Books like 'The Darkness Before Them'
Readers who enjoyed The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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Bastion by Phil Tucker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsScorio will rise from the ashes to conquer the ten layers of hell.Reborn without memories, Scorio learns that he is a Great Soul, a legendary defender of the ancient city of Bastion... -
![Of Sand and Snow by Bryce O'Connor]()
Of Sand and Snow by Bryce O'Connor
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWith fifty thousand freed slaves at their back, Raz i'Syul Arro and Syrah Brahnt leave the savannahs of Perce behind. Karesh Syl is no more. Karesh Nan burns at their backs. Beyond the border before them the South looms, ready and waiting, and together Raz and Syrah pray they are prepared for the great offense they must now undertake against the fringe cities... -
![Deadhouse Landing by Ian C. Esslemont]()
Deadhouse Landing by Ian C. Esslemont
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsAfter the disappointments of Li Heng, Dancer and Kellanved wash up on a small insignificant island named Malaz. Immediately, of course, Kellanved plans to take it over. To do so they join forces with a small band of Napans who have fled a civil war on their own home island... -
![Four Beheadings and a Funeral by Eric Ugland]()
Four Beheadings and a Funeral by Eric Ugland
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWe join Montana, recently returned from an impromptu study abroad trip, a bit wiser, a bit broader in perspective, and a lot freaked out by the once-dead person who’s currently in his bedroom.Possible zombie sightings aside, he’s finally ready to take his job as Duke seriously... -
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![The Silver Thief by Edward W. Robertson]()
The Silver Thief by Edward W. Robertson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDante Galand has cured the sickness that trapped him on the Plagued Islands. Now, it's time to leave. And kill a priest. The target is Gladdic of Bressel. Gladdic, who executed Dante's friend, the pirate Captain Twill. Who all but enslaved the Plagued Islands. And whose visions of empire are far from over... -
![Dancer's Lament by Ian C. Esslemont]()
Dancer's Lament by Ian C. Esslemont
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsTaking Malazan fans back to that troubled continent's turbulent early history. The opening chapter in Ian C. Esslemont's epic new fantasy sequence, the Path to Ascendancy trilogy.For ages warfare has crippled the continent as minor city states, baronies, and principalities fought in an endless round of hostilities... -
![The Spear of Stars by Edward W. Robertson]()
The Spear of Stars by Edward W. Robertson
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe White Lich has conquered Tanar Atain. Soon, he means to take the entire world. Dante suspects his next target will be Bressel, where the Tanarians have established their court in exile. The only chance to stop the lich will be to forge a fragile alliance between the bitter enemies of three different lands: Tanar Atain, Mallon, and Narashtovik. The city stands on the brink of rebellion... -
![Winter's King by Bryce O'Connor]()
Winter's King by Bryce O'Connor
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe Monster of Karth has risen once more. Quin Tern has met his fate, and his council has born the price of crossing Raz i'Syul Arro. Now, as the cruel walls of Azbar fade into the winter storms at his back, Raz rides north, seeking to take the High Priest Talo Brahnt up on an offer he never should have refused... -
![Wild Wild Quest by Eric Ugland]()
Wild Wild Quest by Eric Ugland
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsStraight out of the West (or, you know, somewhere through a gloom portal), in a thunder of hooves (but they’re kinda like giant turtle hooves, if you can picture it?), comes Montana Coggeshall, gun (sword) slinger.Sure, he’s survived Fiends’ Night and an all-out goblin war. But for his people in Coggeshall to truly be safe, Montana needs to go out and find the source of all these crazy attacks... -
![War of Mist by Helen Scheuerer]()
War of Mist by Helen Scheuerer
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWar is here. Toxic mist drives all life to the brink of destruction and the conqueror queen, Ines, has her talons in the kings of the realm. Bleak, having discovered her true heritage, must now scour the lands for the one thing that might save them all. But the search is a treacherous one – and it will push her to the very limits of endurance... -
![As Iron Falls by Bryce O'Connor]()
As Iron Falls by Bryce O'Connor
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe High Citadel cannot be seen to harbor a killer. This is a simple truth, and one that Raz i'Syul Arro has little choice but to respect. As the winter storms fall away in favor of the North's pleasant summer months, Raz finds himself having once more to face the cruelties of the world with spear and sword in hand. For the first time, though, the Monster no longer walks his path alone... -
![Dragon Emperor 7 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 7 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEvan has won the allegiance of Tikal through a little dragon diplomacy, but his work isn’t done yet. The Green Glass Sect make another appearance as Evan works to get the city back on its feet, so he decides to put the campaign on hold and root the traitorous Sect members out of the jungle... -
