Books like 'The Water Dancer'
Readers who enjoyed The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy supernatural action / adventure alternate history historical-fiction magical-realism slavery literary-fiction poc-mc
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A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
42 ratingsA Breath of Snow and Ashes continues the extraordinary story of 18th-century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his 20th-century wife, Claire.The year is 1772, and on the eve of the American Revolution, the long fuse of rebellion has already been lit. Men lie dead in the streets of Boston, and in the backwoods of North Carolina, isolated cabins burn in the forest...Categorized as:
drama family historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal action-adventure adult -
![The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu]()
The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu
28 ratingsA publishing event: Bestselling author Ken Liu selects his award-winning science fiction and fantasy tales for a groundbreaking collection—including a brand-new piece exclusive to this volume.With his debut novel, The Grace of Kings, taking the literary world by storm, Ken Liu now shares his finest short fiction in The Paper Menagerie...Categorized as:
drama family historical-fiction literary-fiction magic magical-realism poc-mc 21st-century -
![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... -
![The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley]()
The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley
18 ratings1888. Five years after they met in The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, Thaniel Steepleton, an unassuming translator, and Keita Mori, the watchmaker who remembers the future, are traveling to Japan. Thaniel has received an unexpected posting to the British legation in Tokyo, and Mori has business that is taking him to Yokohama...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc action-adventure adult -
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![Tempting Fate by April White]()
Tempting Fate by April White
14 ratingsSeventeen-year-old Clocker, Saira Elian is back on the run and being hunted by Mongers. The Descendants of War are amassing power in the 21st century, bent on controlling all the Immortal Descendants. Their attempt to kidnap Saira, a rare Descendant of Time and Nature, reveals just how brazen they’ve become...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alternate-history audiobook book fiction -
![Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay]()
Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay
24 ratingsThe Thrilling Sequel To Sailing To SarantiumBeckoned by the Emperor Valerius, Crispin, a renowned mosaicist, has arrived in the fabled city of Sarantium. Here he seeks to fulfill his artistic ambitions and his destiny high upon a dome that will become the emerror's magnificent sanctuary and legacy.But the beauty and solitude of his work cannot protect his from Sarantium's intrigue... -
![In Plain Sight by Dan Willis]()
In Plain Sight by Dan Willis
12 ratingsWhen a magical plague is released in a Depression-era New York soup kitchen, private detective Alex Lockerby finds himself in a desperate hunt to catch a madman before he can strike again.His investigations lead Alex to a famous thief, a daring heist, and the search for a mythic book of ancient magic, but none of that brings him any closer to finding the man responsible for the massacre... -
![The Forbidden by Lori Holmes]()
The Forbidden by Lori Holmes
12 ratingsThe unforgettable story of one woman’s perilous journey to save, The Forbidden. Rebaa’s adopted tribe lies slaughtered behind her. Rebaa’s lover, Juran, lays down his life for hers and now she must use all of her cunning and extraordinary powers to survive the inhospitable wilderness alone, ensuring that Juran’s sacrifice was not in vain. But Rebaa’s battle for survival has only just begun..Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure adult alternate-history book fiction -
![Daughter of Ninmah by Lori Holmes]()
Daughter of Ninmah by Lori Holmes
12 ratingsLove or loyalty? Destiny hangs upon a single choice…Living deep within the mysterious southern forests, the spiritual Ninkuraaja people are being hunted to the brink of extinction by bloodthirsty raiders known only as Woves.Nobody knows better than a Ninkuraa that a Wove deserves only death...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook book -
![Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler]()
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler
26 ratingsDoro is an entity who changes bodies like clothes, killing his hosts by reflex--or design. He fears no one--until he meets Anyanwu. Anyanwu has also died many times. She can absorb bullets and make medicine with a kiss, give birth to tribes, nurture and heal, and savage anyone who threatens those she loves. She fears no one--until she meets Doro...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction literary-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc slavery -
![The Convent's Secret by C.J. Archer]()
The Convent's Secret by C.J. Archer
18 ratingsTo find the one man who can fix the magic in Matt’s watch, he and India are led to a convent where the nuns will do anything to keep their secrets private. Including murder? Matt and India must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the mother superior and two babies given to her care many years ago. But sometimes, the truth is painful and its exposure can have deadly consequences... -
