Books like The Paladin
18 fantasy books to read after The Paladin, by Cherryh, C. J., the closest match first.
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1. Braided Path
by Wooding, Chris
- On the same lists
Heavily influenced by Asia, the Braided Path is a long, but very rewarding read. It’s loosely categorized as Young Adult, but a read through this series had me seriously questioning...
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2. Paper Mage
by Cutter, Leah R.
- On the same lists
An exotic historical fantasy heavily influenced by Chinese with some well-developed world. What’s quite interesting about this novel is that the characters reflect Chinese/Eastern values as opposed to the usual...
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Crossroads book 1 Start here
3. Spirit Gate
by Elliott, Kate
- On the same lists
There is a distinct Asian flavor to this trilogy (called Crossroads). True to Kate Elliot form, there’s quite a bit of attention to world-building and plenty of strong characters. While...
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4. The Prince Of Shadows
by Clair, Jennifer St.
- On the same lists
I like to call this the Wheel of Time set in a fantastical China which about sums up this series. Overall, the series that integrates an impressive amount of Chinese...
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Moshui book 1 Start here
5. Dragon In Chains
by Fox, Daniel
- On the same lists
An interesting book that’s quite recent. It’s set in an alternate Chinese fantasy landscape which includes emperors in exile, dragons, monks, and magical stones. The pace is slow, but the...
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6. The Assassins Of Tamurin
by Tower, S. D.
- On the same lists
At the age of eleven a girl is cast out from her village and begins her training as an assassin. Politics, romance, and magic weave a new kind of coming of age story.
This one reminded me a bit like Across the Nightingale Floor, but with less special affects; it’s more of a subtle, character driven story. The setting is an invented pseudo...
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7. The Morgaine Saga
by Cherryh, C. J.
- Same author
Noteworthy because of its female protagonist and that the gate system used for interplanetary and time travel was inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs and Andre Norton.
Noteworthy because of its female protagonist and that the gate system used for interplanetary and time travel was inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs and Andre Norton. The series has plenty...
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8. The Morgaine Cycle
by Cherryh, C. J.
- Same author
Crossworlds, Sword and Sorcery, Futuristic—this cycle is genre crossing as well as time traveling. Morgaine is the last of her task force, set out to destroy the gates that permit time travel.
Crossworlds, Sword and Sorcery, Futuristic—this cycle is genre crossing as well as time traveling. Morgaine is the last of her task force, set out to destroy the gates that permit...
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Initiate Brother book 1 Start here
9. The Initiate Brother
by Russell, Sean
- On the same lists
An epic fantasy featuring a martial artist monk as a hero. Set in a mythical alternate china.
This duology has flown under the radar in the fantasy world, which is a shame - it’s perhaps one of the richest fantasy tales out there, made all the more...
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The Detective Inspector Chen book 1 Start here
10. Snake Agent
by Williams, Liz
- On the same lists
A surprising cocktail of Chinese Fantasy, detective fiction, and science fiction that manages to still taste good. The novel is set in a futuristic China (future Shanghai) and incorporates high...
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Tales Of The Otori book 1 Start here
11. Across The Nightingale Floor
by Hearn, Lian
- On the same lists
Historical Fantasy set in a fictional feudal Japan, this series follows a young warrior who seeks to avenge is adoptive father and escape the legacy of his biological father.
Assassin fantasy set in a distinctly Japanese milieu. This one’s got everything you want in a good martial arts fantasy tale: ninja assassins, samurai warriors, beautiful princesses, evil lords, deadly...
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Eon book 1 Start here
12. Eon
by Goodman, Alison
- On the same lists
Features a dragon theme. Complex characters and relationships make this a compelling read. The author really plays around with gender identity issues here, but does so in a way that's...
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13. Gate Of Ivrel
by Cherryh, C. J.
- Same author
It wasn't until the 90s that really gritty fantasy became the norm for the genre, which is why The Morgaine Stories were so different to the standard epic fantasies of...
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14. The Dreaming Tree
by Cherryh, C. J.
- Same author
A story fraught with atmosphere featuring Celtic themes and a convincing read of the Otherworld. Fareys, elves, and Celtic lore.
A story fraught with atmosphere featuring Celtic themes and a convincing read of the Otherworld. Fareys, elves, and Celtic lore.
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Under Heaven book 1 Start here
15. Under Heaven
by Kay, Guy Gavriel
- On the same lists
An alternate ancient china told with the majesty of one of fantasy's best wordsmiths.
On paper, this is the perfect setup for a grand fantasy novel: Guy Gavriel Kay (Tigana, The Fionavar Tapestry, Lions of Al-Rassan) applies his considerable literary talent to crafting an...
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16. Long Price Quartet
by Abraham, Daniel
- On the same lists
Western settings. Farm boys. Spoilt rich kids. Often, coming of age fantasy hits you over the head with unsubtle interactions and world-building. Abraham's Long Price Quartet does not fit into...
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17. 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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The Chronicles Of Master Li And Number Ten Ox book 1 Start here
18. 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...
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 The Paladin.
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