Books like 'The Academy'
Readers who enjoyed The Academy by Cordelia Castel also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy supernatural high fantasy magic fairy-tale fae female-mc witches-wizards friends-to-lovers
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The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsFollowing their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen. Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame...Categorized as:
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The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 60 ratingsThe Bear and the Nightingale, Katherine Arden’s enchanting first novel, introduced readers to an irresistible heroine. Vasilisa has grown up at the edge of a Russian wilderness, where snowdrifts reach the eaves of her family’s wooden house and there is truth in the fairy tales told around the fire...Categorized as:
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Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsAfter years of comparative peace, darkness has fallen upon Ulster. Trouble is brewing and even those in the heart of the forest are not safe. Niamh, elder daughter of Sorcha, is required to make a strategic marriage, while her sister Liadan, who has the gift of Sight and her mother’s talent for healing, finds herself drawn into the shadowy world of the Painted Man and his warrior band... -
Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe “powerful and emotionally-charged” fantasy series from the author of the Sevenwaters novels continues, as Blackthorn and Grim face haunting secrets and old adversaries... Feather bright and feather fine, None shall harm this child of mine... Healer Blackthorn knows all too well the rules of her bond to the fey: seek no vengeance, help any who ask, do only good... -
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Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsA Goodreads Choice Award Nomination for Best Fantasy Novel of 2017 The gods have been proven mortal and new heroes will arise as the battle continues in the sequel to Age of Myth--from the author of the Riyria Revelations and Riyria Chronicles series.In Age of Myth, fantasy master Michael J. Sullivan launched readers on an epic journey of magic and adventure, heroism and betrayal, love and loss... -
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 56 ratingsA magnificent saga set in the Celtic twilight of 10th century Ireland, when myth was law and magic was a power of nature, brilliantly brought to life: the legendary story of an evil stepmother opposed by a seventh child.The keep at Sevenwaters is a strange, remote place, guarded by silent men who slip through the woodlands clothed in grey, and keep their weapons sharp... -
Bee Sting Cake by Victoria Goddard
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMagic is out of fashion. Gambling is merely illegal. Neither law nor common sense has ever stopped anyone in Ragnor Bella from making—or breaking—their fortunes at the table, at the racetrack, and especially at the Dartington Harvest Fair. With Mad Jack Greenwing’s only son Jemis finally back from university, this year’s betting is bidding fair to be the stuff of legend... -
Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsAge of Myth inaugurates another six-book series set in Elan.Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever... -
A Feast for Starving Stone by Beth Cato
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTwo countries at war. A delicious taste of magic. And a fierce princess comes of age in a rousing adventure by the author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge . Princess Solenn’s marriage into royalty should have unified the continental neighbors of Verdania and Solenn’s homeland of Braiz against a common the country of Albion... -
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 74 ratingsMiryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father's inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty--until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold... -
Chosen by Jada Fisher
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe is destined to soar with the dragons, but first...she needs to be chosen. An epic dragon riding adventure from Jada Fisher, author of the popular Dragon Oracle series. Eist was born to be a dragon rider, she just knows it. When fate conspires to take her parents and leave her orphaned and injured, her future appears bleak... -
Penric’s Mission by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsIn his 30th year, Penric fell in love with light.Learned Penric, a sorcerer and divine of the Bastard's Order, travels across the sea to sunlit Cedonia on his first covert diplomatic mission, to attempt to secure the services of a disaffected Cedonian general for the Duke of Adria. However, nothing is as it seems...Categorized as:
female-mc magic myths paranormal sword-sorcery witches-wizards action-adventure adult -
The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Gerta’s friend Kay is stolen away by the mysterious Snow Queen, it’s up to Gerta to find him. Her journey will take her through a dangerous land of snow and witchcraft, accompanied only by a bandit and a talking raven. Can she win her friend’s release, or will following her heart take her to unexpected places? A strange, sly retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s "Snow Queen," by T...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc magic myths paranormal retellings witches-wizards action-adventure -
Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSeventeen-year-old Smitha has the wealth, status, and beauty that make her the envy of her town—until she rejects a strange man’s marriage proposal and disastrous consequences follow. Smitha becomes cursed, and frost begins to encompass everything she touches...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc magic paranormal retellings sword-sorcery witches-wizards 21st-century -
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Ghost in the Inferno by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is the Ghost circlemaster of Istarinmul, leader of the Emperor's spies in the city. She has defeated powerful foes, but more dangerous enemies lie before her.A sorcerous catastrophe threatens to destroy Istarinmul, and the only the mysterious sorceress Annarah, last loremaster of lost Iramis, knows how to stop it... -
