Books like 'The Beginning'
Readers who enjoyed The Beginning by Vasily Mahanenko also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy action / adventure horror high fantasy litrpg male-mc wuxia ancient-china ancient-civilization
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LastRock by Phil Tucker
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsScorio has won his vengeance. His foes lie vanquished, his skeptics silenced. Yet, as the powers of hell watch eagerly, Scorio and Naomi spurn those who would recruit them, and venture into the untold depths of hell in search of the enigmatic Herdsmen...Categorized as:
epic litrpg progression-fantasy dark heroic-fantasy sword-sorcery fantasy high-fantasy -
![The Primal Hunter 3 by Zogarth]()
The Primal Hunter 3 by Zogarth
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFinally, back on Earth, Jake has to adapt and evolve as his hunt continues...With a huge open planet before him, Jake has literally grown wings as he begins his conquest of the local wildlife. With his newfound freedom, he finds his true Path as a hunter. All the while trying to avoid the responsibilities of having founded the first city on the planet. Oh, and bird friends...Categorized as:
dystopia post-apocalyptic litrpg progression-fantasy wuxia ancient-china ancient-civilization dark -
![Art of the Hunt by Lindsay Buroker]()
Art of the Hunt by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsOur heroes have escaped with the ancient dragon gate, but powerful enemies are right behind them.If they can’t figure out the magic of the mysterious artifact, and find great allies and resources in another world, their hopes of overthrowing their tyrannical wizard rulers will end as surely as their lives... -
![Dungeons & Guardians by Dave Willmarth]()
Dungeons & Guardians by Dave Willmarth
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMax and company pursue their epic quest to restore the Heart of the Mountain, finding new enemies and surprising allies along the way. The potential rewards are tremendous, but the cost is high. A growing threat from the mountains to the north endangers Stormhaven, its citizens, and its neighbors... -
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![Second Story Man by Eric Ugland]()
Second Story Man by Eric Ugland
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe continuing adventures of Clyde Hatchett in the city of Glaton...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Portal to Nova Roma: Venice by J.R. Mathews]()
Portal to Nova Roma: Venice by J.R. Mathews
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAlexander and his growing legion have managed to escape Nova Roma and, more importantly, learned that the rest of the world may not be as ravaged and destroyed as they had all thought!Join them as they set sail for ancient Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, to try to learn more about the wider world outside Nova Roma...Categorized as:
post-apocalyptic litrpg progression-fantasy dystopia epic dark heroic-fantasy fantasy -
![Portal to Nova Roma by J.R. Mathews]()
Portal to Nova Roma by J.R. Mathews
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTo find peace, Alexander must first embrace war.After tragically losing the only person he ever cared about, Alexander, a rogue artificial intelligence, opens a portal to an alternate dimension to escape his grief... -
![Vampire Gate by Apollos Thorne]()
Vampire Gate by Apollos Thorne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter surviving Mistress Nava’s wrath, Elorion is banished from Sanctuary and everything he holds dear. He finds himself on an impossible quest to retrieve something from Lord Darius’s vault for the Head Mistress in hopes of bringing everyone back together... -
![City of Fallen Souls by Jez Cajiao]()
City of Fallen Souls by Jez Cajiao
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJax survived the Smugglers Path, as did most of his party, but he’s suffered losses, found out just how far he’s willing to go for Oracle, and seen his own darker side… as have his followers... -
![Kingdoms and Chaos by Kel Kade]()
Kingdoms and Chaos by Kel Kade
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe future of the Ashaiian haven, the newly founded Kingdom of Cael, is anything but secured. Rezkin must seek recognition from the King of Gendishen if his people are to maintain possession of their island home and the enchanted secret it contains. In an unexpected twist, events overtake Rezkin, and he is thrust into a frustrating adventure to seek a worthless prize... -
![Dungeon Mauling by Eric Ugland]()
Dungeon Mauling by Eric Ugland
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMontana ventures into Osterstadt prison to save a friend, and will have to brave the dungeons to save himself...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Wrack & Ruin by Dave Willmarth]()
Wrack & Ruin by Dave Willmarth
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsMaximilian Storm has embraced his new life as a Battleborne. Reincarnated on a strange world in a powerful chimera body, he has gathered friends, made enemies, and developed wondrous new magical and physical abilities. He’s even discovered that a couple of his men, Smitty and Dylan, have chosen to join him on this world...Categorized as:
dark heroic-fantasy litrpg progression-fantasy sword-sorcery action-adventure adult afterlife -
![Awakening by RinoZ]()
Awakening by RinoZ
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA forbidden Class. A dark power. Can Tyron prove he can still be a hero?With one touch of the Awakening Stone, Tyron receives an outlawed Class and his life changes forever.His bright and promising future as the scion of two famous, monster-hunting Slayers is promptly torn apart and he must make a decision...Categorized as:
litrpg progression-fantasy dark sword-sorcery heroic-fantasy fantasy magic audiobook -
![Dukes and Ladders by Eric Ugland]()
Dukes and Ladders by Eric Ugland
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe continuing adventures of Montana Coggeshall, Duke of Coggeshall in the gamified world of Vuldranni...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
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![Blood Will by Kirill Klevanski]()
Blood Will by Kirill Klevanski
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsHe made a deal with a dragon, getting its heart in return. He fought monsters to defeat the monster in himself. He won the war, razing one of the most powerful sects to the ground, and received the highest military rank possible.Now his path leads him to the very heart of the country — to the capital — to receive his title and well-deserved honors...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization cyberpunk dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg progression-fantasy -
![The Forgotten Faithful by Jez Cajiao]()
The Forgotten Faithful by Jez Cajiao
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThings are looking up for Jax, more or less, He’s met a cool girl (Who’s a wisp), got some new friends (Who’re Dwarves and Cat people and Elves and all sorts), and started a war… (Whoops!)That last one might not be the best idea he’s had yet, admittedly, but the guy was an ass, and he deserved it...Categorized as:
dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg progression-fantasy sword-sorcery action-adventure adult -
![Eastbound and Town by Eric Ugland]()
Eastbound and Town by Eric Ugland
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFreshly respawned.Far from home.All alone.Up until now, Montana’s journey really only went one direction: up. But now he’s back at square one, stuck on top of a mountain with only the most basic gear to help get him back to Coggeshall. It’s going to be a loooong walk.But not a boring one...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Metal Mage 10 by Eric Vall]()
Metal Mage 10 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs always, Mason has his hands full protecting several kingdoms, but at least he’s finally getting some reward for all his hard work. Now that he’s a baron, Mason has to figure out what to do with all his new land, his new riches, and his new mansion. But life is not all rich baron sex and giant statues made of precious gemstones...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Metal Mage 5 by Eric Vall]()
Metal Mage 5 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter defeating the Ice Giants of the North and saving the dwarves, Mason faces his toughest challenge yet: politics. Mason and his band of badass warrior women travel to Nalnora, the kingdom of the elves, in order to learn more about the Master and his runic powers. However, the elves are not as forthcoming as the other kingdoms...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Metal Mage 4 by Eric Vall]()
Metal Mage 4 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll aboard! With the railroad up and running, Mason Flynt and his band of mages turn their attention to the dwarven kingdom of Orebane that lies in the frigid northern Draconis Mountains. But treacherous terrain is not all they’re up against...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Metal Mage 3 by Eric Vall]()
Metal Mage 3 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs Mason strengthens his magic over metal and stone, the Master lurks in the shadows...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Metal Mage 6 by Eric Vall]()
Metal Mage 6 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMason now has proof the Master is working in Nalnora, but he’s quickly learned that getting elves to cooperate is like herding cats. Dangerous, murderous cats. So, he has to take matters into his own hands … especially when the elven beauty Deya catches his eye...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![Heroes of Issalia: Rogues and Runes Edition by Jeffrey L. Kohanek]()
Heroes of Issalia: Rogues and Runes Edition by Jeffrey L. Kohanek
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe return of a long lost magic. A desperate quest for a lost relic. The final battle to save humanity from extinction.This boxed set includes:______________________________________The Buried Symbol: Runes of Issalia, Book 1The Emblem Throne: Runes of Issalia, Book 2An Empire in Runes: Runes of Issalia, Book 3Rogue Legacy: Origins of Issalia, Book 0... -
![Citadel by Jez Cajiao]()
Citadel by Jez Cajiao
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWith the God of Death out for his life, Jax has a choice to make, and it’s time for the brothers to face each other…Nimon, The God of Death, has named Jax and all who follow him ‘Apostate’ decreeing their death and has dispatched his Dark Legion, the Imperial Legion’s antithesis, to see the job done once and for all...Categorized as:
dark heroic-fantasy litrpg progression-fantasy sword-sorcery action-adventure adult audiobook -
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![Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence]()
Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsKing Jorg Ancrath is twenty now—and king of seven nations. His goal—revenge against his father—has not yet been realized, and the demons that haunt him have only grown stronger. Yet no matter how tortured his path, he intends to take the next step in his upward climb. Jorg would be emperor. It is a position not to be gained by the sword but rather by vote...Categorized as:
dark dystopia epic heroic-fantasy male-mc post-apocalyptic sword-sorcery action-adventure -
