Books like 'Silk & Steel'
Readers who enjoyed Silk & Steel by Janine A. Southard, Alison Tam, Ellen Kushner, Aliette de Bodard, Django Wexler, Jennifer Mace, Freya Marske, Claire Bartlett, K.A. Doore, Yoon Ha Lee, Cara Patterson, Kaitlyn Zivanovich, Ann Leblanc, S.K. Terentiev, Chris Wolfgang, Elaine McIonyn, Elizabeth Davis & J.Y. Neon Yang also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy romance high fantasy lgbtq wlw magic paranormal
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Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
21 ratingsHigh Fantasy with a double-shot of self-reinventionWorn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv the orc barbarian cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen... -
![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... -
![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... -
![The Emperor's Bone Palace by Hailey Turner]()
The Emperor's Bone Palace by Hailey Turner
6 ratingsEvery heart is meant to break.THE NAMELESS. As a warden, Soren’s duty is to guard against the dead, but he was never trained to guard against his heart. Drawn into a web of Solarian politics, Soren finds himself at the center of a storm of his own making, unwilling to break free if it means losing the man he loves... -
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![Iron Heart by Nina Varela]()
Iron Heart by Nina Varela
24 ratingsCritically acclaimed author Nina Varela delivers a stunning sequel to the richly imagined queer epic fantasy Crier’s War, which SLJ called “perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass.”For too long, Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing its human citizens. But the human revolution has risen, and at its heart is Ayla... -
![The Unbound Empire by Melissa Caruso]()
The Unbound Empire by Melissa Caruso
14 ratingsThe final volume of the Gemmell Morningstar Award-shortlisted Swords and Fire fantasy trilogy, in which political scion Amalia and her bound fire warlock Zaira must save the Empire from a ruthless, magical enemy. Perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, The Queen of the Tearling, and Uprooted... -
![Red Queen Collection (Red Queen, #0.1-2) by Victoria Aveyard]()
Red Queen Collection (Red Queen, #0.1-2) by Victoria Aveyard
14 ratingsGraceling meets The Selection in Victoria Aveyard’s #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy series about seventeen-year-old Mare, a common girl whose latent magical powers draw her into the dangerous world of the elite ruling class... -
![Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher]()
Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher
15 ratingsPiper is a lich-doctor, a physician who works among the dead, determining causes of death for the city guard's investigations. It's a peaceful, if solitary profession…until the day when he's called to the river to examine the latest in a series of mysterious bodies, mangled by some unknown force.Galen is a paladin of a dead god, lost to holiness and no longer entirely sane... -
![Lord of Silver Ashes by Kellen Graves]()
Lord of Silver Ashes by Kellen Graves
10 ratingsSilence. Restraint. Disgrace. After two weeks in the attic of Danann House, Saffron anticipates the moment he can finally be reunited with Prince Cylvan--but that day is unexpectedly marred by a visit from Headmistress Elluin, who doesn't believe Saffron was the one to perform magic in Beantighe Village in the attempt to save Berry... -
![The Prince of Secrets by A.J. Lancaster]()
The Prince of Secrets by A.J. Lancaster
14 ratingsWell-bred women should not be seen kissing their butlers. Even when the butler in question is secretly a fae prince.Wyn knows falling for Hetta Valstar is a bad idea. She's not only human but the new magically bonded ruler of Stariel Estate. If their relationship gets out, it'll cause a scandal that could ruin their attempts to sort out the estate's crumbling finances... -
![The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher]()
The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher
16 ratingsWhen Gerta’s friend Kay is stolen away by the mysterious Snow Queen, it’s up to Gerta to find him. Her journey will take her through a dangerous land of snow and witchcraft, accompanied only by a bandit and a talking raven. Can she win her friend’s release, or will following her heart take her to unexpected places? A strange, sly retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s "Snow Queen," by T... -
![Mira's Last Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Mira's Last Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold
19 ratingsIn this sequel to the novella “Penric’s Mission”, the injured Penric, a Temple sorcerer and learned divine, tries to guide the betrayed General Arisaydia and his widowed sister Nikys across the last hundred miles of hostile Cedonia to safety in the Duchy of Orbas... -
![The Archer by K. Aten]()
The Archer by K. Aten
6 ratingsKyri was raised a fletcher but after finding a new home and family with the Telequire Amazons, she discovers a desire to take on more responsibility within the tribe. She has skills they desperately need and she is called to action to protect those around her. But Kyri's path is ever-changing even as she finds herself altered by love, loyalty, and grief... -
