Books like 'Illusion'
Readers who enjoyed Illusion by Paula Volsky also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy romance high fantasy alternate history 20th-century historical-fiction magic steampunk industrial-era
-
The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
29 ratingsBy scheming and theft, the Thief of Eddis has become King of Attolia. Eugenides wanted the queen, not the crown, but he finds himself trapped in a web of his own making.Then he drags a naive young guard into the center of the political maelstrom. Poor Costis knows he is the victim of the king's caprice, but his contempt for Eugenides slowly turns to grudging respect... -
![A Hero's Tale by Catherine M. Wilson]()
A Hero's Tale by Catherine M. Wilson
16 ratingsIn Book II, Tamras moved from her home into the lands beyond its border. In Book three, the stage widens further: she deals with the struggles of whole peoples. Caught up in intrigues that would once have been far above her, the heroine risks everything unless she can not only learn to swim in treacherous waters, but to master them. The heroine 's inner journey continues to match her outer one...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history book -
![Kushiel's Avatar by Jacqueline Carey]()
Kushiel's Avatar by Jacqueline Carey
29 ratingsThe land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. It's inhabited by the race that rose from the seed of angels, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. Her bond was purchased by a nobleman who recognized that she was pricked by Kushiel's dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one...Categorized as:
dark epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure -
![The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler]()
The King's Traitor by Jeff Wheeler
24 ratingsAgainst all odds, Owen Kiskaddon grew from frightened boy to confident youth to trusted officer in the court of Kingfountain—and watched its regent, Severn Argentine, grow ever more ruthless and power-mad. Robbed of his beloved protector, his noble mentor, and his true love, Owen has anticipated the day when the king he fears and reviles, yet loyally serves, will be toppled... -
-
![Kushiel's Mercy by Jacqueline Carey]()
Kushiel's Mercy by Jacqueline Carey
25 ratingsHaving learned a lesson about thwarting the will of the gods, Imriel and Sidonie publicly confess their affair, only to see the country boil over in turmoil. Younger generations, infatuated by their heart-twisting, star-cross romance, defend the couple...Categorized as:
dark epic historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure adult -
![A Journey of the Heart by Catherine M. Wilson]()
A Journey of the Heart by Catherine M. Wilson
16 ratingsA Journey of the Heart Book II] shows the same strong storytelling ability of the first book. The language is still almost musical and wraps its sweet spell around you. Storylines that were just starting to grow in the first book are also very well developed here. Intrigue and conflict are fleshed out and take some surprising twists...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history book -
![The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay]()
The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay
26 ratingsThe ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, but over centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, their stern piety has eroded. The Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings...Categorized as:
20th-century epic female-mc historical-fiction action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
![Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey]()
Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey
29 ratingsMighty Kushiel, of rod and wealLate of the brazen portalsWith blood-tipp'd dart a wound unhealedPricks the eyen of chosen mortalsThe land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. The inhabiting race rose from the seed of angels and men, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child...Categorized as:
dark epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure -
![Bright We Burn by Kiersten White]()
Bright We Burn by Kiersten White
25 ratingsHaunted by the sacrifices he made in Constantinople, Radu is called back to the new capital. Mehmed is building an empire, becoming the sultan his people need. But Mehmed has a secret: as emperor, he is more powerful than ever . . . and desperately lonely. Does this mean Radu can finally have more with Mehmed . .Categorized as:
dark female-mc historical-fiction action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history anti-hero audiobook -
![The Thief's Daughter by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Thief's Daughter by Jeff Wheeler
24 ratingsA Wall Street Journal bestseller Owen Kiskaddon first came to the court of the formidable King Severn as a prisoner, winning favor with the stormy monarch by masquerading as a boy truly blessed by the Fountain... -
![Kushiel's Justice by Jacqueline Carey]()
Kushiel's Justice by Jacqueline Carey
25 ratingsMy blood beat hard in my veins and hammered in my ears, like the sound of bronze wings clashing. And I understand for the first time what it meant that Kushiel, the One God's punisher, had loved his charges too well...Imriel de la Courcel's blood parents are history's most reviled traitors, while his adoptive parents, Phèdre and Joscelin, are Terre d'Ange's greatest champions...Categorized as:
dark epic historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure adult -
![Winter Sun by Hollee Mands]()
Winter Sun by Hollee Mands
13 ratingsHe’d do anything to keep her safe...except give her up.Declan lost her once. Never again. He is an archmage. Fearsome. Terrible. Divine. Yet deadly whispers dare echo in his ear. None more threatening than those of his still-incomplete mate bond and his love’s failing health. In a twist of irony, he must now protect his mate from the greatest danger she's ever faced...Himself...Categorized as:
dark female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue adult alpha-mc -
![Champions of Time by Sarah Woodbury]()
Champions of Time by Sarah Woodbury
8 ratingsApril 1294. With David returned from Ireland and Anna from Avalon, the time has come to confront the traitors who sought to assassinate David and take his throne.But before that can happen, David is tested yet again by his inability to account for everything or everyone in his life--and especially the magic that surrounds him...Categorized as:
historical-fiction action-adventure alternate-history book fiction high-fantasy historical medieval -
![The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner]()
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
33 ratingsRevengeWhen Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, stole Hamiathes's Gift, the Queen of Attolia lost more than a mythical relic. She lost face. Everyone knew that Eudenides had outwitted and escaped her. To restore her reputation and reassert her power, the Queen of Attolia will go to any length and accept any help that is offered... she will risk her country to execute the perfect revenge... -
-
![Naamah's Blessing by Jacqueline Carey]()
Naamah's Blessing by Jacqueline Carey
21 ratingsReturning to Terre d'Ange, Moirin finds the royal family broken. Wracked by unrelenting grief at the loss of his wife, Queen Jehanne, King Daniel is unable to rule. Prince Thierry, leading an expedition to explore the deadly jungles of Terra Nova, is halfway across the world...Categorized as:
dark epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure -
![A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gavriel Kay]()
A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gavriel Kay
24 ratingsBased on the troubadour culture that rose in Provence during the High Middle Ages, this panoramic, absorbing novel beautifully creates an alternate version of the medieval world...Categorized as:
20th-century epic historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure adult -
![Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey]()
Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
27 ratingsImriel de la Courcel's blood parents are history's most reviled traitors, but his adoptive parents, the Comtesse Phèdre and the warrior-priest Joscelin, are Terre d'Ange's greatest champions.Stolen, tortured, and enslaved as a young boy, Imriel is now a Prince of the Blood, third in line for the throne in a land that revels in art, beauty, and desire...Categorized as:
dark epic historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure adult -
![Naamah's Curse by Jacqueline Carey]()
Naamah's Curse by Jacqueline Carey
25 ratingsJacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel's Legacy series, delivers book two in her new lushly imagined trilogy featuring daughter of Alba, Moirin.Far from the land of her birth, Moirin sets out across Tatar territory to find Bao, the proud and virile Ch'in fighter who holds the missing half of her diadh-anam, the divine soul-spark of her mother's people...Categorized as:
dark epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure -
![The Other Merlin by Robyn Schneider]()
The Other Merlin by Robyn Schneider
10 ratingsWelcome to the great kingdom of Camelot. Prince Arthur’s a depressed botanist who would rather marry a library than a princess, Lancelot’s been demoted to castle guard after a terrible misunderstanding, and nothing is going according to plan... -
![Taming the Wolves by Lyx Robinson]()
Taming the Wolves by Lyx Robinson
10 ratingsFirst I was dragged into a fort filled with cursed Vikings.Now I'm to be used as bait.To lure out the enemy with the scent of my heat.And my only protectors are the very Vikings who dragged me here...- - -The world that Tamsin knows is on the brink of disaster.Her kinswomen have been found. Their sanctuary lies open for the plunder, their military strength weakened by treachery...Categorized as:
historical-fiction paranormal adult age-gap alternate-history barbarians book enemies-to-lovers -
![Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers]()
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
31 ratingsI lean forward, pushing my body out past the battlements. The wind plucks at my cloak, buffets against me, as if it would carry me off in flight, just like the birds or the knight's soul. Let go, it cries, I will take you far, far away. I want to laugh at the exhilarating feeling, I will catch you, it whistles seductively.The convent has returned Sybella to a life that nearly drove her mad...Categorized as:
dark female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue abuse action-adventure -
![Naamah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey]()
Naamah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey
25 ratingsOnce there were great magicians born to the Maghuin Dhonn, the folk of the Brown Bear, the oldest tribe in Alba. But generations ago, the greatest of them all broke a sacred oath sworn in the name of all his people. Now only small gifts remain to them. Through her lineage, Moirin possesses such gifts—the ability to summon the twilight and conceal herself, and the skill to coax plants to grow...Categorized as:
dark epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure -
![Storm from the East by Joanna Hathaway]()
Storm from the East by Joanna Hathaway
8 ratingsBattles, revolution, and romance collide in Joanna Hathaway's stunning, World Wars-inspired sequel to Dark of the WestPart war drama, part romance, Storm from the East is the second novel in Joanna Hathaway’s immersive, upmarket YA fantasy series that will appeal to readers of Sabaa Tahir, Marie Rutkoski, and Evelyn Skye... -
