Books like 'Emperor and Clown'
Readers who enjoyed Emperor and Clown by Dave Duncan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy romance high fantasy action / adventure epic magic myths paranormal
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Memories of Prophecies by Davis Ashura
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe memories of the past may be forgotten, but prophecies linger.Cinder Shade and his fellow cadets have survived a brutal mission in the vast wilds of the Dagger Mountains. Laying to rest many of their brother warriors, they return to the Third Directorate, battered, bruised, and weary of soul.But the world turns, and new challenges press... -
![The Silent Shield by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Silent Shield by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThrust into the heart of events threatening to rip her kingdom apart, young Trynne Kiskaddon will gain new powers and see old allies fall and new heroes rise as the battle for the kingdom and the lands beyond begins.Courtly intrigue and rumors of invasion plunge Kingfountain into turmoil as the search for Trynne’s father begins in earnest... -
![The Forsaken Throne by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Forsaken Throne by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsA devastating disaster has left the Forbidden Court in ashes, its fountains destroyed, and its magic at risk. It was destined as the site of Trynne Kiskaddon’s coronation as empress. Now, all Trynne can imagine is the roar of flames, the cries of Gahalatine’s people, and the smell of cinders in a city gone dark... -
![The Might by Siri Pettersen]()
The Might by Siri Pettersen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHirka prepares to meet the ruling house of a cold, hierarchical world where contempt for weakness is paramount. Reluctantly, she accepts her fate, hoping to keep Rime alive and Ymslanda safe. But the dead borns thirst for the Might is absolute and Hirka realize that war she wanted to prevent, is inevitable. An awareness that will soon challenge everything she ever believed in and fought for... -
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![Voice of Life by Melanie Cellier]()
Voice of Life by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe fourth and final book in the Spoken Mage seriesIn her fourth year, Elena should be focused on final exams and graduation. Instead, her future, and the future of those she loves, depends on her ability to stop a decades-long war. Join Elena and Lucas for their final year at the Academy... -
![The Void of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Void of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsWhen banished Princess Maia is captured by her father and threatened with execution, it appears that all is lost…until the people rise in rebellion against their king. Suddenly, the cast-aside royal finds herself crowned the first Queen of Comoros. But enemies appear on all sides as her father’s conniving supporters assemble a new army against the fledgling ruler... -
![A Duet of Sword and Song by Lisa Cassidy]()
A Duet of Sword and Song by Lisa Cassidy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe time of the Shadowhawk was gone. Now he needed to be more.In the space of a night Cuinn Acondor lost his crown and almost his life. Devastated by Talyn’s disappearance, he’s on the run, fleeing from Armun and Shadow hunters who want to destroy everything he stands for. But he won’t give up. Together with the resurgent Wolves, he begins preparing to take back what Azrilan stole from them... -
![The Rise of the Dawnstar by Farah Oomerbhoy]()
The Rise of the Dawnstar by Farah Oomerbhoy
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAurora Firedrake returns in the spellbinding sequel to The Last of the Firedrakes.The seven kingdoms of Avalonia are crumbling and evil is spreading across the land like a plague. Queen Morgana is close to finding a way to open The Book of Abraxas and it’s only a matter of time until she uses the power trapped inside its pages to enslave the entire world... -
![The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko]()
The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe smallest spark can bind two hearts . . . or start a revolution.In the magic-soaked capital city of Oluwan, country bumpkin Small Sade needs a job—preferably as a maid, with employers who don’t mind her unique appearance and unlucky foot. But before she can be hired, she accidentally binds herself to a powerful god known only as the Crocodile, who is rumored to devour pretty girls... -
![Embrace the Light by Jocelynn Drake]()
Embrace the Light by Jocelynn Drake
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA Tragic Story Comes to Light.At last, Caelan and his companions are heading to see a long-time ally of Erya.But New Rosanthe soldiers have already moved into the city, and nothing is quite as it seems.Even as old betrayals reveal new enemies, Caelan’s main goal remains the God of Wisdom and the truth.The only problem is that time is running out and the Dead God is waiting to claim him... -
![The World of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas]()
The World of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe official guide to the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series complete with characters, creatures, new artwork, and more!Everyone knows the story of the assassin queen. But now, fans of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series will be immersed in her journey like never before... -
