Here are 80 books that The Broken Crown fans have personally recommended if you like The Broken Crown. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Assassin's Apprentice

Meredith Walters Author Of This Animal Body

From my list on make you wish you could talk to animals.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember. When I was young, girls my age were seeking out babies to admire. I was around the corner looking for puppies, frogs, or any other animal I could get my hands on. I’ve spent decades seeking out animals, and the more I learn about them, the more I realize how much they can teach us, point out what we otherwise might have missed, or offer a startlingly different (and often more helpful) perspective on things. The following books are some of my favorites that bring to light the unique and profound truths animals reveal to us.

Meredith's book list on make you wish you could talk to animals

Meredith Walters Why Meredith loves this book

Who hasn’t dreamt of being able to converse with a wolf? We get our chance in this intriguing story of Fitz Farseer, my all-time favorite character.

There’s much to enjoy in this series—royal assassins, secret mentors, and family betrayal—but what I love most is the outlawed magic that creates a deep bond between Fitz and a fearless wolf named Nighteyes, allowing them to communicate.

Nighteyes, another favorite character, reminds me of my childhood golden retriever, only with sharper fangs and claws. He reveals exactly how much we’re missing out on when we can’t converse with animals like him—sharing their sharper perceptions, grasping the wolfishly obvious, or having our human foolishness pointed out in their bluntly canine way.

By Robin Hobb ,

Why should I read it?

22 authors picked Assassin's Apprentice as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Voyager Classics - timeless masterworks of science fiction and fantasy.

A beautiful clothbound edition of Assassin's Apprentice, the first book in the critically acclaimed Farseer Trilogy.

In a faraway land where members of the royal family are named for the virtues they embody, one young boy will become a walking enigma.

Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, is a royal bastard cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals - the old art known as the Wit - gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if…


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Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of Kushiel's Dart

E.C. Glynn Author Of Heretic Behaviour

From my list on fantasy books with torment, heresy, and forbidden romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi, I’m E.C. Glynn. I love writing stories that tackle the messiness of religious societies and belief systems through a fantasy lens. What qualifies me for such an endeavour? Well, with a Master's in International Relations, a decade as a Recovering Catholic, a career as an Officer in the Army, and an unhealthy fascination with cults, I think that’s not a bad place to start for developing a nuanced and interesting perspective on the topic. I am a very picky reader and need to read books that have beautiful prose, interesting worlds, complex and convoluted concepts, and believable dialogue to enjoy my reading experience.

E.C.'s book list on fantasy books with torment, heresy, and forbidden romance

E.C. Glynn Why E.C. loves this book

I read this book over a decade ago, and it still has its claws in me.

The writing prose is lyrical and gorgeous. The world-building, centered around a blend of Christianity and Jewish cultures and religions, is beautiful and spellbinding. The characters are each so creatively written, and the sex – oh my god – is just both tastefully and devastatingly written.

This book is a cult classic. I have recommended it to others so many times over the years.

By Jacqueline Carey ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Kushiel's Dart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The lush epic fantasy that inspired a generation with a single precept: Love As Thou Wilt

The first book in the Kushiel's Legacy series is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. A world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, deposed rulers and a besieged Queen, a warrior-priest, the Prince of Travelers, barbarian warlords, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess...all seen through the unflinching eyes of an unforgettable heroine.

A nation born of angels, vast and intricate and surrounded by danger... a woman born to servitude, unknowingly given access to the secrets of the realm...

Born…


Book cover of Empress

Selah J Tay-Song Author Of Dream of a Vast Blue Cavern

From my list on epic fantasy with characters to fall in love with.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading epic fantasy since I was fourteen, and over the years my taste has evolved. But the one thing that has always drawn me to fantasy, and always will, is the characters. Whether simple and familiar or deep and complex, every good epic fantasy leaves me a little richer in imaginary friends. While writing my own books over the last twenty-five years, I’ve gained the ability to create my own characters to fall in love with. I get to push them to grow and watch them succeed. I hope you will fall in love with the characters in Dream of a Vast Blue Cavern too!

