Books Like The Name of the Wind

They say that the Thorn of Camorr can beat anyone in a fight. They say he steals from the rich and gives to the poor. They say he's part man, part myth and mostly street-corner rumour. And they are wrong on every count. Only averagely tall, slender and god-awful with a sword, Locke Lamora is the fabled Thorn and the greatest weapons at his disposal are his wit and cunning. He steals from the rich - they're the only ones worth stealing from but the poor can go steal for themselves. What Locke cons, wheedles and tricks into his possession is strictly for him and his band of fellow con-artists and thieves: the Gentleman Bastards. Together their domain is the city of Camorr. Built of Elderglass by a race no-one remembers, its a city of shifting revels, filthy canals, baroque palaces and crowded cemeteries. Home to Dons, merchants, soldiers, beggars, cripples and feral children. And to Capa Barsavi, the criminal mastermind who runs the city.

On the storm-ravaged world of Roshar, where nature itself retreats from fierce tempests, remnants of ancient power remain—Shardblades and Shardplate, relics of the fallen Knights Radiant. Wars are waged for these mystical weapons, and one such war rages on the shattered plains. Kaladin, a former healer turned slave, fights to protect his men amid senseless bloodshed. Highprince Dalinar, haunted by visions and obsessed with The Way of Kings, questions his sanity. Meanwhile, Shallan, a clever but conflicted young woman, seeks forbidden knowledge from Jasnah Kholin. As secrets of the past surface, the Knights Radiant may rise once more.

In The Final Empire, Brandon Sanderson introduces a world where ash falls from the sky, and mist dominates the night. The immortal Lord Ruler governs with an iron fist, suppressing the skaa underclass. Kelsier, a Mistborn with the power to manipulate metals, leads a rebellion against this tyranny. He recruits Vin, a street urchin with latent abilities, to aid in the uprising. As Vin uncovers her potential, she becomes instrumental in challenging the empire's foundations. Sanderson's novel combines intricate magic systems, political intrigue, and themes of hope and resistance.

In 'Assassin's Apprentice' by Robin Hobb, readers are transported to a richly detailed world filled with political intrigue, magic, and complex characters. The story follows Fitz, a royal bastard taken in by the King's assassin to be trained in the deadly arts. As Fitz navigates court politics and discovers his own innate magical abilities, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of power and betrayal. Hobb's intricate world-building and deep exploration of characters' emotions make this a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts. The themes of loyalty, destiny, and sacrifice are skillfully woven throughout the narrative, leaving readers eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist.

Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled and increasingly bitter relic of the last war, former fencing champion turned torturer extraordinaire, is trapped in a twisted and broken body - not that he allows it to distract him from his daily routine of torturing smugglers. Nobleman, dashing officer and would-be fencing champion Captain Jezal dan Luthar is living a life of ease by cheating his friends at cards. Vain, shallow, selfish and self-obsessed, the biggest blot on his horizon is having to get out of bed in the morning to train with obsessive and boring old men. And Logen Ninefingers, an infamous warrior with a bloody past, is about to wake up in a hole in the snow with plans to settle a blood feud with Bethod, the new King of the Northmen, once and for all - ideally by running away from it. But as he's discovering, old habits die really, really hard indeed...especially when Bayaz gets involved.

In Robert Jordan's epic fantasy novel 'The Eye of the World,' readers are introduced to a meticulously crafted world where the forces of good and evil collide in a battle for dominion. The story follows a young man named Rand al'Thor who embarks on a perilous journey accompanied by his friends, discovering his pivotal role in the fight against the Dark One. With rich world-building, intricate political intrigues, and compelling characters, Jordan weaves a tale of prophecy, magic, and destiny that captivates readers from the first page to the last. 'The Eye of the World' is a masterful beginning to the Wheel of Time series, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

In 'The Black Prism' by Brent Weeks, readers are transported to a world where magic is wielded through colors, and power comes at a price. The story follows Gavin Guile, the powerful Prism, as he navigates political intrigue, family secrets, and a looming war. With complex characters, intricate world-building, and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this book seamlessly weaves together magic and political drama. Weeks' writing is captivating, the action scenes are thrilling, and the moral complexities explored add depth to the narrative. 'The Black Prism' is a must-read for fantasy aficionados craving a fresh take on magical realms.

1806. England is beleaguered by the long war, and centuries have passed since magicians faded from view. But one remains: the reclusive Mr Norrell. Proceeding to London, he raises a woman from the dead and summons an army of ghostly ships to terrify the French. Yet the cautious Norrell is challenged by the emergence of another magician. Young, handsome and daring, Jonathan Strange is his very antithesis. So begins a dangerous battle between these two great men - which overwhelms that between England and France. And soon their own secret dabblings with the dark arts are going to cause more trouble than they can imagine.

Ursula K. Le Guin's 'A Wizard of Earthsea' is a seminal work in the fantasy genre, exploring the journey of young Ged, a gifted boy who is destined to become a powerful wizard. Set in the mystical archipelago of Earthsea, Ged's story is both a thrilling adventure and a profound exploration of identity, power, and responsibility. As Ged struggles to control his burgeoning powers, he inadvertently unleashes a dark shadow that threatens to consume him and everything he holds dear. Le Guin masterfully weaves themes of self-discovery, the duality of good and evil, and the importance of harmony within oneself. This novel not only captivates with its rich world-building and intricate magic system, but it also resonates on a deeper philosophical level, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

Patrick Rothfuss's "The Slow Regard of Silent Things" is a mesmerizing novella that delves into the life of Auri, a beloved character from his acclaimed Kingkiller Chronicle series. Set in the mysterious, subterranean world beneath the University, the story is a tender exploration of Auri's unique perception of the world around her. Rothfuss masterfully crafts a narrative that is less about plot and more about the lyrical journey through the existential and often solitary musings of its protagonist. Themes of loneliness, discovery, and the intrinsic beauty of small things are intricately woven, creating a meditative and ethereal reading experience. While its lack of conventional story progression might not appeal to all readers, the novella is a poignant depiction of Auri's life, offering an introspective and beautifully written diversion for fans of Rothfuss's work.

In 'Magician: Apprentice', Raymond E. Feist introduces readers to the enchanting world of Midkemia, where young Pug, an orphan with mysterious magical potential, embarks on a journey from humble beginnings to become an apprentice to Master Magician Kulgan. As the land braces for invasion by the Tsurani, a powerful race from another world, Pug's experiences intertwine themes of destiny, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. Feist crafts a rich tapestry of fantastical landscapes and intricate politics, combining classic sword-and-sorcery elements with a fresh perspective that captivates both new and seasoned fantasy readers alike. The novel sets the stage for a sprawling and immersive saga that explores the potent lure of power, the pain of loss, and the complexity of human—and non-human—nature.

Anthony Ryan's "Blood Song" is a masterful blend of epic fantasy and intricate storytelling that follows the harrowing journey of Vaelin Al Sorna, a young boy torn from his family and thrust into the brutal world of the Sixth Order, a religious military. This character-driven narrative intricately weaves themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and identity as Vaelin navigates rigorous training and the harsh realities of war. Ryan expertly crafts a compelling universe with political intrigue and mysticism, engaging readers through eloquent prose and dynamic pacing. The novel resonates with its exploration of internal conflict and the consequences of choices, offering a poignant reflection on the complexity of humanity.