Books like 'The Shadow'
Readers who enjoyed The Shadow by Jeff Gunzel also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy high fantasy dark fantasy horror assassins dark epic sword-sorcery political-intrigue
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The God is Not Willing by Steven Erikson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsMany years have passed since three Teblor warriors brought carnage and chaos to the small lakeside settlement of Silver Lake. While the town has recovered, the legacy of that past horror remains, even if the Teblor tribes of the north no longer venture into the southlands. One of those three, Karsa Orlong, is now deemed to be a god, albeit an indifferent one... -
![Reign of Madness by Kel Kade]()
Reign of Madness by Kel Kade
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsThe mysterious, indomitable warrior? Ruthless criminal overlord? The Riel’gesh – mythical demigod? Dedicated friend and protector? Equipped with skills far beyond those of the outworlders, Rezkin has been suddenly thrust into a foreign world. The young warrior clings his only known purpose as he continues his search for any information about his identity and the reason for his existence...Categorized as:
assassins dark epic political-intrigue sword-sorcery action-adventure anti-hero audiobook -
![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...Categorized as:
assassins dark epic political-intrigue sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book -
![Deadhouse Landing by Ian C. Esslemont]()
Deadhouse Landing by Ian C. Esslemont
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsAfter the disappointments of Li Heng, Dancer and Kellanved wash up on a small insignificant island named Malaz. Immediately, of course, Kellanved plans to take it over. To do so they join forces with a small band of Napans who have fled a civil war on their own home island... -
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![Dancer's Lament by Ian C. Esslemont]()
Dancer's Lament by Ian C. Esslemont
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsTaking Malazan fans back to that troubled continent's turbulent early history. The opening chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's epic new fantasy sequence, the Path to Ascendancy trilogy.For ages warfare has crippled the continent as minor city states, baronies, and principalities fought in an endless round of hostilities... -
![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:
assassins dark epic political-intrigue sword-sorcery action-adventure adult audiobook -
![Blood of Empire by Brian McClellan]()
Blood of Empire by Brian McClellan
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsAs the final battle approaches a sellsword, a spy, and a general must find unlikely and dangerous allies in order to turn the tides of war in this epic fantasy tale of magic and gunpowder by acclaimed author Brian McClellan... -
![The Queen's Weapons by Anne Bishop]()
The Queen's Weapons by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsEnter the dark and sensual realms of the Black Jewels, a world where power always has a price, in this sweeping story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga. They are Warlord Princes, men born to serve and protect. They are the Queen's Weapons, men born to destroy the Queen's enemies--no matter what face that enemy wears... -
![The Warring Son by Bryce O'Connor]()
The Warring Son by Bryce O'Connor
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 24 ratings**Book 2 in the Top 10 Bestselling Epic Fantasy series on Amazon** Raz i'Syul Arro is a hunted man. To the south, the Mahsadën of Miropa are gone. The šef lay dead, slain at Raz's own hands, their cruel will ripped from the shadows of the city... -
![Skulduggery 4 by Logan Jacobs]()
Skulduggery 4 by Logan Jacobs
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBuilding a Criminal EmpireLord of the Rings + Breaking Bad + The Sopranos = Skulduggery With each rival my syndicate eliminates two more appear, and they are out for blood. The assassin’s guild, the dwarven miners, and the elven overlords are all looking to put our heads on a pike... -
![Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider]()
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey took it all: his will, his memories, his freedom, his magic. Imprisoned by his enemies, tortured and drugged to keep his magic suppressed, Ian Troy returns to a world as marred and broken as he is. Ravaged by the reign of her new High King, Draken of Langor, Mirra’kelan’s citizens live in fear. The Shinree, misled by Jem Reth’s promises, are no longer slaves, but they are far from free... -
![Queen of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin]()
Queen of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHer life burned to ashes. Her city under siege. She will sacrifice everything she has for bloody vengeance.Ilanna has lost everything: her friends, her home, her family, her dreams of freedom. All that remains is a burning desire to find the bastards who burned down her city and tried to kill her.But a traitor hides among the ranks of the Night Guild, poisoning her friends and allies with lies... -
![Ghost in the Mask by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Mask by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaina Amalas is a nightfighter of the Ghosts, the spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar, and through cunning and valor she has cast down both proud lords and mighty sorcerers. But a power darker than any she has ever faced is awakening...Categorized as:
assassins dark epic political-intrigue sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book -