![The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman]()
The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman
20 ratingsA corrupt countessA spy in dangerAnd an assassin at largeThe fifth title in Genevieve Cogman's witty and wonderful Invisible Library series, The Mortal Word is a rollicking literary adventure.Peace talks are always tricky, especially when a key diplomat gets stabbed. This rudely interrupts a top-secret summit between the warring dragons and Fae... -
![Kindred Rites by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel]()
Kindred Rites by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel
6 ratingsNow that Alfreda has begun to learn the Wise Arts, she is needed at home in the village of Sun Return. The woods around the cabin are alive with poltergeists. Candles light by themselves, and even the rocks dance. There is much work for an apprentice practitioner.But a more dangerous task calls. For a new family has moved to the frontier; a family with strange ambitions and even stranger powers... -
![The Shadow of Water by Jacquelyn Benson]()
The Shadow of Water by Jacquelyn Benson
6 ratingsLily Albright can see the future, and it looks like hell. In an England on the brink of war, Lily is plagued by visions of the cataclysmic destruction of London. An ancient prophecy is coming to fruition, and it starts with the gruesome discovery of a corpse in the sewers.To save her city, Lily must untangle a web of conspiracy and violence... -
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![Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg]()
Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg
24 ratingsDead wizards, stolen enchantments, and broken promises force a young spellbreaker out of the shadows in the next thrilling installment of the Spellbreaker series by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paper Magician.England, 1895. An unsolved series of magician murders and opus thefts isn’t a puzzle to Elsie Camden... -
![Proper Scoundrels by Allie Therin]()
Proper Scoundrels by Allie Therin
10 ratingsDon’t miss this spin-off from Allie Therin's acclaimed Magic in Manhattan universe! Their scandalous pasts have left them wounded and unworthy—and hopelessly perfect together. London, 1925Sebastian de Leon is adjusting to life after three years spent enthralled by blood magic...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc 20th-century action-adventure adult -
![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... -
![The Magician's Diary by C.J. Archer]()
The Magician's Diary by C.J. Archer
18 ratingsPRAISE FOR C.J. ARCHER'S GLASS AND STEELE SERIES: "Part romance, part mystery, part magic; all of which a joy to read." - Dreamer J's Book Reviews "This story has everything I look for in a quality, entertaining piece of fiction. 1) A strong female lead, 2) a dark and mysterious male character (I admit, they are my weakness), 3) eloquent writing, and 4) lots of quirky humor and banter... -
![Marking Time by April White]()
Marking Time by April White
18 ratingsSeventeen-year-old tagger Saira Elian can handle anything... a mother who mysteriously disappears, a stranger who stalks her around London, and even the noble English Grandmother who kicked Saira and her mother out of the family...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history audiobook -
![A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark]()
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
20 ratingsNebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark returns to his popular alternate Cairo universe for his fantasy novel debut, A Master of DjinnCairo, 1912: Though Fatma el-Sha’arawi is the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities, she’s certainly not a rookie, especially after preventing the destruction of the universe last summer...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc action-adventure adult africa -
![The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker]()
The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker
20 ratingsChava is a golem, a woman made of clay, able to hear the thoughts and longings of the people around her and compelled by her nature to help them. Ahmad is a jinni, a perpetually restless and free-spirited creature of fire, imprisoned in the shape of a man... -
![Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay]()
Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay
24 ratingsIn Under Heaven, Kay tells a story of honor and power, this time in a setting that evokes the dazzling Tang Dynasty of eighth-century China. In recognition of his service to the Emperor of Kitai, Shen Tai has been sent a mysterious and dangerous gift: 250 Sardian horses. Wisely the gift comes with the stipulation that the horses must be claimed in person... -
![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 People's Will by Jasper Kent]()
The People's Will by Jasper Kent
6 ratingsPart historical adventure, part vampire thriller -- the fourth dark and dazzling novel in Jasper Kent's 'Danilov Quintet'. Turkmenistan 1881: Beneath the citadel of Geok Tepe sits a prisoner. He hasn't moved from his chair for two years, hasn't felt the sun on his face in more than fifty, but he is thankful for that. The city is besieged by Russian troops and soon falls...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magical-realism paranormal action-adventure adult alternate-history book dark -