Selah's book list on epic fantasy with characters to fall in love with

Selah J Tay-Song Why Selah loves this book

Reading Empress forced me to face my own assumptions about the nature of evil. The first book of the Godspeaker trilogy, Empress is a detailed account of the life of the villain. Hekat is a mistress of her own fate, cutting herself a path from child slave to renown warrior, to god-touched wife of the great Warlord, and finally to Empress as she spurs her warlord on to conquer the entire world. Even as Hekat commits terrible atrocities, you can’t help but fall in love with her ability to navigate a bloodthirsty culture and always come out on top. If you enjoy the complicated feeling of falling in love with a villain, Empress is a must-read for your booklist.

By Karen Miller ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

In a family torn apart by poverty and violence, Hekat is no more than an unwanted mouth to feed, worth only a few coins from a passing slave trader. But Hekat was not born to be a slave. For her, a different path has been chosen. It is a path that will take her from stinking back alleys to the house of her God, from blood-drenched battlefields to the glittering palaces of Mijak.This is the story of Hekat, precious and beautiful.


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Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of The Eye of the World

Anderson W. Frost Author Of Thorns, Feathers & Bones

From my list on fantasy books to get completely lost in.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write stories where consequence comes first. I grew up immersed in Greek/Egyptian mythology and fairy tales, but I was always more drawn to the parts they left out. I wanted to know what daily life looked like for someone like Hercules, not just the story beats. Or what happens when the moral of the story isn’t learned. My passion lies in exploring the cost of power, the wounds we carry (that are often excluded from stories), and the myths we create to justify them. I believe the best fantasy doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us to look at ours differently.

Anderson's book list on fantasy books to get completely lost in

Anderson W. Frost Why Anderson loves this book

I can’t remember if I read WOT or GOT first… but this book was one of my entries into epic fantasy.

It begins with normal people trying to figure out something they can’t fully understand, and fearing being powerless in the face of what’s coming. Jordon really takes his time to slowly build the world, but even then, it feels like it is already established, and it is the reader who is new here.

What made it memorable was the way it balanced massive stakes with human fragility. It explores the theme that power isn’t always just a gift or a curse; it can be a burden that costs the wielders and those who are in orbit of it.

By Robert Jordan ,

Why should I read it?

21 authors picked The Eye of the World 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?

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master's enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al'Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light .

Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel…


Book cover of Face the Fire

Nancy M. Bell Author Of Laurel's Quest

From my list on magic and myth in our everyday lives.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love horses and I love the magic that exists in the world. I have always been drawn to both. My maternal grandmother had the ‘second sight’ as they called it, and I have inherited that from her. My books and poetry reflect my sincere belief that magic and wonder are alive and well and that we need to nourish them by acknowledging their existence in our everyday lives. The miracle of life, the sun rising and setting every day, the dance of the stars and moon across the sky, the glory of the northern lights—who can claim that isn’t magic? 

Nancy's book list on magic and myth in our everyday lives

Nancy M. Bell Why Nancy loves this book

I’m not a big romance fan, but Roberts deftly mixes good and evil and witches and demons into a purely solid and real setting which brings the magic to the forefront and relegates the romance part of the plot to a secondary character. Set on Three Sisters Island, an old legend is brought to a conclusion in a wild climax. I loved all three books in this series.

By Nora Roberts ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The conclusion of the "Three Sisters Island" trilogy. The new owner of the island's only hotel, Sam has returned to Three Sisters with hopes of winning back Mia's affections. But Mia needs his help to face her greatest challenge, and the deadline for breaking a centuries-old curse draws near.


Book cover of Taming Demons for Beginners

Nadine Little Author Of We Are Not Angels

From my list on romance where the heroine tames the monster.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to read (and write) books about badass heroines who do the saving. They’re not passive. They’re not dragged along by the alpha a-hole, swooning over his muscles and domineering personality. They take charge. They wield the sword, or the gun, or their fists and rescue the dude in distress, who may act the monster but is really just a secret cinnamon roll who wants to be loved. These heroines are the real role models, the women I want to be like. Their stories are the ones I get lost in and remember long after I’ve put the book down. 

