Books like 'Shadow Dancers'
Readers who enjoyed Shadow Dancers by Lillian Stewart Carl also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy alternate history family epic myths
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The King Arthur Trilogy: The Winter King, Enemy of God, Excalibur (Warlord Chronicles) by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt takes a remarkable writer to make an old story as fresh and compelling as the first time we heard it. Bernard Cornwell's Internationally bestselling King Arthur Trilogy tells the mythic saga of King Arthur and is the work of a magnificent storyteller at the height of his powers... -
![Woad Children by Nathan A.Thompson]()
Woad Children by Nathan A.Thompson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne tribulation down. To stop the next, he'll battle through blood and frost. Wes Malcolm has wrested Avalon back from men, monsters, and false gods. The next step is to bring the battle to his enemy's camp. The world of the Woadlands is under siege from two cataclysms at once... -
![The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler]()
The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAgainst all odds, Owen Kiskaddon grew from frightened boy to confident youth to trusted officer in the court of Kingfountain—and watched its regent, Severn Argentine, grow ever more ruthless and power-mad. Robbed of his beloved protector, his noble mentor, and his true love, Owen has anticipated the day when the king he fears and reviles, yet loyally serves, will be toppled...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure alternate-history arthurian audiobook book coming-of-age -
![Excalibur by Bernard Cornwell]()
Excalibur by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsIn The Winter King and Enemy of God Bernard Cornwell demonstrated his astonishing ability to make the oft-told legend of King Arthur fresh and new for our time. Now, in this riveting final volume of The Warlord Chronicles, Cornwell tells the unforgettable tale of Arthur's final struggles against the Saxons and his last attempts to triumph over a ruined marriage and ravaged dreams...Categorized as:
epic myths 20th-century action-adventure adult alternate-history arthurian audiobook -
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![Enemy of God by Bernard Cornwell]()
Enemy of God by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe balance of King Arthur's unified kingdom is threatened by Merlin's quest for the last of Britain's 13 Treasures; by the conflict between the ancient religion and the new Christianity; and by Britain's war with the Saxons. A master storyteller continues his retelling of the Arthurian legend...Categorized as:
epic myths 20th-century action-adventure adult alternate-history arthurian audiobook -
![The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless]()
The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sequel to the critically acclaimed The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, The Words of Kings and Prophets is the powerful new historical fantasy novel by Shauna Lawless.Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position... -
![Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell]()
Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsHe is a man of many names. Some call him the Golden One; others, the Lord of the Silver Bow. To the Dardanians, he is Prince Aeneas. But to his friends, he is Helikaon. Strong, fast, quick of mind, he is a bold warrior, hated by his enemies, feared even by his Trojan allies. For there is a darkness at the heart of the Golden One, a savagery that, once awakened, can be appeased only with blood...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure alternate-history ancient-civilization book classics dark -
![Lion of Macedon by David Gemmell]()
Lion of Macedon by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsOver and again, the aged seeress Tamis scried all the possible tomorrows. In every one, dark forces threatened Greece; terrible evil was poised to reenter the world. The future held only one hope: a half-caste Spartan boy, Parmenion. So Tamis made it her mission to see that Parmenion would before the deadliest warrior in the world -- no matter what the cost...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure adult alternate-history ancient-civilization book classics -
![Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay]()
Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe Thrilling Sequel To Sailing To SarantiumBeckoned by the Emperor Valerius, Crispin, a renowned mosaicist, has arrived in the fabled city of Sarantium. Here he seeks to fulfill his artistic ambitions and his destiny high upon a dome that will become the emerror's magnificent sanctuary and legacy.But the beauty and solitude of his work cannot protect his from Sarantium's intrigue... -
