Books like 'The Challenge'
Readers who enjoyed The Challenge by Kim Iverson Headlee also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy high fantasy medieval drama historical-fiction domestic-drama sword-sorcery romantic-love arthurian
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Vale of the Gods by A.E. Rayne
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsVale of the Gods is the explosive conclusion to the epic adventure that has been The Furyck Saga. Draguta Teros wants to crush her enemies.Every last one of them…Her disloyal sister, Dara.Briggit Halvardar and her Followers.Jael Furyck and her Brekkan army.The gods themselves.But Draguta will not be cowed by any of them.She will have her revenge...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval paranormal retellings romantic-love sword-sorcery action-adventure -
God Restrainer by Christopher Mitchell
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTogether again.For the first time in years, the entire Holdfast family is gathered in the same place. For Daphne, however, this is more than just the family reunion she has been longing for. At stake is the future of the entire Empire, and the choices made by the Holdfasts will determine if the Star Continent will live in peace, or descend into civil war... -
City Ascendant by Christopher Mitchell
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Reign of Terror begins...Rescued from a desert wasteland where he had been stranded for four thousand years, the Tenth Ascendant sits upon the throne of the City - his powers subduing the immortal gods and demigods who once ruled.Across the Straits in Jezra, Emily, Van and Kelsey Holdfast rally the last forces of resistance to the Ascendant's rule... -
Hallow Wood by A.E. Rayne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHallow Wood is the fourth book in The Furyck Saga : an action-packed epic fantasy series that weaves together an intricate web of characters and kingdoms, swords and warriors, dark magic and mystery that will leave you wanting more!As the Arnesson brothers finally reach Oss’ harbour, Ivaar’s discomfort grows...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval paranormal retellings romantic-love sword-sorcery action-adventure -
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Tower of Blood and Flame: An Epic Fantasy Adventure by A.E. Rayne
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSomeone is seeking to destroy the Furycks, but who?As Axl works on strengthening Brekka’s defenses, he discovers he has more enemies than he realised. Help arrives in the form of a dreamer, though he doesn’t know the woman, so how can he trust her? Yet, with so much at stake, how can he not?After a disastrous time on the island of Aggralaia, Edela finds a new ally, and just in time... -
City of Salve by Christopher Mitchell
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFor six months, the lands of the massacred Scythe tribe have lain empty and desolate; then, one crisp winter's morning, the red sky crackles and forty thousand survivors of the Lostwell Catastrophe appear, along with a dozen dragons, and one Holdfast...While King Daniel struggles to reform the City, Queen Emily dreams of recapturing the lost town of Jezra on the Western Bank... -
Red City by Christopher Mitchell
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Return of the God-Queen.A year and a half has passed since the capture of Montieth, the son of the God-Queen. With the Prince in jail, the City of the Aurelians has been at peace.Only one thing can disturb the tranquility of the City - the former all-powerful God-Queen... -
Brindle Dragon Boxed Set: Complete Series Books 1 - 9 by Jada Fisher
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe is destined to soar with the dragons, but first...she must be chosen. An epic dragon riding adventure from Jada Fisher, author of the popular Dragon Oracle series. Eist was born to be a dragon rider; she just knows it. When fate conspires to take her parents and leave her orphaned and injured, her future appears bleak... -
Frozen Origins by Pedro Urvi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA mystery. A great threat. A Frozen Continent.The Panthers will have to face a mission they did not expect, one full of dangers and mysteries in a place they do not want to go. There they will discover a terrible threat and mysteries buried in the ice by the passage of time... -
The Lands of Ice and Fire: Maps from King's Landing to Across the Narrow Sea by George R.R. Martin
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGeorge R.R. Martin’s beloved Song of Ice and Fire series, which started with A Game of Thrones, is bursting with a variety and richness of landscapes — from bitter tundra to arid wasteland and everything in between — that provide a sense of scale unrivaled in contemporary fantasy...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval sword-sorcery paranormal fantasy fiction high-fantasy -
Mark of the Hunter by A.E. Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFate will not be denied.And those FATED TO RISE can’t remain in the shadows forever.‘How do you know so much, Grandfather?’Alys was eleven. They sat at their table, shelling peas.‘Me? Oh, well I’m old, you see. The old know many things, though the young are usually too busy to ask.’‘You’re not that old.’Jonas smiled. ‘I’m old enough to know some things. Your grandmother taught me a lot...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval paranormal retellings romantic-love sword-sorcery action-adventure -