![Dawn of the Exile by Mitchell Hogan]()
Dawn of the Exile by Mitchell Hogan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor the damned, redemption may be just a mad dream…Years have passed since the demon Tarrik and his master, the sorcerer Ren, destroyed the servants of Samal and suppressed the very essence of the vile lord. The cost was greater than even a demon could have imagined. But in the realms of demons and humans, no evil can be fully controlled, and no one’s true fate can be foretold. Including Tarrik’s... -
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![The Hindering Ones by Mike Truk]()
The Hindering Ones by Mike Truk
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy name's Noah Kilmartin. I'm from Ruddock, Ohio, and I'm about 85% unqualified to save the universe from the slavering demonic hordes of the super evil bitch queen Lilith.But I haven't failed yet.Somehow I've passed the five trials, accumulated a team of powerful companions, and made it through the portal into Ghogiel... -
![City of Daggers by Scott Straughan]()
City of Daggers by Scott Straughan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe lawless North is changing. The strongest bandits have begun claiming territory for themselves, and there is only so much to go around. The spectre of violence hangs heavy over the land. Daggerpoint is a hive of villainy and evil, ruled by no one. Thugs and murderers roam the streets, where anything is available for the right price, even the darkest of secrets and most dangerous of magics...Categorized as:
assassins dark political-intrigue sword-sorcery action-adventure adult anti-hero book -
![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... -
![The Free Bastards by Jonathan French]()
The Free Bastards by Jonathan French
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe long-awaited war has come in the sweeping conclusion to the Lot Lands trilogy--another irresistibly swashbuckling, swaggering, foul-mouthed fantasy.The long-awaited war has come in the sweeping conclusion to the Lot Lands trilogy--another irresistibly swashbuckling, swaggering, foul-mouthed fantasy... -
![God of Broken Things by Cameron Johnston]()
God of Broken Things by Cameron Johnston
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn outcast magician must risk his body and mind to save the world from horrifying demons, in the heart-pounding epic fantasy sequel to The Traitor God.Tyrant magus Edrin Walker destroyed the monster sent by the Skallgrim, but not before it laid waste to Setharis, and infested their magical elite with mind-controlling parasites... -
![Idols Fall by Mike Shel]()
Idols Fall by Mike Shel
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“AT LONG LAST, EVEN GODS WILL KNOW REGRET…”Agnes Manteo now bears her father’s sentient Djao sword, along with a terrible revelation—the gods are charlatans, ancient sorcerers who draw their strength from the suffering of humanity. She and her Syraeic companions have but one duty: to track down those pretenders and end their reign of cruelty and lies, no matter the cost... -
![Black Talon by Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin]()
Black Talon by Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKullen is the Emperor’s assassin. The sharp hand of justice. The Black Talon.Gifted a soul-forged bond with his dragon, Umbris, Kullen is tasked with hunting any and all who oppose the Empire.But when the secretive Crimson Fang murders two noblemen before his very eyes, Kullen must discover the truth of who they are and what they want... -
![To Blackfyre Keep by Anthony Ryan]()
To Blackfyre Keep by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGUYIME—DEMON CURSED WIELDER OF THE NAMELESS BLADE—FOLLOWS THE TRAIL OF THE FABLED SEVEN SWORDS INTO THE TROUBLED NORTHLANDS, A REALM WHERE HE WAS ONCE CALLED KING…AND RAVAGER.Magically guided to enlist in the retinue of a lovesick knight, Guyime and his companions journey to the haunted ruin of Blackfyre Keep, a castle legend tells cannot be held. But a far deadlier threat than mere ghosts awaits... -
![The Thief Who Wasn't There by Michael McClung]()
The Thief Who Wasn't There by Michael McClung
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBellarius, saved from utter destruction, is now plunged into vicious civil war. Amra has vanished, and while Holgren has a plan to find her and bring her back, his plan teeters between impossibility and insanity... -
![Gotrek & Felix: The First Omnibus by William King]()
Gotrek & Felix: The First Omnibus by William King
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGotrek the dwarf trollslayer and his companion Felix are Black Library's most popular fantasy duo. This omnibus edition gives readers a unique opportunity to enjoy their first three adventures through the haunted forests, mountains and castles of the grim Warhammer world... -
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![Crowfall by Ed McDonald]()
Crowfall by Ed McDonald
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsCrowfall is a gritty epic fantasy for fans of Mark Lawrence, Scott Lynch and Daniel Polansky.'Dark, twisty and excellent . . . Grimdark with heart' Mark LawrenceA sorceress cataclysm has hit the Range, the final defensive line between the Republic and the immortal Deep Kings... -
![Ghost in the Maze by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Maze by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCaina Amalas is a Ghost circlemaster, leader of the Emperor's spies in Istarinmul. Yet the people of Istarinmul know her as the Balarigar, the daring master thief who challenged the corrupt lords and cruel princes of the city. And now Grand Master Callatas, the most powerful sorcerer of Istarinmul, wants her dead, and without allies Caina will not survive... -