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![Spiral Path by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel, Cat Kimbriel]()
Spiral Path by Katharine Eliska Kimbriel, Cat Kimbriel
6 ratings"The world is woven of secrets." Ritual magic mixes dangerously with wild magic. Yet Alfreda Sorensson's talent has grown until she becomes a target for worldly and unworldly powers... -
![Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay]()
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
31 ratingsA masterful epic of magic, politics, war, and the power of love and hate — from the renowned author of The Fionavar Tapestry and Children of Earth and Sky.Tigana is the magical story of a beleaguered land struggling to be free. It is the tale of a people so cursed by the black sorcery of a cruel despotic king that even the name of their once-beautiful homeland cannot be spoken or remembered.. -
![Of Noble Family by Mary Robinette Kowal]()
Of Noble Family by Mary Robinette Kowal
14 ratingsThe final book of the acclaimed Glamourist Histories is the magical adventure that might result if Jane Austen walked on the darker side of the Regency...Jane and Vincent have finally gotten some much-needed rest after their adventures in Italy when Vincent receives word that his estranged father has passed away on one of his properties in the West Indies...Categorized as:
drama historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc slavery 21st-century -
![Sisters' Fate by Jessica Spotswood]()
Sisters' Fate by Jessica Spotswood
18 ratingsA fever ravages New London, but with the Brotherhood sending suspected witches straight to the gallows, the Sisters are powerless against the disease. They can’t help without revealing their powers—as Cate learns when a potent display of magic turns her into the most wanted witch in all of New England. To make matters worse, Cate has been erased from the memory of her beloved Finn...Categorized as:
drama family historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc alternate-history -
![A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner]()
A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
26 ratingsSophos, under the guidance of yet another tutor, practices his swordplay and strategizes escape scenarios should his father's villa come under attack. How would he save his mother? His sisters? Himself? Could he reach the horses in time? Where would he go? But nothing prepares him for the day armed men, silent as thieves, swarm the villa courtyard ready to kill, to capture, to kidnap... -
![My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows]()
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
32 ratingsEdward (long live the king) is the King of England. He’s also dying, which is inconvenient, as he’s only sixteen and he’d much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown…Jane (reads too many books) is Edward’s cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession... -
![Where Oblivion Lives by T. Frohock]()
Where Oblivion Lives by T. Frohock
6 ratings"Frohock has intricately woven a unique reinterpretation of history. Eloquent prose accompanies a lyrical theme amid prewar tensions, enriching this imaginative historical fantasy...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic paranormal poc-mc action-adventure adult alternate-history angels -
![Sword of the Ronin by Travis Heermann]()
Sword of the Ronin by Travis Heermann
6 ratingsIn 13th-Century Japan, a land of ancient spirits, shapeshifting animals, and demons, Ken'ishi is a warrior without a master. Orphaned in infancy, he has only one link to his past - Silver Crane, his father's sword. When Silver Crane is stolen, Ken'ishi must go on a quest to recover his very identity. The crime lord known as Green Tiger holds the key to Ken'ishi's past... -
![Blind Tiger by Jordan L. Hawk]()
Blind Tiger by Jordan L. Hawk
10 ratings1924, Chicago. Prohibition is in full swing and gang bosses rule the city with might—and magic.When Sam Cunningham flees his small-town life to try his luck in the big city of Chicago, he quickly finds himself in over his head in a world of gangs, glitz, and glamour. Fortunately, he has his cousin Eldon to teach him the trade of hex-making...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction magic paranormal abuse action-adventure adult alternate-history -
![The Paradox by Charlie Fletcher]()
The Paradox by Charlie Fletcher
10 ratingsSOMETIMES YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR – SOMETIMES IT LOOKS BACKThose who belong to the secret society called the Oversight know many things. They know cold iron will hold back the beasts in the darkness. They know it is dangerous to stand between two mirrors. And they know that, despite their dwindling numbers, it remains their duty to protect humanity from the supernatural. And vice versa... -
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![Steles of the Sky by Elizabeth Bear]()
Steles of the Sky by Elizabeth Bear
12 ratingsElizabeth Bear concludes her award-winning epic fantasy trilogyRe Temur, exiled heir to his grandfather’s Khaganate, has finally raised his banner and declared himself at war with his usurping uncle. With his companions—the Wizard Samarkar, the Cho-tse Hrahima, and the silent monk Brother Hsiung—he must make his way to Dragon Lake to gather his army of followers...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic paranormal poc-mc action-adventure adult alternate-history animals -
![Flora's Dare by Ysabeau S. Wilce]()
Flora's Dare by Ysabeau S. Wilce
