Books like 'The Gladiator and the Guard'
Readers who enjoyed The Gladiator and the Guard by Annie Douglass Lima also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy action / adventure family epic dystopia coming-of-age sports
-
Fate's Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBetrayal, war, and the risks of loyalty collide in the epic conclusion of the First Argentines series by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Lady’s Ransom.Ransom Barton has served three Argentine kings. The new successor to the throne is the ruthless Jon-Landon, a fallible strategist when it comes to war... -
![Warrior's Ransom by Jeff Wheeler]()
Warrior's Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsAfter a pilgrimage to the East Kingdoms seeking a blessing from the Fountain, source of the land’s magic, Sir Ransom Barton returns home in search of two dreams: Claire de Murrow, the heiress he loves, and a patron for his warrior skills. Unexpectedly, Ransom finds himself in the favor of Devon, the notorious Elder King... -
![Ruin by John Gwynne]()
Ruin by John Gwynne
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe Banished Lands are engulfed in war and chaos. The cunning Queen Rhin has conquered the west and High King Nathair has the cauldron, most powerful of the seven treasures. At his back stands the scheming Calidus and a warband of the Kadoshim, dread demons of the Otherworld. They plan to bring Asroth and his host of the Fallen into the world of flesh, but to do so they need the seven treasures... -
![Lady's Ransom by Jeff Wheeler]()
Lady's Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn kingdoms at war, alliances are made to be broken in a thrilling novel of magic and dark conspiracies by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Warrior’s Ransom.Ransom Barton and his wife, Claire de Murrow, have arrived in Legault to reclaim the title that was Claire’s birthright... -
-
![Broken by Magic by Lindsay Buroker]()
Broken by Magic by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsEven before our heroes discovered a portal to other realms, Jak Freedar wanted to seek out powerful allies to help overthrow the tyrannical wizard rulers of his home world. Instead, he chanced across a dragon egg and is now the surrogate father of a hatchling.Since he found the egg, taking care of the young dragon is his responsibility... -
![Genghis: Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden]()
Genghis: Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsGenghis unites Mongol tribes to cross the Gobi Desert and fight the Chin - gleaming cities, soaring walls, and canals. Laying siege to one fortress after another, Genghis cunningly crushes each enemy differently, overcoming moats, barriers, deceptions, and superior firepower—until his army calls the Emperor in Yenking to kneel... -
![Conqueror by Conn Iggulden]()
Conqueror by Conn Iggulden
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsFrom a young scholar to one of history's most powerful warriors, this novel tells the story of Kublai Khan - an extraordinary man who should be remembered alongside Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte as one of the greatest conquerors the world has ever known... -
![Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb]()
Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsTom Badgerlock has been living peaceably in the manor house at Withywoods with his beloved wife Molly these many years, the estate a reward to his family for loyal service to the crown.But behind the facade of respectable middle-age lies a turbulent and violent past. For Tom Badgerlock is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, bastard scion of the Farseer line, convicted user of Beast-magic, and assassin... -
![The Hod King by Josiah Bancroft]()
The Hod King by Josiah Bancroft
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsFearing an uprising, the Sphinx sends Senlin to investigate a plot that has taken hold in the ringdom of Pelphia. Alone in the city, Senlin infiltrates a bloody arena where hods battle for the public's entertainment. But his investigation is quickly derailed by a gruesome crime and an unexpected reunion... -
![Knight's Ransom by Jeff Wheeler]()
Knight's Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsUneasy lies the head that wears a crown. A brutal war of succession has plunged the court of Kingfountain into a power struggle between a charitable king who took the crown unlawfully and his ambitious rival, Devon Argentine. The balance of power between the two men hinges on the fate of a young boy ensnared in this courtly intrigue. A boy befittingly nicknamed Ransom... -
![Broken Veil by Jeff Wheeler]()
Broken Veil by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler’s epic Harbinger series comes to a breathtaking conclusion as two women are swept into a battle that could destroy two worlds.Rescued from a world of poverty, Cettie Pratt has avoided a bleak destiny—until now... -
![Gold Dragon by Lindsay Buroker]()
Gold Dragon by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsNow that Trip’s siblings are safely back in the capital, he would like it if life got back to normal. As normal as possible for a half-dragon army officer learning to use his magical powers when he isn’t busy piloting with Wolf Squadron. But trouble keeps popping up, and the capital isn’t the safe haven Trip had hoped... -
![Prism Cloud by Jeff Wheeler]()
Prism Cloud by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFriendship is strained to its breaking point in Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler’s fourth Harbinger novel.When the emperor is assassinated, Sera Fitzempress is the noble most eligible to inherit the empire. Her upcoming marriage to the prince would cement her position... -
