Book picks similar to
Whispers of War: The War for the North: Book One by Sean Rodden
fantasy
fiction
grimdark
epic-grit
Through the Brown Mountain Lights: (Brown Mountain Lights Book 1)
C.C. Tillery - 2016
When their van breaks down outside of Morganton, North Carolina, the group decides to hike up nearby Brown Mountain while they wait for the repairs to be finished. Lizzie’s interest in nature prompts her to go on a walk by herself, hoping to get a glimpse of the legendary Brown Mountain Lights. When she unexpectedly encounters one, she naively reaches out to touch it and is thrown back in time to a place and lifestyle she comes to hate—the Antebellum South. Lizzie is taken in by three sisters who are healers. With them, she is able to put her knowledge as a medical student to good use. She finds a trusted friend in Abbie, the youngest sister, and through a budding romance with the son of a plantation owner is drawn into the dangerous world of the Underground Railroad. With a bloody and violent war looming on the horizon, at a time when women are looked upon as less than equal, Lizzie struggles to accept the differences that surround her every day in this new and challenging world. Wanting nothing more than to return home, she and Abbie continually search for the light Lizzie travelled through, hoping it will take her back to her time. But if she finds it, will she decide to stay or go?
The Path of Anger
Antoine Rouaud - 2013
There will be death. This is the path of anger. . .Dun-Cadal has been drinking his life away for years. Betrayed by his friends - who turned their back on their ideals in favour of a new republic - and grief stricken at the loss of his apprentice, who saved his life on the battlefield and whom he trained as a knight in exchange, he's done with politics, with adventure, and with people.But people aren't finished with him - not yet. Viola is a young historian looking for the last Emperor's sword, and her search not only brings her to Dun-Cadal, it's also going to embroil them both in a series of assassinations. Because Dun-Cadal's turncoat friends are being murdered, one by one. . . by someone who kills in the unmistakable style of an Imperial assassin. . .
The Cavalier
Jason L. McWhirter - 2012
An evil that threatened the lands long ago, now stirs deep in the Black Lands of the North. Cavaliers, the guardians of the righteous, have long been the protectors of Kraawn. Trained in combat and blessed with the powers of the gods, these warriors roam the lands using their skills to fight back the power of the Forsworn, a trio of evil gods whose ultimate goal is to blanket the world in a mist of darkness. But something has been slaying these warriors and now the lands of Kraawn are at risk, the path of invasion paved by the deaths of the only guardians capable of combating the dark powers of the Forsworn. But not all is lost. A young boy, a cripple raised in a small mountain town, will become Kraawn’s only hope. Jonas Kanrene thought his life was limited to helping his mother survive in the desolate Tundren Mountains. Then one night a stranger arrives, a powerful cavalier, bringing with him hope, life,…and death, and becoming a catalyst for all the change that was about to dismantle Jonas’s world. Can the powers of good fight back the horde of evil amassing in the north? Can Jonas grow into the man, the warrior, the cavalier capable of stopping the Forsworn? One thing is certain. The lands of Kraawn will never again be the same.
Angels Dawn
Komali da Silva - 2014
On the night of Dawn's sixteenth birthday, she witnesses a crime she can't turn her back on, and the decisions she makes that night will change her life forever. Never having been confronted with such violence, Dawn turns to a mysterious and beautiful boy named Angelo, only she can't remember what happens that night. To make things more complicated, Dawn is in a relationship with Angelo's complete opposite, Nate. Dawn doesn't want to hurt Nate, yet she can't shake her feelings for Angelo, even when she can't help but feel he's hiding something from her, and it could be something dark. Why is Angelo acting so weird around Bonita? Are they together? Are they really only friends?Angelo may be trouble, but Dawn can't ignore her feelings for him. Dawn is at a crossroads. Should she choose love? Or friendship? Once Dawn finally finds the courage to choose, she thinks the drama is over. But Dawn wasn't expecting her choices to have such dire consequences. Do you believe in love at first sight? But can one trust someone blindly? Can love overcome all the obstacles?Is friendship just the beginning of love?