14 ratingsFlora Fyrdraaca wants nothing more than to be a ranger, and for that she must master the magickal—and dangerous—language of Gramatica. But before she can find the ideal teacher, her aspirations are put to the test... -
![Chainbreaker by Tara Sim]()
Chainbreaker by Tara Sim
15 ratingsClock mechanic Danny Hart knows he's being watched. But by whom, or what, remains a mystery. To make matters worse, clock towers have begun falling in India, though time hasn't Stopped yet. He'd hoped after reuniting with his father and exploring his relationship with Colton, he'd have some time to settle into his new life. Instead, he's asked to investigate the attacks...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic paranormal poc-mc action-adventure alternate-history asian-mc audiobook -
![Spellbound by Allie Therin]()
Spellbound by Allie Therin
15 ratingsTo save Manhattan, they’ll have to save each other first… 1925New YorkArthur Kenzie’s life’s work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc 20th-century action-adventure -
![The Ink Master's Silence by C.J. Archer]()
The Ink Master's Silence by C.J. Archer
18 ratingsIt should be a happy time for India and Matt, but forces beyond their control conspire to ruin their future. A distraction from their troubles comes in the form of murder. When the editor of The Weekly Gazette is killed, controversial journalist and ink magician Oscar Barratt asks India and Matt to investigate... -
![The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell]()
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell
24 ratingsStop the Magician. Steal the book. Save the future.In modern-day New York, magic is all but extinct. The remaining few who have an affinity for magic—the Mageus—live in the shadows, hiding who they are. Any Mageus who enters Manhattan becomes trapped by the Brink, a dark energy barrier that confines them to the island. Crossing it means losing their power—and often their lives... -
![The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlí Clark]()
The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlí Clark
24 ratingsThe Haunting of Tram Car 015 returns to the alternate Cairo of Clark's short fiction, where humans live and work alongside otherworldly beings; the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities handles the issues that can arise between the magical and the mundane...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc 21st-century action-adventure adult -
![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...Categorized as:
drama historical-fiction literary-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc action-adventure -
![Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg]()
Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg
26 ratingsA world of enchanted injustice needs a disenchanting woman in the newest fantasy series by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paper Magician.The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them... -
![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...Categorized as:
coming-of-age drama historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc action-adventure -
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![The Never War by D.J. MacHale]()
The Never War by D.J. MacHale
27 ratingsBobby Pendragon has visited the alternate dimension of Denduron and waded through the endangered underwater territory of Cloral. Now Bobby once again finds himself thrust beyond the boundaries of time and space into a place that seems somewhat familiar: First Earth... -
![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...Categorized as:
coming-of-age drama historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc 21st-century -
![A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djèlí Clark]()
A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djèlí Clark
25 ratingsEgypt, 1912. In an alternate Cairo infused with the otherworldly, the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities investigate disturbances between the mortal and the (possibly) divine...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic magical-realism paranormal poc-mc action-adventure adult alternate-history -
![The Plastic Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg]()
The Plastic Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
24 ratingsWall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg returns to the enchanting world of The Paper Magician.Alvie Brechenmacher has arrived in London to begin her training in Polymaking—the magical discipline of bespelling plastic. Polymaking is the newest form of magic, and in a field where there is so much left to learn, every Polymaker dreams of making the next big discovery... -
![The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley]()
The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley
20 ratingsIn 1859, ex-East India Company smuggler Merrick Tremayne is trapped at home in Cornwall after sustaining an injury that almost cost him his leg and something is wrong; a statue moves, his grandfather’s pines explode, and his brother accuses him of madness... -
![The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley]()
The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
18 ratingsA time twisting alternative history that asks whether it's worth changing the past to save the future, even if it costs you everyone you've ever loved. Joe Tournier has a bad case of amnesia. His first memory is of stepping off a train in the nineteenth-century French colony of England...
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