Books like 'The Light Bearer'
Readers who enjoyed The Light Bearer by Donna Gillespie also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy romance action / adventure military, war & conflict historical-fiction epic roman-empire ancient-civilization warriors
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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... -
The Robber Knight's Love by Robert Thier
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAyla has uncovered a terrible secret: the man she loves is in fact her worst enemy. As a mighty army gathers to destroy her and her people, she must ask herself: will he join them to destroy her? Must she cut him out of her heart to survive? Or is there another way – a way to forgiveness and... love? Sequel to Robert Thier's #1 Hit 'The Robber Knight'... -
Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsFrom Tamora Pierce, the final book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet, honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award.Having achieved her dream of becoming the first female knight errant, Alanna of Trebond is not sure what to do next. She has triumphed in countless bloody battles, and her adventures are already legendary...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction war warriors 20th-century action-adventure alpha-mc audiobook -
Falls the Shadow by Sharon Kay Penman
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsThis is Simon de Montfort's story—and the story of King Henry III, as weak and changeable as Montfort was brash and unbending. It is a saga of two opposing wills that would later clash in a storm of violence and betrayal, a story straight from the pages of history that brings the world of the thirteenth century completely, provocatively, and magnificently alive... -
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In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 69 ratingsDisguised as a boy, Alanna of Trebond becomes a squire, to none other than the prince of the realm. But Prince Jonathan is much more to Alanna; he is her ally, her best friend, and one of the few who knows that she's really a girl... -
The Robber Knight's Secret by Robert Thier
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe final battle for love, life and liberty has begun!Ayla has had to defend her people in the past, but this time, it is no mercenary rabble outside the gates of her castle: it is the army of the Margrave von Falkenstein himself. Her people are outnumbered and have nowhere to run... -
Siege by K.F. Breene
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe land has become unnaturally quiet. It's as if everyone is waiting for some sign that Xandre can be beaten. That someone will stand up to him, and win.With Shanti calling the shots, and Cayan's battle know-how, it seems certain that the Chosen can be the catalyst. That they can lead the oppressed to freedom... -
The Lord John Series by Diana Gabaldon
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDiana Gabaldon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander series, delivers captivating tales of history, intrigue, and suspense that feature one of her most popular characters: Lord John Grey. This thrilling eBook collection—featuring three novels and one collection of novellas—follows Lord John as he defends his country, ferrets out spies, and unravels a haunting family mystery... -
Hero at the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsWhen gunslinging Amani Al'Hiza escaped her dead-end town, she never imagined she'd join a revolution, let alone lead one. But after the bloodthirsty Sultan of Miraji imprisoned the Rebel Prince Ahmed in the mythical city of Eremot, she doesn't have a choice... -
The Blood Debt by Duncan M. Hamilton
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA blade fit for a hero. An army for a tyrant. A reckoning long awaited, and a tale reaching its end. The riveting conclusion to the Wolf of the North trilogy by Duncan M... -
The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, but over centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, their stern piety has eroded. The Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction war 20th-century action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThirteenth-century Wales is a divided country, ever at the mercy of England's ruthless, power-hungry King John. Then Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, secures an uneasy truce with England by marrying the English king's beloved, illegitimate daughter, Joanna. Reluctant to wed her father's bitter enemy, Joanna slowly grows to love her charismatic and courageous husband who dreams of uniting Wales... -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction war 20th-century action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
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Ceridwen of Kilton by Octavia Randolph
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNinth-century Saxon England crumbles under the onslaught of a relentless foe - the Danish Vikings. Ceridwen, a young woman with divided loyalties, watches as the peace and plenty she enjoys at the Saxon stronghold of Kilton gives way to wary watchfulness... -
When We Were Crowned by Auryn Hadley
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA GLADIATOR QUEEN IS JUST LIKE A GLADIATOR—SHE DOESN'T FIGHT FAIR! AND SHE'S BECOME THE THING SHE MOST FEARED BEING--A PREGNANT GLADIATOR.Long Live the Gladiator Queen!With the crown safely on Leyli's head, her problems should've been over. Her country is safe. Her family is together. What more could a new Queen ask for? Unfortunately, spending her mornings purging her stomach isn't it... -
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... -
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... -
A Crimson Frost by Marcia Lynn McClure
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBeloved of her father, King Dacian, and adored by her people, the Scarlet Princess Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom well—for the people of the Kingdom of Karvana were good, and worthy of service. Long Monet had known that even her marriage would serve her people. Her husband would be chosen for her—for this was the way of royal existence...Categorized as:
historical-fiction war warriors action-adventure arranged-marriage arthurian book christian -
The Circle of Ceridwen by Octavia Randolph
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt is the year 871. Of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, five have fallen to the invading Vikings. No trait is more valued than loyalty, and no possession more precious than one's steel. Across this war-torn landscape travels fifteen year old Ceridwen, now thrust into the lives of the conquerors.Epic...immensely satisfying.. -
The Pen and the Sword by Olan Thorensen
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDestiny’s Crucible: Joe Colsco boarded a flight from San Francisco to Chicago to attend a national chemistry meeting. Through a freak accident, he never sets foot on Earth again. He is unaware he has been poured into a crucible, where time and trials will transform him in ways unimagined, and that will send him and his descendants to a destiny beyond one planet...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction war action-adventure adult aliens alternate-history audiobook -
The She-Wolf by Maurice Druon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratings‘This was the original game of thrones’ George R.R. MartinCharles IV is now king of France and his sister is Edward II of England’s Queen. Having been imprisoned by Edward as leader of the rebellious English barons, Roger Mortimer escapes to France, where he joins the war against the English Aquitaine... -
Bound by Blood by Mia West
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’ll do anything for the man he loves.Even the unthinkable.Bedwyr has everything he could want. He’s come back from a devastating injury, and he’s a warrior again, regaining his father’s respect battle by successful battle.Best of all: he has Arthur... -
Captain of the Guard by Ron C. Nieto
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOren Trevaine has never shaken the feeling that he’s not good enough, but he’s determined to avoid the same fate for his men. Oren’s first task as Captain of the Guard is to transform his unruly, undisciplined soldiers into a formidable army—if only they would cooperate.But Oren will need to act fast because the snow is melting with the budding of spring... -
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Time of the Dragons by Robert Shea
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShike is a novel about two characters: Jebu, a fighting monk of the Order of Zinja, and Taniko, the minor noblewoman with whom he falls in love on his first mission - escorting her to an arranged marriage with a far older and extremely influential nobleman... -
Rebel Daughter by Lori Banov Kaufmann
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn the years preceding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, young Esther's greatest worry is that she will be forced to marry against her will but soon, she faces famine, seige, and slavery...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction roman-empire war action-adventure audiobook book christian -
Across the Nightingale Floor, Episode 2: Journey to Inuyama by Lian Hearn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLord Otori, Takeo, and Takeo's new teacher Kenji set off to meet Kaede, a fifteen-year-old girl chosen as the future Lady Otori by a group of political collaborators. Takeo is still trying to come to terms with knowing that, through the father he never knew, he is one of the Tribe--a group of mysterious, ninja-like assassins who have allegiance to no one...Categorized as:
historical-fiction war action-adventure book coming-of-age death family female-author -
Something Human by A.J. Demas
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey met on a battlefield and saved each other's lives. It's not the way enemies-to-lovers usually works.Adares comes from a civilization of democracy and indoor plumbing. Rus belongs to a tribe of tattooed, semi-nomadic horse-breeders. They meet in the aftermath of battle, when Rus saves Adares's life, and Adares returns the favour... -
The Heart of the Lost Star by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKamir is on the verge of losing everything. Knowing full well he can't meet the ultimatum his parents have issued, he instead finally puts in motion his plans to live completely independent of them. His plans are interrupted, however, by the unexpected return of his despised ex-husband—and thrown even further into upheaval when he ends up comforting the man he's secretly loved for years... -
The Eagle and the Raven by Pauline Gedge
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPauline Gedge, the award-winning Alberta writer known primarily for her novels set in ancient Egypt, such as Child of the Morning and Stargate, has also essayed the field of British history, as in this early work The Eagle and the Raven, originally issued in 1978...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization epic historical-fiction roman-empire war action-adventure adult book -
A Fugitive Green by Diana Gabaldon, Jeff Woodman
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe #1 New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Outlander series weaves a captivating story of secrets and intrigue, bringing together Lord John’s elder brother, Harold Grey, and his future wife, Minnie. This novella, originally published in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall, is now available as a standalone ebook... -
Heavier Than a Mountain by Olan Thorensen
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBeware of creating your worst enemy. All Joe Colsco wanted out of life was a reasonably interesting job supporting a quiet, comfortable suburban lifestyle, eventually a small family, and time to pursue hobbies. Instead, a freak accident casts him naked onto a beach of another planet inhabited by humans with technology circa 1700...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction war action-adventure adult aliens alternate-history audiobook -
The Traitor's Ruin by Erin Beaty