Dusk
Tim Lebbon - 2006
After witnessing a madman plunder Rafe's village and murder his parents, Kosar knows the boy needs his help. And now, for a reason he cannot fathom, others are seeking the boy's destruction. Uncertain where to begin, Kosar turns to A'Meer, an ex-lover and Shantasi warrior whose people, unbeknownst to him, have been chosen to safeguard magic's return. A'Meer knows instantly that it is Rafe who bears this miracle of magic. Now Kosar and a band of unexpected allies embark on a battle to protect one special boy. For dark forces are closing in–including the Mages, who have been plotting their own triumphant return.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Those Above
Daniel Polansky - 2015
Tall, strong, perfect, superhuman and near immortal they rule from their glittering palaces in the eternal city in the centre of the world. They are called Those Above by their subjects. They enforce their will with fire and sword. Twenty five years ago mankind mustered an army and rose up against them, only to be slaughtered in a terrible battle. Hope died that day, but hatred survived. Whispers of another revolt are beginning to stir in the hearts of the oppressed: a woman, widowed in the war, who has dedicated her life to revenge; the general, the only man to ever defeat one of Those Above in single combat, summoned forth to raise a new legion; and a boy killer who rises from the gutter to lead an uprising in the capital.
Soul Weaver
Eric J. Vann - 2019
For centuries he has been imprisoned as empires turned to dust and the world of Kadora changed around him—only to be released at last by Celia, a beautiful succubus. As Aziel faces a race against time and struggles to master his immense powers, he must gather together his own group of loyal followers. It will take all the wit and counsel he can muster to navigate an unfamiliar world balanced on a knife’s edge as a rival kingdom moves to claim the Central Wilds, the land he now inhabits… If Aziel fails, then those who have placed their trust in him—including the fiery succubus Celia and loyal Astrel, the queen of an ancient race—will pay the ultimate price. So begins a race to build a new home. But who—or what—is ultimately controlling this world? And does it want Aziel to succeed? Combining minor elements of LitRPG with a tantalizing mystery, SOUL WEAVER is the action-packed tale of a world on the brink of great change that will leave fantasy fans hungry for more. Warning: This book contains scenes of graphic violence and non-traditional relationship structures. Note: This book contains several pieces of character art.
BlackThorn
DeWayne Kunkel
A time of legends that nearly destroyed the world. Out of the chaos Mankind has struggled, and from the ashes of destruction civilization has once more returned to the land.But unknown to man a forgotten evil stirs in the west, for generations it has worked its foul craft in the shadows. Growing stronger, no longer content to lurk in the darkness consumed by hatred and gnawing on its own ambitions. It has grown powerful and in its might it seeks to throw down what remains of the old world and destroy the petty kingdoms of man.The last of the immortals has returned from his self-imposed exile. He has seen the danger and seeks a Talisman lost for three thousand years. Only the sword Aethir, forged by the immortals can save the world. Old legends have come to life, and the age of man is on the brink of destruction. Now he must convince an outlaw and a fugitive to aid him in its recovery or all is lost.
Infernal
Mark de Jager - 2016
Stratus wakes in an unfamiliar place, with nothing but the knowledge that he is not human, with no memories of his past but possessing great strength, a powerful sorcery and the burning instinct to survive at any cost.Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, he sets out across a landscape torn apart by the ten year war between the Kingdoms of Krandin and Penullin, now reaching new levels of savagery as a dark magic drives the world to the brink of destruction.As his personality grows with each step he slowly uncovers the truth of what he has become and the unquenchable thirst for vengeance that has led him there.A bold new voice in fantasy and a revolutionary new character.
Mountain of Daggers
Seth Skorkowsky - 2015
Mountain of Daggers is the first collection of fantasy tales by Damoren author, Seth Skorkowsky.DESCRIPTIONSome call him hero. Others, a menace. But everyone agrees that Ahren is the best thief in the world. Whether he’s breaking into an impregnable fortress, fighting pirates, or striking the final blow in political war, Ahren is the man for the job.After being framed for murder, his reward posters named him the Black Raven. To survive, Ahren finds himself drafted into the Tyenee, a secret criminal organization whose influence stretches across the world. Their missions are the most daring, the most dangerous, and the penalty for failure is death. When no one else can do it, they send the Black Raven.Mountain of Daggers is the first book in this collection of tales by Seth Skorkowsky, the author of Damoren, book one of the best-selling Valducan urban fantasy series.
