Books like 'A Sharpened Axe'
Readers who enjoyed A Sharpened Axe by Jill M. Beene also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy romance action / adventure high fantasy fae magic retellings slow-burn fairy-tale
-
Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsAfter years of comparative peace, darkness has fallen upon Ulster. Trouble is brewing and even those in the heart of the forest are not safe. Niamh, elder daughter of Sorcha, is required to make a strategic marriage, while her sister Liadan, who has the gift of Sight and her mother’s talent for healing, finds herself drawn into the shadowy world of the Painted Man and his warrior band... -
![The Twelve Dancing Princesses by K.M. Shea]()
The Twelve Dancing Princesses by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsQuinn is a loyal soldier of Farset, willing to risk her life on behalf of her country and squad. So, when a fellow soldier volunteers for a dangerous mission, Quinn joins him. Their assignment is to investigate the nightly disappearance of the twelve royal princesses, a mystery none have solved as those who attempt it vanish... -
![How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: Miracle 2 by A.J. Sherwood]()
How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: Miracle 2 by A.J. Sherwood
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat’s Devan to do when badly injured? Call on Tan, of course.What’s Tan to do against the creature who dared touch his knight? Destroy it utterly.A Necromancer, eight skelebabies, a dark sorceress, and a horrified knight as backup are not as helpful as one would think... -
![The Hollow Crown by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Hollow Crown by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsFollowing the downfall of a tyrant, years have passed in prosperity for the kingdom of Ceredigion. Now, as the time comes to celebrate the new king’s nuptials, the specter of a new enemy emerges to destroy all that has been painstakingly built in those years.Tryneowy Kiskaddon has grown up learning military and diplomatic strategy from her father, one of the king’s closest advisors... -
-
![Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier]()
Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe “powerful and emotionally-charged” fantasy series from the author of the Sevenwaters novels continues, as Blackthorn and Grim face haunting secrets and old adversaries... Feather bright and feather fine, None shall harm this child of mine... Healer Blackthorn knows all too well the rules of her bond to the fey: seek no vengeance, help any who ask, do only good... -
![The Ciphers of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Ciphers of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsFrom the moment she was banished by her father, the king, Princess Maia journeyed to seek sanctuary at Muirwood Abbey, the epicenter of magic and good in the land. Now safe for the first time since her cruel abandonment, Maia must foster uneasy friendships with other girls training to be Ciphers: women who learn to read and engrave tomes of ancient power, despite the laws forbidding them to do so... -
![Rumpelstiltskin by K.M. Shea]()
Rumpelstiltskin by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhen 17-year-old Gemma, a seamstress, is ordered by the insane King Torgen to spin straw into gold or be put to death, she knows her life is forfeit. Unwilling to give up, Gemma tries to escape her prison, earning her the respect of the mysterious mage, Stil. Stil offers to complete the impossible task…for a price...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc magic paranormal retellings royalty action-adventure adaptations -
![The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon]()
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 77 ratingsA world divided.A queendom without an heir.An ancient enemy awakens.The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction—but assassins are getting closer to her door.Ead Duryan is an outsider at court... -
![Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik]()
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 74 ratingsMiryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father's inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty--until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold... -
![Resistance by Jaye L. Knight]()
Resistance by Jaye L. Knight
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart... -
![Puss in Boots by K.M. Shea]()
Puss in Boots by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThough she dreams of adventure, Gabrielle—a peasant girl—is given only a cat for her inheritance and is told she must marry, immediately. So when the cat, Puss, offers her a life of excitement in exchange for a pair of boots, Gabrielle jumps at the opportunity. Through Puss’s cunning and Gabrielle’s good deeds, they become celebrated heroes in small villages across the country...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc magic paranormal retellings royalty action-adventure adaptations -
![King's Warrior by Frost Kay]()
King's Warrior by Frost Kay
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRevolution and war come with a price in the fourth volume of USA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay’s The Aermian Feuds Series. Returning to Aermia should’ve been easy, but nightmares and death haunt her, leaving Sage as an outsider, even in her own family... -
![Sacrifice by K.M. Shea]()