Nadine's book list on romance where the heroine tames the monster

Nadine Little Why Nadine loves this book

I stayed up so late reading this book. Way later than I should have. Mostly due to the demon and eventual love interest, Zylas (though I had to wait until at least book three for anything romantic to happen).

I’ll be honest: the nerdy clumsiness of the female MC, Robin, can be a bit much, but I loved the scenes where she breaks the rules to interact with Zylas when he’s a captive in the summoning circle. She has a backbone, even if it takes her a while to show it. And she tames her demon eventually.

I loved the whole series and have read it three times already. The first time I finished it, I was actually sad that it was over.

By Annette Marie ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Taming Demons for Beginners as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Rule one: Don't look at the demon.When I arrived at my uncle's house, I expected my relatives to be like me—outcast sorcerers who don't practice magic. I was right about the sorcery, but wrong about everything else.Rule two: Don't listen to the demon.My uncle chose a far deadlier power. He calls creatures of darkness into our world, binds them into service contracts, and sells them to the highest bidder. And I'm supposed to act like I don't know how illegal and dangerous it is.Rule three: Don't talk to the demon.All I had to do was keep my nose out of…


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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of Myth-ion Improbable

Richard W. Kelly Author Of The Psi-Chotic Adventures of Drew Darby

From my list on fantasy more fun than just dragons and sorcery.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I write in many genres, fantasy was my first love in reading. I fell in love with the possibilities of a boundless world. And as the years went on, I realized that fantasy could be more than just dragons and sorcery. Fantasy was this big umbrella that housed all the impossible dreams. So, I gravitated toward the genre. I also have an affinity for fun things. I don’t like to be sad, so I prefer movies, music, games, and books that revolve around fun and humor.

Richard's book list on fantasy more fun than just dragons and sorcery

Richard W. Kelly Why Richard loves this book

Although this isn’t the first book in the series, I find it the most fun. I have a deep love for the myth series because it was the first series of books I ever read. They are a very traditional fantasy story about a wizard, his dragon, and a demon he pals around with. But, it is a tongue-in-cheek comedy rather than a serious epic tale.

The series reads fine out of order and you could start anywhere, but this one is my favorite.

By Robert Asprin ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Myth-ion Improbable as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Skeeve is feeling rather restless and suddenly remembers the treasure map he bought on his last adventure. Knowing Aahz's lust for money, he shows him the map. Quicker than a Deveel at the Bazaar of Deva can take your possessions, they were off to find the Golden Cow! There were a few problems, aren't there always. Tanda decides that she is in on the hunt; for a share, of course. Since Aahz is not too up on vortexes, just dimensions, they have to visit a shifter at the Bazaar for directions - he/she/it gets a five-percent cut of the treasure…


Book cover of Artemis Fowl: Lost Colony

James L.P. Thompson Author Of Voidoxity: The Eternal King

From my list on realms of magic, mystery, and monsters.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a Canadian author and artist that loves to write and draw the darker side of fantasy. Ever since I was a child, I have adored mythology, horror, and the creatures and worlds that are present within the fantasy genre. The world of fantasy has unlimited imagination, and its lore and structure grow constantly, which gives endless ideas to us writers to create endless brilliant realms and the creatures that dwell within them.

James' book list on realms of magic, mystery, and monsters

James L.P. Thompson Why James loves this book

The Artemis Fowl series is one of my favourite reads. The Lost Colony was especially an enjoyable read due to its time traversing and presence of demons and magic. I recommend this novel and the entire Artemis Fowl series if you love a well-paced and enjoyable read into one of the many intricate worlds of fantasy. This novel is one of the many that inspired me to become a fantasy writer and gave me some inspiration and ideas when coming up with the storyline for my first novel.

