Books like 'Ascend'
Readers who enjoyed Ascend by L.R. Friedman also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy horror high fantasy lgbtq myths dark sword-sorcery retellings
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Dungeons & Guardians by Dave Willmarth
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMax and company pursue their epic quest to restore the Heart of the Mountain, finding new enemies and surprising allies along the way. The potential rewards are tremendous, but the cost is high. A growing threat from the mountains to the north endangers Stormhaven, its citizens, and its neighbors... -
![Something Wicked by K.T. Davies]()
Something Wicked by K.T. Davies
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSomething Wicked is the third and final novel in the brilliant Chronicles of Breed.Miserable after the loss of (another) friend, and alone in a strange, new world, Breed is taken prisoner by a gang of undead thugs.Stripped of power, Breed is used as a bait dog in an arena where the only reward for surviving is the chance to die another day... -
![Kings of Heaven by Richard Nell]()
Kings of Heaven by Richard Nell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the final book of the Ash and Sand trilogy, Ruka, son of Beyla, faces the emperor of the world, yet even victory may not save his people…With the death of his ally, Farahi Alaku, Ruka ‘Godtongue’ is alone. Or not exactly… The island prince Kale Alaku now haunts his mind, rattling within his once peaceful ‘Grove’, promising revenge and growing every moment in power... -
![Summoner 8 by Eric Vall]()
Summoner 8 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs Gryff learns more about the Shadowscape and the god-like Archons that rule it, the stakes keep getting higher. The angel-monster Phi is still hellbent on destroying humanity, so Gryff and his friends must spread out to the far corners of Mistral to make sure she doesn’t succeed. And then they must end her. Once and for all... -
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![What Lies Beyond by Edward W. Robertson]()
What Lies Beyond by Edward W. Robertson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe White Lich has conquered Mallon and smashed all resistance to him. Now, he marches on the north. Within weeks, Narashtovik will fall to his armies. Gask will follow. And after that, there can be no stopping him. Dante and Blays have a single hope of victory: the Spear of Stars, the long-lost weapon that may be capable of killing the lich. There's just one problem... -
![Grog III (The Ebon Blades Book 3) by RW Krpoun]()
Grog III (The Ebon Blades Book 3) by RW Krpoun
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsProvine Sael and her weary band have put the great northern plains behind them, and are heading south into the Empire, winter quarters beckoning to them after a long, hard summer. But crossing the raid-torn northern frontier holds new problems and challenges as the little group re-enters an empire burdened by war and war's demands... -
![Battleborne by Dave Willmarth]()
Battleborne by Dave Willmarth
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsMax was a professional soldier, and extremely good at his job. Right up until it killed him.At the moment of his death, he meets Hildi the Valkyrie, and is given three options. Serve Odin in Valhalla as one of the Einherjar, fighting each day and celebrating each night until the battle of Ragnarok. Accept his death as final, and end his existence... -
![Betrayer's Bane by Michael G. Manning]()
Betrayer's Bane by Michael G. Manning
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsTyrion was a good person who had been born to a simple family and raised with love, but the world has shaped him for a different fate. Twisted by violence and torture, he is obsessed with a relentless desire for vengeance, and he has sown the seeds of wrath in his children... -
![With Dagger and Song by Helen Scheuerer]()
With Dagger and Song by Helen Scheuerer
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn empty crown. A perilous journey. Will she answer when darkness calls?Against all odds, Roh survived the harrowing Queen’s Tournament, but now something far deadlier awaits her: a formidable quest for the three magic birthstones of Saddoriel. The gems have been scattered across the realms – and only when Roh retrieves them can she take her place as queen... -
![Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson]()
Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWrongfully accused of treason, veteran Kingsman Elohl seeks the truth of a betrayal that caused the Kingsmen to vanish a decade ago. Inked with the Blackmark and despised for it, Elohl uncovers the truth and exposes ancient enemies. Now, he must give everything to shatter the hidden sect that usurps power from the throne... -
![Troll Nation by James A. Hunter, Eden Hudson]()
Troll Nation by James A. Hunter, Eden Hudson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBuild. Evolve. Conquer. The dawn of the Troll Nation has begun … Roark von Graf—former noble and hedge-mage, current mid-level mob in a MMORPG—has taken down the Dungeon Lord of the Cruel Citadel, but the battle has only started.Lowen, right hand to the Tyrant King, has come to Hearthworld, and he is building an army of his own... -
![Through the Belly of the Beast by Apollos Thorne]()
Through the Belly of the Beast by Apollos Thorne
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSurviving Lord Darius's attack put Elorion's level over the top. He must soon leave the Mistress's Labyrinth for the unknown dangers of the Underworld.There are three paths that stand before him. Should he absorb all the Blue Magic he can find, power level his fellow captives, or take on the bone palace alone?The Underworld is waiting..Categorized as:
dark myths retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book dungeons-dragons -
![Transcendence and Rebellion by Michael G. Manning]()
Transcendence and Rebellion by Michael G. Manning
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThe world is on the cusp of destruction as Mordecai’s power grows beyond the limits of his own control, yet most of the powers that rule the world are oblivious. The only hope of salvaging their civilization lies with his children, but they have been scattered and branded outlaws... -
![Ghost in the Razor by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Razor by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCAINA is the Ghost circlemaster of Istarinmul, leader of the Emperor's spies in the city. She has hindered the malevolent plans of the sinister Grand Master Callatas, but has been unable to defeat him. Callatas has slaughtered every foe who ever challenged him, and Caina may be next. CASSANDER NILAS is a ruthless magus of the brutal Umbarian Order, and seeks to destroy the Emperor... -
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![Resurrected as a Drow by Logan Jacobs]()
Resurrected as a Drow by Logan Jacobs
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy name is Fynn Draven, and I used to be from this world.I think I might have died, but I can’t remember. All I know is that I woke up on an altar as a drow male, and the beautiful dark-elf priestesses said they begged their Spider Goddess for help.They ended up with me... -
![Flight of Sorcery and Shadow by Meg Cowley]()
Flight of Sorcery and Shadow by Meg Cowley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAedon's captivity is over when darkness descends upon the realm. The elf's only choices become escape or death—a far cry from his past fame and notoriety as a legendary thief. Lost, alone, and desperate to escape the deadly beasts now stalking him, he does not count on meeting Lief, a ranger of the woodland elves...and Aedon's natural worst enemy... -
![Ghost in the Seal by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Seal by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is out of time. She has risked too much for too long, and her enemies have finally closed around her. The Staff and Seal of Iramis have been found, and threaten to destroy the world with their sorcerous powers. The terrible Apotheosis of the evil Grand Master Callatas will succeed unless Caina makes one final sacrifice. Unless she makes the ultimate sacrifice.. -
![Summoner 13 by Eric Vall]()
Summoner 13 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGryff has finally captured Miralea and Utuni, the two goddesses who wreaked havoc upon the Southern Continent. Now, it’s time to go home. Or … at least that was the plan. But after a surprise rift and a hurricane, Gryff finds himself stranded on an unknown island with his friends nowhere in sight... -
![The Buried Goddess Saga: The Complete Series: by Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle]()
The Buried Goddess Saga: The Complete Series: by Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGet the Buried Goddess Saga Boxset, featuring all six action-packed books in the bestselling series. Over 3,000 pages of adventure, magic, war, and a diverse cast of characters you won’t soon forget.★★★★★ "Compelling characters, spectacular world-building, jaw-dropping twists... -
![Grog II: Book 2 of the Ebon Blades by RW Krpoun]()
Grog II: Book 2 of the Ebon Blades by RW Krpoun
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Dusmen are invading, and nothing will stop Provine Sael from leading an investigation into the many questions about the northerner’s late start, and so Grog and Burk must march north as well. With the onset of the war, both sides have stripped the border of troops, and it may well be safe for the small band to slip into enemy territory and poke into odd corners in search of the truth... -
![Dragon Rising 1 by Dante King]()
Dragon Rising 1 by Dante King
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJohn Devonte knows women and wargear. And now he gets to combine the two. All in the name of saving the world.John Devonte looked to the outskirts of the Draconic Empire for refuge. After adventuring for the past two decades, hunting monsters and collecting coin, he thought the town of Vismuth would provide some solace.Except what he discovered there was the beginning of the end... -
![Summoner School 3: A Reverse Portal Fantasy by Eric Vall]()
Summoner School 3: A Reverse Portal Fantasy by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBetween classes, beast hunts, rival students, and tournament battles, Andrew barely has enough time to enjoy the spoils of success: his sweet house, his fast car, and his beautiful girlfriends... -
![Ghost in the Ashes by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Ashes by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaina Amalas is a Ghost nightfighter, one of the elite agents of the Emperor of Nighmar, and she has defeated both corrupt lords and mighty sorcerers. As the Padishah of Istarinmul prepares to make peace with the Emperor, the Ghosts must keep the Padishah’s ambassador safe from assassins. But when an escaped slave begs for Caina’s help, she finds dark plots stirring in the shadows... -
![Ghost in the Surge by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Surge by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is a nightfighter of the Ghosts, one of the elite agents of the Emperor of Nighmar. She has defeated powerful sorcerers and corrupt lords, freed slaves and overthrown great evils. But now someone has begun slaughtering the Ghosts of the Imperial capital, and the killer is wearing her face... -