![The River of Silver: Tales from the Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty]()
The River of Silver: Tales from the Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty
6 ratingsBestselling author S. A. Chakraborty's acclaimed Daevabad Trilogy gets expanded with this new compilation of stories from before, during, and after the events of The City of Brass, The Kingdom of Copper, and The Empire of Gold, all from the perspective of characters both beloved and hated, and even those without a voice in the novels... -
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![A Suitable Bodyguard by R. Cooper]()
A Suitable Bodyguard by R. Cooper
6 ratingsFor nearly twenty years, noble families have torn the country apart battling for the throne. Until now, the Tialttyrin have avoided the chaos, since no other nobles will risk offending the mysterious, powerful fae by attacking their favorites. But as the violence encroaches into the Tialttyrin’s green valley, continued peace might require action... -
![Don't Judge a Prince by His Undergarments by Lisa Oliver]()
Don't Judge a Prince by His Undergarments by Lisa Oliver
8 ratingsThe only goal Prince Syrius Fortune of Rosenhip had during his twin sister's "meet the suitors" ball, was to stay quiet and out of the way. His sister's event had been in the planning for five years, and he and his loving father had already agreed trying to seek a wedding contract for himself was not a good idea... -
![Master of Restless Shadows: Book One by Ginn Hale]()
Master of Restless Shadows: Book One by Ginn Hale
6 ratingsFreshly graduated Master Physician Narsi Lif-Tahm has left his home in Anacleto and journeyed to the imposing royal capital of Cieloalta intent upon keeping the youthful oath he made to a troubled writer. But in the decade since Narsi gave his pledge, Atreau Vediya has grown from an anonymous delinquent to a man renowned for penning bawdy operas and engaging in scandalous affairs... -
![Recovery by Amy Rae Durreson]()
Recovery by Amy Rae Durreson
6 ratingsReawakening: Book Three Resistance, exile, plague. Raif has survived them all, but now he finds himself in search of a new purpose. Traveling north to wake the dragon Arden, he hopes he has finally found a leader worthy of his loyalty, but Arden turns out to be more of a frivolous annoyance than an almighty spirit lord... -
![Azure Seas & Dragon Isles by Tygati, Megan Derr]()
Azure Seas & Dragon Isles by Tygati, Megan Derr
6 ratingsFar to the east lie the mysterious Dragon Isles - none have seen the creatures they are named for in so long that their existence is now naught but myth. When a young man fleeing for his life reaches the shores of the Dragon Isles, what he finds will change not only his life, but his entire world... -
![The Sorcerer's Alpha by Corey Kerr]()
The Sorcerer's Alpha by Corey Kerr
6 ratingsThey’re lost in the wilderness. And there’s only one tent. When a routine mission goes horribly awry, expert wilderness scout Marut finds himself solely responsible for protecting one of the powerful court sorcerers. Marut is suspicious of magic and more comfortable with horses than people, but he comes to begrudgingly respect Sycamore as they flee for their lives... -
![She Who Would be King by Kim Pritekel]()
She Who Would be King by Kim Pritekel
6 ratingsCateline is the twenty-one-year-old daughter of a nobleman in fourteenth-century France. It's a time when children aren't seen as those to be loved and cherished, but instead are used as pawns and bargaining chips on the chessboard of control and privilege.She is married off to a prince in the country of Sursha, a Gaelic-speaking island nation near Ireland... -
![Seducing the Sorcerer by Lee Welch]()
Seducing the Sorcerer by Lee Welch
8 ratingsHomeless and jobless, Fenn Todd has nearly run out of hope. All he has left is his longing for horses and the strength of his own two hands. But when he’s cheated into accepting a very ugly sackcloth horse, he’s catapulted into a world of magic, politics and desire. Fenn’s invited to stay at the black tower, home of the most terrifying man in the realm: Morgrim, the court sorcerer... -
![Warsong by Elizabeth Vaughan]()
Warsong by Elizabeth Vaughan
8 ratingsThe magic has come back to the Plains. The Warrior Priests are no more. The traditions are changing—too quickly for some. Joden has only ever wanted to be a Singer, to know all of the songs. When the time comes for his Trials, he is challenged to take the old paths—and it ends in disaster. But his broken heart and broken body are found by Amyu . . . and she knows what it is to live with pain... -
![Sacrifice by Tara Maya]()
Sacrifice by Tara Maya
8 ratingsReviews"I was enchanted by Initiate, drawn into a world that felt as comfortably recognizable and uniquely untried as Narnia, Hogwarts orMiddle Earth."--Casee Marie, The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower"Wow. Holy smoking wow. This is one of the few books I've read that I canhonestly say was totally, 100% original.... However, as unique as it is, it was insanely easy to slip into the story.. -
