Here are 22 books that The Book of Night with Moon fans have personally recommended if you like The Book of Night with Moon. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of A Man Called Ove

Emilie Khair Author Of Ignoring Alva

From my list on late-life discovery (and unlikely heroes).

Why am I passionate about this?

I prefer stories of older characters, who, instead of saying “my best years are in my past,” choose new paths of self-discovery. I see these late-life transformations as quiet odysseys. Because, as we age, we grow more and more invisible. We lose our loved ones, our physicality, sometimes our memories. But then, when is there a better time to become a hero than when you are on the cusp of losing everything? Each of these books explores characters who start new journeys in later life. They find self-worth again, or maybe even for the first time. Now THAT is a good story.

Emilie's book list on late-life discovery (and unlikely heroes)

Emilie Khair Why Emilie loves this book

Ah, the first sentences, “Ove is fifty-nine. He drives a Saab.”

Ove’s story is written without excessive embellishment (and I’ll admit that I often enjoy books with rich and poetic language), but it is so impactful. Backman’s economy of language supports the adage of ‘actions speak louder than words.’

Ove is on a path of self-discovery. He begrudgingly becomes immersed in his community; the grumpy old man becomes an unlikely hero. I saw my grandfather in this stoic character, both stern and unwittingly funny. Supporting characters are so well developed, that I saw in them, too, people I know—my immigrant neighbor, my mother suffering from Alzheimer’s... 

A Man Called Ove, feels real. It is a believable portrayal of kindness in this world, when we need it the most. 

By Fredrik Backman ,

Why should I read it?

26 authors picked A Man Called Ove as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'THE PERFECT HOLIDAY READ' Evening Standard

'A JOY FROM START TO FINISH' - Gavin Extence, author of THE UNIVERSE VERSUS ALEX WOODS

There is something about Ove.

At first sight, he is almost certainly the grumpiest man you will ever meet. He thinks himself surrounded by idiots - neighbours who can't reverse a trailer properly, joggers, shop assistants who talk in code, and the perpetrators of the vicious coup d'etat that ousted him as Chairman of the Residents' Association. He will persist in making his daily inspection rounds of the local streets.

But isn't it rare, these days, to find…


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Book cover of The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco

The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco by Bill Hiatt,

Guaritori awakens from a coma to find that he's lost twenty years--and his entire world.

Fiancée, family, and friends are all missing, perhaps dead. Technology has failed, and magic has risen, leaving society in ruins. Most survivors are at the mercy of anyone who has strong enough magic. Guaritori has…

Book cover of The Compleet Molesworth

Tabitha Ormiston-Smith Author Of Barefoot Tango

From Tabitha's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Tabitha's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Tabitha Ormiston-Smith Why Tabitha loves this book

This book is an absolute work of genius. I really doubt if anyone, anywhere, has written so well about boarding school life. It's not just the school life, though - it's Willans' wry observations on so many features of society. Although the book was first published in the 1960s, I did not consider it dated. Every line in it is utterly hilarious, and it is further enhanced by the wonderful illustrations of Ronald Searle.

By Geoffrey Willans , Ronald Searle ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Compleet Molesworth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Compleet Molesworth


Book cover of Graceling

Paula Weston Author Of The Shadow of the Eagle

From my list on fantasy books with slow-burn romance and rich world building.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved epic fantasy ever since discovering The Hobbit and David Eddings as a teenager. I’ve also always loved a good old-fashioned slow burn and/or antagonistic romance. As I’ve grown (much) older, I’ve come to understand that the sweet spot for me is a perfect blend of world-building and a complex romance that makes sense in the context of that world.

Paula's book list on fantasy books with slow-burn romance and rich world building

Paula Weston Why Paula loves this book

The plot, intrigue, and world-building in this series opener are pitch-perfect, but I'd be lying if I didn't say it was Katsa and Po's relationship that hooked me.

I loved their individual strengths and the way they strengthen each other. I love that their relationship is unorthodox and the way it's built on equality and respect. And I love that when Bitterblue comes into their lives, it brings a new dimension to all three characters.

This is the first in a series.

By Kristin Cashore ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Graceling as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Discover the Graceling Realm in this unforgettable, award-winning novel from bestselling author Kristin Cashore.

A New York Times bestseller
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner
Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal,Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year

"Rageful, exhilarating, wistful in turns" (The New York Times Book Review) with "a knee weakening romance" (LA Times). Graceling is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure that will resonate deeply with anyone trying to find their way in the world.

Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, who is smart and beautiful and lives in the…


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Book cover of The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco

The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco by Bill Hiatt,

Guaritori awakens from a coma to find that he's lost twenty years--and his entire world.