![Saffron Alley by A.J. Demas]()
Saffron Alley by A.J. Demas
8 ratingsA month ago, eunuch sword-dancer and spy Varazda collided with ex-soldier Damiskos at a seaside villa during a dizzying week of intrigue, assassinations, and a fake love affair that—maybe—turned real. Now Varazda is back home in Boukos, at the center of a family and community he dearly loves, and Damiskos is coming to visit.Things aren’t going according to plan... -
-
![Our Bloody Pearl by D.N. Bryn]()
Our Bloody Pearl by D.N. Bryn
10 ratingsThe ocean is uncontrollable and dangerous. But to the sirens who swim the warm island waters, it’s a home more than worth protecting from the humans and their steam-propelled ships. Between their hypnotic voices and the strength of their powerful tails, sirens have little to fear. That is, until the ruthless pirate captain, Kian, creates a device to cancel out their songs...Categorized as:
industrial-era magic paranormal steampunk action-adventure alternate-history book disability -
![Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers]()
Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers
14 ratingsFrom New York Times best-selling author Robin LaFevers comes the follow up to “sharp and breathless” (Kirkus Reviews) historical fantasy Courting Darkness. Set in the world of the beloved His Fair Assassin series, this is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Game of Thrones...Categorized as:
dark female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Heaven's Net Is Wide by Lian Hearn]()
Heaven's Net Is Wide by Lian Hearn
18 ratingsThe new beginning — and the grand finale to — the beloved Tales of the Otori series.Heaven's Net Is Wide is the new first volume of the now complete Tales of the Otori — prequel to Across the Nightingale Floor, the book that first introduced Hearn's mythical, medieval Japanese world...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction action-adventure alternate-history audiobook book children drama -
![The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas]()
The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas
24 ratingsAfter spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in...Categorized as:
epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history -
![Now I Rise by Kiersten White]()
Now I Rise by Kiersten White
26 ratingsLada Dracul has no allies. No throne. All she has is what she’s always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares to cross her blood-strewn path. Filled with a white-hot rage, she storms the countryside with her men, accompanied by her childhood friend Bogdan, terrorizing the land. But brute force isn’t getting Lada what she wants...Categorized as:
dark female-mc historical-fiction action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history anti-hero audiobook -
![Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers]()
Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers
27 ratingsAnnith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent...Categorized as:
dark female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey]()
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
41 ratingsThe land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good... and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye...Categorized as:
dark epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal political-intrigue action-adventure -
![Sword Dance by A.J. Demas]()
Sword Dance by A.J. Demas
12 ratingsFive years ago, Damiskos’s brilliant military career was cut short, leaving him with a permanent disability and scars that are not all physical. Adrift and still grieving, he tries to find meaning in an unsatisfying job. Work takes him to the remote seaside villa of an old friend, where, among an odd assortment of guests, he meets the eunuch sword-dancer Varazda... -
![An Echo in Time: Atlantis by Traci Harding, Edwina Wren]()
An Echo in Time: Atlantis by Traci Harding, Edwina Wren
14 ratingsThe narrow stairway inside the mountain led to a door that opened into a huge marble plateau. Upon this stood a stone circle of nine of the largest hunks of polished crystal Tory had ever seen. A turbulent cloud erupted overhead, its core alive with electromagnetic activity...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook book -
![Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen]()
Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen
18 ratingsThe eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction action-adventure adaptations alpha-mc alternate-history book drama -
-
![Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn]()
Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn
24 ratingsA beautiful, haunting evocation of the medieval Japan of Lian Hearn's imagination, this thrilling follow-up to Grass for His Pillow and Across the Nightingale Floor delves deeper into the complex loyalties that bind its characters from birth... -
![Grass for His Pillow by Lian Hearn]()
Grass for His Pillow by Lian Hearn
26 ratingsPraised for its epic scope and descriptive detail, Across the Nightingale Floor, the first book in the Tales of the Otori series, was an international bestseller and critical success, named by the London Times as "the most compelling novel to have been published this year... -
![Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn]()
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
28 ratingsIn his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the warlord Iida Sadamu surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard.The youth Takeo has been brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people who have taught him only the ways of peace... -
![Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen]()
Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen
20 ratingsScarlet's true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet's love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood...Categorized as:
dark female-mc historical-fiction abuse action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history audiobook -
![The Warrior's Path by Catherine M. Wilson]()
The Warrior's Path by Catherine M. Wilson
18 ratingsWhen she was a child, the author of When Women Were Warriors happily identified with all the male heroes she read about in stories that began, "Once upon a time, a young man went out to seek his fortune." But she would have been delighted to discover even one story like that with a female protagonist...Categorized as:
epic female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history -
![Darkwitch Rising by Sara Douglass]()
Darkwitch Rising by Sara Douglass
16 ratingsDarkwitch Rising is the third title in Sara Douglass's compelling Troy Game series, a riveting historical fantasy series of love and revenge set against the very fabric of time itself.Britian. An ancient land. Most think they know its history. But few suspect and fewer still know the truth... -
![The Isle of Glass by Judith Tarr]()
The Isle of Glass by Judith Tarr
10 ratingsAlfred of St. Ruan's has lived his life in the seclusion of the monastery. But a badly wounded knight on a mission from the Elvenking, a beautiful and mysterious stranger who walks as both woman and beast, and a warrior king call him out of the cloister's walls into the wars and storms of the world... -
![The Seat of Magic by J. Kathleen Cheney]()
The Seat of Magic by J. Kathleen Cheney
8 ratingsMagical beings have been banned from the Golden City for decades, though many live there in secret. Now humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill…. It’s been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction industrial-era magic paranormal steampunk adult alternate-history -
![The Golden Horn by Judith Tarr]()
The Golden Horn by Judith Tarr
8 ratingsConstantinople, A.D. 1203: a great army camps outside the City of Cities, and threatens it with conquest. Within the City, a Greek witch and a renegade monk who is also a white enchanter do their utmost to hold back the tides of war. But even their great powers may not be able to save Byzantium's empire from the Western Crusade...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction alternate-history audiobook book female-author fiction high-fantasy -
![The Last Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff]()
The Last Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
8 ratingsYour blood-red skies are filled with smoke. Your bleach-white histories with lies. You walk sleeping. Wake senseless. Breathing deep of toxic blooms and forgetting all that has gone before.But I remember.I remember when two brothers waged bloody war over the right to sit in their father’s empty chair...Categorized as:
epic industrial-era magic paranormal steampunk action-adventure alternate-history audiobook -
-
![Her Majesty's Wizard by Christopher Stasheff]()
Her Majesty's Wizard by Christopher Stasheff
18 ratingsMatt Mantrell translates runes on a scrap of parchment, and himself to a world where verses are spells. Imprisoned by evil sorcerer Malingo, Matt tries for a light, gets dragon Stegoman, drunk on fire, in need of dentist. They rescue Princess Alisande, rightful ruler, and fight to restore her kingdom with helpful Sir Guy, lust witch Sayeesa and werewolf priest Brunel... -
![The Palace of Lost Memories by C.J. Archer]()
The Palace of Lost Memories by C.J. Archer
17 ratingsFrom the author of the USA Today bestselling GLASS AND STEELE series comes this captivating new fantasy. The king's magnificent palace was built in a matter of weeks. No one saw the builders, no villagers are allowed beyond the gilded gate, and only one servant has ever left...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alternate-history audiobook book -
![The Midnight Sea by Kat Ross]()
The Midnight Sea by Kat Ross
16 ratingsThey are the light against the darkness.The steel against the necromancy of the Druj.And they use demons to hunt demons….Nazafareen lives for revenge. A girl of the isolated Four-Legs Clan, all she knows about the King's elite Water Dogs is that they leash wicked creatures called daevas to protect the empire from the Undead... -
![Stormsong by C.L. Polk]()
Stormsong by C.L. Polk
16 ratingsAfter spinning an enthralling world in Witchmark, praised as a "can't-miss debut" by Booklist, and as "thoroughly charming and deftly paced" by the New York Times, C. L. Polk continues the story in Stormsong. Magical cabals, otherworldly avengers, and impossible love affairs conspire to create a book that refuses to be put down...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction industrial-era magic paranormal steampunk adult alternate-history -
![A Brother's Price by Wen Spencer]()
A Brother's Price by Wen Spencer
16 ratingsIn a world where males are rarely born, they've become a commodity-traded and sold like property. Jerin Whistler has come of age for marriage and his handsome features have come to the attention of the royal princesses. But such attentions can be dangerous-especially as Jerin uncovers the dark mysteries the royal family is hiding... -
![Cold Steel by Kate Elliott]()
Cold Steel by Kate Elliott
16 ratingsTrouble, treachery, and magic just won't stop plaguing Cat Barahal. The Master of the Wild Hunt has stolen her husband Andevai. The ruler of the Taino kingdom blames her for his mother's murder. The infamous General Camjiata insists she join his army to help defeat the cold mages who rule Europa. An enraged fire mage wants to kill her...Categorized as:
epic female-mc historical-fiction industrial-era magic paranormal steampunk action-adventure
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