The Hollow Crown by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsFollowing the downfall of a tyrant, years have passed in prosperity for the kingdom of Ceredigion. Now, as the time comes to celebrate the new king’s nuptials, the specter of a new enemy emerges to destroy all that has been painstakingly built in those years.Tryneowy Kiskaddon has grown up learning military and diplomatic strategy from her father, one of the king’s closest advisors...Categorized as:
arthurian epic historical-fiction paranormal retellings action-adventure audiobook book -
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:
arthurian drama epic historical-fiction medieval paranormal retellings sword-sorcery -
The Forgotten Kingdom: A Novel by Signe Pike
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFrom the author of The Lost Queen , hailed as “ Outlander meets Camelot ” (Kirsty Logan, the author of The Gloaming) and “ The Mists of Avalon for a new generation” (Linnea Hartsuyker, the author of The Golden Wolf), a “rich, immersive” ( Kirkus Reviews ) new novel in which a forgotten queen of 6th-century Scotland claims her throne as war looms and her family is scattered to the winds.AD 573...Categorized as:
arthurian historical-fiction medieval retellings action-adventure adult audiobook book -
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Lifemarked by David Estes
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Four Kingdoms and the fatemarked face the most powerful army the world has ever seen...In Phanes, Roan Loren, the Peacemaker, has high hopes for a united response to the threat from the Horde, but swiftly realizes the only true ally he has is his arch nemesis, Bane...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book -
Outcasts in Time by Sarah Woodbury
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJoin David and his friends and family for the next installment in the After Cilmeri series!Last we heard from David, he'd allowed George to abduct him at the behest of the CIA, for the stated purpose of forcing him to time travel between Earth Two and Avalon. Meanwhile, Lili and the refugees from Paris were floating down the River Seine, making for the English Channel... -
Champions of Time by Sarah Woodbury
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsApril 1294. With David returned from Ireland and Anna from Avalon, the time has come to confront the traitors who sought to assassinate David and take his throne.But before that can happen, David is tested yet again by his inability to account for everything or everyone in his life--and especially the magic that surrounds him... -
Rockslide by Michael Wisehart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA debt is owed . . . and time is running out!Ayrion’s tribe has until the Harvest Moon to meet the Guild’s price. If the payment isn’t made, Hurricane’s territory will be seized, and its members left to starve.The stakes have never been higher.Once again, Ayrion finds himself in the precarious position of taking on the role of savior...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book -
Unbroken in Time by Sarah Woodbury
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn 1282, David and his sister Anna crashed through time to save the life of their father, the last Prince of Wales. Thirteen years later, David is a grown man--husband, father, and High King of Britain. He is also the Duke of Aquitaine, a fact which King Philip of France appears to resent... -
Eye of the Wolf by A.E. Rayne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes the biggest secrets are the ones we keep from ourselves...Ragnahild One Eye has seen it: Reinar Vilander is fated to become a king.So why is a man fated to become a king running down a beach in a nothing sort of village, looking for women to sell as slaves?Because the gods have taken Reinar’s luck. Stolen it away. And now he’s a desperate man. An unlucky man...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval paranormal retellings romantic-love sword-sorcery action-adventure -
The Dragon's Blade by Christopher Mitchell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA Champion in chains, a Demigod in hiding and a Dragon betrayed.The new Prince of Tara rules the City of the Eternal Siege and nothing will get in his way – all must kneel before him or die.But what is power without the woman he desires? For three hundred years, the Prince has longed for Aila, wanting her as his bride... -
Rise of The Silvan by R.K. Lander
Rated: 4.72 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBook V of The Silvan SagaWith a kingdom to rebuild, Thargodén must call on all his allies to commence the Restoration. With his army shattered and his people slowly coming to terms with the errors of the past, trust must be earned.But the Evergreen Wood calls to Fel’annár and he wonders if the ultimate nature of his duty to Aria is connected to that forbidden place...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval paranormal retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure book -
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 River of Silver: Tales from the Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBestselling author S. A. Chakraborty's acclaimed Daevabad Trilogy gets expanded with this new compilation of stories from before, during, and after the events of The City of Brass, The Kingdom of Copper, and The Empire of Gold, all from the perspective of characters both beloved and hated, and even those without a voice in the novels...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction paranormal sword-sorcery adult anthologies audiobook fiction -
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The Song of the First Blade by T.C. Edge
