Books like 'Player's Ruse'
Readers who enjoyed Player's Ruse by Hilari Bell also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsMore than twenty years ago, the first epic fantasy novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning... -
Esrahaddon by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA HERO TO SOME. A VILLAIN TO MANY. THE TRUTH FOREVER BURIED.The man who became known as Esrahaddon is reported to have destroyed the world’s greatest empire — but there are those who believe he saved it. Few individuals are as divisive, but all agree on three He was exiled to the wilderness, hunted by a goblin priestess, and sentenced to death by a god — all before the age of eight... -
Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 58 ratingsThe Sixth Order wields the sword of justice and smites the enemies of the Faith and the Realm.” Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of ten when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order. The Brothers of the Sixth Order are devoted to battle, and Vaelin will be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate, and dangerous life of a Warrior of the Faith...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic medieval sword-sorcery action-adventure assassins audiobook book -
First Lord's Fury by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsFor Gaius Octavian, life has been one long battle. Now, the end of all he fought for is close at hand. The brutal, dreaded Vord are on the march against Alera. And perhaps for the final time, Gaius Octavian and his legions must stand against the enemies of his people. And it will take all his intelligence, ingenuity, and furycraft to save their world from eternal darkness...Categorized as:
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The Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsWhen Horace travels to the exotic land of Nihon- Ja, it isn't long before he finds himself pulled into a battle that is not his - but one he knows in his heart he must wage. A kingdom teeters on the edge of chaos when the Nihon-Ja emperor, a defender of the common man, is forcibly overthrown, and only Horace, Will, and his Araluen companions can restore the emperor to the throne...Categorized as:
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The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 61 ratingsFor Will and Evanlyn, freedom has never felt so fleeing.Still far from their homeland after escaping slavery in the icebound land of Skandia, the Ranger's apprentice and the princess's plan to return to Araluen is spoiled when Evanlyn is taken captive by a Temujai warrior...Categorized as:
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Halt's Peril by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 49 ratingsThe renegade outlaw group known as the Outsiders has journeyed from kingdom to kingdom, conning the innocent out of their few valuables. Will and Halt, his mentor, are ambushed by the cult's deadly assassins when Halt is pierced by a poisoned arrow. Now Will must travel day and night in search of the one person with the power to cure Halt: Malkallam the Sorcerer...Categorized as:
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The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 66 ratingsBracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoys to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn - the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle...Categorized as:
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The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsThe international bestselling series with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone! After years as a Ranger's apprentice, Will is now the protector of his first fief...Categorized as:
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The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsTWO THIEVES WANT ANSWERS. RIYRIA IS BORN.For more than a year Royce Melborn has tried to forget Gwen DeLancy, the woman who saved him and his partner Hadrian Blackwater from certain death. Unable to get her out of his mind, the two thieves return to Medford but receive a very different reception --- Gwen refuses to see them...Categorized as:
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The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThree times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria.When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire...Categorized as:
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The Crown Tower by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsTWO MEN WHO HATE EACH OTHER. ONE IMPOSSIBLE MISSION. A LEGEND IN THE MAKING.A warrior with nothing to fight for is paired with a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Together they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm’s most valuable possessions...Categorized as:
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Nyphron Rising by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsA PUPPET IS CROWNED. THE TRUE HEIR REMAINS HIDDEN. A ROGUE'S SECRET COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING.War has come to Melengar and Princess Arista runs a desperate gamble when she defies her brother and hires Royce and Hadrian for a dangerous mission. As the power of the Nyphron Empire grows, so does Royce's suspicion that the wizard Esrahaddon is using the thieves as pawns in his own game...Categorized as:
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The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsWhen a cult springs up in neighboring Clonmel, promising to quell the recent attacks by lawless marauders, people flock from all over to offer gold in exchange for protection. But Halt is all too familiar with this particular group, and he knows they have a less than charitable agenda...Categorized as:
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Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsFor centuries, the people of Alera have relied on the power of the furies to protect them from outside invaders. But the gravest threat might be closer than they think.Tavi has escaped the Calderon Valley and the mysterious attack of the Marat on his homeland...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic medieval sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book coming-of-age -
The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsKeeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain...Categorized as:
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The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsThe international bestselling series with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone!Several years have passed since the apprentice and his master, Will and Halt, first met, and Will is finally a full-fledged Ranger with his own fief to look after. The fief seems sleepy?boring, even?until Lord Syron, master of a castle far in the north, is struck down by a mysterious illness...Categorized as:
