Books like 'A Passage to Absalom'
Readers who enjoyed A Passage to Absalom by Dave Gross also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy dark fantasy mystery supernatural high fantasy dark sword-sorcery
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The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 79 ratings“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”My name is Kvothe.I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery 21st-century action-adventure audiobook book classics coming-of-age -
![The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss]()
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 91 ratingsTold in Kvothe's own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen...Categorized as:
dark 21st-century action-adventure audiobook book classics coming-of-age dark-fantasy -
![Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie]()
Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 69 ratingsSuperior Glokta has a problem. How do you defend a city surrounded by enemies and riddled with traitors, when your allies can by no means be trusted, and your predecessor vanished without a trace? It’s enough to make a torturer want to run – if he could even walk without a stick.Northmen have spilled over the border of Angland and are spreading fire and death across the frozen country...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery 21st-century action-adventure anti-hero audiobook book children-books -
![Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie]()
Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 69 ratingsThe end is coming. Logen Ninefingers might only have one more fight in him but it's going to be a big one. Battle rages across the North, the King of the Northmen still stands firm, and there's only one man who can stop him. His oldest friend, and his oldest enemy. It's past time for the Bloody-Nine to come home...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery 21st-century action-adventure anti-hero audiobook book children-books -
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![The Crimson Campaign by Brian McClellan]()
The Crimson Campaign by Brian McClellan
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsThe hounds at our heels will soon know we are lionsTamas's invasion of Kez ends in disaster when a Kez counter-offensive leaves him cut off behind enemy lines with only a fraction of his army, no supplies, and no hope of reinforcements... -
![Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 62 ratingsThe New York Times bestselling series that inspired the international hit video game: The Witcher The Wizards Guild has been shattered by a coup and, in the uproar, Geralt was seriously injured. The Witcher is supposed to be a guardian of the innocent, a protector of those in need, a defender against powerful and dangerous monsters that prey on men in dark times... -
![Beyond the Shadows by Brent Weeks]()
Beyond the Shadows by Brent Weeks
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 69 ratingsA new queen has usurped the throne and is leading Cenaria into disaster. The country has become a broken realm with a threadbare army, little food and no hope. So Kylar Stern plans to reinstate his closest friend Logan as King, but can he really get away with murder?In the north, the Godking's death has thrown Khalidor into civil war... -
![The Tower of the Swallow by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
The Tower of the Swallow by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsThe world has fallen into war. Ciri, the child of prophecy, has vanished. Hunted by friends and foes alike, she has taken on the guise of a petty bandit and lives free for the first time in her life. But the net around her is closing. Geralt, the Witcher, has assembled a group of allies determined to rescue her. Both sides of the war have sent brutal mercenaries to hunt her down... -
![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... -
![Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson]()
Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsIn the vast dominion of Seven Cities, in the Holy Desert Raraku, the seer Sha’ik and her followers prepare for the long-prophesied uprising known as the Whirlwind. Unprecedented in size and savagery, this maelstrom of fanaticism and bloodlust will embroil the Malazan Empire in one of the bloodiest conflicts it has ever known, shaping destinies and giving birth to legends...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery 21st-century action-adventure assassins audiobook book children-books -
![Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks]()
Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 69 ratingsThe second novel in the Night Angel trilogy, the breakneck epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Brent Weeks.Kylar Stern has rejected the assassin's life. The Godking's successful coup has left Kylar's master, Durzo, and his best friend, Logan, dead. He is starting over: new city, new friends, and new profession... -
![His Holy Bones by Ginn Hale]()
His Holy Bones by Ginn Hale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen John opens a letter addressed to his missing roommate, Kyle, he expects to find a house key, but instead he is swept into a strange realm of magic, mysticism, revolutionaries and assassins. Though he struggles to escape, John is drawn steadily closer to a fate he share with Kyle—to wake the destroyer god, the Rifter, and shatter a world... -
![Elantris by Brandon Sanderson]()
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 77 ratingsElantris was the capital of Arelon: gigantic, beautiful, literally radiant, filled with benevolent beings who used their powerful magical abilities for the benefit of all. Yet each of these demigods was once an ordinary person until touched by the mysterious transforming power of the Shaod. Ten years ago, without warning, the magic failed...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery 21st-century action-adventure audiobook book contemporary dark-fantasy -
![King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence]()
King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsThe second book in the Broken Empire series, Lawrence takes his young anti-hero one step closer to his grand ambition.To reach greatness you must step on bodies, and many brothers lie trodden in my wake...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery action-adventure anti-hero apocalyptic audiobook book dark-fantasy -
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![The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski]()
The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsThe New York Times bestselling series that inspired the international hit video game: The Witcher Geralt is a witcher: guardian of the innocent; protector of those in need; a defender, in dark times, against some of the most frightening creatures of myth and legend. His task, now, is to protect Ciri... -
