Books like 'The Second Bell'
Readers who enjoyed The Second Bell by Gabriela Houston also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy horror dark fantasy high fantasy action / adventure dark myths female-mc witches-wizards coming-of-age
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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:
coming-of-age dark witches-wizards action-adventure anti-hero assassins audiobook book -
![Lirael by Garth Nix]()
Lirael by Garth Nix
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsLirael has never felt like a true daughter of the Clayr. Now, two years past the time when she should have received the Sight that is the Clayr's birthright, she feels alone, abandoned, unsure of who she is. Nevertheless, the fate of the Old Kingdom lies in her hands...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark female-mc witches-wizards action-adventure audiobook book children -
![Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop]()
Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsReturn to the "intense...erotic...and imaginative" world of the national bestselling Black Jewels novels with this sequel to The Shadow Queen. In Anne Bishop's "vividly painted" realm, witches and warlocks channel their power through magical jewels - and one Queen has emerged from the shadows to bring hope to an impoverished people...Categorized as:
dark female-mc witches-wizards action-adventure alpha-mc audiobook book dark-fantasy -
![Kings of Heaven by Richard Nell]()
Kings of Heaven by Richard Nell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the final book of the Ash and Sand trilogy, Ruka, son of Beyla, faces the emperor of the world, yet even victory may not save his people…With the death of his ally, Farahi Alaku, Ruka ‘Godtongue’ is alone. Or not exactly… The island prince Kale Alaku now haunts his mind, rattling within his once peaceful ‘Grove’, promising revenge and growing every moment in power... -
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![The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo]()
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsLove speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns. Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price...Categorized as:
dark myths retellings witches-wizards action-adventure animals anthologies audiobook -
![Abhorsen by Garth Nix]()
Abhorsen by Garth Nix
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsThe Ninth was strong and fought with might But lone Orannis was put out of the light Broken in two and buried under hillForever to lie there, wishing us ill.So says the song. But Orannis, the Destroyer, is no longer buried under hill. It has been freed from its subterranean prison and now seeks to escape the silver hemispheres, the final barrier to the unleashing of its terrible powers...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark female-mc witches-wizards action-adventure audiobook book children -
![Blood Will by Kirill Klevanski]()
Blood Will by Kirill Klevanski
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsHe made a deal with a dragon, getting its heart in return. He fought monsters to defeat the monster in himself. He won the war, razing one of the most powerful sects to the ground, and received the highest military rank possible.Now his path leads him to the very heart of the country — to the capital — to receive his title and well-deserved honors...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark myths retellings action-adventure adult ancient-china ancient-civilization -
![The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop]()
The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsIn her national bestselling Black Jewels novels, Anne Bishop’s “surefire spell craft…leave[s] readers’ hearts pounding.” Now her “feverish pacing and terrifying twists” are showcased once again. In a tumultuous world ruled by witches and warlocks who wear their power as jewels, one Queen’s chance at redemption is the last hope for a desperate people…Dena Nehele is a land decimated by its past... -
![Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop]()
Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsReturn to the realm of the Blood in Dreams Made Flesh—featuring four revelatory all-new adventures of Jaenelle and her kindred….Jaenelle is the most powerful Witch ever known, centuries of hopes and dreams made flesh at last...Categorized as:
dark female-mc witches-wizards action-adventure anthologies assassins audiobook dark-fantasy -
![The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang]()
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 78 ratingsWhen Rin aced the Keju — the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies — it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was... -
![Ghost in the Ring by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Ring by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCaina Amalas was once a deadly Ghost nightfighter, a spy and agent of the Emperor of Nighmar. Now she only wishes to live quietly with her husband. But civil war grips the Empire, and Caina's skills are needed against the cruel sorcerers of the malevolent Umbarian Order. And Caina has a dangerous connection to the Umbarians... -
![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... -
![Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher]()
