Books like 'The Rose Cord'
Readers who enjoyed The Rose Cord by James Oswald also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy high fantasy mystery dragons epic magic crime dark sword-sorcery paranormal
-
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... -
The Hobbit, Part One by J.R.R. Tolkien
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsSmaug certainly looked fast asleep, when Bilbo peeped once more from the entrance. He was just about to step out onto the floor when he caught a sudden thin ray of red from under the drooping lid of Smaug's left eye... -
A Darkness At The Door by Intisar Khanani
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI've been cursed, betrayed, and sold into slavery – but the truth I carry can't be allowed to die.Only Rae knows the extent of the corruption at the heart of the kingdom of Menaiya, from the noble lord who betrayed her, to the Circle of Mages whose wards protect the slavers from discovery. Injured and imprisoned on a slave ship, Rae's options are quickly running out... -
Master by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life, or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary.A death in their midst has thrown the guild of Sanctuary into chaos... -
-
The Liar's Knot by M.A. Carrick
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTrust is the thread that binds. And the rope that hangs.In Nadežra, peace is as tenuous as a single thread. The ruthless House Indestor has been destroyed, but darkness still weaves through the city’s filthy back alleys and jewel-bright gardens, seen by those who know where to look.Derossi Vargo has always known... -
The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsHe was known as Druss. The Deathwalker. Though the blood of merciless butchers coursed through his veins, he had found a fragile peace through his love for beautiful, mystical Rowena. Then came the day when Druss returned to their village and found everyone dead--massacred by slavers who had stolen the women to sell for gold. Rowena was among the missing... -
Warlord by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary... -
The Swords of Night and Day by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsEven in death, Skilgannon the Damned's name lives on. Now, as an ancient evil threatens to flood the Drenai heartlands in a tide of blood, he returns...A thousand years after they fell in battle, two heroes - Druss and Skilgannon - are revered throughout the war-torn lands of the Dernai, where men and women live in abject fear of the dark sorceress known as the Eternal.. -
Pipe of Wings by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan Amel turn old friends into new allies?Tricked and forced to do the will of the new Prince of Baojang, Amel returns to the Dominion. But things have changed in her homeland... -
Legion and the Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe internationally bestselling author of the Mistborn and Stormlight Archive series presents two very different novellas that nevertheless showcase his remarkable gift for gripping narrative, world-building and empathetic characters. Available for the first time in one volume, a publishing event for all his many fans... -
A Feast for Starving Stone by Beth Cato
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTwo countries at war. A delicious taste of magic. And a fierce princess comes of age in a rousing adventure by the author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge . Princess Solenn’s marriage into royalty should have unified the continental neighbors of Verdania and Solenn’s homeland of Braiz against a common the country of Albion... -
Dragon Tear by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsNow that Jev is no longer obligated to marry a manipulative noblewoman, Zenia can finally pursue a relationship with him. But there’s something else she must deal with first. She’s learned that the magical dragon-tear gem she wears around her neck is linked to a living dragon, one that is being held prisoner and tortured. Zenia owes her life several times over to the creature... -
Hawk by Steven Brust
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsYears ago, Vlad Taltos came to make his way as a human amidst the impossibly tall, fantastically long-lived natives of the Dragaeran Empire. He joined the Jhereg, the Dragaeran House (of which there are seventeen) that handles the Empire's vices: gambling, rackets, organized crime. He became a professional assassin. He was good at it... -
To Green Angel Tower, Part 2 by Tad Williams
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe evil minions of the undead Sithi Storm King are beginning their final preparations for the kingdom-shattering culmination of their dark sorceries, drawing King Elias ever deeper into their nightmarish, spell-spun world. As the Storm King’s power grows and the boundaries of time begin to blur, the loyal allies of Prince Josua struggle to rally their forces at the Stone of Farewell... -
-
Fated in Darkness by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary. In the underground city of Saekaj Sovar, a tyrant sits up the throne. For too long, he has ruled the fates of the dark elven people without mercy or challenge... -
Nemesis by Kat Ross
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the fourth volume of the Fourth Talisman series, Nazafareen risks everything on a desperate gamble to stop the Vatras once and for all…With Meb safely among her own people, Nazafareen has finally embraced her dangerous fire magic. She is the Fourth Talisman, destined to free the heirs from the wards binding their own extraordinary power... -
The Searching by Vanessa Nelson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOath-sworn to help those in need, Yvonne has been framed for murder.Tracking down those responsible for the destruction of the Stone Walls was a difficult enough task, but someone has made it much harder. The King is dead, and Yvonne is accused of his murder... -
