Books like 'Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears'
Readers who enjoyed Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears by Ellen Datlow, Lisa Goldstein, John Brunner, Nancy A. Collins, Gene Wolfe, Susan Palwick, Milbre Burch, Gahan Wilson, Anne Bishop, Kathe Koja, Ellen Steiber, Susan Wade, Neil Gaiman, Jane Yolen, Delia Sherman, Tanith Lee, Garry Kilworth, Nancy Kress, Farida S.T. Shapiro, Joyce Carol Oates, Roberta Lannes & Michael Cadnum also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy horror dark fantasy high fantasy retellings fairy-tale myths dark dragons witches-wizards
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Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 66 ratingsGeralt is a witcher, a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious elixir, have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin. Yet he is no ordinary murderer: his targets are the multifarious monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent.This is a collection of short stories, following the adventures of the hit collection THE LAST WISH... -
![The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo]()
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsLove speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns. Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price... -
![Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop]()
Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsReturn to the realm of the Blood in Dreams Made Flesh—featuring four revelatory all-new adventures of Jaenelle and her kindred….Jaenelle is the most powerful Witch ever known, centuries of hopes and dreams made flesh at last...Categorized as:
dark dragons magic paranormal witches-wizards action-adventure anthologies assassins -
![Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 71 ratingsGeralt is a witcher, a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious elixir, have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin. Yet he is no ordinary murderer: his targets are the multifarious monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent.This is a collection of short stories, following the adventures of the hit collection THE LAST WISH... -
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![In the Cities of Coin and Spice by Catherynne M. Valente]()
In the Cities of Coin and Spice by Catherynne M. Valente
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsCatherynne M. Valente enchanted readers with her spellbinding In the Night Garden. Now she continues to weave her storytelling magic in a new book of Orphan’s Tales—an epic of the fantastic and the exotic, the monstrous and mysterious, that will transport you far away from the everyday…... -
![Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop]()
Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop’s “darkly fascinating” Black Jewel novels have enthralled readers and critics alike with their mixture of fantasy, intrigue, and romance. Now in Twilight’s Dawn, Bishop returns to the Blood realm with four all-new captivating novellas...Categorized as:
animals dark magic paranormal witches-wizards action-adventure anthologies audiobook -
![The Queen's Weapons by Anne Bishop]()
The Queen's Weapons by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsEnter the dark and sensual realms of the Black Jewels, a world where power always has a price, in this sweeping story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga. They are Warlord Princes, men born to serve and protect. They are the Queen's Weapons, men born to destroy the Queen's enemies--no matter what face that enemy wears... -
![The Warring Son by Bryce O'Connor]()
The Warring Son by Bryce O'Connor
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 24 ratings**Book 2 in the Top 10 Bestselling Epic Fantasy series on Amazon** Raz i'Syul Arro is a hunted man. To the south, the Mahsadën of Miropa are gone. The šef lay dead, slain at Raz's own hands, their cruel will ripped from the shadows of the city... -
![Ghost in the Ring by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Ring by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCaina Amalas was once a deadly Ghost nightfighter, a spy and agent of the Emperor of Nighmar. Now she only wishes to live quietly with her husband. But civil war grips the Empire, and Caina's skills are needed against the cruel sorcerers of the malevolent Umbarian Order. And Caina has a dangerous connection to the Umbarians... -
![Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider]()
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey took it all: his will, his memories, his freedom, his magic. Imprisoned by his enemies, tortured and drugged to keep his magic suppressed, Ian Troy returns to a world as marred and broken as he is. Ravaged by the reign of her new High King, Draken of Langor, Mirra’kelan’s citizens live in fear. The Shinree, misled by Jem Reth’s promises, are no longer slaves, but they are far from free... -
![The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsThe New York Times bestselling series that inspired the international hit video game: The Witcher Geralt is a witcher: guardian of the innocent; protector of those in need; a defender, in dark times, against some of the most frightening creatures of myth and legend. His task, now, is to protect Ciri... -
![Ghost in the Mask by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Mask by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaina Amalas is a nightfighter of the Ghosts, the spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar, and through cunning and valor she has cast down both proud lords and mighty sorcerers. But a power darker than any she has ever faced is awakening... -
![The Dragon in Winter by Jonathan Maberry]()
The Dragon in Winter by Jonathan Maberry