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...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark myths retellings witches-wizards female-mc action-adventure audiobook -
![The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
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..Categorized as:
dark myths retellings witches-wizards 20th-century action-adventure anthologies audiobook -
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![Fulcrum of Light by C.J. Aaron]()
Fulcrum of Light by C.J. Aaron
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFreedom has come at a price.Stranded on the coast of an uncharted land, Ryl will be tested as the world outside the Palisades proves darker than within.With little to no direction save the cryptic information from a mysterious stranger, Ryl must rely on his new-found skills and place his trust in his new companion. Together they forge onward into the barren wastes of the Outlands... -
![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 Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
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..Categorized as:
dark myths retellings witches-wizards 20th-century action-adventure anthologies audiobook -
![Iron Wolf by Siri Pettersen]()
Iron Wolf by Siri Pettersen
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA new series from the author of The Raven Rings trilogy - Siri Pettersen!Juva knows all about blood readers. Praised for their Sight, they are nothing but swindlers, preying on people’s fears for power and profit. Born by blood readers herself, she knows only too well, and she has vowed never to become one of them... -
![Attack of the Fiend by Joseph Delaney]()
Attack of the Fiend by Joseph Delaney
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 40 ratings"I see your future clearly. Your master will be dead, and you will be alone. It would be better if you had never been born."Thomas Ward is the apprentice for the local Spook, who banishes boggarts and drives away ghosts. But now a new danger is threatening Tom's world. The witches are rising and the three most powerful clans are uniting in order to conjure an unimaginable evil... -
![The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King]()
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 57 ratingsStephen King returns to the rich landscape of Mid-World, the spectacular territory of the Dark Tower fantasy saga that stands as his most beguiling achievement. Roland Deschain and his ka-tet—Jake, Susannah, Eddie, and Oy, the billy-bumbler—encounter a ferocious storm just after crossing the River Whye on their way to the Outer Baronies...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark myths retellings romantic-love witches-wizards 21st-century action-adventure -
![Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix]()
Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBestselling novelist Garth Nix returns to the Old Kingdom for the never-before-told love story of Sabriel’s parents, Terciel and Elinor, and the Charter magic that brought them together—and threatened to tear them apart. A long-awaited prequel to a classic fantasy series...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark witches-wizards action-adventure audiobook book dark-fantasy epic -
![From the Shadows of the Owl Queen's Court by Benedict Patrick]()
From the Shadows of the Owl Queen's Court by Benedict Patrick
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIf you value your life, stay out of the forest. As a captive of the Owl Queen’s Court, Nascha’s life has always been one knife’s edge away from disaster. But when she is threatened for nothing more than the colour of her hair, Nascha attempts the unthinkable: escape through the dreaded Magpie King’s forest... -
![The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan]()
The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn a kingdom of merciless tyrants, Jebel Rum's family is honored as royalty because his father is the executioner. But Rashed Rum is near retirement. And when he goes, there will be a contest to determine his successor. It is a contest that thin, puny Jebel has no chance of winning...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark myths retellings action-adventure book children-books dark-fantasy -
![The Spook's Revenge by Joseph Delaney]()
The Spook's Revenge by Joseph Delaney
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratings‘He’s the seventh son of a seventh son. His name is Thomas J. Ward and he’s my gift to the County. When he’s old enough we’ll send you word. Train him well. He’ll be the best apprentice you’ve ever had and he’ll also be your last.’These were the words of Tom's Mam to the county Spook some years ago... -
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![The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin, Samuel Roukin]()
The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin, Samuel Roukin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe greatest fantasies of the 20th century are J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle. Regrettably, the Earthsea Cycle has not received the fame and sales of Tolkien's trilogy. Fortunately, new Earthsea books have appeared in the 21st century, and they are as powerful, beautiful, and imaginative as the first four novels...Categorized as:
coming-of-age female-mc myths witches-wizards 21st-century action-adventure animals audiobook -
![The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson]()
