Books like 'The Folded World'
Readers who enjoyed The Folded World by Catherynne M. Valente also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy alternate history historical-fiction myths religion epic magic multi-pov poc-mc
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The King Arthur Trilogy: The Winter King, Enemy of God, Excalibur (Warlord Chronicles) by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt takes a remarkable writer to make an old story as fresh and compelling as the first time we heard it. Bernard Cornwell's Internationally bestselling King Arthur Trilogy tells the mythic saga of King Arthur and is the work of a magnificent storyteller at the height of his powers... -
The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAgainst all odds, Owen Kiskaddon grew from frightened boy to confident youth to trusted officer in the court of Kingfountain—and watched its regent, Severn Argentine, grow ever more ruthless and power-mad. Robbed of his beloved protector, his noble mentor, and his true love, Owen has anticipated the day when the king he fears and reviles, yet loyally serves, will be toppled...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic myths retellings action-adventure alternate-history arthurian -
Excalibur by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsIn The Winter King and Enemy of God Bernard Cornwell demonstrated his astonishing ability to make the oft-told legend of King Arthur fresh and new for our time. Now, in this riveting final volume of The Warlord Chronicles, Cornwell tells the unforgettable tale of Arthur's final struggles against the Saxons and his last attempts to triumph over a ruined marriage and ravaged dreams... -
Enemy of God by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe balance of King Arthur's unified kingdom is threatened by Merlin's quest for the last of Britain's 13 Treasures; by the conflict between the ancient religion and the new Christianity; and by Britain's war with the Saxons. A master storyteller continues his retelling of the Arthurian legend... -
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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... -
Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution by R.F. Kuang
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsTraduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal. 1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he'll enroll in Oxford University's prestigious Royal Institute of Translation — also known as Babel... -
Outcasts in Time by Sarah Woodbury
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJoin David and his friends and family for the next installment in the After Cilmeri series!Last we heard from David, he'd allowed George to abduct him at the behest of the CIA, for the stated purpose of forcing him to time travel between Earth Two and Avalon. Meanwhile, Lili and the refugees from Paris were floating down the River Seine, making for the English Channel...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure alternate-history book fiction high-fantasy -
Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsMighty Kushiel, of rod and wealLate of the brazen portalsWith blood-tipp'd dart a wound unhealedPricks the eyen of chosen mortalsThe land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. The inhabiting race rose from the seed of angels and men, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic myths religion spirituality action-adventure alternate-history -
Champions of Time by Sarah Woodbury
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsApril 1294. With David returned from Ireland and Anna from Avalon, the time has come to confront the traitors who sought to assassinate David and take his throne.But before that can happen, David is tested yet again by his inability to account for everything or everyone in his life--and especially the magic that surrounds him...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure alternate-history book fiction high-fantasy -
Khon'Tor's Wrath by Leigh Roberts
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat If... A long time ago, in order to avoid extinction, the ancient Sasquatch interbred with the humans. What if... The community repopulated, and lived in peace and harmony with all creation for generation after generation — until the compassionate act of their Healer set it all on end...Categorized as:
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Unbroken in Time by Sarah Woodbury
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn 1282, David and his sister Anna crashed through time to save the life of their father, the last Prince of Wales. Thirteen years later, David is a grown man--husband, father, and High King of Britain. He is also the Duke of Aquitaine, a fact which King Philip of France appears to resent...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure alternate-history book fiction high-fantasy -
Lion of Macedon by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsOver and again, the aged seeress Tamis scried all the possible tomorrows. In every one, dark forces threatened Greece; terrible evil was poised to reenter the world. The future held only one hope: a half-caste Spartan boy, Parmenion. So Tamis made it her mission to see that Parmenion would before the deadliest warrior in the world -- no matter what the cost...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic myths retellings action-adventure adult alternate-history -
Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe Thrilling Sequel To Sailing To SarantiumBeckoned by the Emperor Valerius, Crispin, a renowned mosaicist, has arrived in the fabled city of Sarantium. Here he seeks to fulfill his artistic ambitions and his destiny high upon a dome that will become the emerror's magnificent sanctuary and legacy.But the beauty and solitude of his work cannot protect his from Sarantium's intrigue...Categorized as:
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Red-Robed Priestess by Elizabeth Cunningham
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter a long, eventful life that has brought her through slavery to the Resurrection garden, through the controversies of the early Church to a hermit cave in southern Gaul, Maeve, the Celtic Magdalen, comes full circle. With her daughter Sarah, Maeve returns to the British Isles to seek her first-born daughter taken from her by the druids more than forty years ago...Categorized as:
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Φάκελος Ανάσταση by Og Mandino
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn front of eight million TV viewers, "The Greatest Mystery Writer in the World" bragged he could prove Christ was actually stolen from the tomb and never really rose from the dead . . . if he were given just one week back in ancient Jerusalem. That night author Matt Lawrence got his wish. A knock-out punch took him right out of this world and landed him in Biblical Judea in 26 A.D...Categorized as:
historical-fiction religion spirituality action-adventure adult alternate-history book christian -
The Silver Hand by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe great king, Meldryn Mawr, is dead, and his kingdom lies in ruins. Treachery and brutality rule the land, and Albion is the scene of an epic struggle for the throne. Lewis Gillies returns as Llew, seeking the true meaning behind a mysterious prophecy - the making of a true king and the revealing of a long awaited champion: Silver Hand...Categorized as:
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Rise of Kali: Duryodhana's Mahabharata by Anand Neelakantan
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTHE MAHABHARATA ENDURES AS THE GREAT EPIC OF INDIA. While Jaya is the story of the Pandavas, told from the perspective of the victors of Kurukshetra, Ajaya is the tale of the Kauravas, who were decimated to the last man. From the pen of the author who gave voice to Ravana in the national bestseller, ASURA, comes the riveting narrative which compels us to question the truth behind the Mahabharata...Categorized as:
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Sailing to Sarantium by Guy Gavriel Kay
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsCrispin is a master mosaicist, creating beautiful art with colored stones and glass. Summoned to Sarantium by imperial request, he bears a Queen's secret mission, and a talisman from an alchemist...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic religion spirituality 20th-century action-adventure adult -
Dark Prince by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe chaos spirit had chosen the child Alexander to be its human host. But Parmenion, most powerful warrior of ancient Greece, had won a small victory over the darkness that sought to rule through Alexander. The boy's soul had not been destroyed by evil, but instead had merged with it -- and now Parmenion aided Alexander in the battle between light and dark that constantly raged within him...Categorized as:
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Byzantium by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAlthough born to rule, Aidan lives as a scribe in a remote Irish Monastery on the far, wild edge of Christendom. Secure in work, contemplation, and dreams of the wider world, a miracle bursts into Aidan's quiet life...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction myths religion spirituality action-adventure alternate-history audiobook -
Magdalen Rising: The Beginning by Elizabeth Cunningham
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYoung Magdalen and Jesus, brimming with youthful charm and arrogance, find each other and fall in love, forging a bond that is stronger than death. Their pleasure is overshadowed by a brilliant but unbalanced druid who knows a perilous secret about Maeve’s past. The prequel to The Passion of Mary Magdalen...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic myths religion spirituality adult alternate-history boarding-school -
Jolene by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe beloved Elemental Masters series moves to America for the first time in a rich retelling of The Queen of the Copper Mountain, set against the backdrop of Tennessee coal country.Anna May Jones is the daughter of a coal miner. When her father succumbs to Black Lung, the coal company wastes no time in turning the family out of their home...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic myths poc-mc retellings action-adventure alternate-history anthologies -
The Shadow Dragons by James A. Owen
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica are at war. The Imperial Cartological Society, led by Richard Burton, have collected all of the doors from the Keep of Time, and are building a new tower in our world at the request of an old enemy: The Winter King’s Shadow...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic myths retellings action-adventure alternate-history animals -
The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsChava is a golem, a woman made of clay, able to hear the thoughts and longings of the people around her and compelled by her nature to help them. Ahmad is a jinni, a perpetually restless and free-spirited creature of fire, imprisoned in the shape of a man...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic myths religion spirituality 20th-century 21st-century action-adventure -
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The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, now available in paperback—the first book in the Grail Series--a spellbinding tale of a young man, a fearless archer, who sets out wanting to avenge his family's honor and winds up on a quest for the Holy Grail...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction myths religion spirituality action-adventure adult alternate-history -
