Books like Seventh Son — picked by fans

It would be the most extreme of criminal acts for this beloved book not to be my ‘list topper!’ Reading this book instilled an instant love of good fantasy storytelling in me early on. It defines the fantasy genre, exemplifying the absolute best extremes in great world-building, characters, and epic storytelling.

Tolkien set the high bar I strive for in all areas in my own writing with one of the most memorable stories in one of the most unforgettable worlds of all time … and he managed to pull it all off within the context of a single book! No matter how many times I go back and re-read this one, I find something new to cherish, and you will too!

I love how Richard Cypher, an ordinary woods guide who discovers his profound destiny as a Seeker of Truth, has an extraordinary knack for getting out of one impossible dilemma after another.

I also enjoy how Richard’s chemistry with a beautiful woman known as the Mother Confessor intertwines with his destiny. This writer helped me improve my own writing skills, unlocking my use of more natural language and a deep appreciation for the pursuit of true love. Terry also has a way of building upon one cliffhanger and revelation after another, achieving an epic climax at the end.

While Terry makes no claim to the Christian faith, one can’t help but see many Biblical parallels, symbols, and themes in his work.

This book combined the old west with a very thought-out magic system that enhanced the setting. The humor was sometimes tear-drawingly funny for me. The characters seemed alive, complex, and independent. The world seemed real and tangible if not quite like our world. The magic also had a refreshing take and allows for infinite speculation on how the powers might cross-combine. It also had moments of monumental exercises of power as well as monumental limits on powers complicating the storyline.

Again the magic system is very comprehensible with the interplay between order and chaos being the foundation. The development of the main character Beltur as he discovers his relationship to and talent with the interplay of order and chaos magic which is the foundation of how the world works. This book is also grounded in economics and presents deep currents of bigotry and intolerance that must be dealt with in a preindustrial society operating with almost medieval technology, warfare, and gender attitudes. It also addresses how a mage might earn a living in this society where order and chaos magic are a reality while needing to be aware of the limits and energy required to practice the magic without killing themselves. It also addresses some of the very real consequences of war and how magic might be used there as well.

I love a noir detective story. Set that story in a fantastical, blood-drenched Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire, and I’m totally sold.

The story follows Acatl, who is a high priest of the dead, as he, I kid you not, tries to solve what appears to be a murder case. Except he’s not walking the streets of some modern city – his journey takes him through the fascinating world of a familiar yet unique Aztec empire where human sacrifice is the only thing keeping the world spinning in its proper order.

Having familiar conflicts, including family issues, makes this one a unique standout. Acatl sounds like people I know. Following his determined efforts to bring a specific evil to heel – all while in a society that seemingly glories in bloodshed – is awesome.

Witchy Eye instantly transported me to a fascinating, alternate Appalachia, where magic and magical creatures abound.

Not only does this book tell a coming-of-age and heroic story about Sarah Calhoun, it takes place in a fascinating world where the New World has an emperor, legends that I’d heard tell of have come to life, and undead and shapeshifters haunt Sarah’s every step.

Sarah’s voice is accessible and sympathetic. At the same time, her journey to try to claim her own powerful heritage and discover the truth about her lineage, takes place in a world that is totally replete with creatures and mythology from the New World.

DJ Butler is deeply versed in the history and legends of many regions and people from old colonial America – making this a fascinating read.

Sometimes I want a dense, fascinating world to unpack, and sometimes I want to open a book and have it punch me in the face with no-holds-barred action and adventure.

The main character of Let Sleeping Gods Lie is Porter Rockwell – a real person from the history of Utah Territory and the Old West. But this story takes place where, once again, legends of the area have come to life and evil has real, lethal fangs. It’s like a spaghetti western meets Die Hard meets a D&D campaign – which pushes every single one of my buttons.

This one has a hero that refuses to be stopped, action that isn’t afraid of pushing expectations, and an unabashed love of over-the-top set pieces that made me giggle in delight.

New Amsterdam is a collection of noir detective fantasy set in an alternate New World with sorcery, magical creatures, and terrifying evil.

The main character is a fallen figure, Abigail Garrett, who self-medicates with booze while trying to fulfill her duties as a forensic sorceress. She investigates heinous crimes with a voice and motivation that I absolutely loved. Add to this character and world a scenario similar to Murder on the Orient Express and I had to pick this one up.

Abigail is not Hercule Poirot – she’s much more interesting. Her motivations and resigned duty resonated with me and I loved the textured world she inhabited. Fun alternate history with very interesting magic and setting.

I consider A Storm of Swords one of the greatest epic fantasy works ever written and one of my ten favorites across any genre.

I love its masterful shifts in pacing, immense worldbuilding, and the way darker forces steadily rise alongside the political conflict. I suspected the Red Wedding was coming, but I still hated experiencing it, especially with so much of the story left to unfold.

I do not even mind how freely George moves characters and armies across the map because the results are so compelling. For me, the epilogue alone surpasses most full-length stories. The show omitted it, which is reason enough for me to recommend reading the original.

Nanette reignites storytelling when magic and storytelling are forbidden while walking a dangerous line with her sister.

E.S. Barrison weaves a story of relationships in times of suppression of truth and how destructive state-sanctioned propaganda can be.

This story rang hard on familiar stories of real-world issues placed in a magical world, and the danger of being someone willing to go against the religious state; touching on trauma, police brutality, and the rising cost of medicine.

This novella has a lot of interesting points on the power of stories.