![Dryad-Born by Jeff Wheeler]()
Dryad-Born by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe struggle to save the plague-ridden kingdoms continues in this captivating second novel in the Whispers from Mirrowen series.The orphan Phae has kept her innate ability secret since she was young. Not only does she possess the dangerous fireblood, but she can also steal the memories of anyone who looks into her eyes. Phae has no idea that her combination of powers is extraordinary... -
![Knife Children by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Knife Children by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLakewalker Barr Foxbrush returns from two years of patrolling the bitter wilds of Luthlia against the enigmatic, destructive entities called malices, only to find that the secret daughter he'd left behind in the hinterland of Oleana has disappeared from her home after a terrible accusation... -
![The King of Koraha by Maria V. Snyder]()
The King of Koraha by Maria V. Snyder
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHard on the heels of trouble in Zirdai city, Shyla Sun-Kissed and Rendor are ordered to report to the King of Koraha - a summons that is deadly to ignore. The King holds the key to Koraha's existence, but a formidable new enemy threatens Koraha's very survival and the King desperately needs Shyla and Rendor's help... -
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![Endgames by L.E. Modesitt Jr.]()
Endgames by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe twelfth novel in L. E. Modesitt, Jr's, New York Times bestselling epic fantasy series the Imager Portfolio, and the third book in the story arc that began with Treachery's Tools and Assassin's Price. Solidar is in chaos.Charyn, the young and untested ruler of Solidar, has survived assassination, and he struggles to gain control of a realm in the grip of social upheaval, war, and rioting... -
![Tempest by R.K. Ryals]()
Tempest by R.K. Ryals
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWe must overcome and prevail ...King Raemon of Medeisia is slaughtering tattooed scribes and mages, forcing them into hiding. All marked and those associated with them are destroyed. The people are desperate. Months after challenging Raemon, the marked rebels of Medeisia must rise against their bloodthirsty king or chance being annihilated... -
![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... -
![The Dark Prince by Sarah K.L. Wilson]()
The Dark Prince by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho says all handsome princes are charming? Hunted by the Magikas, Amel seeks refuge on a secluded island with her beloved dragon and an injured friend. But when she meets the Prince of Baojang there, she realizes she can't stay in hiding. Someone needs to warn the Dominion of the plotted treachery she’s sure he’s a part of - and quickly before her friend Savette is married off to the Dark Prince... -
![Crown of Power by Melanie Cellier]()
Crown of Power by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsVerene is determined to complete her fourth and final year at the Academy, despite her family's opposition to Darius, and his own obstinance about the future of their relationship. And Darius needs to graduate in order to claim his throne... -
![Blood of the Earth by David A. Wells]()
Blood of the Earth by David A. Wells
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAlexander’s costly victory at Northport provides only a brief reprieve from the onslaught of enemy forces converging on those loyal to the Old Law. Prince Phane has created a deadly new soldier – man mixed with darkness – imbued with terrible power and a purpose so sinister that that it could turn those Alexander loves most against him … or take them away from him forever... -
![Power of Pen and Voice by Melanie Cellier]()
Power of Pen and Voice by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA Spoken Mage companion novelWhen a Sekali princess unexpectedly bursts into Elena and Lucas’s betrothal celebrations, Ardann is forced to send a team to investigate her claims of a new enemy. The last thing Saffron expects, or wants, is to be called on to assist. But she can’t risk disgracing her family by refusing to join the expedition... -
![Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer]()
Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsWith her death foretold, Althea Zoltaire only has three years to become what she’s always dreamed of being: a warrior legend.Women are forbidden to wield blades, so she has trained in secret her entire life. Now racing against the clock, she fights to secure her place in the elite guild charged with the protection of the five kingdoms... -
![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... -
![Winter Wren by Miranda Honfleur]()
Winter Wren by Miranda Honfleur
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA mage apprentice and her master... Against three hundred mercenaries sieging a town.Seventeen-year-old mage apprentice Rielle accompanies her master, Leigh, on a mission to save a viscount from a town under mercenary control. But mercenaries aren't the only newcomers to town. When the mission goes awry, Rielle must choose whether to follow her orders or follow her conscience... -