The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe war is over, but something is rotten in the state of Eidyn.With a ragged peace in place, demons burn farmlands, violent Reivers roam the wilds and plague has spread beyond the Black Meadows. The country is on its knees.In a society that fears and shuns him, Aranok is the first magically-skilled draoidh to be named King’s Envoy... -
![Lady of the Lake by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
Lady of the Lake by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsThe Witcher returns in this action-packed sequel to The Tower of Swallows, in the New York Times bestselling series that inspired The Witcher video games. After walking through the portal in the Tower of Swallows while narrowly escaping death, Ciri finds herself in a completely different world... an Elven world. She is trapped with no way out... -
![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... -
![House of Bastiion by K.L. Kolarich]()
House of Bastiion by K.L. Kolarich
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTHE SERIESHouse of Bastiion is the first installment in the epic fantasy series, The Haidren Legacy. An immersive adventure armed with dark politics, sharp objects, and bickering characters, this treacherous saga packs a legendary punch for adult and NA readers alike. Fans of Brandon Sanderson, George R.R...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark witches-wizards action-adventure book dark-fantasy enemies-to-lovers epic -
![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... -
![The Gryphon's Lair by Kelley Armstrong]()
The Gryphon's Lair by Kelley Armstrong
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe exciting follow-up book in the fantastical duology for ages 10-14 by NYT bestselling author, Kelley Armstrong.Rowan is now the Royal Monster Hunter, and her twin brother, Rhydd, is destined to be king. But her mother's cousin Heward is still determined that his children be the ones to inherit the titles, and will stop at nothing to show that Rowan and Rhydd are too immature to properly lead... -
![A Warrior's Burden: Book One of Saga of the Known Lands by Jacob Peppers]()
A Warrior's Burden: Book One of Saga of the Known Lands by Jacob Peppers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhere he walks, death follows. He was once known as Prince Bernard, ruler of his people and the man who led them in the Fey War against creatures out of myth and legend, beings out of nightmare. A man renowned for his strength, a man feared by his own people as much as his enemies. But there are other names for him, too. Kingslayer. Oathbreaker. Traitor. The Crimson Prince.And they are all true... -
![Darkblade Protector by Andy Peloquin]()
Darkblade Protector by Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProtect the innocent at any costThe Hunter, legendary assassin of Voramis, has been given a second chance. He will safeguard Hailen, the boy he rescued from a demon, against any threat—mortal or immortal... -
![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... -
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![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... -
![Zawód: Wiedźma, Część 2 by Olga Gromyko]()
Zawód: Wiedźma, Część 2 by Olga Gromyko
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJak mówi stare przysłowie, gdzie mag nie może, tam... magiczkę pośle. Zasada ta obowiązuje także w drugim tomie opowieści o W.Rednej - nie takiej znowu wrednej - adeptce VIII roku Starmińskiej Wyższej Szkoły Magii, Wróżbiarstwa i Zielarstwa. Jej "wiedźmowatość" ma niezwykły talent do magii, nieprzeciętną intuicję i wściekłą inteligencję. Zawsze czyta cudzą korespondencję...Categorized as:
female-mc witches-wizards action-adventure book dark-fantasy dragons fiction high-fantasy -
![Tribute at the Gates by C.J. Aaron]()
Tribute at the Gates by C.J. Aaron
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCursed from birth. Forced into slavery. It's time to fight back.The blood of the Ancients is the most coveted ingredient in all of Damaris. The fabled elixir made from it grants those who drink it life that extends far beyond natural means.There is no higher honor in the kingdom then being granted the privilege of bidding for it... -
![The Thickety: The Whispering Trees by J.A. White, Moira Quirk]()
The Thickety: The Whispering Trees by J.A. White, Moira Quirk
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe second book in J. A. White s critically acclaimed middle grade fantasy series continues the fantastical story of Kara and her journey into the Thickety.After Kara Westfall s village turns on her for practicing witchcraft, she and her brother Taff flee to the one place they know they won t be followed: the Thickety. Only this time the forest demon Sordyr is intent on keeping them there... -
![Night of the Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney]()
Night of the Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsIt's going to be a long, hard, cruel winter. And there couldn't be a worse place to spend it than up on Anglezarke.Thomas Ward is the apprentice for the local Spook, who captures witches and drives away ghosts. As the weather gets colder and the nights draw in, the Spook receives an unexpected visitor... -
![The Girl and the Mountain by Mark Lawrence]()
The Girl and the Mountain by Mark Lawrence