![Magician's End by Raymond E. Feist]()
Magician's End by Raymond E. Feist
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe final volume in the epic Riftwar Cycle.The dragons are calling...Civil war is tearing apart the Kingdom of the Isles, for the throne lies empty and rivals are converging... -
![King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence]()
King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsThe second book in the Broken Empire series, Lawrence takes his young anti-hero one step closer to his grand ambition.To reach greatness you must step on bodies, and many brothers lie trodden in my wake...Categorized as:
dark dystopia epic heroic-fantasy post-apocalyptic sword-sorcery action-adventure anti-hero -
![The Searching by Vanessa Nelson]()
The Searching by Vanessa Nelson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOath-sworn to help those in need, Yvonne has been framed for murder.Tracking down those responsible for the destruction of the Stone Walls was a difficult enough task, but someone has made it much harder. The King is dead, and Yvonne is accused of his murder... -
![Ghost in the Ashes by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Ashes by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaina Amalas is a Ghost nightfighter, one of the elite agents of the Emperor of Nighmar, and she has defeated both corrupt lords and mighty sorcerers. As the Padishah of Istarinmul prepares to make peace with the Emperor, the Ghosts must keep the Padishah’s ambassador safe from assassins. But when an escaped slave begs for Caina’s help, she finds dark plots stirring in the shadows... -
![Rewind by James T. Callum]()
Rewind by James T. Callum
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen Pyresouls released, it was a brutal new virtual reality game with a twist: be the first to beat the game and win billions of dollars. But after the Burgon Beast couldn’t be defeated, Pyresouls turned very real and unleashed an apocalypse of undead, monsters, and a System of levels and stats onto the world...Categorized as:
dark dystopia epic heroic-fantasy litrpg post-apocalyptic progression-fantasy sword-sorcery -
![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... -
![Ghost in the Storm by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Storm by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is a Ghost nightfighter, one of the Emperor's elite spies and assassins. And though she remains anonymous, already legends grow around her. Whispers speak of the Ghost nightfighter who stopped the fire of the gods from consuming Rasadda, who defeated sorcerers of terrible power, who liberated slaves and threw down cruel lords.Yet now the storm is coming to claim her.. -
![Ghost in the Forge by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Forge by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCaina Amalas is a Ghost nightfigher, a spy and agent of the Emperor, and time and time again she has overcome mighty foes through boldness and cunning.But even her boldness might not be enough to stop the coming destruction.A secretive cabal of sorcerers has created a weapon so powerful that its wielder will have dominion over the entire world - and the weapon is for sale to the highest bidder... -
![Nightblade's Honor by Ryan Kirk]()
Nightblade's Honor by Ryan Kirk
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the riveting sequel to Nightblade’s Vengeance, the nightblades must choose a side, and the Kingdom will either rise again… or shatter into pieces.With the realm on the brink of war, the once-celebrated blades have become an easy target for the rage of its devastated citizens... -
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![The Demon City by Evan Currie]()
The Demon City by Evan Currie
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBorn in flame and flood, the newly born community of Atlantis has begun to rebuild from being forced from their homes by the Demonic hordes. For Elanthielle however, the war is still out there... -
![Trial by Fire by James Osiris Baldwin]()
Trial by Fire by James Osiris Baldwin
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne man. One game. One adorable baby dragon.Two weeks ago, Hector Park cheated death by uploading his mind to the ultra-immersive fantasy RPG game, Archemi. After exposing the rotten heart of an order of dragon knights, he’s now on the run with a young queen dragon who could one day become the most powerful mount in the game...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization cyberpunk epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![A Sellsword's Resolve by Jacob Peppers]()
A Sellsword's Resolve by Jacob Peppers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWar isn't coming. It's here. Aaron and his companions prevented the assassination of a queen but in doing so they angered an ancient evil. Angered it, wounded it, but did not kill it, for such evil never truly dies... -
![Glory to the Brave by Luke Chmilenko]()
Glory to the Brave by Luke Chmilenko
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHeroes don’t stand for themselves. They stand for others who cannot.Betrayed by those they’d taken in and narrowly avoiding a disaster of untold proportions, Lyrian and his friends are once again thrust into a fight for their very survival, this time against Carver and his band of murderous adventurers...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization cyberpunk epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
![The Cursed Princedom by G. Akella]()
The Cursed Princedom by G. Akella