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![In Fine Form by Eressë]()
In Fine Form by Eressë
8 ratingsGuile is an asset in foreign relations, but an affliction when it comes to affairs of the heart. A bastard of unknown parentage, Yandro Vaidon was born saddled with a huge disadvantage. The nigh rigid class structure of the dual-gendered realm of Ylandre relegated him to the bottom rungs of the social ladder and promised a dim future... -
![Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool]()
Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool
8 ratingsIn this thrilling YA fantasy/mystery duology from award-winning author Katy Pool, cursebreaker Marlow Briggs reluctantly pretends to be in love with one of the most powerful nobles in Caraza City to gain entry into an illustrious—and deadly—society that holds clues to her mother's disappearance. Perfect for fans of Veronica Mars, These Violent Delights, and Chain of Iron... -
![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... -
![Fairytales Slashed by Megan Derr]()
Fairytales Slashed by Megan Derr
10 ratingsFairytales never grow old, because there is never an end of new ways to tell them, new ways to see them. In this first volume of many to come, see what happens when a humble blacksmith fights a duel, a prince conspires with bandits, and a lonely thief seeks shelter in a lone tower...Categorized as:
lgbtq magic paranormal action-adventure adult anthologies enemies-to-lovers fairy-tale -
![Pool of Dreams by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes]()
Pool of Dreams by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes
10 ratingsA fae who betrayed his prince for a doomed passion.Syren sacrificed the man he loved to spare humanity from the wrath of the fae. For three hundred years, he’s been stuck on the mortal plane, floating alone in his pool while his powers slipped away... -
![The Crystal Gryphon by Andre Norton]()
The Crystal Gryphon by Andre Norton
13 ratingsThe story of Kerovan, whose cloven hooves set him apart from the human folk of the Dales, as he seeks his rights as heir to the throne of Ulm at a time when strange sea invaders are shattering the old kingdoms, and equally enigmatic manifestations of the Old Ones coming to interfere with humanity... -
![Cry of Metal & Bone by L. Penelope]()
Cry of Metal & Bone by L. Penelope
6 ratingsBook 3 in the Earthsinger ChroniclesSix weeks after the fall of the Mantle, centuries-old enemies Elsira and Lagrimar struggle to unite. The will of the goddess is that the two nations become one, but while the war may be over, peace is still elusive. As desperate Lagrimari flee their barren land for a chance at a better life in Elsira, a dangerous faction opposed to the unification rises... -
![Twenty-One Arrow Salute by Kasia Bacon]()
Twenty-One Arrow Salute by Kasia Bacon
6 ratingsAn archer’s heart is a hard target to hit… Verhan Tŭrryés of Black Mountain is a handful.Freshly enlisted in the Highland Regiment, he does all he can to steer clear of responsibility and commitment. Just not his cup of mead, that. Loose of tongue and even looser of morals, he rarely misses an opportunity to get into trouble—and into the other archers’ knickers, too... -
![Resistance by Amy Rae Durreson]()
Resistance by Amy Rae Durreson
6 ratingsReawakening: Book Two Overthrowing the Shadow that ruled Tiallat was only the first step. For rebel leader Iskandir, rebuilding his shattered country is an even greater challenge. A poor harvest, religious conflict, and years of tyrannical governance combine with the challenge of getting the soldiers of the Shadow’s army home and rehousing the exiled who are flooding back into free Tiallat... -
![Emyr's Smile by Amy Rae Durreson]()
Emyr's Smile by Amy Rae Durreson
6 ratingsLife is easy for young artist Heilyn, as he travels between the floating islands of Ys with nothing more urgent to worry about than what to paint next. Then he meets sad, serious Emyr and forms a new ambition. Before he leaves for the next island, Heilyn's going to make Emyr smile... -
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![The Paladin's Shadow by Tavia Lark]()
The Paladin's Shadow by Tavia Lark
6 ratingsKidnapping with benefits.Karis is the arrogant young prodigy of the Radiant Order, and his talents have found him plenty of admirers but far fewer friends. There’s one thing he has to hide, though: the voice in his head that tells him to do very un-paladin-like things. Sometimes it’s helpful. Sometimes it gets him into trouble.This time, trouble’s name is Ronan.Ronan does the dirty work... -
![The Traitor's Mercy by Iris Foxglove]()
The Traitor's Mercy by Iris Foxglove
6 ratingsIn the court of Staria, mercy is rarely a blessing…Sabre de Valois is the last of his line. Saved from the gallows while his family hangs for treason, Sabre is given the chance to pay off their debt and clear his family name... -
![Wild Savage Stars by Kristina Pérez]()
Wild Savage Stars by Kristina Pérez
8 ratingsInspired by the legend of Tristan and Iseult, Wild Savage Stars is the spellbinding sequel to Sweet Black Waves.Branwen has a secret powerful enough to destroy two kingdoms.Her ancient magic led to a terrible betrayal by both her best friend, the princess Essy, and her first love, Tristan. Now this same magic is changing Branwen... -
