Books like 'A Tale of Two Castles'
Readers who enjoyed A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy mystery action / adventure high fantasy dragons children fairy-tale magic animals
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Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb
29 ratingsMore than twenty years ago, the first epic fantasy novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning... -
![How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury by Cressida Cowell]()
How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury by Cressida Cowell
18 ratingsWinner, 2017 APA Audie Awards - Middle GradeBook 12 is the epic finale to the New York Times best-selling How to Train Your Dragon series!The Doomsday of Yule has arrived, and the future of dragonkind lies in the hands of one boy with nothing to show but everything to fight for. Hiccup's quest is clear.. -
![The Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan]()
The Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan
30 ratingsWhen Horace travels to the exotic land of Nihon- Ja, it isn't long before he finds himself pulled into a battle that is not his - but one he knows in his heart he must wage. A kingdom teeters on the edge of chaos when the Nihon-Ja emperor, a defender of the common man, is forcibly overthrown, and only Horace, Will, and his Araluen companions can restore the emperor to the throne... -
![The Twelve Dancing Princesses by K.M. Shea]()
The Twelve Dancing Princesses by K.M. Shea
14 ratingsQuinn is a loyal soldier of Farset, willing to risk her life on behalf of her country and squad. So, when a fellow soldier volunteers for a dangerous mission, Quinn joins him. Their assignment is to investigate the nightly disappearance of the twelve royal princesses, a mystery none have solved as those who attempt it vanish...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc magic paranormal retellings royalty sword-sorcery action-adventure -
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![Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb]()
Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb
31 ratingsTom Badgerlock has been living peaceably in the manor house at Withywoods with his beloved wife Molly these many years, the estate a reward to his family for loyal service to the crown.But behind the facade of respectable middle-age lies a turbulent and violent past. For Tom Badgerlock is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, bastard scion of the Farseer line, convicted user of Beast-magic, and assassin... -
![The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan]()
The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan
34 ratingsThe international bestselling series with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone! After years as a Ranger's apprentice, Will is now the protector of his first fief... -
![The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan]()
The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
41 ratingsBracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoys to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn - the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle... -
![The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan]()
The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
24 ratingsThree times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria.When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire... -
![Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede]()
Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
32 ratingsKidnap a dragon? How daring!How stupidCimorene, the princess who refuses to be proper, is back--but where is Kazul the dragon? That's what Cimorene is determined to find out. Luckily--or perhaps not-so-luckily--she's got help: Mendenbar, the not-very-kingly King of the Enchanted Forest, has joined her in her quest... -
![The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan]()
The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan
35 ratingsThe international bestselling series with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone!Several years have passed since the apprentice and his master, Will and Halt, first met, and Will is finally a full-fledged Ranger with his own fief to look after. The fief seems sleepy?boring, even?until Lord Syron, master of a castle far in the north, is struck down by a mysterious illness... -
![Magician: Master by Raymond E. Feist]()
Magician: Master by Raymond E. Feist
36 ratingsHe held the fate of two worlds in his hands... Once he was an orphan called Pug, apprenticed to a sorcerer of the enchanted land of Midkemia.. Then he was captured and enslaved by the Tsurani, a strange, warlike race of invaders from another world.There, in the exotic Empire of Kelewan, he earned a new name--Milamber. He learned to tame the unnimagined powers that lay withing him... -
![Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim]()
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
27 ratingsA princess in exile, the boy she left at the altar, six enchanted cranes, and a dragon from the deepest sea.Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control...Categorized as:
coming-of-age dragons epic fairy-tale friendship historical-fiction magic paranormal -
![Fyre by Angie Sage]()
Fyre by Angie Sage