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter proving her worth in book one as a deft spy and strategic matchmaker, Sage Fowler is now comfortably positioned in high society as the royal tutor. When she’s called upon to teach his majesty’s soldiers how to read and write, she jumps at the chance to serve her kingdom of Demora—and to be reunited with her fiancé, Captain Alex Quinn. During a skirmish, Sage and Alex are separated... -
Rift by Andrea Cremer
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsChronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world... -
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Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWife. Warrior. Lady of two worlds.As war looms, will her power be enough to save the ones she loves?Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker—a power greater than any in history. She embraces her new role as Nightwatcher, able to intercede for her people in the dream world, but the dark shadow of war draws even closer... -
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... -
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) Vol. 4 by Priest
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEVIL IN THE BLOODAs Chang Geng continues his dangerous mission investigating corruption in the south, Gu Yun races back to the capital in hopes of stopping a bloody insurrection. But internal unrest is not all that threatens the throne of Great Liang as foreign enemies gather on both land and sea...Categorized as:
historical-fiction ancient-civilization war romance fantasy steampunk industrial-era lgbtq -
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... -
Prophet by R.J. Larson
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsEla Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified and bad-tempered, and at age seventeen she's much too young. In addition, no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as Parne's elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young... -
A Taste for Poison by Aleksandr Voinov
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEven a king gets stung when he reaches for a scorpion.After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his Empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves... -
The Archer's Heart Book Two by Astrid Amara
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the ancient kingdom of Marhavad, noblemen dominate the lower castes, wielding mystic weapons, known as shartas, against any who oppose them. For generations the rule of Marhavad’s kings has been absolute. But now the line of succession is divided, and whispers of revolution are heard in even the royal palace.Keshan Adaru, an outspoken man of unearthly charms, welcomes these changes... -
Secrets of Neverak by Jacob Gowans
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHenry Vestin believed that despite being only a carpenter he could lead Isabelle and their friends to safety. He thought he could defy an emperor and protect Isabelle from harm. He was certain that love and friendship would be enough to survive.He was wrong.The Secrets of Neverak follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await them in strange new lands... -
The Royal Librarian by Daisy Wood
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA royal palace. A closed book. A betrayal that will echo through generations…Windsor, 1940: War rages, and as bombs rain down across Britain, nowhere is safe: not even a royal palace.Secretly tasked with foiling a suspected plot, Sophie Klein is placed in the Royal Library at Windsor castle, where the princesses reside... -
11处特工皇妃 [Division 11's Princess Agent] by Xiao Xiang Dong Er, 潇湘冬儿
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe was the trusted adviser of the military intelligence unit 11 in the National Security Bureau in charge of collecting intelligence, planning and deployment, arranging assassination missions, and devising strategies in unfriendly countries to obtain victory thousands of miles away. She could be said to be the pinnacle of military intelligence building...Categorized as:
war ancient-civilization romance historical fantasy wuxia ancient-china love-triangle -
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The Mind's Eye by K.C. Finn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA girl with a telepathic gift finds a boy clinging to his last hope during the war-torn climate of Europe, 1940. At fifteen, Kit Cavendish is one the oldest evacuees to escape London at the start of the Second World War due to a long term illness that sees her stuck in a wheelchair most of the time...Categorized as:
historical-fiction war 20th-century action-adventure book coming-of-age disability fiction -
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...Categorized as:
historical-fiction war epic romance fantasy young-adult high-fantasy action-adventure -
God's Hammer by Eric Schumacher
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHistory and legend combine in the gripping tale of Hakon Haraldsson, a Christian boy who once fought for the High Seat of a Viking realm.It is 935 A.D. and the North is in turmoil. King Harald Fairhair has died, leaving the High Seat of the realm to his murderous son, Erik Bloodaxe... -
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... -
Raptor by Gary Jennings
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Goth who leads a secret life as a woman narrates his exploits in combat and in bed, from his unorthodox sexual awakening in a convent, through his journey across Europe with a Roman woodsman. By the author of Aztec. 75,000 first printing. $75,000 ad/promo... -
Cage of Deceit by Jennifer Anne Davis
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSixteen-year-old Allyssa appears to be the ideal princess of Emperion--she's beautiful, elegant, and refined. She spends her days locked in a suffocating cage, otherwise known as the royal court. But at night, Allyssa uses her secret persona--that of a vigilante--to hunt down criminals and help her people firsthand...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction war action-adventure alpha-mc arranged-marriage assassins audiobook
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