By Eoin Colfer ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Artemis Fowl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony is the stunning fifth audio adventure in Eoin Colfer's mega-selling Artemis Fowl series, read by the actor Adrian Dunbar.

Ten millennia ago, the fairy people were defeated in a great battle with mankind, forcing them to move underground. Only the 8th family of fairies remained undefeated: the demons. But now one demon has discovered the secrets of the fairy world, and if humans get hold of this information, the fairies are in BIG trouble. Only one person can prevent this disaster - teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl

'Wickedly brilliant' Independent


Book cover of Heart of Night and Fire

Karen King Author Of The Retreat

From my list on to make you forget what you’re doing and read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to get lost in a book. Ever since I was a child I’ve spent my spare time curled up in a chair engrossed in a book. Stories have taken me to far off places, magical worlds, back in time, and forward into the future. Stories have taught me more about history, shown me that other people have the same problems as me, and given me the knowledge and confidence to make the decisions I’ve made. Stories are important, and to me there is nothing better than a story that reels you into its world and makes you forget all about your problems for a while.

Karen's book list on to make you forget what you’re doing and read

Karen King Why Karen loves this book

I love stories of adventure set in alternative magical worlds and was enchanted by this one. The world building is incredible with a wealth of interesting characters and a riveting plot. The writing is so beautiful and evocative it sang from the pages.

The protagonist of the story is Zarya who has been trained to fight but forbidden to use her magic by her guardian, who has kept her a virtual prisoner by a magical force that won’t allow her to venture far. One day she breaks free and goes in search of the truth of her past and is swept into an adventure with demons, dark magic and romance.

A real escapist read inspired by Indian mythology and culture. It’s the first of a quartet so I can’t wait to read the rest.

By Nisha J Tuli ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

“OMG I AM PRACTICALLY CRYING… AMAZING found family… So many secrets and twists and turns throughout—I straight up gasped and yelled out loud towards the end. I just couldn’t put this book down.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A passion that will set her world aflame…

All her life, Zarya has lived in a gilded prison. When she escapes to Dharati—a dazzling city of marble and gold—she finds romance, adventure and friendship for the first time.

But a mysterious stranger haunts her dreams. Rabin is powerful, arrogant and handsome. And as much as Zarya tries to deny it, he ignites a desire…


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Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Street Witch

Colleen Cowley Author Of Subversive

From my list on fantasy with magic, romance, and a dash of subversion.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write romantic fantasy set in twisted versions of the United States because half of me wishes magic were real. (The wiser half thinks that would be a disaster.) Typical contents of my books: banter, antagonist love interests, dramatically billowing coats, twisty plots, and oppressive systems in need of taking down... by bantering antagonists in magnificent coats. I consume books like they’re as necessary as food—and aren’t they, really? 

Colleen's book list on fantasy with magic, romance, and a dash of subversion

Colleen Cowley Why Colleen loves this book

What if a society blessed one form of magic use while all but criminalizing the other? Marnie Becker was born a witch in this world, which puts her forever at the margins. She tries to stay (mostly) out of trouble—until it finds her in a big way.

I absolutely love that magic here has a scent, from a hint of maple syrup to a reek of burnt meat. And that her love interest, Bran, declares, “You are never more beautiful to me than when you fix my math.” And that Marnie starts to believe she could help change her country for the better.

By S. L. Prater ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Street Witch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Recipe for Disaster: Malicious Magic, Shifting Political Powers, and a Forbidden Love

Marnie is a gifted witch—but magic has a mind of its own. Left unrestrained, it will always misbehave. When a demonic curse threatens Lord Bran, a man she’s loved since childhood, Marnie uses her abilities to save him.

After years of suppressing their feelings—knowing the relationship is prohibited by the Church of the Cloth—the two succumb to their passion. Her growing power triggers a dangerous political war—and their relationship is doomed before it begins.

Now the couple must decide whether to keep their love a secret or…


Book cover of Assassin's Apprentice
Book cover of Kushiel's Dart
Book cover of Empress

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