Books like 'Stardust Child'
Readers who enjoyed Stardust Child by Melissa J. Cave also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical romance action / adventure high fantasy fantasy arranged-marriage found-family age-gap royalty assassins
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Wintertide by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsA FORCED WEDDING. A DOUBLE EXECUTION. TWO THIEVES HAVE OTHER PLANS.The New Empire intends to celebrate its victory over the Nationalists with a day that will never be forgotten. On the high holiday of Wintertide, they plan to execute two traitors (Degan Gaunt and the Witch of Melengar) as well as force the Empress into a marriage of their own design...Categorized as:
assassins historical-fiction paranormal political-intrigue royalty action-adventure adult audiobook -
![The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant by C.S. Pacat]()
The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant by C.S. Pacat
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe Adventures of Charls follows the dealings of a humble cloth merchant in the days before the royal Ascension. Set after the events of Kings Rising and The Summer Palace... -
![A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab]()
A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 72 ratingsWitness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED...The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise...Categorized as:
found-family historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure audiobook book dark -
![The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler]()
The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAgainst all odds, Owen Kiskaddon grew from frightened boy to confident youth to trusted officer in the court of Kingfountain—and watched its regent, Severn Argentine, grow ever more ruthless and power-mad. Robbed of his beloved protector, his noble mentor, and his true love, Owen has anticipated the day when the king he fears and reviles, yet loyally serves, will be toppled... -
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![The Silent Shield by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Silent Shield by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThrust into the heart of events threatening to rip her kingdom apart, young Trynne Kiskaddon will gain new powers and see old allies fall and new heroes rise as the battle for the kingdom and the lands beyond begins.Courtly intrigue and rumors of invasion plunge Kingfountain into turmoil as the search for Trynne’s father begins in earnest...Categorized as:
historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure alpha-mc arthurian audiobook book -
![The Forsaken Throne by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Forsaken Throne by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsA devastating disaster has left the Forbidden Court in ashes, its fountains destroyed, and its magic at risk. It was destined as the site of Trynne Kiskaddon’s coronation as empress. Now, all Trynne can imagine is the roar of flames, the cries of Gahalatine’s people, and the smell of cinders in a city gone dark...Categorized as:
historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure alpha-mc audiobook book coming-of-age -
![The Assassin and the Empire by Sarah J. Maas]()
The Assassin and the Empire by Sarah J. Maas
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsCelaena Sardothien is the assassin with everything: a place to call her own, the love of handsome Sam, and, best of all, freedom. Yet, she won’t be truly free until she is far away from her old master, Arobynn Hamel; Celaena must take one last daring assignment that will liberate her forever. But having it all, means you have a lot to lose . . -
![The Assassin and the Desert by Sarah J. Maas]()
The Assassin and the Desert by Sarah J. Maas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsThe Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive... -
![The Hollow Crown by Jeff Wheeler]()
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:
historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure arthurian audiobook book coming-of-age -
![The Assassin and the Underworld by Sarah J. Maas]()
The Assassin and the Underworld by Sarah J. Maas
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 51 ratingsWhen the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The mission is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer--and she doesn't like what she finds there... -
![The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen]()
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 70 ratingsA queen now in exile as a traitor, Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father, helpless to do anything to stop the destruction. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows there is only one reason her father is keeping him alive: as bait for his traitorous daughter.And it is bait she fully intends to take...Categorized as:
arranged-marriage assassins paranormal political-intrigue royalty action-adventure alpha-mc angst -
![The Thief's Daughter by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Thief's Daughter by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsA Wall Street Journal bestseller Owen Kiskaddon first came to the court of the formidable King Severn as a prisoner, winning favor with the stormy monarch by masquerading as a boy truly blessed by the Fountain... -
![I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc: Crack Fantasy Adventure Chapter 2 by Jennifer Cody]()
I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc: Crack Fantasy Adventure Chapter 2 by Jennifer Cody
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBerklak:Starting an adventure is always an exciting time. I’ve gone on a few by myself, but nothing compares to gathering a full party and seeing how everyone will mesh. We might have a clumsy bard and a chaotic paladin, but with everyone working together, we’ll figure out what’s happening in Fasgard... -
