Books like 'Stronghold'
Readers who enjoyed Stronghold by Melanie Rawn also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy romance high fantasy action / adventure military, war & conflict europe scandinavia dragons epic
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The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsFollowing their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen. Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame... -
A Dance with Dragons: After the Feast by George R.R. Martin
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 26 ratings'Some had been heroes, some weaklings, knaves, or cravens. Most were only men. The best of them overcame their flaws, did their duty, and died with their swords in their hands. The worst... the worst were those who played the game of thrones'The future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance... -
Wintertide by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsA 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... -
The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsBy scheming and theft, the Thief of Eddis has become King of Attolia. Eugenides wanted the queen, not the crown, but he finds himself trapped in a web of his own making.Then he drags a naive young guard into the center of the political maelstrom. Poor Costis knows he is the victim of the king's caprice, but his contempt for Eugenides slowly turns to grudging respect... -
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Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsAly’s adventure continues…. No longer a slave, Alanna’s daughter is now spying as part of an underground rebellion against the colonial rulers of the Copper Isles. The people in the rebellion believe that a prophecy in which a new queen will rise up to take the throne is about to be realized... -
The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
Mistress of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsThe world on the other side of the rift: Kelewan, a land seething with political intrigue and deadly conspiracies. Following the opulent panoply of Daughter Of The Empire and the dazzling pageantry of Servant Of The Empire comes the resounding conclusion to the Empire trilogy... -
Servant of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist, Janny Wurts
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsSecond in Feist & Wurts' wonderful epic trilogy -- one of the most successful fantasy collaborations of all time THE EMPIRE TRILOGY: BOOK II Nobody knows how to play the Game of the Council better than Mara of the Acoma... -
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsBlood sings to blood, Froi . . . Those born last will make the first . . . For Charyn will be barren no more. Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home... Or so he believes...Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been trained roughly and lovingly by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper... -
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsThis is the story of Corlath, golden-eyed king of the Free Hillfolk, son of the sons of the Lady Aerin.And this is the story of Harry Crewe, the Homelander orphan girl who became Harimad-sol, King's Rider, and heir to the Blue Sword, Gonturan, that no woman had wielded since the Lady Aerin herself bore it into battle... -
By the Sword by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsGranddaughter of the sorceress Kethry, daughter of a noble house, Kerowyn had been forced to run the family keep since her mother’s untimely death. Yet now at last her brother was preparing to wed, and when his bride became the lady of the keep, Kerowyn could return to her true enjoyments—training horses and hunting... -
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... -
When We Were Dancing by Auryn Hadley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAS QUEEN, SHE CAN NEVER MARRY THE MAN SHE LOVES. SO SHE’S JUST GOING TO HAVE TO GET CREATIVE. They called her the Gladiator Queen, the first female heir to the throne of Norihame. Leyli never wanted this. But her cousin's scheming left no other option. He'd killed her brother, trying to claim the throne for himself, and sold her off to be a gladiator, hoping to get rid of her. It didn't work... -
The Blight of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn The Blight of Muirwood, the second book in the Muirwood Trilogy, Lia finds herself filled with inner turmoil after the great battle of Winterrowd that led to the death of the wicked king and her closest ally... -
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A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gavriel Kay
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBased on the troubadour culture that rose in Provence during the High Middle Ages, this panoramic, absorbing novel beautifully creates an alternate version of the medieval world... -
The Unbound Empire by Melissa Caruso
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe final volume of the Gemmell Morningstar Award-shortlisted Swords and Fire fantasy trilogy, in which political scion Amalia and her bound fire warlock Zaira must save the Empire from a ruthless, magical enemy. Perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, The Queen of the Tearling, and Uprooted... -
King of Sword and Sky by C.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsKing of Sword and Sky is the third book in the epic romantic adventure that combines sweeping fantasy with breathtaking paranormal romance. USA Today and New York Times bestseller C. L... -
The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsAerin could not remember a time when she had not known the story; she had grown up knowing it.It was the story of her mother, the witchwoman who enspelled the king into marrying her, to get an heir that would rule Damar; and it was told that she turned her face to the wall and died of despair when she found she had borne a daughter instead of a son.Aerin was that daughter... -
Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsShe feared the dark visions and the magic within her. And she dreamed of the miraculous love that could save her.Like an enchanted fairy tale prince he stepped from the sky to claim her—the Fey King, her destiny, her one and true love.But behind the mesmerizing beauty of Rain’s violet eyes Ellysetta saw the passionate hunger of the beast . . -
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsRevengeWhen Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, stole Hamiathes's Gift, the Queen of Attolia lost more than a mythical relic. She lost face. Everyone knew that Eudenides had outwitted and escaped her. To restore her reputation and reassert her power, the Queen of Attolia will go to any length and accept any help that is offered... she will risk her country to execute the perfect revenge... -
Queen of Song and Souls by C.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsTwo lovers, two hearts, one soul.Only joined can they be truly complete.Only joined can they survive the darkness.The Fey King Rain and his truemate Ellysetta share a passionate love unrivaled in the history of their world—and a forbidden power that made them outcasts from the Fading Lands... -
The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsFrom the New York Times bestselling author comes a breathtaking fantasy of a cursed kingdom, warring clans, and unexpected salvation.Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok... -
Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsThe evil king is dead, the war is over, and Meliara -- barefoot countess and reluctant heroine -- has been swept up into a different kind of battle in the dance halls and drawing rooms of the royal palace. Physical warfare is easy compared to the genteel skirmishes of the royal court... -
The Fathomless Caves by Kate Forsyth
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIn Eileanan, victory has finally been won, and those of faery kind--from the mighty dragons to the mysterious nyx--have sworn their friendship and aid. Only the sea-dwelling Fairgean have refused to sign the Pact of Peace. Driven by ancient hatreds, they have devoted themselves to destroying all who dwell upon the land... -
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Stalking Darkness by Lynn Flewelling
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsWith the Leran threat laid to rest, Alec and Seregil are now able to turn their attention to the ancient evil which threatens their land. The Plenimarans, at war with Skalans, have decided to defeat their ancient enemy by raising up the Dead God, Seriamaius... -
Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsPoor Creel. She can't believe her aunt wants to sacrifice her to the local dragon. It's a ploy to lure a heroic knight so that he will fight the dragon, marry Creel out of chivalrous obligation, and lift the entire family out of poverty. Creel isn't worried. After all, nobody has seen a dragon in centuries... -
Dragon on Top by G.A. Aiken
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTry a little dragon tenderness. I am Glheanna the Decimator. I am a warrior. A soldier. I know no fear. No pain. No mercy. I do, however, know acute embarrassment! How could I not after getting dumped by a bastard dragon in front of my own troops? So I tuck tail and return to my cave, drowning my sorrows in ale—as is my family’s way... -
The Assassin's Dragon by W.M. Fawkes, Sam Burns
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn Atheldinas, everyone’s secrets have been uncovered. Tristram is a half-dragon, Nicholas is a villain scheming to take the throne from his cousin Roland, and eternally sharp Bet is nothing less than a hero.The cost has been high, and now Tristram is forced to amass the armies of Llangard to save his king from Jarl Vidar, the mysterious figure who’s hellbent on tearing Llangard in two... -
Pretense by Tara Grayce
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEssie and Farrendel are living their happily ever after…until Farrendel’s greatest secret leaks to the Escarlish press.With his reputation set to be forever ruined, they race to do damage control. Yet, an even greater danger lurks behind the leak, threatening more than just Farrendel’s reputation...Categorized as:
magic mythical-creatures paranormal sword-sorcery war action-adventure assassins audiobook -
Tarnished Empire by Danielle L. Jensen
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA siege is laid against the last resistance to the Senate’s rule. As the battle rages, a commander, a soldier, and a rebel will decide how far they are willing to go for victory.THE COMMANDERMarcus is forced to choose between destroying the rebel forces and liberating his legion. He must face the true cost of being a leader. And an oppressor... -
By Dark Deeds by Miranda Honfleur
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer hands shackled. An assassin hunting the man she loves. Will she save him in time?Elementalist Rielle needs to get to the man she loves before the assassin pursuing him finds her mark. There's only one problem: she's chained aboard a ship bound for a foreign land.And her new life is harsh, with her movements watched, food scarce, and safety even scarcer... -
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... -
Half the World by Joe Abercrombie
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThorn Bathu was born to fight. But when she kills a boy in the training square she finds herself named a murderer.Fate places her life in the hands of the deep-cunning Father Yarvi as he sets out to cross half the world in search of allies against the ruthless High King. Beside her is Brand, a young warrior who hates to kill... -