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![Ghost in the Storm by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Storm by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is a Ghost nightfighter, one of the Emperor's elite spies and assassins. And though she remains anonymous, already legends grow around her. Whispers speak of the Ghost nightfighter who stopped the fire of the gods from consuming Rasadda, who defeated sorcerers of terrible power, who liberated slaves and threw down cruel lords.Yet now the storm is coming to claim her.. -
![Alpha Zero by Arthur Stone]()
Alpha Zero by Arthur Stone
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI should not exist.All children like me are stillborn, or die in infancy. Those who cannot grow stronger, die. No empty child has ever reached a year of age, yet I am now thirteen.It has been a long and miserable thirteen years, where the best I can manage to do is walk with difficulty. Sometimes, I cannot even manage that.My clan has paid dearly for every minute of my life... -
![All-Knowing Novice by Kenneth Arant]()
All-Knowing Novice by Kenneth Arant
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKnowledge is power. Knowledge is safety. Knowledge is Happiness. But only if you can act on it...In spite of his best efforts, sixteen-year-old Taryn is an outcast. No one in the city will sully themselves by associating with a Clanless, and without someone to jumpstart his Eco core, he's unable to fulfill his dream of walking the path of a cultivator... -
![Nightblade's Honor by Ryan Kirk]()
Nightblade's Honor by Ryan Kirk
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the riveting sequel to Nightblade’s Vengeance, the nightblades must choose a side, and the Kingdom will either rise again… or shatter into pieces.With the realm on the brink of war, the once-celebrated blades have become an easy target for the rage of its devastated citizens... -
![Dragon Emperor 3 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 3 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHaving won the king’s favor, Evan sets his sights on rebuilding the city of Hatra to its former glory. Until mummified harpies begin to attack them. Suspicious that the villainous Green Glass Sect is behind these latest assaults, Evan starts looking for answers, making allies, and consolidating his power. Luckily, he’s a kick ass dragon lord now... -
![The Thief Who Wasn't There by Michael McClung]()
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... -
![Dawn of Night by Paul S. Kemp]()
Dawn of Night by Paul S. Kemp
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe shadows recede from a lost temple in a forgotten wilderness.The sun rises on a new calling for a man as loyal as he is mysterious.The day's beginning finds Erevis Cale holding in his steady hands more power than he dared hope for - and more responsibility than he ever imagined.For now, he will have to put his trust in a god served by thieves and born of chaos... -
![From the Shadows of the Owl Queen's Court by Benedict Patrick]()
From the Shadows of the Owl Queen's Court by Benedict Patrick
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIf you value your life, stay out of the forest. As a captive of the Owl Queen’s Court, Nascha’s life has always been one knife’s edge away from disaster. But when she is threatened for nothing more than the colour of her hair, Nascha attempts the unthinkable: escape through the dreaded Magpie King’s forest... -
![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... -
![Mage Assassin by Logan Jacobs]()
Mage Assassin by Logan Jacobs
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTo kill a common man, use a blade.To kill a soldier, use a bow.To kill a mage, use stronger magic.To kill a fallen god? Well… I better figure out what to use soon.I’m a murder, a hired killer, an assassin with unheard of magic. I never asked to be a hero, but if I don’t stop this titan from destroying the kingdom, he will kill me, my family of assassins, and the two beautiful women that I love... -
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![Ghost in the Hunt by Jonathan Moeller]()
Ghost in the Hunt by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCAINA AMALAS is the Ghost circlemaster of Istarinmul, the leader of the Emperor's spies in the city. With the aid of mysterious allies, she fights to stop the sinister plans of the ruthless Grand Master Callatas. But Callatas has spent two centuries preparing to remake humanity, and he will exterminate any who dare to oppose him... -
![The Ghosts Omnibus One by Jonathan Moeller]()
The Ghosts Omnibus One by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHere for the first time in one volume are the first four books of the internationally bestselling THE GHOSTS saga - CHILD OF THE GHOSTS, BLADE OF THE GHOSTS, GHOST IN THE FLAMES, and GHOST IN THE BLOOD. When her life is torn apart by sorcery and murder, young Caina Amalas joins the Ghosts, the legendary spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar... -
![The Defiance of Vim by C.J. Aaron]()
The Defiance of Vim by C.J. Aaron
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFree from the clutches of the kingdom, yet slaves to fate.Ryl, the phrenics, and their meager army make for the security of the Erlyn Woods. As the cost of freedom continues to mount, their hold remains tenuous at best. New additions to their army present unexpected complications and danger. Choices that will define the future of Damaris hang in the balance... -
