Here are 64 books that The Knight and the Butcherbird fans have personally recommended if you like The Knight and the Butcherbird. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Boneland

J.S. Watts Author Of Song of Steelyard Sue

From J.S.'s 3 favorite reads in 2026.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

J.S.'s 3 favorite reads in 2026

J.S. Watts Why J.S. loves this book

The novel took favourites from my childhood (The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Moon of Gomroth) and looked at the aftermath of their stories with a complex adult eye. The work that was created was multi-layered and melded fantasy, with myth, story-telling, psychology and grounded geographical reality

By Alan Garner ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The crowning achievement of an astonishing career, 'Boneland' concludes the story that began over fifty years ago in 'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen'.

If the sleeper wakes, the dream dies...

Professor Colin Whisterfield spends his days at Jodrell Bank, using the radio telescope to look for his lost sister in the Pleiades. At the same time, and in another time, the Watcher cuts the rock and dances, to keep the sky above the earth and the stars flying.

Colin can't remember; and he remembers too much. Before the age of twelve years and nine months is a blank.…


If you love The Knight and the Butcherbird...

Book cover of The Finest Lies

The Finest Lies by David J. Naiman,

When a mysterious stranger traps teen siblings in a precarious game, each must overcome their embittered past for the other to survive.

This magical realism YA novel explores the power of family and forgiveness. But take heed. The truth can cut like shards of glass, especially for those who’d rather…

Book cover of Martian Time-Slip: Philip K. Dick's Psychological Science Fiction Classic of Time Travel and Paranoid Visions on Mars

J.S. Watts Author Of Song of Steelyard Sue

From J.S.'s 3 favorite reads in 2026.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

J.S.'s 3 favorite reads in 2026

J.S. Watts Why J.S. loves this book

This is science fiction that has much to say about current society, even if aspects of the novel are of their time.

By Philip K. Dick ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Martian Time-Slip as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Combining political intrigue, time travel, family drama, and all the perils that come with being the first at anything, Hugo Award–winning author Philip K. Dick’s Martian Time-Slip follows a group of exiled colonists on Mars and the ten-year-old psychic among them—a boy whose altered perception of reality is so powerful he not only looks into the future, but can send people there."The writing is humorous, painful, awesome in its effect on both mind and heart . . . There are few modern novels to match it."—Rolling StoneOn a dystopian Mars, local bigwigs compete with Earth-bound interlopers to buy up land…


Book cover of The Ten Thousand Doors of January

J.S. Watts Author Of Underword

From J.S.'s 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

J.S.'s 3 favorite reads in 2025

J.S. Watts Why J.S. loves this book

After a slow beginning, the book gathers pace and carries you forward with it, wrapping you in an amazing world of possibilities and hope.

By Alix E. Harrow ,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked The Ten Thousand Doors of January as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A gorgeous, aching love letter to stories, storytellers, and the doors they lead us through...absolutely enchanting."—Christina Henry, bestselling author of Alice and Lost Boys

LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER! Finalist for the 2020 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards. 

In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.

In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely…


If you love Alix E. Harrow...

Book cover of The Exiled Queen

The Exiled Queen by Roxana Arama,

She spent years following the path reserved for highborn men. When she’s thrust back into a subservient role, how will she forge her own destiny?

When Princess Andrada tries to become the heir to her father’s throne, she fails and is sentenced to death. To avoid execution, her father marries…

Book cover of The Once and Future Witches

Lois Melbourne Author Of Moral Code

From my list on strong women solving problems uniquely.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a pragmatist and a problem-solver. As a student of innovation, I draw inspiration from a risk-taker’s approach to attacking a problem. I’ve changed my life drastically from a farmland kid to a global technology CEO and then author. Along the way, I’ve had opportunities to struggle. I’ve found conventional wisdom seldom fixes the problem, so I’ve refined the ability to look for unique paths. I believe women provide the best examples to learn from because they don’t walk into the room bluffing their way to the solution. They credit the resources they tapped for their solution and bring others along in the journey to raise the education level.

Lois' book list on strong women solving problems uniquely

Lois Melbourne Why Lois loves this book

I haven’t read many stories with witches, but that changed when I read the story of these women facing real problems, sadly still resonating today. Before reading this book, I certainly wouldn’t have considered witches to be important on a list of strong women solving problems.