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe second novel in the thrilling and epic new fantasy series from the international bestselling author of Red Sister and Prince of Thorns.On the planet Abeth there is only the ice. And the Black Rock.For generations the priests of the Black Rock have reached out from their mountain to steer the fate of the ice tribes...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark female-mc action-adventure audiobook book dark-fantasy dying-earth -
![Kings of Paradise by Richard Nell]()
Kings of Paradise by Richard Nell
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA deformed genius plots vengeance while struggling to survive. A wastrel prince comes of age, finding a power he never imagined. Two worlds are destined to collide. Only one can be king. Ruka, called a demon at birth, is a genius. Born malformed and ugly into the snow-covered wasteland of the Ascom, he was spared from death by his mother's love... -
![Dissolution by Richard Lee Byers]()
Dissolution by Richard Lee Byers
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsWhile their whole world is changing around them, four dark elves struggle against different enemies. Yet their paths will lead them all to the most terrifying discovery in the long history of the drow, and set them on a quest to save not only Menzoberranzan but the entire dark elf race from Dissolution.The War of the Spider Queen begins here...Categorized as:
dark romantic-love witches-wizards action-adventure audiobook book dark-fantasy epic -
![Men and Monsters by Elena May]()
Men and Monsters by Elena May
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe stakes have risen. For fifty years, Prince Vladimir has tolerated the Resistance, but now they threaten what he holds dear. The vicious vampire will no longer hold back. A plan he has been working on for decades will finally reveal itself and entangle everyone standing on the way.For the first time after the Nightfall, the Resistance holds a true bargaining chip... -
![Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney]()
Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsNow it's the dark's turn to be afraid The Spook and his apprentice, Thomas Ward, deal with the dark. Together they rid the county of witches, ghosts, and boggarts. But now there's some unfinished business to attend to in Priestown... -
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![Goldenhand by Garth Nix]()
Goldenhand by Garth Nix
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsLirael knows the blood that runs in her veins and her true powers. She also knows that Chlorr of the Mask has been conspiring with the clans of the steppe, from a message she’s received from her long-dead mother, Arielle. But no one else believes that nomads can be a real threat...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark female-mc witches-wizards action-adventure audiobook book dark-fantasy -
![Hidden Warrior by Lynn Flewelling]()
Hidden Warrior by Lynn Flewelling
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe line of Skala's ruling queens was established in accordance with prophecy. But now King Erius reigns, and he is ruthless in his determination to rid of Skala of any threat to his grip on power. As the only living child of Erius's dead sister, Prince Tobin is second in line to the throne. But he is not what he seems...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dark female-mc witches-wizards 21st-century action-adventure audiobook book -
![Unholy by Richard Lee Byers, Kevin Kraft]()
Unholy by Richard Lee Byers, Kevin Kraft
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJoin heroes fighting the undead hordes!A powerful undead sorcerer reigns in Thay over a frightened people and hordes of undead. The mageocracy in exile, masters of no more than their beaten army, watch from distant shores as the new King of Thay prepares a great magical ritual--a ritual they cannot allow him to bring to completion... -
![Zawód: Wiedźma, Część 1 by Olga Gromyko]()
Zawód: Wiedźma, Część 1 by Olga Gromyko
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDlaczego mistrz wrzuca młodziutką magiczkę na głęboką wodę zagadki, która przed nią pochłonęła 13 ofiar, w tym... kilku magów z doświadczeniem?Bo ma talent. Bo jest wystarczająco wścibska i ciekawska, a dwutomowa podróż w jej towarzystwie przekonuje, że to świetny kompan i - wbrew pozorom - nielichy przeciwnik...Categorized as:
female-mc witches-wizards action-adventure book comedy dark-fantasy fiction high-fantasy -
![The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo]()
The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThere was a time when the woods near Duva ate girls…or so the story goes. But it's just possible that the danger may be a little bit closer to home. This story is a companion folk tale to Leigh Bardugo's debut novel, Shadow and Bone.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied...Categorized as:
dark female-mc myths retellings witches-wizards 21st-century action-adventure audiobook -
![The Witchwood Crown by Tad Williams]()
The Witchwood Crown by Tad Williams
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsNew York Times-bestselling Tad Williams’ ground-breaking epic fantasy saga of Osten Ard begins an exciting new cycle! • Volume One of The Last King of Osten ArdThe Dragonbone Chair, the first volume of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, was published in hardcover in October, 1988, launching the series that was to become one of the seminal works of modern epic fantasy...
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