![Emaculum by Roberto Calas]()
Emaculum by Roberto Calas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last mile is always the longest. The Scourge: Emaculum is the haunting conclusion to the Scourge trilogy. Sir Edward Dallingridge’s wife, the Lady Elizabeth, waits, once more, in St. Edmund’s Abbey. And to reach her, Edward must battle a king and save a queen, break an oath and make another... -
![War God: Return of the Plumed Serpent by Graham Hancock]()
War God: Return of the Plumed Serpent by Graham Hancock
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe conquistador Hernán Cortés is hell-bent on conquering Mexico for the Aztecs’ gold. Having destroyed the Maya at Potonchan, Cortés now marches on Tenochtitlan, the Golden City of the Aztecs, wrapped in the aura of a returning, vengeful god.His small force of just five hundred men will have to defeat the psychotic emperor Moctezuma and the armies of hundreds of thousands he commands... -
![The First Dragon by James A. Owen]()
The First Dragon by James A. Owen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRestoring the Archipelago of Dreams comes with a precious price in this final volume of the critically acclaimed Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series.To save the world, Charles, the Grail Child Rose Dyson, and Edmund McGee must travel deep into the past to discover the identity of the mythical Architect of the Keep of Time... -
![Odalisque: The Baroque Cycle #3 by Neal Stephenson]()
Odalisque: The Baroque Cycle #3 by Neal Stephenson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe trials of Dr. Daniel Waterhouse and the Natural Philosophers increase one hundredfold in an England plagued by the impending war and royal insecurities -- as the beautiful and ambitious Eliza plays a most dangerous game as double agent and confidante of enemy kings... -
![The Silver Hand by Stephen R. Lawhead]()
The Silver Hand by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe great king, Meldryn Mawr, is dead, and his kingdom lies in ruins. Treachery and brutality rule the land, and Albion is the scene of an epic struggle for the throne. Lewis Gillies returns as Llew, seeking the true meaning behind a mysterious prophecy - the making of a true king and the revealing of a long awaited champion: Silver Hand... -
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![Rise of Kali: Duryodhana's Mahabharata by Anand Neelakantan]()
Rise of Kali: Duryodhana's Mahabharata by Anand Neelakantan
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTHE MAHABHARATA ENDURES AS THE GREAT EPIC OF INDIA. While Jaya is the story of the Pandavas, told from the perspective of the victors of Kurukshetra, Ajaya is the tale of the Kauravas, who were decimated to the last man. From the pen of the author who gave voice to Ravana in the national bestseller, ASURA, comes the riveting narrative which compels us to question the truth behind the Mahabharata... -
![The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden]()
The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsRarely, if ever, does a new writer dazzle us with such a vivid imagination and storytelling, flawlessly capturing the essence of a land, a people, a legend. Conn Iggulden is just such a writer, bringing to vivid life one of the most fascinating eras in human history...Categorized as:
epic myths 21st-century action-adventure adult alternate-history ancient-civilization audiobook -
![Dark Prince by David Gemmell]()
Dark Prince by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe chaos spirit had chosen the child Alexander to be its human host. But Parmenion, most powerful warrior of ancient Greece, had won a small victory over the darkness that sought to rule through Alexander. The boy's soul had not been destroyed by evil, but instead had merged with it -- and now Parmenion aided Alexander in the battle between light and dark that constantly raged within him...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure adult alternate-history ancient-civilization book classics -
![Immortal Swordslinger 4 by Dante King]()
Immortal Swordslinger 4 by Dante King
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEthan Murphy lo Pashat has returned to Radiant Dragon, and everything seems normal until a mysterious monastery appears in Flametongue Valley. Guildmaster Xilarion sends Ethan and his friends to the monastery for a new kind of training that will unlock their most powerful forms of Augmenting so far... -
![Spiral Path by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel, Cat Kimbriel]()
Spiral Path by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel, Cat Kimbriel
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"The world is woven of secrets." Ritual magic mixes dangerously with wild magic. Yet Alfreda Sorensson's talent has grown until she becomes a target for worldly and unworldly powers...Categorized as:
epic family action-adventure alternate-history boarding-school book coming-of-age demons -
![Byzantium by Stephen R. Lawhead]()
Byzantium by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAlthough born to rule, Aidan lives as a scribe in a remote Irish Monastery on the far, wild edge of Christendom. Secure in work, contemplation, and dreams of the wider world, a miracle bursts into Aidan's quiet life... -
![Saffron Alley by A.J. Demas]()
Saffron Alley by A.J. Demas
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA month ago, eunuch sword-dancer and spy Varazda collided with ex-soldier Damiskos at a seaside villa during a dizzying week of intrigue, assassinations, and a fake love affair that—maybe—turned real. Now Varazda is back home in Boukos, at the center of a family and community he dearly loves, and Damiskos is coming to visit.Things aren’t going according to plan...Categorized as:
family myths 21st-century adult alternate-history alternate-universe ancient-civilization book -
![The Dragons of Winter by James A. Owen]()
The Dragons of Winter by James A. Owen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Archipelago of Dreams is no more…but the battle to save it has just begun in the penultimate book in the acclaimed Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series.The Caretakers are at war. The Archipelago of Dreams has fallen to the Echthroi, and the link to the Summer Country has been lost...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure alternate-history animals anthropomorphism arthurian book -
![Radical by Colleen Cowley]()
Radical by Colleen Cowley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWomen have no ability to cast spells. That's what wizards have said for generations—and it's a lie.In this second book of the Clandestine Magic trilogy, Beatrix Harper wants to expose that lie to protect her sister's life. Her desperate plan: Train tens of thousands of women in secret, then shock the nation with a display of their magic... -
![The Wolf and the Raven by Steven A. McKay]()
The Wolf and the Raven by Steven A. McKay
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the aftermath of a violent rebellion Robin Hood and his men must fight for survival with an enemy deadlier than any they've faced before... 1322. England is in disarray and Sir Guy of Gisbourne, the king's own bounty hunter, stalks the greenwood, bringing bloody justice to the outlaws and rebels who hide there...Categorized as:
myths action-adventure adult alternate-history book fiction historical historical-fiction -
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![Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft]()
Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThe Tower of Babel is the greatest marvel in the world. Immense as a mountain, the ancient Tower holds unnumbered ringdoms, warring and peaceful, stacked one on the other like the layers of a cake. It is a world of geniuses and tyrants, of airships and steam engines, of unusual animals and mysterious machines... -
![Jolene by Mercedes Lackey]()
Jolene by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe beloved Elemental Masters series moves to America for the first time in a rich retelling of The Queen of the Copper Mountain, set against the backdrop of Tennessee coal country.Anna May Jones is the daughter of a coal miner. When her father succumbs to Black Lung, the coal company wastes no time in turning the family out of their home...Categorized as:
family myths action-adventure alternate-history anthologies fae fairy-tale female-author -
![The Shadow Dragons by James A. Owen]()
The Shadow Dragons by James A. Owen
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica are at war. The Imperial Cartological Society, led by Richard Burton, have collected all of the doors from the Keep of Time, and are building a new tower in our world at the request of an old enemy: The Winter King’s Shadow... -
![The First Step by Tao Wong]()
The First Step by Tao Wong
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLong Wu Ying never expected to join a Sect or become a real cultivator. His days were spent studying, planting rice on the family farm and spending time with his friends. Fate, however, has different plans for Wu Ying and when the army arrives at his village, he and many other members of the village are conscripted...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure alternate-history ancient-china ancient-civilization audiobook book -
![The Story of the Stone by Barry Hughart]()
The Story of the Stone by Barry Hughart
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn the valley of Sorrows, a monk is brutally murdered for a worthless manuscript, and the abbot of the humble monastery calls upon Master Li and Number Ten Ox to investigate the seemingly senseless killing. The most likely suspect is the infamous Laughing Prince, founder of the valley, whose murderous frenzies have made him a legend...Categorized as:
epic myths 20th-century action-adventure adult alternate-history ancient-china ancient-civilization -
![The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell]()
The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, now available in paperback—the first book in the Grail Series--a spellbinding tale of a young man, a fearless archer, who sets out wanting to avenge his family's honor and winds up on a quest for the Holy Grail... -
![Heaven's Net Is Wide by Lian Hearn]()
Heaven's Net Is Wide by Lian Hearn
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe new beginning — and the grand finale to — the beloved Tales of the Otori series.Heaven's Net Is Wide is the new first volume of the now complete Tales of the Otori — prequel to Across the Nightingale Floor, the book that first introduced Hearn's mythical, medieval Japanese world... -
![River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay]()
River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn his critically acclaimed novel Under Heaven, Guy Gavriel Kay told a vivid and powerful story inspired by China’s Tang Dynasty... -
![The Secret of the Nagas by Amish Tripathi]()
The Secret of the Nagas by Amish Tripathi
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 60 ratingsToday, He is a God. 4000 years ago, He was just a man. The hunt is on. The sinister Naga warrior has killed his friend Brahaspati and now stalks his wife Sati. Shiva, the Tibetan immigrant who is the prophesied destroyer of evil, will not rest till he finds his demonic adversary. His vengeance and the path to evil will lead him to the door of the Nagas, the serpent people. Of that he is certain... -
![The Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel, Sandra Burr]()
The Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel, Sandra Burr
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsLibrarian note: See an alternate cover edition here.This unforgettable odyssey into the distant past carries us back to the awesome mysteries of the exotic, primeval world of The Clan of the Cave Bear, and to Ayla, now grown into a beautiful and courageous young woman... -
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![The Folded World by Catherynne M. Valente]()
The Folded World by Catherynne M. Valente
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen the mysterious daughter of Prester John appears on the doorstep of her father's palace, she brings with her news of war in the West--the Crusades have begun, and the bodies of the faithful are washing up on the shores of Pentexore... -
![Sword of the Ronin by Travis Heermann]()
Sword of the Ronin by Travis Heermann
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn 13th-Century Japan, a land of ancient spirits, shapeshifting animals, and demons, Ken'ishi is a warrior without a master. Orphaned in infancy, he has only one link to his past - Silver Crane, his father's sword. When Silver Crane is stolen, Ken'ishi must go on a quest to recover his very identity. The crime lord known as Green Tiger holds the key to Ken'ishi's past...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure alternate-history book coming-of-age fiction high-fantasy -
![Extra Scenes by S.A. Chakraborty]()
Extra Scenes by S.A. Chakraborty
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn addition to the main trilogy books, there have been a number of alternate, deleted, or extra scenes involving the main characters that have been posted online by the author. Some were pre-order bonuses, fluff written during the Covid-19 quarantine, or old scenes that got cut from the final book script.As a treat for readers in the lead-up to the publication of The Empire of Gold, S.A... -
![The Dagger and the Cross by Judith Tarr]()
The Dagger and the Cross by Judith Tarr
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIn the years before the Third Crusade, Price Aidan of Rhiyana goes to the Holy Land. The younger of twin sons born of a mortal king and an Elven woman, he is heir to magic and said to be the finest Christian knight alive. Yet he pledges his heart to immortal Lady Morgiana, a steadfast Muslim and assassin. Sequel to Alamut... -
![Immortal Swordslinger 2 by Dante King]()
Immortal Swordslinger 2 by Dante King
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSent to a foreign land torn apart by strife, Ethan learns more powerful techniques, discovers new combination elements, and meets a siren princess...Categorized as:
epic myths action-adventure adult alternate-history ancient-china ancient-civilization audiobook -
![One King's Way by Harry Harrison, John Holm]()
One King's Way by Harry Harrison, John Holm