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![Lost Towers by Angelina J. Steffort]()
Lost Towers by Angelina J. Steffort
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWith evil rising, every secret can change the course of history.The curse is broken. The Fae are free. And so is Gandrett—at least to walk away from the palace at Lei’Vreah, from the King of Fae who she supposedly is in love with, from the prince who almost died in her arms.Her friends are out there, needing her help... -
![Caprion's Wings by T.L. Shreffler]()
Caprion's Wings by T.L. Shreffler
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA novella of The Cat's Eye Chronicles.Release Date: February 28th, 2014By the age of nineteen, all Harpies know how to fly—except Caprion. He has yet pass the test of the Singing and gain his wings. His family has disowned him in shame and people are beginning to talk. Now an evil voice haunts his dreams, taunting him, drawing out his worst fears—that he will remain wingless forever... -
![Child of the Flames by D.W. Hawkins]()
Child of the Flames by D.W. Hawkins
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Red Swords came with the sunrise and took everything Shawna Llewan held dear. Her family massacred, her home destroyed, she escapes with nothing but her mother’s heirloom and the desire for vengeance. When she’s found by Dormael, a Warlock of the Conclave, she learns that her mother’s keepsake—the reason her family was killed—holds the power to unleash boundless destruction... -
![Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump]()
Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFor goddess-touched girls, there is only one destiny: the CullingFrom the moment Monroe Benson is born with a mark on her hand and the ability to summon fire from her fingertips, her life will never be her own. She’s goddess-touched, which means she’s destined to participate in the Culling, an age-old competition to determine the next queen of Erydia... -
![The Crystal Gryphon by Andre Norton]()
The Crystal Gryphon by Andre Norton
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe story of Kerovan, whose cloven hooves set him apart from the human folk of the Dales, as he seeks his rights as heir to the throne of Ulm at a time when strange sea invaders are shattering the old kingdoms, and equally enigmatic manifestations of the Old Ones coming to interfere with humanity... -
![Two Hearts by Peter S. Beagle]()
Two Hearts by Peter S. Beagle
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCoda to The Last Unicorn – a novelette. Available for free on the author's website... -
![The Warrior Queen by Emily R. King]()
The Warrior Queen by Emily R. King
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn the final volume of The Hundredth Queen Series, Kalinda will risk everything to save the man she loves.Kalinda has brought peace to the Tarachand Empire, at least for now. Bhutas no longer need to hide their gifts. The last of the rebels have been banished. And Prince Ashwin is set to take over as rajah.But for Kalinda, this all came at a great loss. Her childhood home. Her best friend... -
![Lady of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis]()
Lady of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLyr's journey continues February 14,... -
![Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros]()
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust... -
![Brighid's Quest by P.C. Cast]()
Brighid's Quest by P.C. Cast
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIn this follow-up to Elphame's Choice, Brighid flees her centaur clan's rigid traditions and prejudice to find peace and acceptance among the humans of Clan MacCallan. When her family summons her home, Brighid must make a fateful decision... -
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![The Uncrowned Prince by Kenley Davidson]()
The Uncrowned Prince by Kenley Davidson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKiss him or kill him?After years of living a double life as a wastrel and a cad, Prince Vaniell has walked away from his position and privilege with only two goals in mind—to save the Five Thrones, and to build a world where mages can live in peace. His greatest enemy in this endeavor? A power hungry king, whose dreams of empire march ever closer to fruition.Melger. The ruler of Garimore... -
![Descent of Ravens by A.C. Andrews]()
Descent of Ravens by A.C. Andrews
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThe old covenant of the gods is broken. Will the world break, too?When an army of vampires invades their home, Rio and Turi must fight for their future while the fate of an empire hangs in the balance... -
![Queen of Bitter Thorn by Kay L. Moody]()
Queen of Bitter Thorn by Kay L. Moody
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFaerie itself is on the brink of destruction.Alone and frightened, Elora must return to Bitter Thorn to share news of Queen Alessandra’s most recent victory. But the realm is crumbling before her eyes. Frost covers surfaces it should not. Defensive enchantments are not as strong as they should be.Everyone in Faerie is falling prey to the Fairfrost queen’s manipulation... -
![Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark]()
Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNorah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister... -
![The Dragon's Curse by Bethany Wiggins]()