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the heart of Vandar, as dark forces close in, Elyon, a gifted Bladeborn, fights for his family’s survival.In the war-torn northlands of Tukor, a servant girl with a mysterious past is forced on the run, propelling her on a journey that will change her world forever... -
Legend by Nicole Conway
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn a war of gods and tyrants, the will of the dragonrider must never falter.Captured and tortured by the brutal tyrant, Argonox, Reigh’s worst fears have now been realized. Argonox has successfully twisted his mysterious dark power for a truly evil purpose—reanimating the long-deceased legendary dragonrider, Beckah Derrick, and her monstrous king drake... -
Captured by Jada Fisher
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt’s hard to save the world when you’re trapped in a dungeon. An epic dragon riding adventure from #1 Bestselling author Jada Fisher. Eist has been captured and the brindle dragons are still missing in action. When Eist’s friends are captured too, all seems lost... -
The High Lords by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter losing his wife and his honor, Ridmark Arban the Gray Knight set out to stop the return of the malevolent Frostborn. He failed. Now the gates of ruin have been thrown open, and the Frostborn and their armies threaten to overthrow the High Kingdom. Only Ridmark stands in their way... -
The World Gate by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe end of the quest is at hand. RIDMARK ARBAN has sought to stop the return of the evil Frostborn. Now the malignant wizard Shadowbearer is ready to summon the Frostborn once more. Unless Ridmark stops him, Shadowbearer shall cover the world in killing ice. SHADOWBEARER has spent a hundred thousand years preparing for the end of the world, and his victory is at hand... -
Plague of Shadows by Michael Wisehart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAs magic's influence spreads across the five kingdoms, the White Tower's reach extends with it. No place is left untouched.In his quest for vengeance against the witch Mangora, Ty stumbles across a curious book he believes might help. But its pages hold a dark secret that threatens to unravel everything his family and friends have been fighting for...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval retellings sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book -
Defender, Avenger, Champion by Robert J. Crane
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is a collection of the first three titles in the Sanctuary Series (SERIES IS NOW COMPLETE), which is about a warrior in the mythical world of Arkaria, facing great battles against magical and fantastical foes. (Approx. 357,000 words or 950 pages total.) The world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers... -
The King Stag by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Davina Porter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratings8 unabridged cassettes, narrated by Davina Porter.Book Three of the Mists of Avalon series inolves the imaginative retelling of the Arthurian legend, centering around the pagan priestesses of Avalon, who compete for the soul of Great Britain against the rising tide of Christianity... -
The High Queen by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThis imaginative return to the Arthurian legend as told from its pagan priestesses continues with Book Two: The High Queen. Morgaine, finally reconciled to the birth of her son, must relinquish him to her aunt Morgause in exchange for the kept secret regarding his parentage...Categorized as:
historical-fiction arthurian epic medieval retellings paranormal europe british-isles -
The Archmage Unbound by Michael G. Manning
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsMordecai’s growing power and success have made him a threat, not just to the gods and their minions, but also to the king of Lothion. An unholy bargain has been struck to bring him to heel and increasingly it seems that victory may not be worth the price, not if the cost is measured in the blood of his family. Wizard, lord, husband, father, and now archmage..Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook book -
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In the Land of the Everliving by Stephen R. Lawhead
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsStephen R. Lawhead, the critically-acclaimed author of the Pendragon Cycle continues his Eirlandia Celtic fantasy series with In the Land of the Everliving. Conor and his sword companions must leave the safety of the faéry kingdom for the barbarian Scálda threaten to overrun Eirlandia...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction medieval sword-sorcery action-adventure adult audiobook book -
Fae's Prisoner by Melissa A. Craven, M. Lynn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGriffin O’Shea is a traitor. It’s what those outside the prison realm called him when he chose the wrong side in the war of the fae queens. Now, he is the only person in the entire fae world who remembers his dark deeds.The moment Griffin crossed into the prison realm, every fae he’d ever known forgot he existed... -
Monstrum by Kat Ross
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the third volume of the Fourth Talisman series, the hunt is on for the three daevas whose powers saved the world once before….On the White Sea, realm of smashers and sea monsters, a ship is carrying Nazafareen and Darius to the Isles of the Marakai, where the wise woman Sakhet-ra-katme has guarded the secret of the talismans for centuries... -