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA craftsman, visionary, and warrior, Shef has risen from slavery to become king of a mighty Viking nation. But his growing kingdom menaces all of Europe, and he has made many powerful enemies.Chief among his enemies are the Knights of the Lance, a fanatical order of soldiers sworn to bring Shef down, no matter what the cost... -
![The Steel Seraglio by Mike Carey, Linda Carey]()
The Steel Seraglio by Mike Carey, Linda Carey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sultan Bokhari Al-Bokhari of Bessa has 365 concubines - until a violent coup puts the city in the hands of the religious zealot Hakkim Mehdad. Hakkim has no use for the pleasures of the flesh: he condemns the women first to exile - and then to death. Cast into the desert, the concubines must rely on themselves and each other to escape from the new sultan's fanatical pursuit... -
![Gatherer of Clouds by Sean Russell]()
Gatherer of Clouds by Sean Russell
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe magnificent concluding volume of The Initiate Brother. This fantasy interweaves Asian culture, mysticism, and martial arts with magic in an epic story of war, deception, illicit passion, and mystery... -
![The Archive of Alternate Endings by Lindsey Drager]()
The Archive of Alternate Endings by Lindsey Drager
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTracking the evolution of Hansel and Gretel at seventy-five-year intervals that correspond with earth’s visits by Halley’s Comet, The Archive of Alternate Endings explores how stories are disseminated and shared, edited and censored, voiced and left untold.In 1456, Johannes Gutenberg’s sister uses the tale as a surrogate for sharing a family secret only her brother believes... -
![The Harrowing of Gwynedd by Katherine Kurtz]()
The Harrowing of Gwynedd by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEvil times had come for rthe Deryni, the humans with strange, magical powers. The Regents of the boy-king Alroy sought their destruction. And now Bishop Alister Cullen was dead, depriving the Deryni of their greatest friend. But no one could be sure he was really dead. His body lay unchanged and incorruptible. As those questions remained unanswered, the effort to save Deryni had to continue...Categorized as:
epic adult alternate-history book fiction high-fantasy historical historical-fiction -
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![The King's Justice by Katherine Kurtz]()
The King's Justice by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYoung Kelson Haldane, King of Gwynedd, heir to both royal and Deryni magical powers, was still no match for ex-Archbishop Loris and the Pretender Queen Caitrin who sought his death. Yet, he raised an army against them both, knowing that honor made defeat impossible... -
![The Quest for Saint Camber by Katherine Kurtz]()
The Quest for Saint Camber by Katherine Kurtz
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe Impossible SaintTime after time, the legendary Camber--one-time Saint of the half-magic race of Deryni--had intervened in the affairs of young Kelson, King of Gwynedd. Yet Camber was known to have died two hundred years before!Now Kelson set forth with his blood brother Dhugal to search out relics of this mysterious patron of his, leaving his uncle Nigel to rule in his absence... -
![Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen]()
Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire... -
![Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead]()
Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratings"Pray God our aim is true and each arrow finds its mark."King Raven has brought hope to the oppressed people of Wales--and fear to their Norman overlords. Deceived by the self-serving King William and hunted by the treacherous Abbot Hugo and Sheriff de Glanville, Rhi Bran is forced again to take matters into his own hands as King Raven... -
![A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner]()
A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsSophos, under the guidance of yet another tutor, practices his swordplay and strategizes escape scenarios should his father's villa come under attack. How would he save his mother? His sisters? Himself? Could he reach the horses in time? Where would he go? But nothing prepares him for the day armed men, silent as thieves, swarm the villa courtyard ready to kill, to capture, to kidnap... -
![Rebirth by Craig Zerf]()
Rebirth by Craig Zerf
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWill you survive? A series of solar flares smash the world back into the Dark Ages. Chaos follows. Millions die in the post-apocalyptic aftermath.One man is changed by the radiation. Marine Sergeant Hogan. Turning him into a superhuman being. Faster, stronger and able to create magic.He has become - The Forever Man. Oorah!But even he is not ready for what happens next...
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