24 ratingsThe seventh book in the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, featuring the funny and fantastic adventures of a wizard apprentice and his quest to become an ExtraOrdinary Wizard... -
![Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb]()
Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
44 ratingsThe legend continues…Regal’s treasonous attempt to usurp the Six Duchies throne from his half-brother Verity has been foiled... -
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![The Canard Case by Honor Raconteur]()
The Canard Case by Honor Raconteur
10 ratings“So what is the problem?” “You are aware that Nanashi has an active volcano on it?” Cheng-Huang inquired. At her nod, he continued, “It will explode soon. The pressure is rising quickly and there’s little that we can do to stop it.” A volcano? Sevana’s eyes threatened to pop out of her head... -
![Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce]()
Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce
28 ratingsBeka Cooper is no longer a Puppy. She's a Dog now - a full-fledged member of the Provost's Guard, which keeps the peace in Corus's streets. Beka's natural skills of observation and tenacity are augmented by her unusual magical talents, which allow her to gather information both from pigeons are from the eddies of dirt and dust that swirl on street corners...Categorized as:
animals coming-of-age epic female-mc friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement magic -
![Mastiff by Tamora Pierce]()
Mastiff by Tamora Pierce
26 ratingsThe Hunt is on!Three years have passed since Beka Cooper almost died in the sewers of Port Caynn, and she is now a respected member of the Provost's Guard. But her life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé is killed on a slave raid. Beka is faced with a mixture of emotions as, unbeknownst to many, she was about to call the engagement off...Categorized as:
animals children coming-of-age epic female-mc friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement -
![The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne Jones]()
The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne Jones
26 ratingsHis father and uncles are enchanters, his mother a powerful sorceress, yet nothing seems magical about Christopher Chant except his dreams. Night after night, he climbs through the formless Place Between and visits marvelous lands he calls the Almost Anywheres. Then Christopher discovers that he can bring real, solid things back from his dreams... -
![Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George]()
Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
26 ratingsPoor Creel. She can't believe her aunt wants to sacrifice her to the local dragon. It's a ploy to lure a heroic knight so that he will fight the dragon, marry Creel out of chivalrous obligation, and lift the entire family out of poverty. Creel isn't worried. After all, nobody has seen a dragon in centuries... -
![The Royal Ranger: A New Beginning by John Flanagan]()
The Royal Ranger: A New Beginning by John Flanagan
26 ratingsAfter a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible - even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path. It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone - and it's a request Will cannot refuse... -
![Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede]()
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
41 ratingsCimorene is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart - and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon - and finds the family and excitement she's been looking for... -
![Bee Sting Cake by Victoria Goddard]()
Bee Sting Cake by Victoria Goddard
10 ratingsMagic is out of fashion. Gambling is merely illegal. Neither law nor common sense has ever stopped anyone in Ragnor Bella from making—or breaking—their fortunes at the table, at the racetrack, and especially at the Dartington Harvest Fair. With Mad Jack Greenwing’s only son Jemis finally back from university, this year’s betting is bidding fair to be the stuff of legend... -
![Awakened by Jada Fisher]()
Awakened by Jada Fisher
12 ratingsMore than just the latest batch of dragons has been awakened.An epic dragon riding adventure from Jada Fisher, author of the popular Dragon Oracle series. Eist has her hands full with her truly unique dragon. With her grandfather, and mentor, out of commission, she has no choice but to embrace her training. And her destiny. But she can't seem to shake the feeling that something is wrong... -
![Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug]()
Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug
26 ratingsIn the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus Heap must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone... -
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![Elven Fury by Lindsay Buroker]()
Elven Fury by Lindsay Buroker
14 ratingsJev Dharrow is trying to convince his father to cancel his arranged marriage so he can wed Zenia, the woman he loves. But when elven assassins arrive in the city, all his personal problems must be set aside. They are after his good friend, Lornysh, an elf who has saved Jev's life a dozen times over the years...Categorized as:
dragons epic historical-fiction magic paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure adult -