I was sucked into this story of three sisters living in a world that forbids witchcraft. I wanted to fight alongside these sisters as they called upon the bond between women and our common wisdom. I wanted to fight the evil suppressors of women’s right to vote and rights to exist and thrive as women. I still want to lend my voice and privilege to protect their library. They find their ways, not without sacrifices, but always with flair.

By Alix E. Harrow ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked The Once and Future Witches as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'Glorious . . . a tale that will sweep you away' Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author of The Night Tiger

'A gorgeous and thrilling paean to the ferocious power of women' Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Strange the Dreamer

In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.

But when…


Book cover of The Empress of Salt and Fortune

Lee Edward Födi Author Of Spell Sweeper

From Lee's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Lee's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Lee Edward Födi Why Lee loves this book

Inspired by Asian mythology and history, this novella focuses on a quest by a cleric called Chih as they embark on a quest to unlock, record, and understand the stories of their realm. Archtypal characters such as empresses, servants, traders, ghosts, and talking animals feature heavily throughout the plot. The world is so richly evoked, and never forced or overly explained; it simply unfolds at our feet, guiding the reader through thought-provoking narratives.

By Nghi Vo ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Empress of Salt and Fortune as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of the 2020 Crawford Award!
Winner of the 2021 Hugo Award!
A Hugo Award-Winning Series!

A 2021 Locus Award Finalist
A 2021 Ignyte Award Finalist
A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist

"Dangerous, subtle, unexpected and familiar, angry and ferocious and hopeful... The Empress of Salt and Fortune is a remarkable accomplishment of storytelling."―NPR

A 2020 ALA Booklist Top Ten SF/F Debut | A Book Riot Must-Read Fantasy of 2020 | A Paste Most Anticipated Novel of 2020 | A Library Journal Debut of the Month | A Buzzfeed Must-Read Fantasy Novel of Spring 2020 | A Washington Post Best SFF…


Book cover of Starling House

Riley DuBois

From Riley's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Unknown Author Why Riley loves this book

I loved everything about this book, the characters, the plot, the House, the atmosphere, but especially the writing. I highlighted so many lines from this book that were funny or beautiful or evocative or all of the above.

By Alix E. Harrow ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Starling House as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

'Alix E. Harrow is an exceptional, undeniable talent' - Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six

Step into Starling House - if you dare . . . Alix E. Harrow reimagines Beauty and the Beast in this gorgeously modern Gothic fantasy, perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab and Naomi Novik.

Nobody in Eden remembers when Starling House was built. But the town agrees it's best to let this ill-omened mansion - and its last lonely heir - go to hell. Stories of the house's bad luck, like good china, have been passed down the…


Book cover of Pachinko

Dorrik Stow Author Of Oceans: A Very Short Introduction

From Dorrik's 3 favorite reads in 2026.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Dorrik's 3 favorite reads in 2026

Dorrik Stow Why Dorrik loves this book

A neighbour recommended Pachinko as the best book he had read this year. I was sceptical at first but it quickly turned out to be one of mine too. An epic historical novel about a part of the world I love, but a time and place I knew very little about.
Excellent, compelling and deeply moving. A ground sweep of Korean/Japanese history (1911-1989) told through the eyes of Kim Sunja, her unexpected pregnancy and extended family. We follow Sunja's life from her early years in a fishing village near Busan, Korea, then desperately poor and under Japanese colonial rule. She moves to Osaka in Japan, and grows to be the matriarch of her family's survival across four generations. It speaks of street food vendors and pachinko gambling houses, of systemic racism and the Yakusa, of suicide and hidden LGQBT, and of resilience to life’s traumas.
I travel a lot in…

By Min Jin Lee ,

Why should I read it?

23 authors picked Pachinko as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

* The million-copy bestseller*
* National Book Award finalist *
* One of the New York Times's 10 Best Books of 2017 *
* Selected for Emma Watson's Our Shared Shelf book club *

'This is a captivating book... Min Jin Lee's novel takes us through four generations and each character's search for identity and success. It's a powerful story about resilience and compassion' BARACK OBAMA.