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The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 66 ratingsThey have always scared him in the past — the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom...Categorized as:
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The Icebound Land by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 56 ratingsKidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise–even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will's friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia...Categorized as:
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Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsBeka Cooper is no longer a Puppy. She's a Dog now - a full-fledged member of the Provost's Guard, which keeps the peace in Corus's streets. Beka's natural skills of observation and tenacity are augmented by her unusual magical talents, which allow her to gather information both from pigeons are from the eddies of dirt and dust that swirl on street corners...Categorized as:
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Fyre by Angie Sage
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe seventh book in the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, featuring the funny and fantastic adventures of a wizard apprentice and his quest to become an ExtraOrdinary Wizard... -
Mastiff by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsThe Hunt is on!Three years have passed since Beka Cooper almost died in the sewers of Port Caynn, and she is now a respected member of the Provost's Guard. But her life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé is killed on a slave raid. Beka is faced with a mixture of emotions as, unbeknownst to many, she was about to call the engagement off... -
Wildwood Larkwing by Shari L. Tapscott
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B072MRYC3W“Till death do us part” might come sooner than Lucia imagined. After living her entire life on the outside looking in, Lucia has finally ventured into the world of Kalae’s nobility...Categorized as:
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Awakened by Jada Fisher
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMore than just the latest batch of dragons has been awakened.An epic dragon riding adventure from Jada Fisher, author of the popular Dragon Oracle series. Eist has her hands full with her truly unique dragon. With her grandfather, and mentor, out of commission, she has no choice but to embrace her training. And her destiny. But she can't seem to shake the feeling that something is wrong... -
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Waylander by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsAll of Waylander's instincts had screamed at him to spurn the contract from Kaem the cruel, the killer of nations. But he had ignored them. He had made his kill. And even as he went to collect his gold, he knew that he had been betrayed...Categorized as:
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The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsArthur Pendragon is King! Unchallenged on the battlefield, he melds the country together in a time of promise. But sinister powers plot to destroy Camelot, and when the witch-queen Morgause -- Arthur's own half sister -- ensnares him in an incestuous liaison, a fatal web of love, betrayal, and bloody vengeance is woven...Categorized as:
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Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsMaster storyteller Julie Kagawa concludes the enthralling journey into the heart of the fantastical Empire of Iwagoto in the third book of the Shadow of the Fox trilogy. As darkness rises and chaos reigns, a fierce kitsune and her shadowy protector will face down the greatest evil of all. A captivating fantasy for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Sarah J. Maas and Marie Lu...Categorized as:
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Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsIn the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus Heap must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone... -
Midnight Falcon by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBane the Bastard is the illegitimate son of the Rigante king who men called Demonblade. Born of treachery, Bane grew up an outcast in his own land, feared by his fellow highlanders, and denied by the father whose unmistakable mark he bore–the eyes of Connavar, one tawny brown, the other emerald green... -
Stormrider by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsOne glorious spark, one moment of Rigante rebellion has ignited a revolution and forged a legend. In the mountains of the north, the outlaw leader known as Ravenheart waits, knowing the forces of the blackhearted Moidart will come, led by the brutal ruler’s only son, Stormrider...Categorized as:
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The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsAfter a year at the king's palace, Miri has learned all about being a proper princess. But the tables turn when the student must become the teacher!Instead of returning to her beloved Mount Eskel, Miri is ordered to journey to a distant swamp and start a princess academy for three sisters, cousins of the royal family...Categorized as:
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A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Fate of the Kingdom Awaits the Cast of Stones In the backwater village of Callowford, roustabout Errol Stone is enlisted by a church messenger arriving with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Eager for coin, Errol agrees to what he thinks will be an easy task, but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic medieval sword-sorcery action-adventure book christian coming-of-age -
I Destroyed the Elf Prince's Harem by Jocelynn Drake
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWho hasn't wanted to disappear into their favorite book? Live in the world of their favorite characters?Well, when this author fell off a bridge thanks to flipping a magic coin, I woke up in the one place I didn't want to be—my own unfinished novel.Now I'm trying to untangle this twisted plot, put the hero back on track to finding his brother's killer, and getting his happily ever after... -
Elven Fury by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsJev Dharrow is trying to convince his father to cancel his arranged marriage so he can wed Zenia, the woman he loves. But when elven assassins arrive in the city, all his personal problems must be set aside. They are after his good friend, Lornysh, an elf who has saved Jev's life a dozen times over the years...Categorized as:
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Dragon Bonds by Ava Richardson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Darkening has risen... Agathea Flamma and Sebastian Smith now face an overwhelming enemy. The rapid spread of the Darkening, a threat arising from the mists of legend, looms over the entire land. With both their families torn apart by the conflict and betrayal lurking around every corner, one mistake could doom the kingdom... -
The Water Ruptures by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Disciples of the Draasin Lord have again been defeated, yet a traitor remains within Terndahl. The Inquisitors have come, and their presence has everyone on edge.With the help of the Keystone, Tolan has discovered the ability to shape each of the element bonds. Now that he’s passed testing to the second level at the Academy, he finally feels as if he belongs... -
Home by Sarah Prineas
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe fourth book in the acclaimed Magic Thief series finds Conn back where he started—accused of being a thief. Filled with magic and wonder, The Magic Thief: Home transports readers to a land where a wizard’s apprentice must battle both his enemies and his past to protect the world he knows.Despite successfully securing a balance between the competing magics of Wellmet, Conn is not happy...Categorized as:
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Shatterglass by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsPart of the 8-book Tamora Pierce reissue for Fall 2006, this title in the Circle Opens quartet features spellbinding new cover art. Coincides with the release of WILL OF THE EMPRESS in trade pb.Kethlun Warder was a gifted glassmaker until his world was shattered in a freak accident...Categorized as:
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The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThey killed the king. They pinned it on two men. They chose poorly.There is no ancient evil to defeat, no orphan destined for greatness, just two guys in the wrong place at the wrong time...Categorized as:
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The Secrets of the Wild Wood by Tonke Dragt
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA stunning gift edition of the thrilling Sunday Times and Telegraph Book of the Year, the sequel to The Letter for the King.One of the King's most trusted knights has vanished in the snow, so young Sir Tiuri and his best friend Piak must journey into the shadowy heart of the forest to find him. The Wild Wood is a place of mysteries, rumours and whispered tales...Categorized as:
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Professional Integrity by Michael J. Sullivan, Tim Gerard Reynolds
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOne of the genre's favorite pairs returns in a classic fantasy short for both Riyria veterans and first-time readers.Several years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire organization better known as Riyria. Things have gone well enough for the team as they do "jobs" for various nobles throughout Elan...Categorized as:
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Knight's Shadow by Sebastien de Castell
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 37 ratings'One hell of a good book' Conn Iggulden The Greatcoats have found the heir to the throne . . . but now they must keep her alive, against all the odds. Falcio Val Mond has completed the final task given to him by the late King Paelis: he has found the King's Charoites (well, one at least)...Categorized as:
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Redwall by Brian Jacques
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 66 ratingsA quest to recover a legendary lost weapon by bumbling young apprentice monk, mouse Matthias. Redwall Abbey, tranquil home to a community of peace-loving mice, is threatened by Cluny the Scourge savage bilge rat warlord and his battle-hardened horde. But the Redwall mice and their loyal woodland friends combine their courage and strength...Categorized as:
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Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty, فاطمه طاهری
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMove without a sound. Steal without a trace.Willa, a young night-spirit, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the cabins of the day-folk under cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work--the day-folk kill whatever they don't understand--but Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people...Categorized as:
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Tower Lord by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 44 ratings“The blood-song rose with an unexpected tune, a warm hum mingling recognition with an impression of safety. He had a sense it was welcoming him home.” Vaelin Al Sorna, warrior of the Sixth Order, called Darkblade, called Hope Killer... -
Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn this sequel novella to Sorcery of Thorns, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas must unravel the magical trap keeping them inside Thorn Manor in time for their Midwinter Ball!Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn...Categorized as:
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Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsHundreds of years before Alanna first drew her sword in Tamora Pierce's memorable debut, Alanna: The First Adventure, Tortall had a heroine named Beka Cooper - a fierce young woman who fights crime in a world of magic. This is the beginning of her story, her legend, and her legacy...Categorized as:
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Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsIn this extraordinary fantasy epic, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dresden Files leads readers into a world where the fate of the realm rests on the shoulders of a boy with no power to call his own ..Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic medieval sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book coming-of-age -
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...Categorized as:
friendship historical-fiction magic sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book coming-of-age -
The Dragon Sage by Jay Lynn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA mesmerizing blend of breath-taking action and incredible sorcery. Fans of Throne of Glass and A Game of Thrones will not be able to put down this epic fantasy adventure. Standing alone in a dark cell, Alec waits for the death he cannot seem to escape. The pungent smell of sweat and blood are permanently absorbed into his scarred skin...
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