![Khan: Empire of Silver by Conn Iggulden]()
Khan: Empire of Silver by Conn Iggulden
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe Great Khan is dead—and his vast empire, forged through raw courage, tactical brilliance, and indomitable force, hangs in the balance. Now, with the sons of Genghis Khan maneuvering for supremacy, the very qualities that united the fierce Mongol tribes threaten to tear them apart.Genghis’s tough and canny heir, Ogedai, is on the verge of becoming the new Khan... -
-
![The Second Blind Son by Amy Harmon]()
The Second Blind Son by Amy Harmon
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsA lost girl and a blind boy discover their greatest strength is their bond with each other in a beguiling fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The First Girl Child.An insidious curse is weakening the Norse kingdom of Saylok, where no daughters have been born in years. Washing up on these plagued shores is Ghisla, an orphaned stowaway nursed back to health by a blind cave dweller... -
![Crownbreaker by Sebastien de Castell]()
Crownbreaker by Sebastien de Castell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA failed mage learns that just because he's not the chosen one it doesn't mean he can't be a hero in final book of the Spellslinger series.Once an outlaw spellslinger, Kellen Argos has made a life for himself as the Daroman Queen's protector. A little magic and a handful of tricks are all it takes to deal with the constant threats to her reign... -
![Kingdoms at War by Lindsay Buroker, Vivienne Leheny]()
Kingdoms at War by Lindsay Buroker, Vivienne Leheny
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFor centuries, wizard kings have ruled the world from their elite sky cities, battling each other to add to their wealth and power, while using normal human beings as pawns. Those without magic struggle to feed their families and live in constant fear of bringing down the wrath of their tyrannical masters.Something must change... -
![Love and Sacrifice by Tove Foss Ford]()
Love and Sacrifice by Tove Foss Ford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEpic, Genre-Bending Science-Fantasy Sixteen-year-old Princess Katrin is leaving Mordania for the first time, on her way to take the Grand Tour of the Middle Continent. For the first time in her life, she will leave her title and ties to the Royal Family of Mordania behind and travel incognito with her family... -
![Rockslide by Michael Wisehart]()
Rockslide by Michael Wisehart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA debt is owed . . . and time is running out!Ayrion’s tribe has until the Harvest Moon to meet the Guild’s price. If the payment isn’t made, Hurricane’s territory will be seized, and its members left to starve.The stakes have never been higher.Once again, Ayrion finds himself in the precarious position of taking on the role of savior...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic action-adventure audiobook book children-books fiction high-fantasy -
![The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen]()
The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsA kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya... -
![The Hero's Lot by Patrick W. Carr]()
The Hero's Lot by Patrick W. Carr
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsRiveting Sequel from Christian Fantasy's Most Talented New Voice When Sarin Valon, the corrupt secondus of the conclave, flees Erinon and the kingdom, Errol Stone believes his troubles have at last ended. But other forces bent on the destruction of the kingdom remain and conspire to accuse Errol and his friends of a conspiracy to usurp the throne...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic action-adventure book christian fiction historical historical-fiction -
![Heroes of Issalia: Rogues and Runes Edition by Jeffrey L. Kohanek]()
Heroes of Issalia: Rogues and Runes Edition by Jeffrey L. Kohanek
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe return of a long lost magic. A desperate quest for a lost relic. The final battle to save humanity from extinction.This boxed set includes:______________________________________The Buried Symbol: Runes of Issalia, Book 1The Emblem Throne: Runes of Issalia, Book 2An Empire in Runes: Runes of Issalia, Book 3Rogue Legacy: Origins of Issalia, Book 0... -
![The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen]()
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 61 ratingsIn a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage... -
![The Royal Ranger: A New Beginning by John Flanagan]()
The Royal Ranger: A New Beginning by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAfter a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible - even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path. It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone - and it's a request Will cannot refuse... -
-
![Peter Pan by Tania Zamorsky]()
Peter Pan by Tania Zamorsky
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratings""A""ll children grow up. All except one." "That special child is Peter Pan, and since making his debut on the stage in 1904, this eternal youth has carried boys and girls off to magical, marvelous Neverland. It's a trip that all kids want to make, and with this easy-to-read version of the classic, everyone can fly "second to the right, and straight on till morning" with Peter...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family action-adventure audiobook book children children-books classics -
![Imager's Battalion by L.E. Modesitt Jr.]()
