Books like 'Pillars of Light'
Readers who enjoyed Pillars of Light by Jane Johnson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy romance military, war & conflict action / adventure historical-fiction war crusades medieval gothic
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Kings Rising by C.S. Pacat
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 58 ratingsDamianos of Akielos has returned.His identity now revealed, Damen must face his master Prince Laurent as Damianos of Akielos, the man Laurent has sworn to kill.On the brink of a momentous battle, the future of both their countries hangs in the balance. In the south, Kastor's forces are massing. In the north, the Regent's armies are mobilising for war... -
Captive Prince: Volume Two by C.S. Pacat
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsWith their countries on the brink of war, Damen and his new master, Prince Laurent, must exchange the intrigues of the palace for the sweeping might of the battlefield as they travel to the border to avert a lethal plot.Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself increasingly drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent... -
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... -
A Hero's Tale by Catherine M. Wilson
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIn Book II, Tamras moved from her home into the lands beyond its border. In Book three, the stage widens further: she deals with the struggles of whole peoples. Caught up in intrigues that would once have been far above her, the heroine risks everything unless she can not only learn to swim in treacherous waters, but to master them. The heroine 's inner journey continues to match her outer one...Categorized as:
historical-fiction medieval war action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history book coming-of-age -
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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'... -
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... -
Zone of Action by A.J. Sherwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRen’s homecoming wishlist includes:•Arman not bashing everyone’s heads together (at least not without him)•Getting the fortress built before the Mongs attack (not at the rate they’re going with all the thefts happening)•Going home without incident (also, again, not likely)What it did not include was:•Social reform•A child•A raiding party•Arman actually using his wordsLife once again proved... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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:
historical-fiction medieval military war 20th-century action-adventure adult alternate-history -
A Prince Without a Kingdom by Timothée de Fombelle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis was the only treasure that Vango was after: the secret of his life.Vango has been in danger for as long as he can remember. He has spent his life running along rooftops, fleeing to mysterious islands, and abandoning those he loves in order to protect them from the demons of his past. But Vango will not run for much longer...Categorized as:
historical-fiction military war 20th-century 21st-century action-adventure book children -
Fourth Point of Contact by A.J. Sherwood, Lloyd Thomas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsListening Length: 12 hours and 25 minutes“Renjimantoro.” Ren’s head snapped up, as Brahms only used his full name when being completely serious. Those dark blue eyes met his levelly, penetratingly, as if he could see every thought going through Ren’s head. And he likely could. The man was exceptionally good at seeing through people. “Come with me.” Oh hell...Categorized as:
historical-fiction military war action-adventure adult alternate-history angst audiobook -
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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...Categorized as:
historical-fiction medieval war 21st-century action-adventure alpha-mc audiobook book -
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:
historical-fiction medieval war 20th-century action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
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... -
Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsThe evil king is dead, the war is over, and Meliara -- barefoot countess and reluctant heroine -- has been swept up into a different kind of battle in the dance halls and drawing rooms of the royal palace. Physical warfare is easy compared to the genteel skirmishes of the royal court...Categorized as:
historical-fiction medieval military war action-adventure alpha-mc book enemies-to-lovers -
The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsOne war.Too many deadly battles.Can a king save his kingdom, when his own survival seems unlikely?War has come to Carthya. It knocks at every door and window in the land. And when Jaron learns that King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen in a plot to bring Carthya to its knees, Jaron knows it is up to him to embark on a daring rescue mission. But everything that can go wrong does... -
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... -
The Space Between by Diana Gabaldon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsJoan MacKimmie is on her way to Paris to take up her vocation as a nun. Yet her decision is less a matter of faith than fear, for Joan is plagued by mysterious voices that speak of the future, and by visions that mark those about to die. The sanctuary of the nunnery promises respite from these unwanted visitations . . . or so she prays... -