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Dragon in Winter brings New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry's epic Kagen the Damned Trilogy to a wild conclusion!War is coming! War is here! The Witch-king of Hakkia, aided by terrifying dark forces, sits uneasy on his stolen throne. His enemies, led by Kagen the Damned and the Bloody Bastards have found the secrets of ancient magic they hope will defeat him... -
![Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher]()
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 70 ratingsFrom Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes an original and subversive fantasy adventure. This isn't the kind of fairytale where the princess marries a prince. It's the one where she kills him. Marra never wanted to be a hero... -
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![The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 79 ratingsGeralt the Witcher—revered and hated—is a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious elixir, have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin. Yet he is no ordinary murderer: his targets are the multifarious monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent. But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good.. -
![Fulcrum of Light by C.J. Aaron]()
Fulcrum of Light by C.J. Aaron
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFreedom has come at a price.Stranded on the coast of an uncharted land, Ryl will be tested as the world outside the Palisades proves darker than within.With little to no direction save the cryptic information from a mysterious stranger, Ryl must rely on his new-found skills and place his trust in his new companion. Together they forge onward into the barren wastes of the Outlands... -
![Autumn of the Grimoire by J.L. Vampa]()
Autumn of the Grimoire by J.L. Vampa
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSome witches cast spells. Others slay kings.A mysterious Grimoire. A marriage full of dark secrets. A History sculpted by a quartet of ancient Sister witches.For three hundred years, Sister Autumn has incited wars, burnt villages, killed kings, and released plagues at the bidding of the Grimoire. Meanwhile, her Sister Winter, Sister Spring, and Sister Summer have brought forth only peace... -
![Of Mischief & Mages by L.J. Andrews]()
Of Mischief & Mages by L.J. Andrews
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA sorceress with lost power to claim the throne.A royal thief fading to a cursed heart.A forgotten love that will destroy their world.When Adira’s crook of a boss sends her to a Las Vegas casino as one of his goons, her world turns upside down and she’s tossed through the gates of a strange, dangerous world of Mage courts and curses... -
![Black Talon by Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin]()
Black Talon by Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKullen is the Emperor’s assassin. The sharp hand of justice. The Black Talon.Gifted a soul-forged bond with his dragon, Umbris, Kullen is tasked with hunting any and all who oppose the Empire.But when the secretive Crimson Fang murders two noblemen before his very eyes, Kullen must discover the truth of who they are and what they want... -
![The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 70 ratingsGeralt the Witcher—revered and hated—is a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious elixir, have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin. Yet he is no ordinary murderer: his targets are the multifarious monsters and vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent. But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good.. -
![Iron Wolf by Siri Pettersen]()
Iron Wolf by Siri Pettersen
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA new series from the author of The Raven Rings trilogy - Siri Pettersen!Juva knows all about blood readers. Praised for their Sight, they are nothing but swindlers, preying on people’s fears for power and profit. Born by blood readers herself, she knows only too well, and she has vowed never to become one of them... -
![Attack of the Fiend by Joseph Delaney]()
Attack of the Fiend by Joseph Delaney
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 40 ratings"I see your future clearly. Your master will be dead, and you will be alone. It would be better if you had never been born."Thomas Ward is the apprentice for the local Spook, who banishes boggarts and drives away ghosts. But now a new danger is threatening Tom's world. The witches are rising and the three most powerful clans are uniting in order to conjure an unimaginable evil... -
![The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King]()
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 57 ratingsStephen King returns to the rich landscape of Mid-World, the spectacular territory of the Dark Tower fantasy saga that stands as his most beguiling achievement. Roland Deschain and his ka-tet—Jake, Susannah, Eddie, and Oy, the billy-bumbler—encounter a ferocious storm just after crossing the River Whye on their way to the Outer Baronies... -
![From the Shadows of the Owl Queen's Court by Benedict Patrick]()
From the Shadows of the Owl Queen's Court by Benedict Patrick
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIf you value your life, stay out of the forest. As a captive of the Owl Queen’s Court, Nascha’s life has always been one knife’s edge away from disaster. But when she is threatened for nothing more than the colour of her hair, Nascha attempts the unthinkable: escape through the dreaded Magpie King’s forest... -
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![The Spook's Revenge by Joseph Delaney]()
The Spook's Revenge by Joseph Delaney
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratings‘He’s the seventh son of a seventh son. His name is Thomas J. Ward and he’s my gift to the County. When he’s old enough we’ll send you word. Train him well. He’ll be the best apprentice you’ve ever had and he’ll also be your last.’These were the words of Tom's Mam to the county Spook some years ago... -