![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... -
![Autumn of the Grimoire by J.L. Vampa]()
Autumn of the Grimoire by J.L. Vampa
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSome witches cast spells. Others slay kings.A mysterious Grimoire. A marriage full of dark secrets. A History sculpted by a quartet of ancient Sister witches.For three hundred years, Sister Autumn has incited wars, burnt villages, killed kings, and released plagues at the bidding of the Grimoire. Meanwhile, her Sister Winter, Sister Spring, and Sister Summer have brought forth only peace... -
![Legends of Ahn by Kel Kade]()
Legends of Ahn by Kel Kade
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsRezkin is an elite warrior who aims to restore order in Ashai after Caydean’s attack on the King’s Tournament transformed former allies and trading partners into enemies. With no army and only a ragtag group of refugees, Rezkin must wrest control of the kingdom from the mad and powerful usurper, who seems bent on destruction, and this may not be the biggest challenge... -
![Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind]()
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 75 ratingsIn the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery 20th-century action-adventure audiobook book classics 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... -
![Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsIn a land threatened by treacherous war and beset by demons, royal dowager Ista, released from the curse of madness and manipulated by an untrustworthy god, is plunged into a desperate struggle to preserve the endangered souls of a realm... -
![Sworn in Steel by Douglas Hulick]()
Sworn in Steel by Douglas Hulick
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIt’s been three months since Drothe killed a legend, burned down a portion of the imperial capital, and unexpectedly elevated himself into the ranks of the criminal elite. Now, as the newest Gray Prince in the underworld, he’s learning just how good he used to have it.With barely the beginnings of an organization to his name, Drothe is already being called out by other Gray Princes... -
![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... -
![Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross]()
Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA story about magic and the captivating power of dreams.A curse plagues the realm of Azenor—during each new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians, who serve as territory wardens, stand between people and their worst dreams...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book dark-fantasy enemies-to-lovers family -
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![Witches' Blood by Ginn Hale]()
Witches' Blood by Ginn Hale
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWhen John opens a letter addressed to his missing roommate, Kyle, he expects to find a house key, but instead he is swept into a strange realm of magic, mysticism, revolutionaries and assassins. Though he struggles to escape, John is drawn steadily closer to a fate he share with Kyle—to wake the destroyer god, the Rifter, and shatter a world... -
![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:
dark action-adventure book coming-of-age dark-fantasy enemies-to-lovers epic fiction -
![The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks]()
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 71 ratingsFrom New York Times Bestselling author Brent Weeks... For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art-and he is the city's most accomplished artist. For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he's grown up in the slums, and learned to judge people quickly - and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery action-adventure anti-hero assassins audiobook book coming-of-age -
![The Return Of The Sorcerer: The Best Of Clark Ashton Smith by Clark Ashton Smith]()
The Return Of The Sorcerer: The Best Of Clark Ashton Smith by Clark Ashton Smith
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis work offers both readers and scholars a collection of short fiction and short novels by Clark Ashton Smith... -
![The Son of the Morning by Jacob Peppers]()
The Son of the Morning by Jacob Peppers
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFifty years ago, the nightwalkers appeared, creatures of shadow and darkness, thirsting for blood and death. Thousands died and the kingdom of Entarna was brought to its knees. Then the Chosen came, six men and women endowed with powers by Amedan, the God of Fire and Light. The Chosen joined with the kingdom’s armies and together they managed to defeat the night’s creatures. At least for a time...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery action-adventure apocalyptic audiobook book classics dark-fantasy -
![The Pariah by Anthony Ryan]()
The Pariah by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsBorn into the troubled kingdom of Albermaine, Alwyn Scribe is raised as an outlaw. Quick of wit and deft with a blade, Alwyn is content with the freedom of the woods and the comradeship of his fellow thieves. But an act of betrayal sets him on a new path - one of blood and vengeance, which eventually leads him to a soldier's life in the king's army... -
![The Dark Eidolon and Other Fantasies by Clark Ashton Smith]()
The Dark Eidolon and Other Fantasies by Clark Ashton Smith
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA much-awaited collection of prose and poetry from one of the great cosmic masters of the supernatural Not just any fantasy, horror, and science fiction author could impress H. P. Lovecraft into calling him "perhaps unexcelled by any other writer, dead or living” or compel Fritz Lieber to employ the worthy term sui generis...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery 20th-century adult anthologies classics cosmic-horror dark-fantasy -
![Temple of the Winds by Terry Goodkind]()
Temple of the Winds by Terry Goodkind
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsEverything Richard Rahl has learned will be for naught as the ruthless Emperor Jagang returns with his vast legions...heralded by a mystical plague that kills innocents in the thousands.Richard must now challenge the undefeatable: the magic that thwarts magic, sealed away for three thousand years in the Temple of Winds... -
![Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey]()
Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSadima, Franklin, and Somiss, driven out of Limòri by a suspicious fire, are living in a cave hidden within the cliffs that overlook the city. Somiss is convinced the dark passages of the caves were the home of ancient magicians, and his obsession with restoring magic deepens... -