![Thief of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin]()
Thief of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe impossible becomes inevitable with the fate of her loved ones hanging in the balance…A cunning thief of unrivaled ingenuity, Ilanna is determined to secure her freedom at any cost. No price is too high to break the shackles of the Night Guild's callous cruelty.With her future on the line, nothing will stand in her way, not even the most powerful man in Praamis, Duke Phonnis... -
![Legacy of Light by Matthew Ward]()
Legacy of Light by Matthew Ward
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWarfare, myth and magic collide in Legacy of Light, the spectacular conclusion to Matthew Ward's acclaimed Legacy trilogy.For the first time in many years, the Tressian Republic and the Hadari Empire are at peace. But war never sleeps.In Tregard, Empress Melanna Saranal struggles to protect a throne won at great cost... -
![Evil Overlord: The Makening by Michael McClung]()
Evil Overlord: The Makening by Michael McClung
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIf evil was easy, everybody would be doing it, and there would be more Dark Lords running around than you could shake a stick at. But the road to Utter Domination isn't easy, smooth or straight, as the boy who will one day become Gar the Pitiless will discover. He may one day rise to rule all he surveys - but first he'll have to survive a world that seems bent on his destruction...Categorized as:
assassins dark political-intrigue sword-sorcery action-adventure adult anti-hero book -
![A Bloody Road by Scott Straughan]()
A Bloody Road by Scott Straughan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe war between savage bandit lords continues, and the stage is set for murder and betrayal. After his defeat in Daggerpoint, Werrick personally leads his forces into battle against Herad. The victor will be able to claim the vast North as their own and crown themselves its first king. While only a painful death awaits the loser and all who follow them...Categorized as:
assassins dark political-intrigue sword-sorcery action-adventure adult anti-hero book -
![Shadow of the Lantern Bearer by Chris R. Underwood]()
Shadow of the Lantern Bearer by Chris R. Underwood
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMagic is a disease. It spreads like a plague and drives the infected mad with power.Death is the only cure.Seventeen-year-old Kole Felmen is destined for a life spent executing infected sorcerers and disposing of their tainted remains.But his first execution ends in disaster... -
![Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords by Benedict Patrick]()
Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords by Benedict Patrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDon't draw your blade in the City of Swords, unless you're willing to kill… or ready to die.Young and filled with idealistic fervor, Arturo packs his blade and travels to the fabled City of Swords in the hopes of joining the dashing Bravadori. Yet upon arriving he discovers these masked vigilantes have more in common with brutal thugs than noble monster slayers... -
![Queen of the Night by Craig Schaefer]()
Queen of the Night by Craig Schaefer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt all ends here. It ends as Livia Serafini returns to her homeland with an army at her back, an exiled refugee turned ruthless conqueror, bringing war and witchcraft to any who dare stand in her way... -
![Legacy of Ghosts by Alicia Wanstall-Burke]()
Legacy of Ghosts by Alicia Wanstall-Burke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFour years have passed since Lidan’s world was ripped apart, and time is running out to change her father’s mind about the succession before the bargain with her mother expires... -
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![Ally by K. Eason]()
Ally by K. Eason
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe city of Illharek teeters on the edge of war. Rival godsworn battle in both the Suburban streets and the Senate chambers. And in the fields and forests, a Taliri army plots its attack.When a rebel faction of Taliri offers to help defeat Tal’Shik, Dekklis sends Snow and her partner, Veiko, north to Cardik’s ruins... -
![The Broken God by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan]()
The Broken God by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDark gods and dangerous magic clash in this third book of Gareth Hanrahan's acclaimed epic fantasy series, The Black Iron Legacy. Enter a city of dragons and darkness... The Godswar has come to Guerdon, dividing the city between three occupying powers. A fragile armistice holds back the gods, but other dangerous forces seek to exert their influence... -
![The Blind Dragon: A Tale from the Canon of Tarn by Peter Fane]()
The Blind Dragon: A Tale from the Canon of Tarn by Peter Fane
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"There we are," Anna whispered. The dragon foal went still at her voice. Then it snorted and swiveled its snout towards her. Its eyes were still shut. Its tail quivered and its nostrils flared. A menacing growl rose from its chest. "Easy there," Anna said gently. "Easy." She placed her palm on its forehead, applying calm pressure between its eyes... -
![The Pillars of Sand by Mark T. Barnes, Nick Podehl]()
The Pillars of Sand by Mark T. Barnes, Nick Podehl