![A Wind From the Rift by Bonnie Wynne]()
A Wind From the Rift by Bonnie Wynne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe sorceress has broken free of her shackles. Months of imprisonment have forged Gwyn into something new; something dangerous. Eight dead sorceresses whisper in her ear, hungry for blood and vengeance – and after unleashing the red magic to make her escape, she fears she won’t be able to stop.All Gwyn really wants is to go home... -
![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...Categorized as:
dark myths retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
![Dungeon Master 5 by Eric Vall]()
Dungeon Master 5 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaster and his faithful and loving minions have been through dozens of dungeons, battles, and death-defying challenges. Both the fallen god and his women have grown their powers significantly, and now they have fixed their sights on Baudouin, the power hungry king of Tintagal. They intend to destroy him and nothing will stand in their way... -
![Shadow of the Lantern Bearer by Chris R. Underwood]()
Shadow of the Lantern Bearer by Chris R. Underwood
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMagic is a disease. It spreads like a plague and drives the infected mad with power.Death is the only cure.Seventeen-year-old Kole Felmen is destined for a life spent executing infected sorcerers and disposing of their tainted remains.But his first execution ends in disaster... -
![Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords by Benedict Patrick]()
Those Brave, Foolish Souls from the City of Swords by Benedict Patrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDon't draw your blade in the City of Swords, unless you're willing to kill… or ready to die.Young and filled with idealistic fervor, Arturo packs his blade and travels to the fabled City of Swords in the hopes of joining the dashing Bravadori. Yet upon arriving he discovers these masked vigilantes have more in common with brutal thugs than noble monster slayers... -
![Shield of Winter by Aaron Hodges]()
Shield of Winter by Aaron Hodges
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlana has been captured. She expected an agonizing death to follow, but instead, she now finds herself a guest of the Tsar. Locked away amidst the wealth and luxury, it isn’t long before she learns the reason she was spared – her entire life has been a lie. Her true identity lurks within, chained by magic, but with promises of untold power. It terrifies her, and yet…she must know the truth... -
![A Storm of Smoke and Flame by Marion Blackwood]()
A Storm of Smoke and Flame by Marion Blackwood
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat would you do to protect your home? Lie? Manipulate? Kill?War awaits across the sea. In order to ensure their survival, the Oncoming Storm and a band of misfits set sail for the land beyond the horizon... -
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![Absolution by N.H. Paxton, James A. Hunter]()
Absolution by N.H. Paxton, James A. Hunter
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Russian weapon engineer's work is never done. Not while the Imperial Legion marches. After dying, losing his soulmate twice, building elemental cannons, and knocking down more than metaphorical walls for the Crimson Alliance, Vlad is looking for a place to call his own: a crafting guild that will be able to produce the most overpowered loot the world of V.G.O. has ever seen... -
![A Warrior's Curse by Jacob Peppers]()
A Warrior's Curse by Jacob Peppers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI am fire and all I touch turns to ash. Despite the odds, Cutter and his companions managed to bring Matt to the capital where he was crowned king. But instead of getting better, things have only gotten worse.The Known Lands and its people stand at a precipice. One false move, one mistake, and they will all fall into the abyss.Cutter wants only to protect his people, to right his many wrongs... -
![Path of the Blood Phoenix by J.D. Astra, James A. Hunter]()
Path of the Blood Phoenix by J.D. Astra, James A. Hunter
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan a single promise change the world?Even with the Crimson Alliance formed, Rowanheath taken, and Carrera dispatched, the onslaught never ends for Abby Hollander. Keeping the Spider Queen in check and handling water provisions was never what Abby wanted to do with her life, but it's what the war demands of her... -
![Ally by K. Eason]()
Ally by K. Eason
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe city of Illharek teeters on the edge of war. Rival godsworn battle in both the Suburban streets and the Senate chambers. And in the fields and forests, a Taliri army plots its attack.When a rebel faction of Taliri offers to help defeat Tal’Shik, Dekklis sends Snow and her partner, Veiko, north to Cardik’s ruins... -
![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... -
![A Warrior's Burden: Book One of Saga of the Known Lands by Jacob Peppers]()
A Warrior's Burden: Book One of Saga of the Known Lands by Jacob Peppers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhere he walks, death follows. He was once known as Prince Bernard, ruler of his people and the man who led them in the Fey War against creatures out of myth and legend, beings out of nightmare. A man renowned for his strength, a man feared by his own people as much as his enemies. But there are other names for him, too. Kingslayer. Oathbreaker. Traitor. The Crimson Prince.And they are all true...
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