![Redwall by Brian Jacques]()
Redwall by Brian Jacques
41 ratingsA quest to recover a legendary lost weapon by bumbling young apprentice monk, mouse Matthias. Redwall Abbey, tranquil home to a community of peace-loving mice, is threatened by Cluny the Scourge savage bilge rat warlord and his battle-hardened horde. But the Redwall mice and their loyal woodland friends combine their courage and strength... -
![A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr]()
A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr
18 ratingsThe Fate of the Kingdom Awaits the Cast of Stones In the backwater village of Callowford, roustabout Errol Stone is enlisted by a church messenger arriving with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Eager for coin, Errol agrees to what he thinks will be an easy task, but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure -
![Charmcaster by Sebastien de Castell]()
Charmcaster by Sebastien de Castell
19 ratingsThe third book in the page-turning Spellslinger fantasy series. 'I was getting almost as good at running away from enemies as I was at making them in the first place. Turns out, I wasn't running nearly fast enough... -
![Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George]()
Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George
24 ratingsWith the Dragon Wars over, Creel finds herself bored with life as a seamstress. Then word comes that a bordering country has been breeding dragons in preparation for an invasion... -
![The Dreamer's Curse by Honor Raconteur]()
The Dreamer's Curse by Honor Raconteur
10 ratingsWith an un-cursed prince and king back on the throne, Sevana goes back to her usual routine without worry. But her peaceful days don’t last for long. A hunter from a small northern village comes to her, pleading for help. The people in his village are disappearing during the night, transported great distances in their sleep, and they don’t know why... -
![The Water Ruptures by D.K. Holmberg]()
The Water Ruptures by D.K. Holmberg
10 ratingsThe Disciples of the Draasin Lord have again been defeated, yet a traitor remains within Terndahl. The Inquisitors have come, and their presence has everyone on edge.With the help of the Keystone, Tolan has discovered the ability to shape each of the element bonds. Now that he’s passed testing to the second level at the Academy, he finally feels as if he belongs... -
![Terrier by Tamora Pierce]()
Terrier by Tamora Pierce
34 ratingsHundreds of years before Alanna first drew her sword in Tamora Pierce's memorable debut, Alanna: The First Adventure, Tortall had a heroine named Beka Cooper - a fierce young woman who fights crime in a world of magic. This is the beginning of her story, her legend, and her legacy...Categorized as:
animals children coming-of-age epic female-mc friendship historical-fiction law-enforcement -
![Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey]()
Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
31 ratingsFollows the adventures of Talia as she trains to become a Herald of Valdemar in the first book in the classic epic fantasy Arrows trilogyChosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen's own elite guard... -
![Home by Sarah Prineas]()
Home by Sarah Prineas
14 ratingsThe fourth book in the acclaimed Magic Thief series finds Conn back where he started—accused of being a thief. Filled with magic and wonder, The Magic Thief: Home transports readers to a land where a wizard’s apprentice must battle both his enemies and his past to protect the world he knows.Despite successfully securing a balance between the competing magics of Wellmet, Conn is not happy...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age dragons magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure -
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![Professional Integrity by Michael J. Sullivan, Tim Gerard Reynolds]()
Professional Integrity by Michael J. Sullivan, Tim Gerard Reynolds
16 ratingsOne of the genre's favorite pairs returns in a classic fantasy short for both Riyria veterans and first-time readers.Several years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire organization better known as Riyria. Things have gone well enough for the team as they do "jobs" for various nobles throughout Elan...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction humor magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure -
![Find Me Their Bones by Sara Wolf]()
Find Me Their Bones by Sara Wolf
18 ratingsNo one can save her.In order to protect Prince Lucien d’Malvane’s heart, Zera had to betray him. Now, he hates the sight of her. Trapped in Cavanos as a prisoner of the king, she awaits the inevitable moment her witch severs their magical connection and finally ends her life.But fate isn't ready to give her up just yet... -
![The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead]()
The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead
18 ratingsThe dazzling conclusion to #1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead's The Glittering Court series.Meet Tamsin, the Glittering Court's hard-angled emerald. Her outsized aspirations make her a fierce competitor, rising to the top of the ranks. But when the ship she boards for the New World is tragically lost at sea, she is quite literally thrown off-course...Categorized as:
epic friendship historical-fiction humor paranormal retellings royalty sword-sorcery -
![The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale]()
The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale
20 ratingsAfter a year at the king's palace, Miri has learned all about being a proper princess. But the tables turn when the student must become the teacher!Instead of returning to her beloved Mount Eskel, Miri is ordered to journey to a distant swamp and start a princess academy for three sisters, cousins of the royal family...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age fairy-tale female-mc friendship historical-fiction humor magic -
![Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey]()
Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey
24 ratingsMercedes Lackey's triumphant return to the best-selling world of Valdemar, Take a Thief reveals the untold story of Skif--a popular character from Lackey's first published novel, Arrows of the Queen.Skif was an orphan who would have died from malnutrition and exposure if he had never met Deke the pickpocket. By the time he was twelve, Skif was an accomplished cat burglar... -
![The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker]()
The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
25 ratingsIn this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake... -
![Syren by Angie Sage]()
Syren by Angie Sage
28 ratingsIn this fifth book in the Magykal series, Septimus ends up on a captivatingly beautiful island, one of seven set in a sparkling sea. He's stranded there with his badly injured dragon, Spit Fyre, along with Jenna and Beetle... -
![The Queen's Poisoner by Jeff Wheeler]()
The Queen's Poisoner by Jeff Wheeler
28 ratingsKing Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life... -
![The Mage of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen]()
The Mage of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen
6 ratingsDragon fire, dark magic, and the bonds of friendship clash in a thrilling finale to the middle-grade fantasy trilogy by best-selling author Michelle Knudsen.Apprentice mage Calen shocked everyone when he disappeared—apparently willingly—with Krelig, the incredibly powerful and evil mage intent on destroying the Magistatum and forcing the world to submit to his rule... -
![The Earth Awakens by D.K. Holmberg]()
The Earth Awakens by D.K. Holmberg
10 ratingsHaving passed his first test at the Academy, most believe Tolan has proved he belongs. Only Tolan knows the truth: that his shaping required power from the borrowed bondar—and possibly from the elementals themselves. If he can’t find a way to shape without one, he’ll be expelled from the Academy... -
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![River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland]()
River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland
10 ratingsAisling of Bruadair is frantic to find both the truth about her future and a mercenary to save her country. When an offer of aid comes from an unexpected direction, she is relieved her quest is almost complete. But she soon realizes her task is far from over . . . and will include perils she never dreamed she would ever face... -
![The Wind Rages by D.K. Holmberg]()
The Wind Rages by D.K. Holmberg
10 ratingsAfter discovering the Inquisitor’s plot within the Academy, Tolan is offered a chance to go with his father and learn from the Draasin Lord. Doing so not only means turning against the Academy and everything he has come to know, but means the Inquisitors will succeed in their plan... -
![The Dragons of Winter by James A. Owen]()
The Dragons of Winter by James A. Owen
10 ratingsThe Archipelago of Dreams is no more…but the battle to save it has just begun in the penultimate book in the acclaimed Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series.The Caretakers are at war. The Archipelago of Dreams has fallen to the Echthroi, and the link to the Summer Country has been lost... -
![Rogue's Home by Hilari Bell]()
Rogue's Home by Hilari Bell
12 ratingsThe Boys Are Back!Sir Michael Sevenson and his squire, Fisk, can't seem to keep out of hot water. After five long years, Fisk has been called home to Ruesport to investigate who framed his sister Anna's husband, Max, as a blackmailer. Anna figures that Fisk, with his criminal past, is uniquely qualified to find out who set Max up...Categorized as:
animals friendship historical-fiction humor law-enforcement magic medieval sword-sorcery -
![Duty Bound by Lindsay Buroker]()
Duty Bound by Lindsay Buroker
14 ratingsCrown Agent Jev Dharrow’s good dwarf friend Cutter is missing, as is the city’s master gem cutter. Jev doesn’t know who would want them, but he’s determined to find out. He hopes his fellow agent, Zenia, can help him locate the missing dwarves... -
![The Empire of Dreams by Rae Carson]()
The Empire of Dreams by Rae Carson
14 ratingsNew York Times-bestselling author Rae Carson makes a triumphant return to the world of her award-winning Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy in this extraordinary stand-alone novel. With action, adventure, and a heroine set on destroying the patriarchal limits meant to keep her in her place, The Empire of Dreams once again proves that Rae Carson is a master of epic fantasy...
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