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe epic conclusion of the Echoes of Empire trilogy.Prophecy declared that corrupt politician Corajidin would rule the Shrīanese Federation, even become its new Emperor and sinister magic has helped him defy death in order to do it. But his victory is not assured, thanks to clashing rival factions that hinder any attempts to unify the nation... -
![Child of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin]()
Child of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey killed her family. They ripped apart her home. But to repay her debts, she'll have to sacrifice her innocence. Robbed of everything she loves, Viola mourns the sudden loss of her mother. Now burdened with an impossible debt to the Night Guild, she’s forced to train as a cunning thief... -
![The Blackest Heart by Brian Lee Durfee]()
The Blackest Heart by Brian Lee Durfee
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGladiator. Assassin. Thief. Princess. And the Slave. The Five Warrior Angels have been revealed, one by one the mystical weapons they once wielded are being found, and an ancient prophecy is finally being fulfilled. Or is it? For when it comes to recorded history, much is intended to manipulate and deceive... -
![Fallen Sepulchre by J.D. Franx]()
Fallen Sepulchre by J.D. Franx
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWarning: 18+ Only. Contains scenes of an adult nature. Threatened by an Elloryan invasion reinforced by the Ancients, the sanctuary Ember and Max sought in DormaSai after Kael’s burial is at its end. A civil war rages in Cethos, and the threat of Wildland tribal attacks in the Blood Kingoms is imminent... -
![Brunner the Bounty Hunter by C.L. Werner]()
Brunner the Bounty Hunter by C.L. Werner
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOmnibus edition collecting all three novels in the Brunner the Bounty Hunter series. Dark and savage tales set in the world of Warhammer, by author C.L. Werner... -
![Darkblade Outcast by Andy Peloquin]()
Darkblade Outcast by Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCan a killer escape the evil inside him?The Hunter has fled his home and the suffering left in his wake. Hoping to cleanse the stain of blood on his hands, he aids travelers beset by bandits only to discover those he saved are warrior clerics on a holy mission to kill him... -
![The Prison of Angels by David Dalglish]()
The Prison of Angels by David Dalglish
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"This world is not safe. Your angels have done great things, but I fear their illusion of safety has been more damaging than they can possibly understand. The ancient evils may be gone, but new ones have replaced them."----Five years have passed since the death of the war god, and now angels watch over the land. It should be a time of peace and prosperity. It is not... -
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![Desolation by Megg Jensen]()
Desolation by Megg Jensen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTressa's army won the battle, but at a terrible cost. So many lives lost. So many lovers torn asunder. And that was just the beginning. An ancient beast rumbles beneath the Dragonlands, thirsting for blood. Dragon blood. Setting aside her heartbreak, Tressa ventures beyond the Dragonlands to the mysterious realm of Desolation, searching for allies and answers... -
![Academy of Outcasts by Larry Correia]()
Academy of Outcasts by Larry Correia
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA brand new fantasy world from Larry Correia, bestselling author of Monster Hunter International! All Oz Carnavon ever wanted was to become a master mage. Except, to do so requires the natural gifts or wealth necessary to secure an appointment to one of the prestigious magical academies in the Core City at the center of the seven realms. Oz had neither... -
![The Great Change by Joe Abercrombie]()
The Great Change by Joe Abercrombie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Great Change (and Other Lies) is a novella-length collection that gathers four short stories related to Joe Abercrombie's The Age of Madness, featuring old friends and new: from smugglers to kings, from diamond-cutters to dress-makers, from the most apparently insignificant of slaves to the most feared man in the Union, Old Sticks himself... -
![A Sliver of Redemption by David Dalglish]()
A Sliver of Redemption by David Dalglish
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFantasy author David Dalglish continues his series of the half-orc brothers, whose struggles have bathed the land of Dezrel in demon fire…------Book Description:The war god Thulos marches across the world of Dezrel, recruiting soldiers into his demon army and annihilating all who stand against him... -
![The True Bastards by Jonathan French]()
The True Bastards by Jonathan French
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe sequel to The Grey Bastards--another irresistibly swashbuckling, swaggering, foul-mouthed adventure fantasy.Fetching was once the only female rider in the Lot Lands. Now she is the leader of her own hoof, a band of loyal half-orcs sworn to her command. But in the year since she took power, the True Bastards have struggled to survive... -
![A Dance of Ghosts by David Dalglish]()
A Dance of Ghosts by David Dalglish
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIN A CITY KNOWN FOR DARKNESS, THE UNDERWORLD TREMBLES AT THE RISE OF THE SUN... In book #5 of the Shadowdance series... He is known as Muzien the Darkhand, and a night of fire and blood heralds his arrival to the beleaguered city of Veldaren. With him comes the might of the Sun Guild, its thieves and smugglers eager to spread their criminal empire to the east...
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