![The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin, Samuel Roukin]()
The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin, Samuel Roukin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe greatest fantasies of the 20th century are J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle. Regrettably, the Earthsea Cycle has not received the fame and sales of Tolkien's trilogy. Fortunately, new Earthsea books have appeared in the 21st century, and they are as powerful, beautiful, and imaginative as the first four novels...Categorized as:
animals dragons magic myths paranormal witches-wizards 21st-century action-adventure -
![Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 74 ratingsThe New York Times bestselling series that inspired the international hit video game: The Witcher.For over a century, humans, dwarves, gnomes, and elves have lived together in relative peace. But times have changed, the uneasy peace is over, and now the races are fighting once again. The only good elf, it seems, is a dead elf... -
![Ghost in the Maze by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Maze by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCaina Amalas is a Ghost circlemaster, leader of the Emperor's spies in Istarinmul. Yet the people of Istarinmul know her as the Balarigar, the daring master thief who challenged the corrupt lords and cruel princes of the city. And now Grand Master Callatas, the most powerful sorcerer of Istarinmul, wants her dead, and without allies Caina will not survive... -
![The Gryphon's Lair by Kelley Armstrong]()
The Gryphon's Lair by Kelley Armstrong
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe exciting follow-up book in the fantastical duology for ages 10-14 by NYT bestselling author, Kelley Armstrong.Rowan is now the Royal Monster Hunter, and her twin brother, Rhydd, is destined to be king. But her mother's cousin Heward is still determined that his children be the ones to inherit the titles, and will stop at nothing to show that Rowan and Rhydd are too immature to properly lead... -
![Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords by Benedict Patrick]()
Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords by Benedict Patrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDon't draw your blade in the City of Swords, unless you're willing to kill… or ready to die.Young and filled with idealistic fervor, Arturo packs his blade and travels to the fabled City of Swords in the hopes of joining the dashing Bravadori. Yet upon arriving he discovers these masked vigilantes have more in common with brutal thugs than noble monster slayers... -
![Flames of Promise by Jack Whitney]()
Flames of Promise by Jack Whitney
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWith their kingdom in ruins, Dorian and Nyssari Eaglefyre must make a choice. Remain bound to the kingdom and people that betrayed their family and live their lives in silence, or run and be declared traitors of the realm... -
![Ally by K. Eason]()
Ally by K. Eason
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe city of Illharek teeters on the edge of war. Rival godsworn battle in both the Suburban streets and the Senate chambers. And in the fields and forests, a Taliri army plots its attack.When a rebel faction of Taliri offers to help defeat Tal’Shik, Dekklis sends Snow and her partner, Veiko, north to Cardik’s ruins... -
![Desolation by Megg Jensen]()
Desolation by Megg Jensen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTressa's army won the battle, but at a terrible cost. So many lives lost. So many lovers torn asunder. And that was just the beginning. An ancient beast rumbles beneath the Dragonlands, thirsting for blood. Dragon blood. Setting aside her heartbreak, Tressa ventures beyond the Dragonlands to the mysterious realm of Desolation, searching for allies and answers... -
![Zawód: Wiedźma, Część 2 by Olga Gromyko]()
Zawód: Wiedźma, Część 2 by Olga Gromyko
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJak mówi stare przysłowie, gdzie mag nie może, tam... magiczkę pośle. Zasada ta obowiązuje także w drugim tomie opowieści o W.Rednej - nie takiej znowu wrednej - adeptce VIII roku Starmińskiej Wyższej Szkoły Magii, Wróżbiarstwa i Zielarstwa. Jej "wiedźmowatość" ma niezwykły talent do magii, nieprzeciętną intuicję i wściekłą inteligencję. Zawsze czyta cudzą korespondencję...Categorized as:
dragons magic paranormal witches-wizards action-adventure book dark-fantasy female-mc -
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![Tevinter Nights by John Epler, Brianne Battye]()
Tevinter Nights by John Epler, Brianne Battye
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAn anthology of original stories based on the dark fantasy, role-playing video game series from Bioware.Ancient horrors. Marauding invaders. Powerful mages. And a world that refuses to stay fixed.Welcome to Thedas... -
![Tribute at the Gates by C.J. Aaron]()
Tribute at the Gates by C.J. Aaron
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCursed from birth. Forced into slavery. It's time to fight back.The blood of the Ancients is the most coveted ingredient in all of Damaris. The fabled elixir made from it grants those who drink it life that extends far beyond natural means.There is no higher honor in the kingdom then being granted the privilege of bidding for it... -
![Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey]()
Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSadima, Franklin, and Somiss, driven out of Limòri by a suspicious fire, are living in a cave hidden within the cliffs that overlook the city. Somiss is convinced the dark passages of the caves were the home of ancient magicians, and his obsession with restoring magic deepens... -
![The Thickety: The Whispering Trees by J.A. White, Moira Quirk]()
The Thickety: The Whispering Trees by J.A. White, Moira Quirk