Sacrifice by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsSacrifice: the thrilling conclusion to the Snow Queen series! Rakel, once feared and exiled for possessing magic, is now hailed a hero. Leading resistance forces against the Chosen—an army of magic users that invaded her homeland—she is granted everything she has longed for: acceptance, a home, and the love of her friends. But the battle for her country has just begun... -
![Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl]()
Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThe Black Dogs are on the hunt, but who is their prey?When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal... -
-
![Genevieve of Dragon Ridge by Shari L. Tapscott]()
Genevieve of Dragon Ridge by Shari L. Tapscott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGenevieve is no stranger to heartache, but ever since the dragons saved her ten years ago, she’s been content. Though it’s unheard of for a human girl to live in a dragon flight, Genevieve doesn’t mind. She has a family, scaled though they may be, and she enjoys her quiet, simple existence.However, her routine is abruptly disturbed the day a half-dead prince is dropped into her life... -
![Royal Spy by Heather Frost]()
Royal Spy by Heather Frost
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA DECOY recruited to be a spy.A PRINCE compelled to become an assassin.A SERJAH pressured by an unwanted crown.A WORLD covered in shadows.Mere months ago, Clare was just a kitchen maid. Now, she is a decoy for Princess Serene and a novice spy, caught in the royal family's web of secrets... -
![The Little Selkie by K.M. Shea]()
The Little Selkie by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsDylan—a selkie—makes a terrible mistake when she brashly chases an evil sea witch onto land. Captured and stripped of her pelt—leaving her unable to return to the sea in her sea lion body—Dylan’s only chance of survival is to serve as the sea witch’s tool... -
![The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon]()
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsSwallow, Daughter, pull them in, those words that sit upon your lips. Lock them deep inside your soul, hide them ‘til they’ve time to grow. Close your mouth upon the power, curse not, cure not, ‘til the hour. You won’t speak and you won’t tell, you won’t call on heav’n or hell. You will learn and you will thrive. Silence, Daughter. Stay alive... -
![Cinderella and the Colonel by K.M. Shea]()
Cinderella and the Colonel by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsAn alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.Scratching out a living in a land recovering from war and a hostile takeover, Cinderella—an orphaned, destitute duchess—is desperate to save her lands and servants in spite of the terrible taxes placed upon her by the Erlauf queen, even if it means she must don servants’ clothes and work like a commoner... -
![The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier]()
The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJuliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with" The Dark Mirror, " which" Interzone" called: "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story." King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream... -
![Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse]()
Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsExiled and on the run, Selene Ravenwood is in search of the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking but first she must adapt to her marriage with the man she was originally assigned to kill. With war impending and a dark being after her gift, she finds herself at a crossroads but time is running out and soon her choice will be made for her... -
![Enchanted by K.M. Shea]()
Enchanted by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsASIN moved from less recent editionAfter she is successfully crowned King of Britain and vanquishes those opposed to her rule, Britt thought life would settle down and she could peacefully pretend to be the real King Arthur and search for the lost Round Table. However, her enemies aren’t cowed yet... -
![Find Me Their Bones by Sara Wolf]()
Find Me Their Bones by Sara Wolf
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNo one can save her.In order to protect Prince Lucien d’Malvane’s heart, Zera had to betray him. Now, he hates the sight of her. Trapped in Cavanos as a prisoner of the king, she awaits the inevitable moment her witch severs their magical connection and finally ends her life.But fate isn't ready to give her up just yet... -
![The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker]()
The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake... -
-
![The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin]()
The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDeceiving an empire is a treacherous game.Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strands of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a secret: Gryfelle isn’t the only one afflicted by the weaver's curse.As Queen Braith struggles to assert her rule, a new arrival throws her tenuous claim to the Tirian throne into question... -
![Heart of Red, Blood of Blue by Rebecca Belliston]()
Heart of Red, Blood of Blue by Rebecca Belliston