![Dragon Emperor 8 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 8 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEvan’s campaign across Rahma continues, and this time, they encounter a city of intelligent, if proud, shape-shifting centaurs.Evan is fascinated by the horse-people, but he is more enthralled with their gorgeous queen. To win her over, Evan and his party work to clear the nearby forest of monsters, traps, and traitorous Green Glass Sect members... -
![Relentless by R.A. Salvatore]()
Relentless by R.A. Salvatore
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe epic conclusion to the long-awaited trilogy featuring one of the most beloved characters in all of fantasy—Drizzt Do'Urden—a rollicking tale of life, death, intrigue, magic, danger, and the timeless bonds of family and friendship from New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore... -
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![Dragon Emperor 5 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 5 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWith Evan and Alyona’s campaign around Rahma drawing near, Evan is under a time crunch to make safe the city. First, he must clear out any beasts and enemies that lurk in the tunnels beneath Hatra. Then he needs to complete the reconstruction of the Lunar Palace. And finally, he’s got to deal with the assassins that have somehow infiltrated his home. Just another day for a Dragon Lord... -
![Beyond by Mercedes Lackey]()
Beyond by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe long-awaited founding of Valdemar comes to life in this new series from a New York Times bestselling author and beloved fantasistThis series from a New York Times bestselling author explores the long-awaited tale of an era crucial to Valdemar's history--the original founding of the nation itself by the legendary Baron Valdemar... -
![King's Warrior by Frost Kay]()
King's Warrior by Frost Kay
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRevolution and war come with a price in the fourth volume of USA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay’s The Aermian Feuds Series. Returning to Aermia should’ve been easy, but nightmares and death haunt her, leaving Sage as an outsider, even in her own family... -
![The Warring Son by Bryce O'Connor]()
The Warring Son by Bryce O'Connor
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 24 ratings**Book 2 in the Top 10 Bestselling Epic Fantasy series on Amazon** Raz i'Syul Arro is a hunted man. To the south, the Mahsadën of Miropa are gone. The šef lay dead, slain at Raz's own hands, their cruel will ripped from the shadows of the city... -
![Skulduggery 4 by Logan Jacobs]()
Skulduggery 4 by Logan Jacobs
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBuilding a Criminal EmpireLord of the Rings + Breaking Bad + The Sopranos = Skulduggery With each rival my syndicate eliminates two more appear, and they are out for blood. The assassin’s guild, the dwarven miners, and the elven overlords are all looking to put our heads on a pike... -
![Summoner 18 by Eric Vall]()
Summoner 18 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGryff has been extended an offer and invitation to the Shadowscape by the Archon Carth: If he stays in her palace for a week, she will spare Varle Enclave.Sounds easy enough, but little does Gryff know what this trip will cost him.Or what he’ll soon learn... -
![Summoner 17 by Eric Vall]()
Summoner 17 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGryff is a married man, a professor, and a soon to be father now.But his life is still far from ordinary, boring, or safe.Especially when massive, mega monsters start appearing on his honeymoon... -
![Dragon Emperor 12 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 12 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEvan and his party continue on to the peninsula of Rahma, but an ultimatum from the king hangs over Evan’s head.If he can’t get the Lord of Atheson to swear fealty to the crown, then he has been tasked with breaking the peninsula off the continent and letting it sink to the bottom of the ocean... -
![Dragon Emperor 10 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 10 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe campaign across Rahma continues, and this time Evan and his party travel to the desert city of Kana.The lizard Demi-Human lord is quick to welcome Evan, but his stoic mage of a sister tells Evan she isn’t impressed with him.Men don’t impress her in general, so she prefers a woman’s touch, and nothing Evan can say will change her mind... -
![Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider]()
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey took it all: his will, his memories, his freedom, his magic. Imprisoned by his enemies, tortured and drugged to keep his magic suppressed, Ian Troy returns to a world as marred and broken as he is. Ravaged by the reign of her new High King, Draken of Langor, Mirra’kelan’s citizens live in fear. The Shinree, misled by Jem Reth’s promises, are no longer slaves, but they are far from free... -
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![Dragon Emperor 13 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 13 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEvan’s royal campaign to win over the people of Rahma has taken him to the northern peninsula.And straight to the gates of the underwater city of Pullis.The Green Glass Sect is up to no good under the sea, and it’s up to Evan and his party to save the merfolk from traitors and the ever-corrupting presence of miasma... -