Imager's Battalion by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsQuaeryt, now holding the rank of subcommander in the Telaryn army of Lord Bhayar, leads history's first imager fighting force into a retaliatory war against the hostile nation of Bovaria, which recently attempted the annexation of Telaryn. But Court intrigues pursue Quaeryt to the front lines of the conflict as the imager's enemies continue to plot against him... -
![Unraveled by Lindsay Buroker]()
Unraveled by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA mission to a foreign land has left Captain Trip Yert with a responsibility he never anticipated: watching over two dozen magical stasis chambers containing half-dragon young, including eight that are half-human. As bewildering as he finds it, all of them are related to him... -
![The Queen's Resistance by Rebecca Ross, Suzanne Elise Freeman]()
The Queen's Resistance by Rebecca Ross, Suzanne Elise Freeman
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe highly anticipated sequel to The Queen’s Rising!Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge... -
![Der letzte Kampf by Rachel E. Carter]()
Der letzte Kampf by Rachel E. Carter
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsHe’s the Black Mage and she’s the traitor to the Crown.Ryiah’s world was shattered the night she discovered King Blayne’s nefarious plans. Now, she has to betray the one she loves most in order to save the realm from war... -
![Shadowplay (Spellmonger: Legacy and Secrets Book 1) by Terry Mancour, Emily Burch Harris]()
Shadowplay (Spellmonger: Legacy and Secrets Book 1) by Terry Mancour, Emily Burch Harris
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the World of Spellmonger… Blessed Darkness Conceal Her!Born into a mysterious family, Gatina always knew there was something special about those around her. But when the Duke and Duchess of Alshar—close friends of her family—are brutally assassinated, her idyllic countryside life is upended by secrets emerging from the shadows... -
![Son of Anger: A fast-paced Viking Saga filled with action and adventure by Donovan Cook]()
Son of Anger: A fast-paced Viking Saga filled with action and adventure by Donovan Cook
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"Norse warriors, gods and all things epic. This tale of vengeance is nothing short of exciting." Reedsy ReviewUlf is like a storm, slowly building up its power, he grows more dangerous with each passing moment. And like all storms, he will eventually break. When he does, he will destroy everything in his path.Ulf is one of a long line of famous Norse warriors... -
![Duncton Quest by William Horwood]()
Duncton Quest by William Horwood
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen Tryfan, son of Bracken and Rebecca, returns to the sacred Burrows of Uffington, he finds dreadful signs of death and destruction. For out of the chilly North have swarmed the grikes, a fanatical tribe of warrior moles bent on destroying all believers in the powers of the Stone...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic family action-adventure animals anthologies anthropomorphism dark -
![Prophecy's Daughter by Richard Phillips]()
Prophecy's Daughter by Richard Phillips
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe epic fantasy continues as Lorness Carol’s burgeoning magical powers are the only hope in a destined war between good and primordial evil… “The silent one in the west has awakened.” A tantalizing message reignites Kragan’s centuries-old fury to find and exterminate the unwitting young adversary prophesied to destroy him... -
![The Mists of Sorrow by Brian S. Pratt]()
The Mists of Sorrow by Brian S. Pratt
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe quest to find a friend whose life hangs by a thread, leads James and Jiron back into the heart of the Empire. The impetus behind the hunt is not as it would seem. The life of their friend is but a lure used to draw James to the appointed place at the appointed time...Categorized as:
dystopia epic action-adventure ancient-china ancient-civilization book fiction historical -
-
![Factotum by D.M. Cornish]()
Factotum by D.M. Cornish
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsRossamund Bookchild stands accused of not truly being a human at all, but of being a monster. Even the protection of Europe, the Branden Rose-the most feared and renowned monster-hunter in all the Half-Continent-might not be enough to save him. Powerful forces move against them both, intent on capturing Rossamund- whose existence some believe may hold the secret to perpetual youth...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dystopia epic action-adventure alternate-history audiobook book children-books -
![The Red Sea by Edward W. Robertson]()
The Red Sea by Edward W. Robertson
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Dante Galand was just a boy, his father Larsin sailed away to make his fortune. And never returned. Since then, Dante has become a great sorcerer. A ruler. A destroyer of kings. And he's just learned that his father is living on a forbidden island at the edge of the known world. Where he's dying of a mysterious plague... -
![Juniper by Monica Furlong]()
Juniper by Monica Furlong
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThe only child of the king of Cornwall, Juniper lives the life of luxury and ease that befits a medieval princess. Still, something compels her to leave the palace to take up a difficult life of study with godmother, Euny. The harsh but wise woman proceeds to teach the girl about herbs, healing, and the magic within nature... -
![Namesake by Adrienne Young]()
Namesake by Adrienne Young