Ranger's Risk by Cassie Cole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA young Pyromancer teams up with five sexy soldiers in this action-packed Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance. Alyssa’s Quintelaide is getting another chance to test the Tinker superweapon.And this time it’s against a real Silithik hive... -
Shadow's Savior by Cassie Cole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlyssa's Quintelaide stands disgraced.After a violent confrontation forces them to flee the capitol, Alyssa and her Quintmates struggle to cope with the fallout. Warrior Jaxon focuses on their path forward, while Frost Mage Arthur contemplates their place in history. Alyssa doesn’t know how to feel about her decision to disobey the Archon, and whether to blame herself for the events that followed... -
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... -
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Half the World by Joe Abercrombie
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThorn Bathu was born to fight. But when she kills a boy in the training square she finds herself named a murderer.Fate places her life in the hands of the deep-cunning Father Yarvi as he sets out to cross half the world in search of allies against the ruthless High King. Beside her is Brand, a young warrior who hates to kill...Categorized as:
historical-fiction medieval military war action-adventure audiobook book coming-of-age -
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 medieval war 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:
historical-fiction military 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...Categorized as:
historical-fiction medieval military war 20th-century action-adventure adult audiobook -
Royal Decoy (1) by Heather Frost
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA SERVANT blackmailed into becoming a princess’s decoy.A BODYGUARD determined to keep her alive. A PRINCE forced to execute his father’s brutal laws.A PRISONER used to keep him compliant. A WORLD on the brink of war. In one horrible night, Clare goes from kitchen maid to royal decoy. She has three months to become the princess's perfect double so she can ensure her betrothal to an enemy prince... -
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... -
Tinker's Trial by Cassie Cole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA young Pyromancer teams up with five sexy soldiers in this action-packed Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance. Dragon Quintelaides aren’t meant to be split up—even for just a few days. But that’s exactly what the Archon has planned for Alyssa's Quintelaide... -
Mage's Mercy by Cassie Cole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlyssa’s finally getting the hang of being an elite Dragon Pyromancer. So why did the Archon have to go and foul it up?After their victory at the Academy, the Ninety-First Quintelaide returns home as heroes. Alyssa’s name is on everyone’s lips: the girl who killed a Silithik Queen... -
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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The Walls of Westernfort by Jane Fletcher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll Natasha Ionadis wants is to serve the Goddess as a Temple Guard, and she volunteers eagerly for a dangerous mission to infiltrate a band of renegade warriors and imprinters. But, once away from the temple, the issues are no longer so simple and she must revaluate her beliefs, especially in light of her growing attraction for one of the outlaws... -
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:
historical-fiction military war action-adventure ancient-civilization audiobook book christian -
Haven by Joel Shepherd
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Army of the Regent Arosh advances on the forces loyal to Saalshen, homeland of the serrin people, as the serrin's friends are in full retreat. Their only hope is to reach the city of Jahnd, as 'Trial of Blood and Steel' reaches its dramatic conclusion... -
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 Light Bearer by Donna Gillespie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHer name is Auriane. She is a warrior, a priestess, and a threat to the powers of Ancient Rome. This breathtaking saga from acclaimed newcomer Donna Gillespie unveils a fascinating world of pagans and slaves, warriors and nobles--and the extraordinary life of a legendary woman they called the Light Bearer...Categorized as:
historical-fiction war action-adventure ancient-civilization book epic fiction historical -
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:
historical-fiction medieval war action-adventure adult ancient-civilization book classics -
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... -
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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:
historical-fiction military 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... -
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... -
The Custom of the Army by Diana Gabaldon
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsNote: Previously included in the anthology Warriors.Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the acclaimed Outlander series, weaves an engrossing tale of war, history, and suspense in this original novella—available exclusively as an eBook—featuring returning hero Lord John Grey.London, 1759... -
Dragon Slayer by Lauren Gilley
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn 1931, a golden-haired man in fine clothes appeared to a Siberian boy. An apparition in the snow.In 2018, he guided a pack of misfits to his prison. A man made of sharp smiles, and smoke, who they can hear, but can never touch...
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