Champion of the Scarlet Wolf, Book Two by Ginn Hale
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFive years after abandoning the Sagrada Acedemy, Elezar Grunito has become infamous in the sanctified circles of noble dueling rings for his brutal temper and lethal blade. Men and women of all ranks gather to cheer and jeer, none of them knowing Elezar’s true purpose. But a violent death outside the ring marks Elezar as a wanted man and sends him into hiding in the far northern wilds of Labara... -
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Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 75 ratingsIn the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence... -
Crystal Storm by Morgan Rhodes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe ruthless Empress Amara of Kraeshia has taken the Mytican throne, and now uncertainty looms over the three kingdoms. Since Lucia unleashed the fire Kindred, wreaking havoc throughout the land, Myticans have been looking for someone—anyone—they can trust. They believe in Amara, not knowing her grand promises are built on lies... -
Jorundyr's Path: Wolf of the North Book 2 by Duncan M. Hamilton
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBook 2 of the Wolf of the North trilogy. Jorundyr's Path is walked only by the brave. It is survived only by the strong.As Wulfric pursues Adalhaid's Blood Debt, he soon learns that the path to revenge is never easy, and the desires of men and the will of gods rarely meet. Aethelman seeks answers to questions long ignored. Rodulf chases power and wealth... -
Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsWith the Dragon Wars over, Creel finds herself bored with life as a seamstress. Then word comes that a bordering country has been breeding dragons in preparation for an invasion... -
Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsIn Wizard's First Rule, Richard Cypher's world was turned upside down. Once a simple woods guide, Richard was forced to become the Seeker of Truth, to save the world from the vile dominance of Darken Rahl, the most viciously savage and powerful wizard the world had ever seen... -
Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsIn a land threatened by treacherous war and beset by demons, royal dowager Ista, released from the curse of madness and manipulated by an untrustworthy god, is plunged into a desperate struggle to preserve the endangered souls of a realm... -
The Scourge of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe Scourge of Muirwood is the final installment of the Muirwood Trilogy.Upon discovering she is the lost heir of Pry-Ree, Lia is forced to leave the protection of Muirwood once again. She embarks upon a perilous journey across the kingdom where she avoids capture and begs passage on a ship bound to Dahomey... -
Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsWith Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen's Own Herald returns to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth's future... -
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... -
The Prince's Dragon by W.M. Fawkes, Sam Burns
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last place Lord Tristram Radcliffe ever expected to find himself was right hand to the Llangardian throne. His parentage should have seen him banished, but he managed to keep his draconic secret. Now, King Reynold is dead. Long live King Roland... -
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Haven by Joel Shepherd
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Army of the Regent Arosh advances on the forces loyal to Saalshen, homeland of the serrin people, as the serrin's friends are in full retreat. Their only hope is to reach the city of Jahnd, as 'Trial of Blood and Steel' reaches its dramatic conclusion... -
Pool of Dreams by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA fae who betrayed his prince for a doomed passion.Syren sacrificed the man he loved to spare humanity from the wrath of the fae. For three hundred years, he’s been stuck on the mortal plane, floating alone in his pool while his powers slipped away... -
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsCompared to Outlander and The Mists of Avalon, this thrilling first novel of a debut trilogy reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. I write because I have seen the darkness that will come. Already there are those who seek to tell a new history.. -
Confessor by Terry Goodkind
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsDescending into darkness, about to be overwhelmed by evil, those people still free are powerless to stop the coming dawn of a savage new world, while Richard faces the guilt of knowing that he must let it happen. Alone, he must bear the weight of a sin he dare not confess to the one person he loves…and has lost... -
Troll Queen by Tara Grayce
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsEssie has her elf back...but his mind is still stuck in that dungeon.The war is over. A peace treaty has been signed. But Farrendel and Essie still have a battle ahead of them. Will Farrendel be able to build a new life with Essie now that he no longer has a war to fight?Melantha has ruined her life and the lives of all those around her...Categorized as:
magic mythical-creatures paranormal sword-sorcery war action-adventure audiobook book -
Temple of the Winds by Terry Goodkind
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsEverything Richard Rahl has learned will be for naught as the ruthless Emperor Jagang returns with his vast legions...heralded by a mystical plague that kills innocents in the thousands.Richard must now challenge the undefeatable: the magic that thwarts magic, sealed away for three thousand years in the Temple of Winds...
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