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsWelcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and the rest of the crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when Fable becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme... -
![Outlier: Rebellion by Daryl Banner]()
Outlier: Rebellion by Daryl Banner
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Those in power will do whatever they can to get away with everything they can.”The world is destroyed, save for the Last City Of Atlas where every citizen is born with a unique, special ability and, for some unknown reason, humans no longer sleep or dream... -
![Saturday, the Twelfth of October by Norma Fox Mazer]()
Saturday, the Twelfth of October by Norma Fox Mazer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter spending almost a year with cave people from an earlier time, a young girl is transported back to the present greatly changed, both by her experience and by the fact that no one believes her... -
![Champion of the Crown by Melissa McShane]()
Champion of the Crown by Melissa McShane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWillow North has safely brought the boy-King Felix out of Tremontane and secured the support of neighboring Eskandel in his bid to recover the Crown. Now she faces her greatest challenge yet: convincing the Counts and Barons of Tremontane to support Felix as he confronts his uncle, the pretender to the Crown... -
![Destiny's Conflict by Janny Wurts]()
Destiny's Conflict by Janny Wurts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe long-awaited second book of the fourth story arc - Sword of the Canon - in the epic fantasy series, the Wars of Light and Shadow.Lysaer’s unstable integrity lies under threat of total downfall, and as his determined protector, Daliana will face the most frightening decision of her young life... -
![Ghosts of the Erlyn by C.J. Aaron]()
Ghosts of the Erlyn by C.J. Aaron
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAwakened. Enlightened. The Harvest fast approaches.Ryl and his companions hasten for the annual ceremony, determined to set in motion an event certain to rock Damaris to its core. Only days remain with many miles to navigate.Armed with new knowledge and plagued by lingering doubts, the path forward has proven more complicated than anticipated. The reality and the truth are far more convoluted... -
![4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace by Johan Twiss]()
4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace by Johan Twiss
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDiagnosed with a rare form of meningitis, a teenage boy is paralyzed from head to toe--trapped in his own mind. To cope with his imprisonment, he retreats to an imaginary world called his Mind Palace, but the lines between reality and time blur into wild adventures after he gets a new roommate--an old, outspoken, Jewish jazz musician with dementia... -
-
![Conflict of Empires by Sam Barone]()
Conflict of Empires by Sam Barone
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsConflict of Empires is a sweeping historical saga in the tradition of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell and Jean Auel.The beginning of civilization is fraught with war, invasion, plunder, and rapine... -
![Duncton Found by William Horwood]()
Duncton Found by William Horwood
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe first trilogy of the Duncton Chronicles now reaches an inspiring and triumphant conclusion… Under the ruthless leadership of Henbane of Whern, the grikes have taken over moledom. Soon their ascendancy is to be consolidated by Lucerne, her son by Tryfan, and the last followers of the Stone rooted out and killed...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic family action-adventure adult animals anthologies anthropomorphism -
![The Sand Sea by Michael McClellan]()
The Sand Sea by Michael McClellan
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"An astounding epic novel of J.R.R. Tolkien proportions!"— Steven Pressfield, Bestselling author of Gates of Fire and The War of ArtRaiders of the Lost Ark playing A Game of ThronesThe Sand Sea takes place on an alternative Earth roiled by war and conquest that mirrors our own Gilded Age... -
![The Golden Wolf by Linnea Hartsuyker]()
The Golden Wolf by Linnea Hartsuyker
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe fates of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild unfold to their stunning conclusion in this riveting final volume in The Golden Wolf Saga, a trilogy that conjures the ancient world with the gripping detail, thrilling action, and vivid historical elements of Game of Thrones and Outlander... -
![Four Sisters by Val Wood]()
Four Sisters by Val Wood
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA powerful story about the bond of sisterhood and how it can triumph against any adversity, from the Sunday Times bestselling author Val Wood.Hull, 1852. Matty has had to care for her three younger sisters ever since their mother’s death ten years ago. She and the girls’ beloved father have worked hard to keep the family together and now it’s time to celebrate as Matty turns eighteen... -
![Rule of Thieves by C. Greenwood]()
Rule of Thieves by C. Greenwood
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReturning home, Ilan finds nothing is as she left it. After a year of peace, Skeltai raiders are once again threatening the province, even as the Dimmingwood thieves find themselves betrayed by the praetor. From within the castle in Selbius Ilan must guard against an unknown enemy plotting her assassination, while uncovering a mage's secret that could help her protect the province...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