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA girl on the run. A kingdom to save.Princess Gisela of Steinland was born without color. Albino. When her betrothal to Prince Jerrik of Kronga ends in his death, it starts a ten-year war her father is determined to win, even if it means bringing her out of hiding to do it. Now the savage Krongon war commander, Bloodless Kristoff, seeks the hearts of the entire royal family, especially Gisela's...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers fairy-tale female-mc medieval religion royalty spirituality action-adventure -
![Storm & Shield by J.D. Evans]()
Storm & Shield by J.D. Evans
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“All you see is that I run. Why haven’t you realized I always come back?” She is lightning and storm. A spy, driven out of her home by a tyrant ruler. He is granite and earth. A guard, ordered to keep her contained.To protect herself and her family, she’s learned to go unnoticed, unseen... -
![A Kingdom of Nomads by S.B. Nova]()
A Kingdom of Nomads by S.B. Nova
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs the darkness grows, so must the light…Branded as enemies of the fae kingdom, Serena and her friends are on the run from the witch queen, Morgan. They reach sanctuary, only to discover shocking secrets that separate them.Serena’s newfound destiny takes her to a land plagued by endless war. To survive there, she is forced to bloody her sword, escape an evil king, and confront a god... -
![Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian]()
Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA spellbinding story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown. Immerse yourself in the first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series.Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens... -
![Dawn of Darkness by Shari L. Tapscott]()
Dawn of Darkness by Shari L. Tapscott
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPrincess Amalia of Renove expected to find plague and death when she and Rhys entered the kingdom of Draegan, but she didn’t realize she’d find herself in a nest of lies and deception.Now the princess’s world is crumbling. She must learn to navigate a wicked court, where everyone wants something from her—including the one man she thought she could trust.And Amalia isn’t the only one struggling... -
![Chosen Champion by Elise Kova]()
Chosen Champion by Elise Kova
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA princess on the run, with enemies on all sides... Vi Solaris is on the eve of getting everything she’s ever wanted—her family, her home, her throne—and to save the world she’s going to have to give it all up.The Empire sees her as their Crown Princess, returning at long last. But Vi only sees visions of fate guiding her to the world’s gruesome end... -
![Forest of Firelight by Shari L. Tapscott]()
Forest of Firelight by Shari L. Tapscott
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAfter the sudden death of her brother, Princess Amalia is charged with what feels like an impossible task—she must choose the next king. Youthful thoughts of love are pushed aside as she accepts her fate, setting upon a quest throughout the kingdom to find a man worthy of her father’s throne.Little does Amalia know, someone has already set his sights on her... -
![Swan Lake by K.M. Shea]()
Swan Lake by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWill she choose to save her country or free herself?Cursed to be a swan by day, Odette spends her nights leading a band of smugglers and delivering illegal goods. Though she longs for her spell to be broken, she is stuck flattering the evil sorcerer who cursed her... -
![Crown's Shield by Frost Kay]()
Crown's Shield by Frost Kay
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTrickery. War. Betrayal. Despite her resolve to cut ties with the rebellion, Sage Blackwell is forced to turn to her old allies.. -
-
![Voice of Power by Melanie Cellier]()
Voice of Power by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn Elena's world words have power over life and death--but none more so than hers.As the daughter of shopkeepers, Elena has always known that the mysteries of reading and writing were closed to her. Only the mageborn can risk harnessing the power unleashed from putting pen to paper. Until Elena discovers an impossible new ability and joins the elite ranks of the mages... -
![Red Rope of Fate by K.M. Shea]()
Red Rope of Fate by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn a land where humans and elves find it difficult to communicate, Tari—an elf—is bound to Captain Arion—a human military officer—in a ceremony designed to promote friendship between the two races. When the ceremony is over the pair discover that the impossible has happened: they can understand each other in spite of the language barrier... -
![The Banished of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Banished of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn a stand-alone series set in the world of Muirwood, eighteen-year-old Maia is the exiled princess of Comoros and heir to the throne. As a result of her father’s ceaseless need for authority, she was left disinherited and forced to live as a servant in her enemy’s home... -
![Crystal Crowned by Elise Kova]()
Crystal Crowned by Elise Kova
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsLong live Solaris. One bloodthirsty ruler has been overthrown by another, casting the shadow of death over the Solaris Empire. Vhalla Yarl stands upon the stage of fate, prepared to do battle one final time. Fragile alliances will be tested and new bonds will be formed as the world is reshaped... -