![The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson]()
The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsThe champion must not waver.The champion must not fear.The gate of darkness closes.Elisa is a fugitive.Her enemies have stolen the man she loves, and they await her at the gate of darkness. Her country is on the brink of civil war, with her own soldiers ordered to kill her on sight... -
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![Cage of Destiny by Jennifer Anne Davis]()
Cage of Destiny by Jennifer Anne Davis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDestined from birth to be the next empress of Emperion, Allyssa grew up at court weighed down by the expectations of the crown. Kingdom and duty always came first. Until now. Having survived the brutal kingdom of Russek, she is given the choice to walk away and live a peaceful, quiet life. But it also means giving up everything she knows and everyone she loves... -
![Cage of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis]()
Cage of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhile traveling to Fren, Allyssa and Odar are hijacked by a ruthless assassin who divulges a stunning secret that changes everything. Trying to come to terms with this newfound revelation, Allyssa is taken to Russek and delivered into the hands of a malicious and twisted royal family... -
![The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson]()
The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 57 ratingsHeld captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape . . . and even less of being together.Desperate to save her life, Lia's erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komisar that she has a magical gift, and the Komisar's interest in Lia is greater than either Kaden or Lia foresaw... -
![The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson]()
The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsShe does not know what awaits her at the enemy's gate.Elisa is a hero. She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country's ruler should be secure. But it isn't.Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from both foreign realms and within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled... -
![Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson]()
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsWhen the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger... -
![Royal Spy by Heather Frost]()
Royal Spy by Heather Frost
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA DECOY recruited to be a spy.A PRINCE compelled to become an assassin.A SERJAH pressured by an unwanted crown.A WORLD covered in shadows.Mere months ago, Clare was just a kitchen maid. Now, she is a decoy for Princess Serene and a novice spy, caught in the royal family's web of secrets...Categorized as:
assassins found-family historical-fiction political-intrigue royalty action-adventure book epic -
![The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson]()
The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsLia has survived Venda—but so has a great evil bent on the destruction of Morrighan. And only Lia can stop it.With war on the horizon, Lia has no choice but to assume her role as First Daughter, as soldier—as leader. While she struggles to reach Morrighan and warn them, she finds herself at cross-purposes with Rafe and suspicious of Kaden, who has hunted her down... -
![Pretense by Tara Grayce]()
Pretense by Tara Grayce
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEssie and Farrendel are living their happily ever after…until Farrendel’s greatest secret leaks to the Escarlish press.With his reputation set to be forever ruined, they race to do damage control. Yet, an even greater danger lurks behind the leak, threatening more than just Farrendel’s reputation... -
![Last Dragon Standing by G.A. Aiken]()
Last Dragon Standing by G.A. Aiken
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsHe’s not the only flame in town…I know what they see when they look at me. The charming, soft-spoken dragoness bred from the most powerful of royal bloodlines. A disguise stronger than any battle shield that allows me to keep all suitors at tail’s length. A technique that’s worked until him. Until Ragnar the Cunning, handsome barbarian warlord and warrior mage from the desolate Northlands...Categorized as:
assassins historical-fiction paranormal political-intrigue royalty action-adventure adult alpha-mc -
![Princess of Dorsa by Eliza Andrews]()
Princess of Dorsa by Eliza Andrews
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe fate of an empire lies in the hands of one untested princess. Princess Natasia is the eldest child of the Emperor Andreth, ruler of the Four Realms. If she were a boy, she’d be the unquestioned heir to the throne. But as a girl, her main duty in life is to marry someone her father can shape into his successor. Everything changes when an unknown would-be assassin nearly takes Tasia’s life... -
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![The Assassin and the Healer by Sarah J. Maas]()
The Assassin and the Healer by Sarah J. Maas
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsMeet the Assassin: beautiful, defiant, destined for greatness. Celaena Sardothien has challenged her master. Now she must pay the price. Her journey to the Red Desert will be an arduous one, but it may change the fate of her cursed world forever..Categorized as:
assassins historical-fiction paranormal political-intrigue royalty abuse action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse]()
Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsExiled and on the run, Selene Ravenwood is in search of the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking but first she must adapt to her marriage with the man she was originally assigned to kill. With war impending and a dark being after her gift, she finds herself at a crossroads but time is running out and soon her choice will be made for her...Categorized as:
assassins paranormal political-intrigue royalty action-adventure audiobook book christian -
![As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool]()
As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn this sequel to the critically-acclaimed There Will Come a Darkness, kingdoms have begun to fall to a doomsday cult, the magical Graced are being persecuted, and an ancient power threatens to break free. But with the world hurtling toward its prophesized end, Anton’s haunting vision reveals the dangerous beginnings of a plan to stop the Age of Darkness...Categorized as:
assassins found-family paranormal political-intrigue royalty action-adventure audiobook book -
![Enemy's Queen by Frost Kay]()
Enemy's Queen by Frost Kay
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBeauty and perfection come at a price… Abducted and thrust into a court obsessed with perfection, scarred Sage Ramses’ dream of peace and happiness is no longer a possibility. An ancient creature of darkness rules the land along with a people that are no longer human, and she’s forced to learn how to survive despite her inadequacies...Categorized as:
assassins historical-fiction paranormal political-intrigue royalty action-adventure alpha-mc book -
![Enchanted by K.M. Shea]()
Enchanted by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsASIN moved from less recent editionAfter she is successfully crowned King of Britain and vanquishes those opposed to her rule, Britt thought life would settle down and she could peacefully pretend to be the real King Arthur and search for the lost Round Table. However, her enemies aren’t cowed yet...Categorized as:
found-family historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure alpha-mc arthurian book -
![The Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas]()
The Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 58 ratingsA Throne of Glass novella.On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates... -
![Storm & Shield by J.D. Evans]()
Storm & Shield by J.D. Evans
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“All you see is that I run. Why haven’t you realized I always come back?” She is lightning and storm. A spy, driven out of her home by a tyrant ruler. He is granite and earth. A guard, ordered to keep her contained.To protect herself and her family, she’s learned to go unnoticed, unseen... -
![A Marriage of Necessity: Two Princes this time by Lisa Oliver]()
A Marriage of Necessity: Two Princes this time by Lisa Oliver
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Marriage of Necessity - Jasper and Avalon I owe my mother everything. Jasper, the youngest Prince from Lowenthorp, had one driving need - to get away from the castle. After being abducted, abused, and having lost an eye, Jasper believed his only chance of keeping his Mother safe was to be as far away from her as possible... -
![Warsong by Elizabeth Vaughan]()
Warsong by Elizabeth Vaughan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe magic has come back to the Plains. The Warrior Priests are no more. The traditions are changing—too quickly for some. Joden has only ever wanted to be a Singer, to know all of the songs. When the time comes for his Trials, he is challenged to take the old paths—and it ends in disaster. But his broken heart and broken body are found by Amyu . . . and she knows what it is to live with pain...Categorized as:
historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure adult book fiction high-fantasy -
![Socially Orcward by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey]()
Socially Orcward by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDave is a simple orc with a simple life. He has his dragons, his music, and his friends, and that’s mostly enough. Sometimes though, he gets lonely and wishes there was someone he could share his interests with—maybe even someone he could hold hands with, although he knows it’s not likely that there’s a special person out there for someone who’s seven feet tall and green to boot... -
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![Elf Prince by Tara Grayce]()
Elf Prince by Tara Grayce
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFarrendel would do anything to keep from killing again...even marry a human princess.Farrendel Laesornysh, the younger elf prince of Tarenhiel, has become the elves' foremost warrior. He is no stranger to killing. But when the humans propose a marriage alliance during a diplomatic meeting, he is desperate enough to avoid more killing to agree... -
![The Heart of a Dragonslayer by Megan Derr]()
The Heart of a Dragonslayer by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe youngest son in a large family, easily overlooked by busy parents and siblings all significantly older than him, Remira has worked hard to get to where he is, though most would consider it little enough. A soldier at the local garrison, he spends his days protecting the village and surrounding land from encroaching beasts, and his nights assisting his parents with the family business... -
![Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers]()
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsI lean forward, pushing my body out past the battlements. The wind plucks at my cloak, buffets against me, as if it would carry me off in flight, just like the birds or the knight's soul. Let go, it cries, I will take you far, far away. I want to laugh at the exhilarating feeling, I will catch you, it whistles seductively.The convent has returned Sybella to a life that nearly drove her mad...Categorized as:
assassins historical-fiction paranormal political-intrigue royalty abuse action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Exiles by Jaye L. Knight]()
Exiles by Jaye L. Knight