![The Gathering by Vanessa Nelson]()
The Gathering by Vanessa Nelson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsScarred by a brutal past, she has sworn to help those in need.As one of the Hundred, Yvonne cannot ignore a plea for help, even if all she wants is a quiet life, somewhere safe for her adopted children to grow into adulthood.Safety is in short supply. Young people, some of them children, are going missing in large numbers, leaving bewildered and grieving families behind... -
![Needs of the Empire by Christopher Mitchell]()
Needs of the Empire by Christopher Mitchell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOn the run – againBranded an enemy by the Church and Emperor, Daphne Holdfast is forced to flee the Imperial City with her young daughter Karalyn, whose own mage powers are now beginning to reveal themselves.They intend to travel to Rahain, a land in turmoil following the devastating invasion and occupation by Alliance forces... -
![The Searching by Vanessa Nelson]()
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... -
![Mercenary of Empyrea : An Isekai Barbarian Fantasy Adventure by Michael Dalton]()
Mercenary of Empyrea : An Isekai Barbarian Fantasy Adventure by Michael Dalton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI don’t know who I am. I only know what I need to be.I awoke in a tomb. I had nothing but a big sword and uncertain memories from uncertain lives.I was a great warrior who wandered this land before being killed by an ageless tyrant wizard-king. I was a warrior of a very different sort, who lived in a city of steel and glass... -
![Empire of Grass by Tad Williams]()
Empire of Grass by Tad Williams
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFollowing on from The Witchwood Crown, Empire of Grass: Book Two of The Last King of Osten Ard continues the story of one of the best loved fantasy epics of all time - Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, the inspiration for Christopher Paolini and George R. R. Martin... -
![Dawn of the Exile by Mitchell Hogan]()
Dawn of the Exile by Mitchell Hogan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor the damned, redemption may be just a mad dream…Years have passed since the demon Tarrik and his master, the sorcerer Ren, destroyed the servants of Samal and suppressed the very essence of the vile lord. The cost was greater than even a demon could have imagined. But in the realms of demons and humans, no evil can be fully controlled, and no one’s true fate can be foretold. Including Tarrik’s... -
![A Throne From the Ashes by C.C. Peñaranda]()
A Throne From the Ashes by C.C. Peñaranda
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs darkness descends, two destinies will merge. But as embers fly, one may rise from the ashes.A KINGDOM…Far from the land she knows, Faythe is beckoned toward the secrets of her heritage. Through trials of her name and a challenge to her claim, does she have what it takes to rule? Faythe bears a future that haunts; Reylan harbors a past that lingers... -
![Dragon Emperor 6 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 6 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs the King wages his never-ending war against the demons infiltrating The Breach, the nobles have grown weary, and some don’t believe the threat is real. So, Evan must travel across Rahma to win back the lords’ loyalty to the king. And he’s more motivated than ever now, because he will soon become a father. But Evan quickly realizes the kingdom’s unrest is greater than he realized... -
![Queen of Light by Meg Anne]()
Queen of Light by Meg Anne
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOnly one of them can win. Kiri Helena Solene is done burying her loved ones. She is going to put an end to this war, one way or another. Even if it means she loses herself in the process. But in matters of war, Rowena has no intention of losing. The Corruptor knows Helena’s greatest strength is also her weakness, and she has every intention of exploiting it... -
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![Dungeon In My Closet by Logan Jacobs]()
Dungeon In My Closet by Logan Jacobs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsStarting college was already exciting enough, but then I found a portal in my dorm closet.This portal led to a fantastical world full of monsters, magic, dungeons, and the ability to level up my attributes, weapon, and armor stats.Speaking of weapons and armor: the best part of this new world is the enchanted weapons and armor I found that turned out to be beautiful women... -
![The Free Bastards by Jonathan French]()
The Free Bastards by Jonathan French
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe long-awaited war has come in the sweeping conclusion to the Lot Lands trilogy--another irresistibly swashbuckling, swaggering, foul-mouthed fantasy.The long-awaited war has come in the sweeping conclusion to the Lot Lands trilogy--another irresistibly swashbuckling, swaggering, foul-mouthed fantasy... -
![God of Broken Things by Cameron Johnston]()
God of Broken Things by Cameron Johnston
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn outcast magician must risk his body and mind to save the world from horrifying demons, in the heart-pounding epic fantasy sequel to The Traitor God.Tyrant magus Edrin Walker destroyed the monster sent by the Skallgrim, but not before it laid waste to Setharis, and infested their magical elite with mind-controlling parasites... -