![Prophecy: Child of Earth by Elizabeth Haydon]()
Prophecy: Child of Earth by Elizabeth Haydon
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsIn Rhapsody, a fellowship was forged-- three companions who, through great adversity, became a force to be reckoned with: Rhapsody the Singer; Achmed the assassin-king; and Grunthor, the giant Sergeant-Major. Prophecy continues their powerful epic. Driven by a prophetic vision, Rhapsody races to rescue a religious leader while Achmed and Grunthor seek the F'dor-- an ancient and powerful demon... -
![The Ippos King by Grace Draven]()
The Ippos King by Grace Draven
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThe demonic horde that threatened to devour the world has been defeated, but at great cost.Plagued by guilt and nightmares, Serovek Pangion sets out to deliver the soulless body of the monk Megiddo to the heretical Jeden Order for safekeeping. Accompanying him is sha-Anhuset, the Kai woman he admires and desires most--a woman barely tolerant of him... -
![The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley]()
The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsLegend states that there exists a mighty sword that makes its possessor invincible to his enemies. But there is a curse on anyone who lifts the sword for conquest. King Kareed of Archeld goes after this sword anyway, winning it from the King of Bellandra. When he returns home from battle, he brings his daughter, Princess Torina, two special gifts... -
![From Darkness Won by Jill Williamson]()
From Darkness Won by Jill Williamson
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsDarkness trembles. Achan steps into his role as Crown Prince and prepares for war. But war against whom? Could Esek still be alive? Has Lord Nathak taken Esek's place? Or is the mysterious Hadad the true enemy Achan must confront? Vrell has her own agenda of serving Prince Oren as a healer, but when she is stormed and lost to the Veil, Achan does all he can to bring her back... -
![Princess Ahira by K.M. Shea]()
Princess Ahira by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsOnce upon a time? Please! What a joke.Princess Ahira is not your average damsel in distress. She hates being a princess and constantly tries to flee from her mother and her lectures. Pleasantly, her life is shattered on the eve of her sixteenth birthday when she is kidnapped by dragons... -
![The Faceless Mage by Kenley Davidson]()
The Faceless Mage by Kenley Davidson
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsHe’ll protect her with his last breath…Until she becomes his next target.Leisa’s ambitions used to be simple. Guard the princess. Hide her magic. Wait for her family to return.But all of that changes when her king demands that she use her unique abilities to spy on the rival kingdom of Garimore... -
-
![Sunrunner's Fire by Melanie Rawn]()
Sunrunner's Fire by Melanie Rawn
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsIt began with the discovery of the star scroll—the last repository of forgotten spells of sorcery, the only surviving record of the ancient foe who in times past had nearly destroyed the Sunrunners and their magic... -
![Broken Lords by A.F. Dery]()
Broken Lords by A.F. Dery
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
![Exile of the Seas by Jeffe Kennedy]()
Exile of the Seas by Jeffe Kennedy
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAround the shifting borders of the Twelve Kingdoms, trade and conflict, danger and adventure put every traveler on guard . . . but some have everything to lose. ESCAPEDOnce she was known as Jenna, Imperial Princess of Dasnaria, schooled in graceful dance and comely submission. Until the man her parents married her off to almost killed her with his brutality... -
![Blood Song by Hollee Mands]()
Blood Song by Hollee Mands
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe owes her blood. He’ll pay with his life.Ruthless assassin Gabriel has little fear and even fewer scruples. Every head has a price, and every hunt is a thrill. He saunters through life on a tightrope, mocking fate and defying death with every step. So when he’s forced to hunt down and deliver a prophesied blood sacrifice, Gabriel has no reason to expect trouble...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers fae female-mc magic medieval paranormal slow-burn action-adventure -
![Ella by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee]()
Ella by Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReserved yet resilient, Ella Blakeley lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, without hope of escape—until the day Prince Kenton announces a ball that changes everything. Even without mice, magic, or fairy godmothers, Ella might discover a life that’s better than she ever dreamed. This intricately woven twist on Cinderella is an enchanting book you won’t be able to put down...Categorized as:
fairy-tale magic paranormal retellings royalty spirituality action-adventure adaptations -
![Prophecy by M.L. Fergus, Maureen Fergus]()
Prophecy by M.L. Fergus, Maureen Fergus
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn indentured servant girl, a handsome thief . . . and the start of an epic romantic adventure that will change the course of history, combining the romance and adventure of The Princess Bride with the political intrigue of Game of Thrones. For fans of Stephanie Garber, Leigh Bardugo, Shelby Mahurin and Jennifer L. Armentrout...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