![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... -
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![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... -
![Return to Del by Emily Rodda]()
Return to Del by Emily Rodda
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDeltora is a land of monsters and magic. The seven lost gems have been restored to the Belt of Deltora.Now Lief, Barda, and Jasmine must find the heir to the kingdom's throne. They know that only the true heir can use the Belt's magic to overthrow the evil Shadow Lord. But the heir has been in deepest hiding from birth and only the Belt can reveal the hiding place...Categorized as:
dark 21st-century action-adventure audiobook book children children-books dark-fantasy -
![Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier]()
Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAward-winning author Juliet Marillier’s “lavishly detailed”* Blackthorn & Grim series continues as a mysterious creature holds an enchanted and imperiled ancient Ireland in thrall. Disillusioned healer Blackthorn and her companion, Grim, have settled in Dalriada to wait out the seven years of Blackthorn’s bond to her fey mentor, hoping to avoid any dire challenges... -
![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... -
![Dust and Light by Carol Berg]()
Dust and Light by Carol Berg
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNational bestselling author Carol Berg returns to the world of her award-winning Flesh and Spirit and Breath and Bone with an all-new tale of magic, mystery, and corruption... -
![After the Rabbit by Nelson Chereta]()
After the Rabbit by Nelson Chereta
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWaldo Rabbit is back. He and his two companions are on their way to Norwich in search of Waldo’s third and final familiar. Meanwhile, they are being pursued by Waldo’s grandfather, the archlich, as well as by Melissa the White Mage. Waldo is both the hunter and the hunted. Can he find his last familiar before his enemies can find him? It looks like everyone is after the rabbit... -
![Shadow Magic by Joshua Khan]()
Shadow Magic by Joshua Khan
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThorn, an outlaw's son, wasn't supposed to be a slave. He's been sold to Tyburn, an executioner, and they're headed to Castle Gloom in Gehenna, the land of undead, where Thorn will probably be fed to a vampire.Lilith Shadow wasn't supposed to be ruler of Gehenna. But following the murder of her family, young Lily became the last surviving member of House Shadow, a long line of dark sorcerers... -
![The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams]()
The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe great city of Ebora once glittered with gold. Now its streets are stalked by wolves. Tormalin the Oathless has no taste for sitting around waiting to die while the realm of his storied ancestors falls to pieces - talk about a guilt trip. Better to be amongst the living, where there are taverns full of women and wine... -
![Knights of Dark Renown by David Gemmell]()
Knights of Dark Renown by David Gemmell
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsOnce the legendary knights of the Gabala defended the nine duchies. Their hearts were beautiful; their armor was beyond compare. They were greater than princes, more than men.But they were gone, disappeared through a demon-haunted gateway between worlds. Only one held back -- Manannan, whose every instinct told him to stay. Now he was the coward knight, and in torment... -
![Dreams of Steel by Glen Cook]()
Dreams of Steel by Glen Cook
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsCroaker has fallen and, following the Company's disastrous defeat at Dejagore, Lady is one of the few survivors--determined to avenge the Company and herself against the Shadowmasters, no matter what the cost... -
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![She is the Darkness by Glen Cook]()
She is the Darkness by Glen Cook
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe wind whines and howls with bitter breath. Lightning snarls and barks. Rage is an animate force upon the plain of glittering stone. Even shadows are afraid.At the heart of the plain stands a vast grey stronghold, unknown, older than any written memory. One ancient tower has collapsed across the fissure... -
![Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green]()
Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsRupert didn't especially want to be a prince. And he certainly never asked to be the second son of a royal line that really didn't need a spare. So he was sent out to slay a dragon and prove himself-a quest straight out of legend...Categorized as:
dark sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book comedy coming-of-age dark-fantasy -
![Water Sleeps by Glen Cook]()
Water Sleeps by Glen Cook
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsRegrouping in Taglios, the surviving members of the Black Company are determined to free their fellow warriors held in stasis beneath the glittering plain. Journey there under terrible conditions, they arrive just in time for a magical conflagration in which the bones of the world will be revealed, the history of the Company unveiled, and new world gained and lost...all at a terrible price... -
![False Covenant by Ari Marmell]()
False Covenant by Ari Marmell
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIt’s been over half a year, now, since the brutal murder of Archbishop William de Laurent during his pilgrimage to the Galicien city of Davillon. During that time, the Church of the Hallowed Pact has assigned a new bishop to the city—but it has also made its displeasure at the death of its clergyman quite clear. Davillon’s economy has suffered beneath the weight of the Church’s displeasure... -
![Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence]()
Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsThe Red Queen is old but the kings of the Broken Empire dread her like no other. For all her reign, she has fought the long war, contested in secret, against the powers that stand behind nations, for higher stakes than land or gold. Her greatest weapon is The Silent Sister—unseen by most and unspoken of by all... -
![The Soul Mirror by Carol Berg]()
The Soul Mirror by Carol Berg
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsBy order of His Royal Majesty Philippe de Savin-Journia y Sabria, Anne de Vernase is hereby summoned to attend His Majesty's Court at Merona...Anne de Vernase rejoices that she has no talent for magic. Her father's pursuit of depraved sorcery has left her family in ruins, and he remains at large, convicted of treason and murder by Anne's own testimony...
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