Yeongdo, Korea 1911. In a small fishing village on the banks of the East Sea, a club-footed, cleft-lipped man marries a fifteen-year-old girl. The couple have one child, their beloved daughter Sunja. When Sunja…


Book cover of Hamnet

Gayle Rosengren Author Of What the Moon Said

From Gayle's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Gayle's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Gayle Rosengren Why Gayle loves this book

It evoked such powerful emotions in me.

By Maggie O'Farrell ,

Why should I read it?

51 authors picked Hamnet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

WINNER OF THE 2020 WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION - THE NO. 1 BESTSELLER 2021
'Richly sensuous... something special' The Sunday Times
'A thing of shimmering wonder' David Mitchell

TWO EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE. A LOVE THAT DRAWS THEM TOGETHER. A LOSS THAT THREATENS TO TEAR THEM APART.

On a summer's day in 1596, a young girl in Stratford-upon-Avon takes to her bed with a sudden fever. Her twin brother, Hamnet, searches everywhere for help. Why is nobody at home?

Their mother, Agnes, is over a mile away, in the garden where she grows medicinal herbs. Their father is working in London.

Neither…


Book cover of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Mary-Jean Harris Author Of Mask of the Raven

From my list on fantasy books that blend mysticism and history.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have loved fantasy and history since I was a child, and a blend of the two creates a new sort of magic! In addition to reading historical fantasy, I’ve been passionate about writing in the genre and bringing new “what if?” questions to life with historical settings and mysticism and magic in my writing, some of which are inspired by ancient traditions around the world. Fantasy can be more than imaginative creation, but a delve into the mysterious side of history as well, and I find that books that delve into this aspect of fantasy really capture my interest when they’re done well.

Mary-Jean's book list on fantasy books that blend mysticism and history

Mary-Jean Harris Why Mary-Jean loves this book

This is one of my favourite books!

At 782 pages, including numerous footnotes, it might seem a daunting task for a reader, but I would have easily enjoyed a novel twice its length. The style of writing is beautifully detailed and has a wry British humour that is a pleasure to read.

The magic is seamlessly woven into the land and culture of England. We learn about the history of the Napoleonic Wars with a bit of a fantastical spin, showing how magic was used in the war and the consequences of its presence in history.

An alternative history that truly captures one’s imagination and sense of “what if?” Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is one that I’ll definitely read again and again.

By Susanna Clarke ,

Why should I read it?

26 authors picked Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two magicians shall appear in England. The first shall fear me; the second shall long to behold me The year is 1806. England is beleaguered by the long war with Napoleon, and centuries have passed since practical magicians faded into the nation's past. But scholars of this glorious history discover that one remains: the reclusive Mr Norrell whose displays of magic send a thrill through the country. Proceeding to London, he raises a beautiful woman from the dead and summons an army of ghostly ships to terrify the French. Yet the cautious, fussy Norrell is challenged by the emergence of…


Book cover of The Fifth Season

Scott Pearson Author Of Tales of the Nouveau Templar

From Scott's 3 favorite reads in 2026.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Scott's 3 favorite reads in 2026

Scott Pearson Why Scott loves this book

I've only recently started reading N. K. Jemison, and I'm blown away by her imaginative world-building. The complex seismology and related supernatural powers that drive the characters and plot of this novel . . . wow. And I really have to pitch reading the next two books in the Broken Earth Trilogy, Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky, right after you finish this first one. The trilogy intertwines stories across a few different time periods, and when I had a long break between reading book one and the other two, it took me a while to get the different storylines back in sync!

By N. K. Jemisin ,

Why should I read it?

33 authors picked The Fifth Season as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

At the end of the world, a woman must hide her secret power and find her kidnapped daughter in this "intricate and extraordinary" Hugo Award winning novel of power, oppression, and revolution. (The New York Times)

This is the way the world ends. . .for the last time.

It starts with the great red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun. It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter. It starts with betrayal, and long dormant wounds rising up to fester.

This is the Stillness, a land…


Book cover of Boneland
Book cover of Martian Time-Slip: Philip K. Dick's Psychological Science Fiction Classic of Time Travel and Paranoid Visions on Mars
Book cover of The Ten Thousand Doors of January

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

219

readers submitted
so far, will you?