Ghost in the Pact by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCaina Amalas has found the lost relics of Iramis, but with the relics comes deadly peril. For Grand Master Callatas is ready to work his terrible Apotheosis, and all he needs to unleash the dark power of the nagataaru is the Staff and the Seal of Iramis…once he takes them from Caina’s dead hands. Yet if Caina and Callatas do not work together, they are doomed... -
Ghost in the Razor by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCAINA is the Ghost circlemaster of Istarinmul, leader of the Emperor's spies in the city. She has hindered the malevolent plans of the sinister Grand Master Callatas, but has been unable to defeat him. Callatas has slaughtered every foe who ever challenged him, and Caina may be next. CASSANDER NILAS is a ruthless magus of the brutal Umbarian Order, and seeks to destroy the Emperor... -
Ghost in the Throne by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCaina Amalas cheated death and escaped certain doom. So did her mortal enemy, the sorcerer Cassander Nilas. Now the city of Istarinmul teeters on the brink of civil war and sorcerous annihilation. Unless Caina summons all her bravery and cunning, Cassander's dark spell will kill millions of people. Starting with the people she loves.. -
Ghost in the Seal by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is out of time. She has risked too much for too long, and her enemies have finally closed around her. The Staff and Seal of Iramis have been found, and threaten to destroy the world with their sorcerous powers. The terrible Apotheosis of the evil Grand Master Callatas will succeed unless Caina makes one final sacrifice. Unless she makes the ultimate sacrifice.. -
The Betrothal by Cordelia Castel
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMurder and magic and mayhem… with ogres! When Cendrilla is abducted by Lord Bluebeard’s unscrupulous squire, she thinks agreeing to her demands will be the end of her problems. She’s dead wrong. Because in Cendrilla’s world, not everyone is who they seem...not even her... -
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...Categorized as:
magic myths paranormal retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure assassins audiobook -
Ghost in the Surge by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is a nightfighter of the Ghosts, one of the elite agents of the Emperor of Nighmar. She has defeated powerful sorcerers and corrupt lords, freed slaves and overthrown great evils. But now someone has begun slaughtering the Ghosts of the Imperial capital, and the killer is wearing her face...Categorized as:
female-mc magic myths paranormal retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure assassins -
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... -
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.. -
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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..Categorized as:
female-mc magic myths paranormal retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure assassins -
The Water Ruptures by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Disciples of the Draasin Lord have again been defeated, yet a traitor remains within Terndahl. The Inquisitors have come, and their presence has everyone on edge.With the help of the Keystone, Tolan has discovered the ability to shape each of the element bonds. Now that he’s passed testing to the second level at the Academy, he finally feels as if he belongs...Categorized as:
magic myths paranormal retellings sword-sorcery witches-wizards action-adventure audiobook -
The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJuliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with" The Dark Mirror, " which" Interzone" called: "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story." King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream... -
First of Tomes by Honor Raconteur
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsApparently, time-travel spells have a sense of humor and don’t take direction well. Mei Li could’ve done with knowing that beforehand, and fully blames Shunlei for not forewarning her.Instead of going back a few years to rescue the missing tomes, Mei Li finds herself thousands of years in the past, with the original events she needs to learn about still ten years into the future...Categorized as:
female-mc friends-to-lovers magic myths paranormal sword-sorcery witches-wizards action-adventure -
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.. -
Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsA brand new novel in the beloved world of Sevenwaters, a fantasy series that should appeal to "Lord of the Rings" fans (VOYA). The chieftains of Sevenwaters have long been custodians of a vast and mysterious forest. Human and Otherworld dwellers have existed there side by side, sharing a wary trust... -
Defender, Avenger, Champion by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is a collection of the first three titles in the Sanctuary Series (SERIES IS NOW COMPLETE), which is about a warrior in the mythical world of Arkaria, facing great battles against magical and fantastical foes. (Approx. 357,000 words or 950 pages total.) The world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers... -
Fearless by Cornelia Funke
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWith the fatal fairy moth on his chest giving only a few months to live, Jocob Reckless tries, the blood of a Northern Djinn, then a mythical crossbow that can kill thousands, or heal one, when shot through the heart. But famed Goyl assassin treasure hunter is also searching for the prized crossbow. Jacob must find it first--and somehow convince Fox to do whatever it takes to save him... -
The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake... -
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... -
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Ghost in the Hunt by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is the Ghost circlemaster of Istarinmul, the leader of the Emperor's spies in the city. With the aid of mysterious allies, she fights to stop the sinister plans of the ruthless Grand Master Callatas. But Callatas has spent two centuries preparing to remake humanity, and he will exterminate any who dare to oppose him... -