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe second book in J. A. White s critically acclaimed middle grade fantasy series continues the fantastical story of Kara and her journey into the Thickety.After Kara Westfall s village turns on her for practicing witchcraft, she and her brother Taff flee to the one place they know they won t be followed: the Thickety. Only this time the forest demon Sordyr is intent on keeping them there... -
![Night of the Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney]()
Night of the Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsIt's going to be a long, hard, cruel winter. And there couldn't be a worse place to spend it than up on Anglezarke.Thomas Ward is the apprentice for the local Spook, who captures witches and drives away ghosts. As the weather gets colder and the nights draw in, the Spook receives an unexpected visitor... -
![Insurrection by Thomas M. Reid]()
Insurrection by Thomas M. Reid
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe War of the Spider Queen spreads...A hand-picked team of the most capable drow adventurers begin a perilous journey through the treacherous Underdark, all the while surrounded by the chaos of war. Their path will take them through the very heart of darkness, and the Underdark will be shaken to its core. If the powerful dark elves falter, the world below is open for Insurrection... -
![Death's Master by Tanith Lee]()
Death's Master by Tanith Lee
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsDeath's Master, winner of the August Derleth Award for Fantasy, is the second book of the stunning arabesque high fantasy series Tales from the Flat Earth, which, in the manner of the One Thousand and One Nights, portrays an ancient world in mythic grandeur via connected tales... -
![Men and Monsters by Elena May]()
Men and Monsters by Elena May
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe stakes have risen. For fifty years, Prince Vladimir has tolerated the Resistance, but now they threaten what he holds dear. The vicious vampire will no longer hold back. A plan he has been working on for decades will finally reveal itself and entangle everyone standing on the way.For the first time after the Nightfall, the Resistance holds a true bargaining chip... -
![The Queen's Bargain by Anne Bishop]()
The Queen's Bargain by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsPOWER HAS A PRICE. SO DOES LOVE. Return to the dark, sensual, and powerful world of the Black Jewels in this long-awaited new story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga.After a youthful mistake, Lord Dillon's reputation is in tatters, leaving him vulnerable to aristo girls looking for a bit of fun. To restore his reputation and honor, he needs a handfast--a one-year contract of marriage... -
![The Door into Sunset by Diane Duane]()
The Door into Sunset by Diane Duane
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe author of The New York Times bestseller Spock's World continues the story of Freehorn, Herewiss, Segnbora, Sunspark, and Hasai in an entertaining and magical sequel to The Door into Fire. "Expands the limits of the Swords and Sorcery genre . . . exciting, magical, intelligent".--Publishers Weekly... -
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![The Forever King by Ben Galley]()
The Forever King by Ben Galley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRevenge loves company. Mithrid Fenn wants nothing to do with magick. Magick is a curse word, banned by the vast Arka Empire and punishable by death. Its purging has finally brought peace to war-torn Emaneska. Only a stubborn rebellion, led by the warlord Outlaw King, raids and pillages the empire’s northern fringes. To cliff-brat Mithrid, this is an age of tranquility and childhood games... -
![Freed by Lacey Lehotzky]()
Freed by Lacey Lehotzky
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings****** SPOILERS FOR CHAINED, LIGHT, AND DARK AHEAD**********When Izidora awakens to find six months have passed, her sole focus turns to revenge against Kazimir.Driven by a burning desire for retribution, she plunges into the depths of her magic, discovering that where light once existed, darkness now reigns... -
![The Chamber of Eternity by James E. Wisher]()
The Chamber of Eternity by James E. Wisher
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe road to immortality is a long one.With the empire secure, Otto turns his focus west.The first piece of The Immortality Engine lies across the ocean in Lord Colt’s Workshop.Complicating Otto’s mission, Eddred of Markane already in Colt’s Land trying to persuade them to help him defeat the empire... -
![Unholy by Richard Lee Byers, Kevin Kraft]()
Unholy by Richard Lee Byers, Kevin Kraft
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJoin heroes fighting the undead hordes!A powerful undead sorcerer reigns in Thay over a frightened people and hordes of undead. The mageocracy in exile, masters of no more than their beaten army, watch from distant shores as the new King of Thay prepares a great magical ritual--a ritual they cannot allow him to bring to completion... -
![Dust and Light by Carol Berg]()
Dust and Light by Carol Berg
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNational bestselling author Carol Berg returns to the world of her award-winning Flesh and Spirit and Breath and Bone with an all-new tale of magic, mystery, and corruption... -
![The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams]()
The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe great city of Ebora once glittered with gold. Now its streets are stalked by wolves. Tormalin the Oathless has no taste for sitting around waiting to die while the realm of his storied ancestors falls to pieces - talk about a guilt trip. Better to be amongst the living, where there are taverns full of women and wine...
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