Queen of Seas by Alisha Klapheke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUnderwater. Trapped. Her chances are slipping away... Tugging at her heart, Vahly’s magic begs her to discover her birthplace in the flooded Lost Valley. What she is meant to do there, she has no idea. Her power sings this one truth—to evolve into the Sea Queen's equal in strength, Vahly must set foot in the home where her mother brought her life...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction paranormal retellings sword-sorcery ancient-civilization audiobook book -
With Shield and Ink and Bone by Casey L. Bond
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA hard-earned shield. Days before she is to take her place as a shield maiden, like her mother before her, two deaths alter the course of Liv’s future. One belonged to a witch who called her by name, the other a chieftain from the north. Vengeance for the chieftain’s death comes in a wild fury that burns her village and slaughters her family...Categorized as:
historical-fiction medieval retellings sword-sorcery book coming-of-age europe fiction -
Destiny's Conflict by Janny Wurts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe long-awaited second book of the fourth story arc - Sword of the Canon - in the epic fantasy series, the Wars of Light and Shadow.Lysaer’s unstable integrity lies under threat of total downfall, and as his determined protector, Daliana will face the most frightening decision of her young life...Categorized as:
epic paranormal romantic-love sword-sorcery 20th-century action-adventure adult book -
Tree of Ages: Books 1-3 by Sara C. Roethle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA tree’s memory is long. Magic’s memory is longer, and far more dangerous. After a century spent as a tree, Finn awakens into a world she barely recognizes. Whispers of the Faie, long thought destroyed, are spreading across the countryside, bringing fears that they are returning to wreak havoc amongst the mortals once again... -
Valkyrie Academy Dragon Alliance: Collection Books 1-5 by Katrina Cope
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe heart of a dragon, the role of a slave, and a prejudice to annihilate. Wingless Valkyries are useless to the future of Asgard-that's what is drilled into them at Valkyrie Academy.Determined to break the mold and help reap warriors for Valhalla, Kara breaks the rules and finds herself facing the wrath of Mistress Sigrun and Odin...Categorized as:
epic medieval paranormal retellings sword-sorcery adaptations anthologies coming-of-age -
Shadow of the Crown by Paul J. Bennett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTreachery! Treason! Trolls!Fooled into thinking they are returning heroes, the entourage's royal welcome is cut short when they mysteriously collapse; all but Nikki, the one nobody trusted.Lady Nicole Arendale's past is shrouded in mystery, but it's slowly unravelling as secrets long buried are exposed, threatening everyone's future... -
Rival by J.M. Kearl
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWith the arrival of dragons and a massive enemy army, the war for magic freedom looks grim. When Daelyn goes down behind enemy lines, she has one chance to convince King Enden to call a truce and set magic free in Hesstia. To fulfill the terms of the truce, Daelyn must face the devious Queen Kyria in a savage challenge where only the winner may survive... -
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A Tide of Black Steel by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the international bestselling author Anthony Ryan comes the spectacular first novel in a new epic new fantasy trilogy inspired by Norse mythology. A new age has dawned. An age of blood and steel. An age of wrath. The land of Ascarlia, a fabled realm of bloodied steel and epic sagas, has been ruled by the Sister Queens for centuries. No one has dared question their rule. Until now... -
Sword & Magic: Eight Fantasy Novels by Patty Jansen, Kyra Halland
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEight complete epic fantasy novels in one set... -
Dragon Spirit by Pedro Urvi
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA new danger threatens the kingdom, and the Panthers will have to face it.The Panthers continue to train and educate themselves to become Superior Specialists. The new training system will take them to unsuspected extremes... -
The Children of Llyr by Evangeline Walton
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn stark, gaunt prose, it chronicles the years of Bran the Blessed - he who was so vast a man that no house could hold him nor ship bear his bulk - and of the tale of his beloved sister Branwen, his brother Manawyddan, and of his half-brothers Nissyen and the ghastly Evnissten... -
The Broken Mage by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRIDMARK ARBAN is the Gray Knight, exiled and outcast, seeking to stop the return of the dreaded Frostborn. At last he has come to the perilous ruins of Khald Azalar, where the answer to his quest awaits. Assuming the master of Khald Azalar does not kill him first. MORIGNA was the Witch of the Hills. Now the dark magic within Morigna threatens to devour her... -
The Dark Warden by Jonathan Moeller
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRIDMARK ARBAN is the Gray Knight, questing to stop the return of the terrible Frostborn to the High King’s realm. For years he has sought the secret of the Frostborn, and now the answer is at hand within the walls of the cursed citadel of Urd Morlemoch. For the Warden of Urd Morlemoch knows the secret. CALLIANDE seeks for her past, her memory lost in fog...
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