Swordspoint: A Melodrama Of Manners
Books like Swordspoint: A Melodrama Of Manners
28 fantasy books to read after Swordspoint: A Melodrama Of Manners, by Kushner, Ellen, the closest match first.
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1. The Seventh Sword
by Duncan, Dave
- On the same lists
In the 80s, a variety of subgenres, new directions and styles evolved. Some were gritty and mentally taxing – requiring some emotional work on the reader's part. Luckily, Dave Duncan...
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Magics book 1 Start here
2. Master Of The Five Magics
by Hardy, Lyndon
- On the same lists
With magic, it’s difficult to craft a system that’s both complex and interesting. Lydon Hardy is a master of that balance, his series inspiring Magic: The Gathering, The Name of...
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3. The Belgariad
by Eddings, David
- On the same lists
The protagonist was brought up on a farm and while he does not believe the old stories, he is soon led on a quest of magic, danger, and prophecy.
There are five books in this series – the first being Pawn of Prophecy. This isn't fantasy with a lesson. Nor is it fantasy with emotional depth. And it doesn't...
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4. Chronicles Of The Black Company
by Cook, Glen
- On the same lists
Cook has real-life naval experience and this series benefits from that experience—realistic, gritty, amoral harsh, from battle sequences to characterizations.
This was one of the first gritty fantasies to hit the shelves. To appreciate this work fully, imagine what it must have been like to encounter the kind of dark...
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5. 1991: Thomas The Rhymer
by Kushner, Ellen
- Same author
Thomas is a young and flashy balladeer who follows the various courts of the mighty while preserving a friendship with a farming couple and flirting with their pretty neighbor. Thomas...
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6. Swordspoint
by Kushner, Ellen
- Same author
A definitive example of the Fantasy of Manners sub-genre. This is a witty novel with plot twists, humor, and interesting characters.
Perhaps the quintessential definition of the 'fantasy of manners' subgenre (sometimes referred to as 'mannerpunk'). It's a book that brilliantly combines elements of court intrigue, unbridled human emotion, and sword...
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7. Thomas The Rhymer (1991)
by Kushner, Ellen
- Same author
Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner won the 1991 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel
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8. The Privilege Of The Sword
by Kushner, Ellen
- Same author
Though The Privilege of the Sword is actually the second in a series, the witty and intelligent novel does well a highly praised stand-alone, winner of the Locus award and...
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Xanth book 1 Start here
9. A Spell For Chameleon
by Anthony, Piers
- On the same lists
When this came out, there was nothing like it. The consensus is that you'll either love the Xanth books or hate them. If you fell into the latter category it...
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Vlad Taltos book 1 Start here
10. Jhereg
by Brust, Steven
- On the same lists
The genius of this series lies in the exquisite character development – especially in relation to the hero, Vlad Taltos. We're accustomed to rooting for anti-heroes these days, (Hi, Dexter...
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11. Icewind Dale
by Salvatore, R.a.
- On the same lists
If you're a fan of RPG, Icewind Dale will appeal to you. It takes place in the Forgotten Realms – a world in the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Yes, it's...
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The Riftwar book 1 Start here
12. Magician
by Feist, Raymond
- On the same lists
Like David Eddings, Feist was one of the first fantasy novelists to have measurable commercial success – the kind that landed him on the bestseller list. It had a lasting...
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Mythago Wood book 1 Start here
13. Mythago Wood
by Holdstock, Robert
- On the same lists
There are many novels and novellas in this cycle which take place in a forest that has been untouched since the last ice age. It is a labyrinth, a place of peril and living myths.
'Unique' is a vastly overused word. It has about as much meaning as Kim K's twitter feed. But in the case of Mythago Wood, it's warranted. Firstly, Holdstock tells the...
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The Dark Tower book 1 Start here
14. The Gunslinger
by King, Stephen
- On the same lists
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba An impressive work of mythic magnitude that may turn out to be Stephen Kings greatest literary achievement...
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15. The Color Of Magic
by Pratchett, Terry
- On the same lists
A huge series, these books are part of the Comic Fantasy sub-genre. It parodies and is influenced by canonical authors like Tolkien, Lovecraft, and Shakespeare in addition to folklore, mythology, and fairy tales.
What would a list of best fantasy books be without mentioning Terry? Not that Brooks dude who wrote an entire series about glowing pebbles. The other one. The funny one....