The Rending by Vanessa Nelson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe only place of safety for the desperate has been destroyed.Yvonne has finally found a place to settle, where her children can grow, and she can think about her own future. Even as she celebrates, a shock rings across the world. Someone has attacked the Sisters in the Stone Walls... -
Derring-Do for Beginners by Victoria Goddard
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFriends by chance--or is it fate? Damian Raske and Jullanar Thistlethwaite are about as different as can be. Damian is a young swordsman, dreaming of being the best in the world, hardly aware of what lies beyond the outskirts of his city, let alone that there is a great empire on the other side of the horizon... -
Runelight by J.A. Andrews
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKate thought finding the puzzle box would give her all the answers.But it only holds far more desperate questions... -
Champion by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary. As the war heats up in Arkaria, Vara is forced to flee after an ancient order of skilled assassins infiltrates Sanctuary and targets her... -
Raven's Ruin by J.A. Andrews
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe growing power in Sable’s words nearly changed the world. Until she was betrayed and silenced.A year ago on the land’s biggest stage, Sable’s voice nearly burned down the carefully constructed lies of the Kalesh Empire.Now, Sable’s skills are merely tools in High Prioress Vivaine’s desperate negotiations with the new Kalesh Ambassador, who’s denounced Sable as a zabat. A rebel. A firestarter... -
Penric's Progress by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMYSTERY AND MAGIC FROM A LEGENDARY MASTERFootloose nobleman Penric journeys from young lord to sorcerer and scholar in the Bastard’s Order—and solves mysteries along the way. Penric’s Demon: On the way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric happens upon a riding accident and stops to help. But the victim is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world...Categorized as:
epic magic paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure adult anthologies female-author -
Sanctuary Tales by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary. The guild of Sanctuary is replete with an amazing cast of adventurers, wanderers and rogues...Categorized as:
epic magic paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure anthologies fiction high-fantasy -
-
Dragon Storm by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe dragons deserve to be free, but who will be strong enough to ensure their safety? A war long thought over has returned, and this time the empire is not equipped to survive. Still, the dragons are safe, living in the heart of the forest near an ancient Deshazl settlement. Though hidden from the Damhur who would control them, Fes feels they deserve more and longs to see them fly free again... -
Dragon Piper by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTime is running out.Amel Leafbrought is still recovering from a grievous wound, but when a good friend offers her a chance at a risky opportunity to get Savette the support she needs, Amel chooses to take it. But the opportunity comes with a limited time window and Amel will have to do something she never imagined would be her job... -
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... -
The Fates of Yoran by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen the Fates attack Yoran, the Chain Breaker must fight back.After establishing an uneasy truce with the constables, Gavin has settled in Yoran to offer protection to his friends and the remaining magical element in the city.When a job reveals a dangerous new threat in the city, Gavin must take action. This time the target isn’t Gavin, but the city itself... -
The Spirit Binds by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Inquisitors have been stopped, but the one who leads them remains at large. Tolan discovers a dangerous plot against the Academy—and all of Terndahl—the Inquisitors have planned for far longer than any have suspected. The power involved is unlike anything ever encountered by those within the Academy... -
War Hour by Lauren Loscig
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen powers are earned and not born, who shall wield them?Lysta lives in constant fear of Trialing, a deadly test that bestows an ability upon its victors, but only after pushing their mental and physical limits... -
The Jade Egg by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA dark sorcerer with a deadly plan attacks Gavin's adopted city. The Chain Breaker Series continues.After capturing the sorcerer called the Apostle, Gavin decided to remain in the city of Yoran where he’s become comfortable. Work that had been plentiful has dried up and comfort becomes complacency... -
The Thief Who Wasn't There by Michael McClung
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBellarius, saved from utter destruction, is now plunged into vicious civil war. Amra has vanished, and while Holgren has a plan to find her and bring her back, his plan teeters between impossibility and insanity... -
Thy Father's Shadow by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are faced with two choices: live an ordinary life, or become an adventurer and seek the extraordinary. In the depths of the dark elven homeland of Saekaj Sovar, Terian Lepos returns home after a long estrangement from his family... -
Taltos by Steven Brust
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsJourney to the land of the dead. All expenses paid!Not my idea of an ideal vacation, but this was work. After all, even an assassin has to earn a living. The trouble is, everyone knows that a living human cannot walk the Paths of the Dead, and return, alive, to the land of men. But being an Easterner is not exactly like being human, by Dragaeran standards anyway... -
-
Warring Promises by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPromises are great - until you have to choose which ones to honor.With a friend kidnapped by the Dusk Covenent and urgent messages to deliver to the Dominar, it looks like Amel will be forced to choose between loyalties again - until her friends' choices take the decision out of her hands. Now, she has to follow ancient prophecies to a place of power or risk losing all of them to her enemies... -