Drynn
Steve Vera - 2013
Seventeen years ago, five knights from Earth's magical twin, Theia, entombed Asmodeous the Pale, Lord of the Drynn, in Skip's town. Now that the dark god is free again, he's anxious to get back home and finish the war he began…to enslave all life. It begins with killing the knights who trapped him.Deprived of their magic, the knights fight back using whatever they can get their hands on, from samurai swords to assault rifles. Skip gets reluctantly drawn in to their struggle while Donovan Smith, the demi-god murderer whom Skip was after in the first place, plots to find the Lord of the Underworld and butcher him on his own.Together, these unlikely heroes might just save the world. If they don't kill each other first.
Sanctum's Breach
Jeff Inlo - 2009
Ryson Acumen, purebred delver, senses the changes throughout the land. In his investigations, he learns that legends he considered fables hold more truth than fantasy. The delver encounters elves and learns the Sphere of Ingar, a talisman that captured all magical energies long ago, is free from its tomb in Sanctum Mountain. As violent, evil creatures return to shred the very fabric of reality, the sphere gains awareness and chooses to spew corrupted magical energies to obliterate all life. The sphere must be destroyed, but it rests within Sanctum, a hollow mountain with a single path to its center. The way to the sphere remains defended by devices created long ago, forged by members of each race to thwart entry to the mountain's core. Those that wish to defeat the sphere must not only overcome these barriers, they must conquer the mistrust which has flourished during the long period of separation. Human, elf, dwarf, algor and delver must reunite to defeat the obstacles that now protect the sphere. Magic, though corrupt, is harnessed to fight off strange beasts of evil that once again walk this land. Once inside Sanctum, representatives of each race face the secrets of the ages that once undone will change their lives forever.
Sword of Justice
Chris Wraight - 2010
Beset by greenskins, and hampered on all sides by the ambitions of rival magnates, he is soon fighting to keep the fractious province together. But the rot runs deep. Powerful forces in Altdorf seem determined to see him fail, and suspicion falls on even his most trusted allies. When all is at its bleakest, the mark of Chaos and the full horror of his task is finally revealed. Alone, doubted by those closest to him, this will be Schwarzhelm's greatest ever challenge, one on which the destiny of the Empire itself depends.
Card Mage: Academy Rebels
Eden Redd - 2020
When he is accepted, he believes he has what it takes to be one of the best among a new wave of heroic champions.The one thing he didn't know about himself was his slow spell casting ability.Ridiculed by his fellow champions, the new mage sees that he may not have what it takes to become a true champion. With the threat of losing his chance to further learn at the academy, Dax will discover a new kind of magic, one that will change the academy forever.Will Dax and his friends come together as many in the academy want his new kind of magic? Can Dax unravel dark secrets from within his own group of friends? Will the mage become the champion he always felt he was meant to be?Card Mage: Academy Rebels is for mature readers, 18 and up.
Demon Gates
Robert Day - 2010
The land will sing with his passing and they will know fear that oppose him, for he is the Lord of the skies and protector of the Realm.' : The Child's Prophecy. T.E. 2147The land of Kil'Tar has a long and bloody history of war between the Kay'taari and the Ashar'an. Aided by Dragonkind, the Kay'taari have protected the world against the Ashar'an and their demonic followers for many centuries. With demonkind banished to the Voids, and the Ashar'an all but destroyed, Kil'Tar has enjoyed an era of peace. However, the seals binding the portals to the voids are failing, and the Ashar'an are abroad once again. Both the Kay'taari and Dragonkind are nowhere to be found on Kil'Tar. Can Valdieron, a young man raised in the small village of Shadowvale, fulfill his destiny and rid the lands of this menace once and for all, or will he falter, and condemn Kil'Tar to demonic destruction?"Demon Gates is a finely crafted tale of sufficient quality to place right alongside those of it's peers...." SFBook.com "The fighting scenes are written in a way that reminds me of R. A. Salvatore with the detail and complexity of the melee battles...." IndieBookBlog