The Dragon's Curse by Bethany Wiggins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn action-packed fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Julie Kagawa's Talon and Renee Ahdieh's The Wrath and the Dawn about a princess who must fight the dragons trying to destroy her world. Six months ago, Princess Sorrowlynn stood beside Prince Golmarr to defeat the glass dragon... -
![Oculta by Maya Motayne]()
Oculta by Maya Motayne
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter joining forces to save Castallan from an ancient magical evil, Alfie and Finn haven’t seen each other in months. Alfie is finally stepping up to his role as heir and preparing for an International Peace Summit, while Finn is traveling and reveling in her newfound freedom from Ignacio... -
![Dark Horse by Mary H. Herbert]()
Dark Horse by Mary H. Herbert
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter her entire clan was massacred, a young woman assumes her brother's identity and becomes a warrior - all to exact revenge upon the chieftain who ordered her family slain. But the chieftain, Lord Medb, has resurrected the forbidden art of sorcery and plans to destroy all who oppose him in this dark ages fantasy world... -
![Burning Bright by Megan Derr]()
Burning Bright by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNine gods ruled the world, until the ultimate betrayal resulted in their destruction. Now, the world is dying and only by restoring the Lost Gods can it be saved. In the land of Pozhar, the people fear the return of Zhar Ptitsa, the god of souls and rebirth who nearly destroyed them nine hundred years ago in a terrible rage... -
![The Dragon Sickness by Ava Richardson]()
The Dragon Sickness by Ava Richardson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTheir power is in the strength of their bond. But deceit threatens to break it. It’s official. Kaelan Younger has finally been accepted as a dragon tamer at the Akademy. Yet even as she begins to learn the extent of her powers, a mysterious illness stalks the dragons and threatens Prince Lasaro. More than her bond with the prince is endangered when Kaelan seeks help from a most unlikely source... -
![The Living God by Dave Duncan]()
The Living God by Dave Duncan
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWar had engulfed the whole world. The imposter imperor ruling in Hub was the tool of the paranoid and almighty sorcerer Xinixo, who wielded the combined power of thousands of sorcerer slaves. And yet, despite his seeming omnipotence, the pathetic few who resisted him were still at liberty, even making a little progress... -
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![Shattered Kingdom by Angelina J. Steffort]()
Shattered Kingdom by Angelina J. Steffort
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPerfect for fans of "Throne of Glass" and "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J Maas and "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo.Sworn to a goddess. One with her blade. A heart yet unbroken.It would have been only one more year of training. One year in the dust and wind of the Calma Desert. But Gandrett Brayton’s fate storms in disguised as a beautiful stranger with a damning secret... -
![Sound the Gong by Joan He]()
Sound the Gong by Joan He
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, comes the dazzling and sweeping conclusion to The Kingdom of Three duology, Sound the Gong, the breathtaking sequel to the critically-acclaimed Strike the Zither.All her life, Zephyr has tried to rise above her humble origins as a no-name orphan. Now she is a god in a warrior’s body, and never has she felt more powerless... -
![Non-Heir by Rachel E. Carter]()
Non-Heir by Rachel E. Carter
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPrince. Prodigy. Mage. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Falling Kingdoms, and Tamora Pierce.This prequel novella is set before the events of The Black Mage series. Novella follows Prince Darren as a child through adolescence and his first run-in with Ryiah at the Academy of Magic... -
![The Last Talisman by Licia Troisi]()
The Last Talisman by Licia Troisi
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNihal must make an impossible journey to defeat an army of the dead Nihal wakes in the forest, a talisman heavy around her neck. Her armies are scattered, she is sick with fever, and the Tyrant’s grip on the Overworld is tighter than ever... -
![A New Kingdom by Licia Troisi]()
A New Kingdom by Licia Troisi
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDubhe and Theana are marching towards the Royal Palace of the Land of the Sun to kill Dohor, the corrupt tyrant who has joined forces with the Murderers’ Guild. Dohor’s troops capture Dubhe and Theana. They are sold as slaves to Learco, Dohor’s son, who brings them to court with him. On the way to Makrat, Dubhe and Learco become acquainted and fall in love... -
![Voice of the Gods by Trudi Canavan]()
Voice of the Gods by Trudi Canavan
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsUnable to avoid being drawn into the terrible conflict, Auraya, now protector of the Siyee, fears she will be unable to meet the conditions of the all-powerful gods she once served. And an offer from a mysterious woman may be impossible for Auraya to refuse, but, if revealed, would brand her an enemy of the gods...
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