![The Traitor and the Chalice by Jane Fletcher]()
The Traitor and the Chalice by Jane Fletcher
8 ratingsTevi has made a new life in the Protectorate - a life that includes Jemeryl - something she could never have expected when she was exiled from her home. Even more surprising is that she finds herself seriously engaged in the search for the chalice. The fake quest has suddenly become very real... -
![The Empress And the Acolyte by Jane Fletcher]()
The Empress And the Acolyte by Jane Fletcher
8 ratingsAfter three years of studying with the Empress Bykoda, Jemeryl has learned all that the elderly sorcerer can teach her and is ready to return to Lyremouth. However, before she leaves, Bykoda reveals a grim secret, an oracle of death, and askes her to perform one final assignment... -
![Making Dragon Stew by Megan Derr]()
Making Dragon Stew by Megan Derr
8 ratingsAuthor's Note:A silly fairytale type story I wrote for a friend, based on a child’s story. In punishment for harming the King’s royal cook, a baker is ordered to make Dragon Stew or else... -
![The Infidelity Clause by Lisa Oliver]()
The Infidelity Clause by Lisa Oliver
8 ratings“What are you talking about? Marry another man?” Caspian, fourth son and yet still a Crown Prince of Gunkermal knew he was a party to a marriage contract. Arranged marriages were common in his family, and he expected the contract would cement various trade or security agreements with another country... -
![Prince and Bodyguard by Tavia Lark]()
Prince and Bodyguard by Tavia Lark
8 ratingsCuddling with your bodyguard is normal—right?Vana Dire can’t show weakness if he wants to survive the Draskoran court. The only man he can be vulnerable with is Daromir—Vana’s magic-bound bodyguard. The binding lets them share each other’s pain, and Vana depends on Daromir’s comfort as much as his services as a guard. Vana could never risk their friendship... -
![Booker's Song by Hannah Walker]()
Booker's Song by Hannah Walker
10 ratingsRillian Mascini is one of the most knowledgeable mages in the world. Spending his days and sometimes nights with his nose in a book has taught him magic and histories that few care to remember. He has a passion for dragons that pulls him to learn all he can about them, including their language. He is one of the last people left alive who can speak to the magnificent beasts... -
![Kiss the Rain by Megan Derr]()
Kiss the Rain by Megan Derr
10 ratingsSelsor's only dream growing up was to be a mage, to bond with a warrior and drive back the monsters in the Territories, and live the life his parents had so loved. His dream is shattered, however, when he displays no magic despite possessing the ability to use it... -
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![How to (Not) Train a Firecat by R. Cooper]()
How to (Not) Train a Firecat by R. Cooper
10 ratingsThe firecats of Dua are giant beasts with red-gold fur and lashing tails. They are also loving and loyal companions to the few they choose to serve. Every member of the royal House of Durii has a personal guard and a firecat to serve as a reminder of the greatness of their rule. After all, only the truly extraordinary would walk alongside a firecat. Only the truly extraordinary could... -
![Heartstrings by Eressë]()
Heartstrings by Eressë
10 ratingsWhen all else comes to naught, a steadfast heart is the only thing that stands between hope and despair. Scions of the most powerful House in Ylandre, Ashrian Mithani and Eiren Sarvan were more than just cousins. Lovers of long standing, theirs was a bond that would have been the envy of all were it not for one glaring flaw—Ashrian’s inability to commit himself wholeheartedly to Eiren... -
![A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft]()
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
12 ratingsWhen Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist... -
![Thorn by Anna Burke]()
Thorn by Anna Burke
12 ratingsOn a cold day deep in the heart of winter, Rowan’s father returns from an ill-fated hunting trip bearing a single, white rose. The rose is followed by the Huntress, a figure out of legend. Tall, cruel, and achingly beautiful, she brings Rowan back with her to a mountain fastness populated solely by the creatures of the hunt... -
![Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi]()
Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi
12 ratingsThree lush and adventurous stories in the Star-Touched world.Death and NightHe was Lord of Death, cursed never to love. She was Night incarnate, destined to stay alone. After a chance meeting, they wonder if, perhaps, they could be meant for more. But danger crouches in their paths, and the choices they make will set them on a journey that will span lifetimes... -
![Finder Tolan by Megan Derr]()
Finder Tolan by Megan Derr
12 ratingsBorn and raised in nowhere villages, having moved to more of the same, and with a worthless drunk for a master, all Tolan really wants out of life is his own shop and a steady income. Given he's usually left to train himself in Finding magic and do his master's job, that's probably not happening anytime soon...
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