The Secret of the Nagas by Amish Tripathi
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 60 ratingsToday, He is a God. 4000 years ago, He was just a man. The hunt is on. The sinister Naga warrior has killed his friend Brahaspati and now stalks his wife Sati. Shiva, the Tibetan immigrant who is the prophesied destroyer of evil, will not rest till he finds his demonic adversary. His vengeance and the path to evil will lead him to the door of the Nagas, the serpent people. Of that he is certain...Categorized as:
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Children of Earth and Sky by Guy Gavriel Kay
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe bestselling author of the groundbreaking novels Under Heaven and River of Stars, Guy Gavriel Kay is back with a new book, set in a world inspired by the conflicts and dramas of Renaissance Europe. Against this tumultuous backdrop the lives of men and women unfold on the borderlands—where empires and faiths collide...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction religion spirituality action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
Sword of the Ronin by Travis Heermann
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn 13th-Century Japan, a land of ancient spirits, shapeshifting animals, and demons, Ken'ishi is a warrior without a master. Orphaned in infancy, he has only one link to his past - Silver Crane, his father's sword. When Silver Crane is stolen, Ken'ishi must go on a quest to recover his very identity. The crime lord known as Green Tiger holds the key to Ken'ishi's past...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure alternate-history book coming-of-age -
Extra Scenes by S.A. Chakraborty
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn addition to the main trilogy books, there have been a number of alternate, deleted, or extra scenes involving the main characters that have been posted online by the author. Some were pre-order bonuses, fluff written during the Covid-19 quarantine, or old scenes that got cut from the final book script.As a treat for readers in the lead-up to the publication of The Empire of Gold, S.A... -
The Dagger and the Cross by Judith Tarr
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIn the years before the Third Crusade, Price Aidan of Rhiyana goes to the Holy Land. The younger of twin sons born of a mortal king and an Elven woman, he is heir to magic and said to be the finest Christian knight alive. Yet he pledges his heart to immortal Lady Morgiana, a steadfast Muslim and assassin. Sequel to Alamut...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction spirituality adult alternate-history book fiction historical -
The Story of God: A Biblical Comedy about Love [and Hate] by Chris Matheson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Part Kurt Vonnegut, part Douglas Adams, but let’s be honest, Matheson had me at ‘Based on the Bible.’” —Dana Gould, comedian and writer The Bible offers some clues to God’s personality—he’s alternately been called vindictive and just, bloodthirsty and caring, all-powerful and impotent, capricious and foresighted, and loving and hateful...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths religion retellings spirituality adult alternate-history audiobook -
One King's Way by Harry Harrison, John Holm
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA craftsman, visionary, and warrior, Shef has risen from slavery to become king of a mighty Viking nation. But his growing kingdom menaces all of Europe, and he has made many powerful enemies.Chief among his enemies are the Knights of the Lance, a fanatical order of soldiers sworn to bring Shef down, no matter what the cost...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
The Steel Seraglio by Mike Carey, Linda Carey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sultan Bokhari Al-Bokhari of Bessa has 365 concubines - until a violent coup puts the city in the hands of the religious zealot Hakkim Mehdad. Hakkim has no use for the pleasures of the flesh: he condemns the women first to exile - and then to death. Cast into the desert, the concubines must rely on themselves and each other to escape from the new sultan's fanatical pursuit... -
The Harrowing of Gwynedd by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEvil times had come for rthe Deryni, the humans with strange, magical powers. The Regents of the boy-king Alroy sought their destruction. And now Bishop Alister Cullen was dead, depriving the Deryni of their greatest friend. But no one could be sure he was really dead. His body lay unchanged and incorruptible. As those questions remained unanswered, the effort to save Deryni had to continue... -
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The King's Justice by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYoung Kelson Haldane, King of Gwynedd, heir to both royal and Deryni magical powers, was still no match for ex-Archbishop Loris and the Pretender Queen Caitrin who sought his death. Yet, he raised an army against them both, knowing that honor made defeat impossible... -
The Quest for Saint Camber by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe Impossible SaintTime after time, the legendary Camber--one-time Saint of the half-magic race of Deryni--had intervened in the affairs of young Kelson, King of Gwynedd. Yet Camber was known to have died two hundred years before!Now Kelson set forth with his blood brother Dhugal to search out relics of this mysterious patron of his, leaving his uncle Nigel to rule in his absence... -
Light Perpetual by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsReynevan is still in trouble. All the time someone is trying to kill him or presents him with offers he cannot refuse. Secret agents stalk him as well as dark forces, which do not hide their diabolical nature..Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic religion spirituality action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