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsExiled after their defeat in Samara, the resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When half of the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to try to reason with them and win their support...Categorized as:
found-family paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure book christian dragons epic -
![Pool of Dreams by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes]()
Pool of Dreams by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA fae who betrayed his prince for a doomed passion.Syren sacrificed the man he loved to spare humanity from the wrath of the fae. For three hundred years, he’s been stuck on the mortal plane, floating alone in his pool while his powers slipped away... -
![Shadow Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis]()
Shadow Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAs a member of the Knights of the Realm, Reid swore an oath to protect her king only to discover he harbors a traitorous agenda.Being a woman raised in a man’s world, Reid thought becoming a Knight would give her purpose and strength. So far, it has done nothing but give her trouble... -
![Crown's Shield by Frost Kay]()
Crown's Shield by Frost Kay
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTrickery. War. Betrayal. Despite her resolve to cut ties with the rebellion, Sage Blackwell is forced to turn to her old allies.. -
![The Rook by Frost Kay]()
The Rook by Frost Kay
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe Dark Court is no place for a lady.After tricking the king, Tempest has finally won her prize - a place on the king's council - but it comes with a steep price. The monarch wishes for her to once again infiltrate the Jester's Dark Court and crush the remaining rebellion.Trapped between her kingdom and her honor, she throws herself into the task, determined to discover her true enemies... -
![Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews]()
Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWill an innocent prince forced into marriage choose passion?Sheltered in the palace with his books, Jem’s life is peaceful. Even if he’s lonely and yearning for romance, the big, strong men he wants don’t crave small, timid princes.Then he’s forced to marry a mysterious barbarian.Jem must do his duty—even if it means being stuck with Cador, a brute who dismisses him as weak...Categorized as:
age-gap arranged-marriage historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure adult alpha-mc -
![Illusionary by Zoraida Córdova]()
Illusionary by Zoraida Córdova
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsReeling from betrayal at the hands of the Whispers, Renata Convida is a girl on the run. With few options and fewer allies, she's reluctantly joined forces with none other than Prince Castian, her most infuriating and intriguing enemy. They're united by lofty goals: find the fabled Knife of Memory, kill the ruthless King Fernando, and bring peace to the nation...Categorized as:
found-family historical-fiction paranormal royalty action-adventure audiobook book dark -
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![Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas]()
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 116 ratingsIn a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien. The Crown Prince will provoke her... -
![The Faceless Mage by Kenley Davidson]()
The Faceless Mage by Kenley Davidson
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsHe’ll protect her with his last breath…Until she becomes his next target.Leisa’s ambitions used to be simple. Guard the princess. Hide her magic. Wait for her family to return.But all of that changes when her king demands that she use her unique abilities to spy on the rival kingdom of Garimore...Categorized as:
age-gap assassins paranormal political-intrigue royalty action-adventure alpha-mc book -
![Enigma by Lindsay Buroker]()
Enigma by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAfter surviving ancient booby traps, deadly puzzles, and torture-happy imperial marines, cryptanalyst Tikaya Komitopis can’t wait to return home, even if that means explaining to her family how she came to love Fleet Admiral Rias Starcrest, the empire’s most notorious commander and the man responsible for the decimation of her people during the war...Categorized as:
assassins paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure aliens anthologies epic female-mc -
![The Paladin's Shadow by Tavia Lark]()
The Paladin's Shadow by Tavia Lark
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKidnapping with benefits.Karis is the arrogant young prodigy of the Radiant Order, and his talents have found him plenty of admirers but far fewer friends. There’s one thing he has to hide, though: the voice in his head that tells him to do very un-paladin-like things. Sometimes it’s helpful. Sometimes it gets him into trouble.This time, trouble’s name is Ronan.Ronan does the dirty work... -
![Broken Lords by A.F. Dery]()
Broken Lords by A.F. Dery
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAnswering the High Lord's summons, the leaders of the Union meet at his Court. Thane, Dread Lord of Eladria, is among them and eager to see justice done to his former friend-turned-adversary, Malachi, but their meeting raises more questions than answers. An unexpected catastrophe shakes his trust to its very core and he is forced to question all he once held true... -
![Prisoner of Steel and Shadow by Meg Anne]()
Prisoner of Steel and Shadow by Meg Anne
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Kidnapped QueenA vengeful god has stolen everything from the queen of assassins. Her title. Her power. Her memories.Even her name.Now merely a ghost of her former self, Shadow must enter a deadly game and fight for her freedom or risk spending the rest of her life as a madman’s prisoner.But, in order to win, she may be forced to lose what’s left of her true self in the process...
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