Fiancée, family, and friends are all missing, perhaps dead. Technology has failed, and magic has risen, leaving society in ruins. Most survivors are at the mercy of anyone who has strong enough magic. Guaritori has…

Book cover of First Test

Melissa Marr Author Of The Hidden Dragon

From my list on if you want to go on a magical adventure.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up on fairy tales and folklore in the Appalachian Mountains. Stories of adventure and dusty fairy tale books in my grandmother’s attic were my entertainment. The library trips we took “into town” added to my reading. I discovered that the step from fairy tales to classics wasn’t as wide as folks argue. Years later, when I went off to college, I became an English major, then a graduate student, and then started teaching literature at college. From childhood to adulthood, magic and fiction were my life... which led to selling a book of my own. Over the last 17 years, I’ve been writing fantasy.

Melissa's book list on if you want to go on a magical adventure

Melissa Marr Why Melissa loves this book

Getting to become a knight? Yes, please!

Childhood me, adult me, mommy me, writer me, all version of me wanted adventure—and swords. Her books were treasured enough in my home that my (now-adult) daughter and I both had to buy replacement copies over the years.

I read Tammy Pierce’s books with my daughter in the years before I was published, never knowing that years later, I’d be teaching sword fighting and chatting with Tammy herself about swords and books.

This recommendation is listing the one book, but it’s part of a whole set of connected series books.

This was our entry into a world of strong adventurous women, and honestly, I’m not sure I’d have ended up a writer if not for her writing.

By Tamora Pierce ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked First Test as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Kel will not allow this first test to be her last. Her adventure begins in the New York Times bestselling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: TAMORA PIERCE.
 
Keladry of Mindelan is the first girl who dares to take advantage of a new rule in Tortall—one that allows females to train for knighthood. After years in the Yamani Islands, she knows that women can be warriors, and now that she’s returned home, Kel is determined to achieve her goal. She believes she is ready for the traditional hazing and grueling schedule of a page. But standing…


Book cover of Guardians of the Flame: The Heroes

Robert Evert Author Of Sword of Betrayal

From my list on forgotten fantasies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I was part of a large family, I frequently felt alone growing up. While my siblings were busy playing sports or running around with their friends, I sat by myself in the basement, reading fantasy stories. Eventually, I began creating my own worlds and published the Riddle in Stone series and Sword of Betrayal. I suppose I’m still trying to find a place where I fit in.

Robert's book list on forgotten fantasies

Robert Evert Why Robert loves this book

Guardians of the Flame is a fantasy series where seven college students get together for a night of role-playing games and suddenly find themselves in an alternative world of swords, magic, and deadly fire-breathing dragons. To get home they must find the mysterious “Gate Between World.” It is a witty adventure story any fan of fantasy can appreciate. It explores the question—what would happen if readers of fantasy were transported into their favorite fantasy world?

By Joel Rosenberg ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Guardians of the Flame as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It had begun as an evening of fantasy gaming - college students passing the time. Then the impossible happened:

the players found themselves transported into the bodies and personae of their game characters - trapped in an alternate world where magic worked all too well, dragons were a fire-breathing menace, and only those quick enough with a sword, or their wits, survived.

The only way back to Earth was a legendary portal called the Gate Between Worlds, but there was no guarantee they'd pass through safely even if they managed to find it. And their new selves had precious little…


Book cover of The Door Into Fire

Robert Evert Author Of Sword of Betrayal

From my list on forgotten fantasies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I was part of a large family, I frequently felt alone growing up. While my siblings were busy playing sports or running around with their friends, I sat by myself in the basement, reading fantasy stories. Eventually, I began creating my own worlds and published the Riddle in Stone series and Sword of Betrayal. I suppose I’m still trying to find a place where I fit in.

Robert's book list on forgotten fantasies

Robert Evert Why Robert loves this book

The Door into Fire is the first book in the Tale of Five series by Diane Duane. Set in the Middle Kingdoms universe, it follows the adventures of a sorcerous swordsmith who is desperately trying to master the power of the blue Flame while protecting the person he loves from annihilation. The Door into Fire is saga of power, magic, and friendship readers of epic fantasies will love.

By Diane Duane ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Door Into Fire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A sorcerous swordsmith desperate to achieve true power. His stubbornly nonmagical sword. His princely runaway lover. His hungry new fire elemental. Put them all together, and what can possibly go wrong?Herewiss is the only man in centuries to possess the Power of the blue Flame, but he can’t use or control it — not even to help his friend and lover Freelorn, prince of Arlen, exiled from his native land and pursued across the Middle Kingdoms by the usurpers' allies. Invoking perilous sorceries and the even more dangerous assistance of the fire elemental Sunspark, Herewiss manages to rout the armies…


Book cover of The Sword of Winter

Robert Evert Author Of Sword of Betrayal

From my list on forgotten fantasies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I was part of a large family, I frequently felt alone growing up. While my siblings were busy playing sports or running around with their friends, I sat by myself in the basement, reading fantasy stories. Eventually, I began creating my own worlds and published the Riddle in Stone series and Sword of Betrayal. I suppose I’m still trying to find a place where I fit in.