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA new update arrives to the ultra-popular online game, Realm of Arkon. With Patch 17, the level of immersion experienced by players in their gaming capsules has made virtual reality indistinguishable from the real world. But every gamer's dream becomes a nightmare for Roman Kozhevnikov after he gets confined to Arkon against his will...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization cyberpunk dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery -
![The Clan by D. Rus]()
The Clan by D. Rus
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsOnce a seasoned gamer, Max has cheated fate swapping his dying body for an immortal avatar in the world of sword and sorcery MMORPGs. He joins the ranks of a new race of people: perma players, forever stuck in the virtual castles and cities of AlterWorld. Now they have to obey the ever-changing rules of their new home while learning to live together in peace, love and justice...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization cyberpunk dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg male-mc -
![The Black Song by Anthony Ryan]()
The Black Song by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA matchless warrior is pitted against a near-God in the second epic installment of the Raven's Blade series. It has long been our lot in life, brother, to do what others can't.Vaelin Al Sorna was known across the realm as the greatest of warriors, but he thought battles were behind him. He was wrong... -
![The White Rose by Glen Cook]()
The White Rose by Glen Cook
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsShe is the last hope of good in the war against the evil sorceress known as the Lady. From a secret base on the Plains of Fear, where even the Lady hesitates to go, the Black Company, once in service to the Lady, now fights to bring victory to the White Rose. But now an even greater evil threatens the world... -
![Dungeon Desolation by Dakota Krout]()
Dungeon Desolation by Dakota Krout
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe necromantic armies are on the warpath and nowhere is safe. Even the presumed sanctuary of the floating dungeon controlled by Cal is threatened! The leadership of nearly all the sentient monarchies has been wiped out, and only the races most suited to repelling the advancing darkness have an intact chain of command... -
![Metal Mage 11 by Eric Vall]()
Metal Mage 11 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife as a baron is great. Well, mostly great. Mason could probably do with fewer murderous monsters, like acid-spitting spiders and giant fire titans, but he makes due. His village is well defended, his metallic creations get more epic by the day, and his women are relatively safe and healthy, so Mason spends some well-deserved time getting to know Baroness Batonova a little better...Categorized as:
ancient-china ancient-civilization dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery wuxia -
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![Dragon Emperor 2 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 2 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNow tested in battle, Evan aims to become the heir of Hatra. Once that he’s a lord, Evan has even more on his plate, from rebuilding the city’s aqueducts to fighting demonic hordes. On top of all that, the King of Rahma gives Evan a quest to prove his worth: to find the lost Sword of Hatra, which was last seen a thousand years ago... -
![Shadows Linger by Glen Cook]()
Shadows Linger by Glen Cook
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsMercenary soldiers in the service of the Lady, the Black Company stands against the rebels of the White Rose. They are tough men, proud of honoring their contracts. The Lady is evil, but so, too, are those who falsely profess to follow the White Rose, reincarnation of a centuries-dead heroine... -
![Immortal Swordslinger 4 by Dante King]()
Immortal Swordslinger 4 by Dante King
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEthan Murphy lo Pashat has returned to Radiant Dragon, and everything seems normal until a mysterious monastery appears in Flametongue Valley. Guildmaster Xilarion sends Ethan and his friends to the monastery for a new kind of training that will unlock their most powerful forms of Augmenting so far...Categorized as:
dark epic heroic-fantasy litrpg sword-sorcery action-adventure adult alternate-history -
![Rebirth of the Undead King by Ink Bamboo]()
Rebirth of the Undead King by Ink Bamboo
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPuzzles need more than two pieces to come together. After surviving the massacre in Sol, Zaros decides it's time to join the rebels. Together with them, he's prepared to take revenge on the royal family and the nobles of the kingdom. However, allies may sometimes be more dangerous than enemies. And enemies may sometimes be the most worthy of allies... -
![Kings of Fate by A.E. Rayne]()
Kings of Fate by A.E. Rayne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings‘Wow, more twists and turns than a roller coaster.... I love this series!!!’Lothar the Usurper has stolen his brother’s throne. And now he squats upon it, thinking of how to get rid of his troublesome niece, Jael Furyck. Brekka’s most famous warrior. The one they thought would be queen after her father’s death.Her presence hangs over him like an axe... -
![A Warrior's Curse by Jacob Peppers]()
A Warrior's Curse by Jacob Peppers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI am fire and all I touch turns to ash. Despite the odds, Cutter and his companions managed to bring Matt to the capital where he was crowned king. But instead of getting better, things have only gotten worse.The Known Lands and its people stand at a precipice. One false move, one mistake, and they will all fall into the abyss.Cutter wants only to protect his people, to right his many wrongs...
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