The Witch-Hunt by Cordelia Castel
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNevermind the ball… Cendrilla must rescue the damsels in distress She is about to face her most challenging adventure. Hot on the heels of a band of trolls, Cendrilla finds herself the only hope of a kingdom fractured by fear and ambition... -
Tree of Ages: Books 1-3 by Sara C. Roethle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA tree’s memory is long. Magic’s memory is longer, and far more dangerous. After a century spent as a tree, Finn awakens into a world she barely recognizes. Whispers of the Faie, long thought destroyed, are spreading across the countryside, bringing fears that they are returning to wreak havoc amongst the mortals once again... -
Pariah of Dragons by Cordelia Castel
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Wild Dragon, A Murderous Poacher, A Dozen Stolen Dragonets Threatened with expulsion and imprisonment for her offenses against the Magical Militia, Alba must stay out of trouble and obey the rules. But when a mysterious thief steals the dragonets, Alba and Fyrian must find the culprit before he escapes through the wards...Categorized as:
female-mc magic myths paranormal retellings sword-sorcery witches-wizards action-adventure -
Rogue by Robyn Wideman
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRogue is a cantankerous warrior, a bandit, and a brawler. He only wants to be left alone and occasionally rob the king who once betrayed him. But when assassins try to kill a young woman, Rogue gets involved. Now he is involved in a dangerous plot, and to protect the girl he must save a kingdom, a kingdom he once almost destroyed... -
A Necessary Heresy by Davis Ashura
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProphesized heroes are reborn. The burden they bear is as terrible as it is necessary.The dead city of Mahadev. In three thousand years, none who have entered those ageless walls have returned to bear word of what evil lurks within. And yet it is there that Cinder and Anya must journey. A hard road with mysteries and dangers abounding... -
Ghost in the Winds by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Apotheosis has come at last, and it will shatter the world. CAINA is trapped in the ruins of an ancient necromancer's tomb. Unless she escapes the lethal trap, there will be no one to stop Grand Master Callatas from unleashing the Apotheosis. KYLON is desperate to save Caina's life... -
Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsTo hell with love, this goddess has other plans...Thousands of years ago, the gods told a lie: how Persephone was a pawn in the politics of other gods. How Hades kidnapped Persephone to be his bride. How her mother, Demeter, was so distraught she caused the Earth to start dying.The real story is much more interesting.Persephone wasn't taken to hell: she jumped... -
Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBryony and her sisters have come down in the world. Their merchant father died trying to reclaim his fortune and left them to eke out a living in a village far from their home in the city. But when Bryony is caught in a snowstorm and takes refuge in an abandoned manor, she stumbles into a house full of dark enchantments...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc friends-to-lovers magic myths paranormal retellings action-adventure -
Voice of Power by Melanie Cellier
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn Elena's world words have power over life and death--but none more so than hers.As the daughter of shopkeepers, Elena has always known that the mysteries of reading and writing were closed to her. Only the mageborn can risk harnessing the power unleashed from putting pen to paper. Until Elena discovers an impossible new ability and joins the elite ranks of the mages...Categorized as:
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The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn 1558, while exiled by Queen Mary Tudor to a remote castle known as Perilous Gard, young Kate Sutton becomes involved in a series of mysterious events that lead her to an underground world peopled by Fairy Folk—whose customs are even older than the Druids’ and include human sacrifice... -
Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAward-winning author Juliet Marillier’s “lavishly detailed”* Blackthorn & Grim series continues as a mysterious creature holds an enchanted and imperiled ancient Ireland in thrall. Disillusioned healer Blackthorn and her companion, Grim, have settled in Dalriada to wait out the seven years of Blackthorn’s bond to her fey mentor, hoping to avoid any dire challenges... -
Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsChild of the Prophecy is the thrilling conclusion to Juliet Marillier's award-winning Sevenwaters Trilogy.Magic is fading... and the ways of Man are driving the Old Ones to the West, beyond the ken of humankind. The ancient groves are being destroyed, and if nothing is done, Ireland will lose its essential mystic core... -
Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsMaeve, daughter of Lord Sean of Sevenwaters, was badly burned as a child and carries the legacy of that fire in her crippled hands. After ten years she’s returning home, a courageous, forthright woman. But while her body’s scars have healed, her spirit remains fragile, fearing the shadows of her past. Sevenwaters is in turmoil... -
Sword of Avalon by Diana L. Paxson
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFiery visions, a lost king, and a forthcoming destiny.A boy raised in secret after traitors kill his parents returns to Avalon faced with a formidable task: to prove his worth as a son of the kings and priestesses of his land and lead his followers to victory, wielding the newly-forged sword Excalibur...Categorized as:
fae magic myths paranormal retellings sword-sorcery witches-wizards action-adventure -
Pillars of Six by Kelly St. Clare
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDarkness crashes over the angry sea. After the bloody skirmish on Pleo, my future is a jumbled mess...Categorized as:
fae female-mc magic myths paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure alternate-universe
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