal. But Gen’s courage and sacrifice make him a legend and inspiration to the people. As the long, dangerous trip to Elde Luri Mora approaches, the Chalaine must battle her misgivings about the Ha’Ulrich and lean on her faithful Protector for the strength to do what she must to save the world... -
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
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 medieval historical fantasy arthurian legends & fairy tales paranormal -
Winds of Fury by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsValdemar is once again in peril, threatened by Ancar of Hardorn, who has long sought to seize control of the kingdom by any means at his command... -
The Novice by Trudi Canavan
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 60 ratings"Even if a magician's powers surface of their own accord, he will soon be dead if he does not gain the knowledge of how to control them." Alone among all the novices in the Magicians' Guild, only Sonea comes from lowly beginnings. Yet she has won powerful allies—including Lord Dannyl, newly promoted to Guild Ambassador... -
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
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 Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless
The first in a gripping new historical fantasy series that intertwines Irish mythology with real-life history, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is the thrilling debut novel by Shauna Lawless.They think they've killed the last of us...981 AD. The Viking King of Dublin is dead... -
Winds of Change by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsIn The Mage Winds trilogy, which began with the best-selling novel, Winds of Fate , author Mercedes Lackey continues the epic that started with her first published book, Arrows of the Queen introduced readers to the remarkable land of Valdemar, the kingdom protected by its Heralds--men and women gifted with extraordinary mind powers--aided and served by their mysterious Companions--horselike... -
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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... -
The Valley of the Wolves by Laura Gallego García
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsDana attends a school of magic with only one other student. She has a great love only she can see. And only she can unravel these mysteries and become mistress of the Valley of the Wolves. Ever since Dana was a little girl, Kai has been her best friend and constant companion--even though she's the only one who can see him... -
Echoes of Magic by Donna Grant
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFrom bestselling, award-winning author Donna Grant comes a trilogy of three women who happen to be a dying race of witches that were cursed by one of their own, and the men who stood by their side. Hiding a secret so awful that his only hope for survival is to remain hidden, Grayson has lived most of his life pretending to be someone he isn't... -
A Time of Exile by Katharine Kerr
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe world of an intricate tapestry of fate, past lives, and unfathomable magic. With A Time Of Exile , Katharine Kerr opens new territory in The Deverry Saga , exploring the history of the Elcyion Lacar, the elves who inhabit the country west of Deverry. It is years since the half-elven Lord Rhodry took the throne of Aberwyn... -
The Path of Flames by Phil Tucker
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA war fueled by the dark powers of forbidden sorcery is about to engulf the Ascendant Empire. Agerastian heretics, armed with black fire and fueled by bitter hatred, seek to sever the ancient portals that unite the empire - and in so doing destroy it.Asho--a squire with a reviled past--sees his liege, the Lady Kyferin, and her meager forces banished to an infamous ruin... -
The New Kingdom by Wilbur Smith
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn the heart of Egypt,Under the watchful eye of the Gods,A new power is rising . . .In the city of Lahun, Hui lives an enchanted life. The favoured son of a doting father, and ruler-in-waiting of the great city, his fate is set. But behind the beautiful façades a sinister evil is plotting...
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