![Dragon Emperor 4 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 4 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs Evan focuses on rebuilding Hatra, he discovers the project, and the city, are much bigger than he first thought. And things are lurking in the shadowed ruins. Then a phoenix princess comes flying out of the desert, and she begs Evan to save her people from deadly creatures that have pursued them relentlessly... -
![The Demon City by Evan Currie]()
The Demon City by Evan Currie
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBorn in flame and flood, the newly born community of Atlantis has begun to rebuild from being forced from their homes by the Demonic hordes. For Elanthielle however, the war is still out there... -
![Black Talon by Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin]()
Black Talon by Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKullen is the Emperor’s assassin. The sharp hand of justice. The Black Talon.Gifted a soul-forged bond with his dragon, Umbris, Kullen is tasked with hunting any and all who oppose the Empire.But when the secretive Crimson Fang murders two noblemen before his very eyes, Kullen must discover the truth of who they are and what they want... -
![Queen of Storms by Raymond E. Feist]()
Queen of Storms by Raymond E. Feist
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsDark and powerful forces threaten the world of Garn once more in this second novel in legendary New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist’s epic fantasy series, the Firemane Saga.Hatushaly and his young wife Hava have arrived in the prosperous trading town of Beran’s Hill to restore and reopen the fire-damaged Inn of the Three Stars... -
![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... -
![Timeless by R.A. Salvatore, Victor Bevine]()
Timeless by R.A. Salvatore, Victor Bevine
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings12 Hours and 30 MinutesAt long last, New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore returns with one of fantasy's most beloved and enduring icons, the dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden, in an all-new trilogy full of swordplay, danger, and imaginative thrills... -
![Dragon Emperor 2 by Eric Vall]()
Dragon Emperor 2 by Eric Vall
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNow tested in battle, Evan aims to become the heir of Hatra. Once that he’s a lord, Evan has even more on his plate, from rebuilding the city’s aqueducts to fighting demonic hordes. On top of all that, the King of Rahma gives Evan a quest to prove his worth: to find the lost Sword of Hatra, which was last seen a thousand years ago... -
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![Crowfall by Ed McDonald]()
Crowfall by Ed McDonald
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsCrowfall is a gritty epic fantasy for fans of Mark Lawrence, Scott Lynch and Daniel Polansky.'Dark, twisty and excellent . . . Grimdark with heart' Mark LawrenceA sorceress cataclysm has hit the Range, the final defensive line between the Republic and the immortal Deep Kings... -
![The Unforgiven by Michael Anderle]()
The Unforgiven by Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“In every person there is a bit of barbarian waiting to be unleashed. A moment when one must decide what one is willing to accept. Death, defeat, or allow one’s carnal rage to take control and consequences be damned.” Skharr DeathEaterA lone DeathEater has forsaken his clan. Leaving behind his previous life, Skharr starts building a future next to a dangerous forest in an unknown land... -
![City of Songs by Anthony Ryan]()
City of Songs by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsATHERIA—THE FABLED CITY OF SONGS THE SHINING JEWEL OF THE THIRD SEA WHERE THE MASKED EXULTIA CASTE HOLD SWAY AND VIE TO OUTDO EACH OTHER IN THEIR PATRONAGE OF THE ARTS, SOMETIMES WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES… Guyime, wandering, dethroned King of the Northlands, is drawn to the Atheria by his quest for the Seven Swords, the demon cursed blades of legend... -
![Creatures of Light by Emily B. Martin]()
Creatures of Light by Emily B. Martin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsQueens, countries, and cultures collided in Woodwalker and Ashes to Fire, the first two books in Emily B. Martin’s Creatures of Light series. From Mae’s guidance to retake Lumen Lake to Mona’s eye-opening adventure in Cyprien, we now see things from Gemma’s perspective—a queen in disgrace…and symbol of the oppressive power of Alcoro... -
![Thief of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin]()
Thief of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe impossible becomes inevitable with the fate of her loved ones hanging in the balance…A cunning thief of unrivaled ingenuity, Ilanna is determined to secure her freedom at any cost. No price is too high to break the shackles of the Night Guild's callous cruelty.With her future on the line, nothing will stand in her way, not even the most powerful man in Praamis, Duke Phonnis... -
![Legacy of Light by Matthew Ward]()
Legacy of Light by Matthew Ward
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWarfare, myth and magic collide in Legacy of Light, the spectacular conclusion to Matthew Ward's acclaimed Legacy trilogy.For the first time in many years, the Tressian Republic and the Hadari Empire are at peace. But war never sleeps.In Tregard, Empress Melanna Saranal struggles to protect a throne won at great cost...
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