Jhereg by Steven Brust
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe first to be published, this is actually the fourth novel in the timeline of the VLAD TALTOS series. The books recount the adventures of the wisecracking hired killer Vlad, a human on a planet mainly inhabited by the long-lived, extremely tall sorcerers known as the Dragaerans... -
The Canard Case by Honor Raconteur
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“So what is the problem?” “You are aware that Nanashi has an active volcano on it?” Cheng-Huang inquired. At her nod, he continued, “It will explode soon. The pressure is rising quickly and there’s little that we can do to stop it.” A volcano? Sevana’s eyes threatened to pop out of her head... -
Recovery by Amy Rae Durreson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsReawakening: Book Three Resistance, exile, plague. Raif has survived them all, but now he finds himself in search of a new purpose. Traveling north to wake the dragon Arden, he hopes he has finally found a leader worthy of his loyalty, but Arden turns out to be more of a frivolous annoyance than an almighty spirit lord... -
Anything With Nothing by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis 17th anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar high fantasy universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Mercedes Lackey.The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors... -
Dark Night by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s always blackest before the dawn.Trapped in a cave with Ifrits beating down the front door, a traitor in their midst and a hundred innocent refugees to protect, Amel and Raolcan seem to have no options left... -
The Baron of Magister Valley by Steven Brust
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom the vaults of Dragaeran history and the mind of master fantasist Steven Brust--a tale of betrayal and vengeance that is not at all a retelling of The Count of Monte CristoReader, you will undoubtedly have had the misfortune of consuming the rotten fruit of fallacies that we―Paarfi of Roundwood (esteemed historian of House of Hawk and exquisite artisan of truths)―“borrow” our factual recount... -
The Chaos Rises by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Draasin Lord is captured but a greater threat remains. Now that Tolan knows the secret of the Draasin Lord, he recognizes more needs to be done. As a student, he’s not in a position to be able to do more, but as a master shaper, he’d be free to travel as he feels necessary... -
The Blind Dragon: A Tale from the Canon of Tarn by Peter Fane
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"There we are," Anna whispered. The dragon foal went still at her voice. Then it snorted and swiveled its snout towards her. Its eyes were still shut. Its tail quivered and its nostrils flared. A menacing growl rose from its chest. "Easy there," Anna said gently. "Easy." She placed her palm on its forehead, applying calm pressure between its eyes... -
Leaves May Fall by Carissa Hardcastle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen it comes to fate, where is the line between being predestined and being condemned?Merriam was born a regular girl in a mundane world. Mollian is a fae prince whose family is charged with guarding the Gate that binds every existence together. Both of their lives were forever changed when they met in the woods as children, sparking a bond in their souls deeper than either of them understood... -
-
Dzur by Steven Brust
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsIn which Vlad Taltos confronts the Left Hand of the Jhereg...and discovers the game has more players than he thoughtVlad Taltos, short-statured, short-lived human in an Empire of tall, long-lived Dragaerans, has always had to keep his wits about him. Long ago, he made a place for himself as a captain of the Jhereg, the noble house that runs the rackets in the great imperial city of Adrilankha... -
The Dragon Throne by Ava Richardson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhispers of war become a battle cry in this epic series finale. Invasion is imminent. Skirmishes have erupted all across Alveria’s borders, but the lingering effects of the sickness have left the dragon guard weakened. Unprepared for a strike at the heart of the kingdom, difficult alliances must now be made to protect them all. Circumstances at the Akademy are no better... -
Into the Dying Light by Katy Rose Pool
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the jaw-dropping conclusion to the Age of Darkness trilogy, hearts will shatter, cities will fall, and a god will rise. "Solidifies Katy Rose Pool's status as one of the best fantasy writers of the 21st century."—Popsugar on As the Shadow RisesFollowing the destruction of the City of Mercy, an ancient god has been resurrected and sealed inside Beru's body... -
The Zero Equation by Christopher G. Nuttall
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCaitlyn Aguirre is no magician ... ... But she’s still at the centre of the storm. Caitlyn and her friends have returned to Jude’s Sorcerous Academy, but all is not well in the school... -
Knight of the Silver Circle by Duncan M. Hamilton
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDRAGONS HAVE RETURNED AFTER A THOUSAND YEARS, BUT GREATER DANGERS LURK IN THE SHADOWS. . . .As the lines between enemy and ally blur, Guillot dal Villerauvais is drawn farther into the life and service he had left far behind... -
The First Confessor: The Legend of Magda Searus by Terry Goodkind
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Terry Goodkind comes The First Confessor, the prequel to the Sword of Truth, for the first time hardcoverIn a time before legends had yet been born...Married to the powerful leader of her people, safe among those gifted with great ability, Magda Searus is protected from a distant world descending into war...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.