Robert's book list on forgotten fantasies

Robert Evert Why Robert loves this book

For forty years, Lord Gambin has ruled his lands with an iron fist, crushing all that get in his way. Now he is dying and chaos rages through his realm. What will happen when he is no more? The Sword of Winter is a before-its-time epic that addresses issues caused by societal changes and technological advancements. Many of the topics it discusses are still relevant today.

By Marta Randall ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sword of Winter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

RANDALL, Marta: The Sword of Winter. New York, Timescape, 1983. BOOK CLUB EDITION. Hardcover with dust jacket, 241 pp. Subject: Novel / Fantasy. Book and jacket condition: Very Good. A bit of foxing to the top-side of the book. Very faint traces of wear to jacket's extremities. All interior pages clean and unmarked. Stirring heroic fantasy by a modern master of the genre.


Book cover of The Book of Wonder

Robert Evert Author Of Sword of Betrayal

From my list on forgotten fantasies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I was part of a large family, I frequently felt alone growing up. While my siblings were busy playing sports or running around with their friends, I sat by myself in the basement, reading fantasy stories. Eventually, I began creating my own worlds and published the Riddle in Stone series and Sword of Betrayal. I suppose I’m still trying to find a place where I fit in.

Robert's book list on forgotten fantasies

Robert Evert Why Robert loves this book

Reputed to be one reason why J.R.R. Tolkien, Ursula K. Le Guin, and H.P. Lovecraft began writing fantasy, The Book of Wonder is a collection of short stories by Irish fantasy writer, Lord Dunsany. With gnoles, mail-clad warriors, and dragons, it is in many ways the foundation of what we consider classical fantasy stories. Unfortunately, it doesn’t often get the credit it deserves.

By Lord Dunsany ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Book of Wonder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.


Book cover of Dwellers in the Mirage

Robert Evert Author Of Sword of Betrayal

From my list on forgotten fantasies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I was part of a large family, I frequently felt alone growing up. While my siblings were busy playing sports or running around with their friends, I sat by myself in the basement, reading fantasy stories. Eventually, I began creating my own worlds and published the Riddle in Stone series and Sword of Betrayal. I suppose I’m still trying to find a place where I fit in.

Robert's book list on forgotten fantasies

Robert Evert Why Robert loves this book

Leif Langdon is a modern-day explorer who discovers a hidden valley in Alaska and is thrown into a fantastical land where two strange races of people worship an evil Kraken. Leif’s arrival casts the alternative world into chaos—including awakening a powerful incarnation of Leif himself. Originally published in 1932, Dwellers in the Mirage is a classic fantasy story few contemporary readers have had the privilege to enjoy.

By A. Merritt ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dwellers in the Mirage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

MERRITT'S MASTERWORK – OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD!

Two men in one body! That's how Lief Langdon had always felt. One part of him was a modern day adventurer, the other was a strange half-memory of another life where he was a High Priest sacrificing living people to Khalk'ru, a demon god from another time and space. Then Langdon stumbled through the mirage into a hidden Arctic valley, where he fell under the spell of Evalie, as beautiful outwardly as she was inwardly, and her friends the Little People, elfin warriors constantly warring with Lur, the Witch-Woman, and her demon…


Book cover of A Curse So Dark and Lonely

Mary DeSantis Author Of Grimmfay: The Circus of Fairy Tales and Dreams

From Mary's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Disney nut Literary analyst Story whisperer Mistress of words Fantasy author

Mary's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Mary DeSantis Why Mary loves this book

This was described to me as a Beauty and the Beast portal fantasy, and that sounded too awesome for me to pass up. I'm so glad I read it because it was as enchanting and mystical as I wanted it to be.

It also had some darkness, and the characters' resiliency against that darkness was inspiring. I loved how the female lead's disability was both a strength and an obstacle. I loved how the male lead needed to understand he was his own worst enemy.

This book taught me about myself through the characters' struggles, and that's always worthwhile.

By Brigid Kemmerer ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked A Curse So Dark and Lonely as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

A New York Times bestseller! "Has everything you'd want in a retelling of a classic fairy tale." - Jodi Picoult In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer. Fall in love, break the curse. It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the…


Book cover of A Man Called Ove
Book cover of The Compleet Molesworth
Book cover of Graceling

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