Grass for His Pillow by Lian Hearn
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsPraised for its epic scope and descriptive detail, Across the Nightingale Floor, the first book in the Tales of the Otori series, was an international bestseller and critical success, named by the London Times as "the most compelling novel to have been published this year... -
Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratings"Pray God our aim is true and each arrow finds its mark."King Raven has brought hope to the oppressed people of Wales--and fear to their Norman overlords. Deceived by the self-serving King William and hunted by the treacherous Abbot Hugo and Sheriff de Glanville, Rhi Bran is forced again to take matters into his own hands as King Raven...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction myths retellings spirituality action-adventure alternate-history arthurian -
A Practical Guide to Conquering the World by K.J. Parker
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA Practical Guide to Conquering the World can be read by itself, but for those who like endings it can also be considered the refreshingly pragmatic conclusion to World Fantasy Award-winning author K.J. Parker’s acclaimed sequence of novels that began with Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City and continue with How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It."Full of invention and ingenuity . .Categorized as:
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King Javan's Year by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWith young young King Alroy on his deathbed, the power-hungry Regents are plotting to keep the legitimate heir from ascending the thrown. But Prince Javan is a formidable opponent. And the Regents vow to stop at nothing to wrest back control of Gwynedd. To prevail against the Regents, to rule his kingdom justly, and even to live, Javan has to be strong. He has to be clever... -
The Bishop's Heir by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsOnce again the Kingdom of Gwynedd under young King Kelson found itself facing the horror of war between the Church and the Deryni. As the Pretender Queen plotted to free Meara from Gwynedd's control, and the ex-Archbishop hatched a devious plan, it looked like the peace of Gwynedd was to be a thing of the past...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic religion spirituality adult alternate-history audiobook -
Camber the Heretic by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsKing Cinhil, who had assured peace between the Deryni and humans in Gwynedd, was dying. And the regents who were set to rule in the place of his sickly son were evil men who could very well undo all that Cinhil had accomplished. Once they ruled, no Deryni would be safe. The only hope lay in a discovery that blocked off all Deryni talents, enabling them to go underground and appear as humans...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic action-adventure adult alternate-history book female-author -
Saint Camber by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen Camber of Culdi, master of arcane Deryni powers, led a successful revolution against Imre, his sister Ariella, plotted war against Cinhill, her brother's successor. But Cinhill didn't want a fight, he didn't want power, and it was up to Camber to save crown and country... -
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Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsAfter losing everything he owns, forester Will Scarlet embarks on a search for none other than King Raven, whose exploits have already become legendary...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction myths retellings spirituality action-adventure alternate-history arthurian -
Darkwitch Rising by Sara Douglass
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsDarkwitch Rising is the third title in Sara Douglass's compelling Troy Game series, a riveting historical fantasy series of love and revenge set against the very fabric of time itself.Britian. An ancient land. Most think they know its history. But few suspect and fewer still know the truth... -
The Black God's Drums by P. Djèlí Clark
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsCreeper, a scrappy young teen, is done living on the streets of New Orleans. Instead, she wants to soar, and her sights are set on securing passage aboard the smuggler airship Midnight Robber. Her ticket: earning Captain Ann-Marie’s trust using a secret about a kidnapped Haitian scientist and a mysterious weapon he calls The Black God’s Drums... -
The Hammer and the Cross by Harry Harrison, John Holm
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratings865 A.D. Warring kings rule over the British Isles, but the Church rules over the kings, threatening all who oppose them with damnation. Only the dreaded Vikings of Scandinavia do not fear the priests.Shef, the bastard son of a Norse raider and a captive English lady, is torn by divided loyalties and driven by strange visions that seem to come from Odin himself... -
Gods' Concubine by Sara Douglass
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFrom ancient Greece they came, remnants of the glorious Trojans. Led by Brutus, Kingman, holder of the bands of gold that wield the very magic of the Gods, these travelers are bowed but not broken, and they have come to Albion to begin anew... -
Picture Maker by Penina Keen Spinka
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAcross the ocean, the Crusades had ended. Three plagues devastated Europe, killing Europeans by the hundreds of thousands. But in North America, born into a powerful clan of women, Picture Maker is gifted with the ability to etch drawings that foreshadow the future. Her prophecy of war saves her beloved Ganeogaono people, but leads to her own brutal capture by the Algonquins...
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