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16. Empire Trilogy
by Wurts, Raymond E. Feist And Janny
- On the same lists
This collaboration proves that you don't have to wade neck-deep in magic to make a great fantasy. This series showcases the other side of Feist's Riftwar Saga, which is a...
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17. The Anubis Gates
by Powers, Tim
- On the same lists
An award winning novel that has time travel, historical figures, Egyptian mythology, and 19th century England.
In creating this world, Powers borrowed ideas from all over the place. Mythology, Ancient Egyptian theology, quantum theory, and classical literature“ they're all used in The Anubis Gates. It's a...
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18. Fevre Dream
by Martin, George R. R.
- On the same lists
A lesser known novel by the Game of Thrones creator that is a fine example of a more mythic take on vampirism. Fevre Dream is a steamboat sailing up the antebellum Mississippi River, which just so happens to be carrying the lord of the vampire race. It is a blend of history and myth.
He writes stories where castration, rape, skull-crushing, and child sacrifice are parred for the course. So it should come as no surprise that George R.R. Martin conquered the sub-genre of...
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19. The Deed Of Paksenarrion
by Moon, Elizabeth
- On the same lists
Paks is one of the earlier examples of a strong, realistic female heroine who appeals to men and women. She becomes a badass paladin in her world of dwarves, elves,...
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Memory, Sorrow, And Thorn book 1 Start here
20. Memory, Sorrow, And Thorn
by Williams, Tad
- On the same lists
Epic fantasy with attention to characters and details.
Tad Williams' series was the source of inspiration for many of the titles on the listand some outside of it. Authors like R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, and more all cite...
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21. The Fionavar Tapestry Trilogy
by Kay, Guy Gavriel
- On the same lists
In this trilogy some University of Toronto graduates are transported from a Celtic conference to a magical world where they must against the darkness.
Gavriel Kay's Fionavar is an ode to J.R.R. Tolkien, building on his life as an editorial assistant to his son, Christopher. Kay was instrumental in the publication of the legend's...
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The Mists Of Avalon book 1 Start here
22. The Mists Of Avalon
by Bradley, Marion Zimmer
- On the same lists
A story of King Arthur's court, through the eyes of Arthur's half-sister Morgaine Le Fay.
I can't do a list of the top 50 fantasy novels with strong female leads without including The Mists of Avalon. Considered one of the great classics of modern fantasy...
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Damar book 2
23. The Hero And The Crown
by Mckinley, Robin
- On the same lists
A classic book that features many recognizable Fantasy tropes: royalty, romance, enchantment, dragons, war.
Aerin is shy, clumsy, ugly, and mistrusted by the people she is supposed to rule. She is ridiculed for being the daughter of a witch with none of her witchy...
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The Chronicles Of Master Li And Number Ten Ox book 1 Start here
24. Bridge Of Birds
by Hughart, Barry
- On the same lists
Master Li and Ox â the main characters in this work â are easily some of the most loveable characters in fantasy. Aside from these charming protagonists, the book is...
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25. War For The Oaks
by Bull, Emma
- On the same lists
What happens when a rock star is pulled into a supernatural conflict between good and evil? Well, let's head on over to Minneapolis of all places and find out
It was in the 80s that the subgenres of fantasy we know today started. One of these – urban fantasy – owes much of its development from War for the...
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Howl’s Moving Castle book 1 Start here
26. Howl's Moving Castle
by Jones, Diana Wynne
- On the same lists
A journey of discovery and wonder. This story is part fairy tale, but flips some of the typical conventions—like the main character is an old lady.
Before famous director, Hayao Miyazaki turned Howl's Moving Castle into an animated film, it was an enchanting novel written by Diana Wynn Jones. This novel follows the life a young...
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Lyonesse book 1 Start here
27. Lyonesse
by Vance, Jack
- On the same lists
If you were to open a copy of Lyonesse and give it a good shake, a bunch of (very annoyed) fairies would fall out. Because they're everywhere in this book....
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The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever book 1 Start here
28. Lord Foul's Bane
by Donaldson, Stephen R.
- On the same lists
Epic Fantasy that's also very High Fantasy. Features an antihero hero.
Lord Foul's Bane begins the epic Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, a series in which a leprosy-stricken man in the real world is transported to a stereotypical fantasy world....
Matches come from series and authors, from the lists the books share, and from the books readers open together. They are rebuilt every night. Back to Swordspoint: A Melodrama Of Manners.
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