Why am I passionate about this?

Tolkien ignited my love for fantasy, but after a decade of publishing failure, I quit writing altogether. When I returned to the typewriter more than ten years later it was to create something that “I wanted to read” rather than a book that I “thought could get published,” Ironically, those were the stories that made my career: one that has spanned sixteen years, twenty published books, and multiple New York Times bestsellers. In retrospect, I realize that my books and my recommendations share many of the same elements: bonds of unbreakable friendship, humor, and a grand adventure. So, if that sounds like something you’d enjoy, please check out my recommendations.


I wrote

The Crown Tower

By Michael J. Sullivan,

Book cover of The Crown Tower

What is my book about?

Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora

Michael J. Sullivan Why did I love this book?

So, first off, this is one of the best audiobooks of all time. While Scott did an amazing job spinning the tale, Michael Page elevated this work to a whole new level. There was a time around 2010 when fantasy became overly serious and dark. And I was rescued by the Gentlemen Bastards which was fast paced, fun, and fabulous. The absolute best part of this book is its humor, something that is sorely missing in fantasy these days.

Of course the stars of the show are Locke and Jean. Locke is a charismatic, cunning cutthroat and Jean is his loyal right-hand man. Together they make a great pair. Their deep, brotherly friendship and unwavering loyalty to each other is fantastic, and the reason they made my list.

By Scott Lynch,

Why should I read it?

16 authors picked The Lies of Locke Lamora as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'One of my top ten books ever. Maybe top five. If you haven't read it, you should' Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times bestselling author of The Name of the Wind

'Fresh, original and engrossing' George R.R. Martin, the phenomenon behind A Game of Thrones

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 rumor. And they are wrong on every count.

Only averagely tall, slender, and god-awful with a sword, Locke Lamora is the…


Book cover of Kings of the Wyld

Michael J. Sullivan Why did I love this book?

Originally I “read” this book but loved it so much that I just had to pick up the audio version. Like Lies of Locke Lamora, the narrator (Jeff Harding) did an exceptional job. Also like LoLL, this book has amazing humor and a cast of unforgettable characters. My favorite is Clay “Slowhand” Cooper, who defies fantasy convention by living a quiet, ordinary, life, until an old friend comes calling and asking for help.

While most of my bromances tend to be “pairs” this book has an entire “band” of brothers including Moog, an eccentric wizard, and Ganelon a warrior who had been frozen in stone for decades. My “band” reference wasn’t arbitrary. The entire book is “rock band” inspired and the concept of “getting the band back together” is a highly entertaining premise.

By Nicholas Eames,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Kings of the Wyld as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'An outstanding debut which will make you laugh and cry and hold your breath. This is a book that has it all' - K. J. Parker Clay Cooper and his band were once the best of the best - the meanest, dirtiest, most feared and admired crew of mercenaries this side of the Heartwyld. But their glory days are long past; the mercs have grown apart and grown old, fat, drunk - or a combination of the three. Then a former bandmate turns up at Clay's door with a plea for help: his daughter Rose is trapped in a city…


Ad

Book cover of Brighter Than Her Fears

Brighter Than Her Fears by Lisa Ard,

The 19th century women's rights movement and the rise of public education intertwine with one woman's story of struggle, perseverance, and love.

Alice Harris is pressed to marry a Civil War veteran twice her age when her family’s inn fails in 1882 in western North Carolina. She remakes herself by…

Book cover of Orconomics

Michael J. Sullivan Why did I love this book?

While Terry Pratchett is the king of satirical fantasy, for my money, J. Zachary Pike is doing a great job carrying that banner. Like Kings of the Wyld, this book’s strong suit is its humor and a darn fine cast of eclectic characters. But what shines brightly is its originality. Finding a truly unique fantasy isn’t easy, but Orconomics is. In this book, heroes are essentially corporate employees, and quests are commodified through an adventuring system that prioritizes lucrative returns over noble deeds.

When it comes to the bromance aspect, you can’t beat Gorm Ingerson (a disgraced dwarven hero whose glory days are past) and Brahm (the undocumented goblin who Gorm stands up for). The two make a great pair that easily places them on my favorites list.

By J. Zachary Pike,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Orconomics as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book 1 of The Dark Profit Saga Professional heroes kill and loot deadly monsters every day, but Gorm Ingerson's quest will be anything but business as usual. Blending biting humor and epic storytelling, Orconomics skewers corporate culture using the best fantasy traditions.


Book cover of The Spirit Thief

Michael J. Sullivan Why did I love this book?

I first discovered Rachel Aaron, when one of my fans recommended her. After reading her first book, I could see why. Eli is a charming roguish thief who can communicate with spirts, and Niko is a no-nonsense ghost. Their contrasting personalities makes for great reading.

Like all of my prior recommendations, humor plays an important part in this tale. But what I like the most is that the pair’s relationship isn’t just about camaraderie during adventures—it’s about mutual growth and understanding as they both learn from one another. This book isn’t as widely read as some of Rachel’s more recent stories, but it’s well worth checking out, and a great example of a bromance done well.

By Rachel Aaron,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Spirit Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Eli Monpress is talented. He's charming. And he's a thief.

But not just any thief. He's the greatest thief of the age -- and he's also a wizard. And with the help of his partners -- a swordsman with the most powerful magic sword in the world but no magical ability of his own, and a demonseed who can step through shadows and punch through walls -- he's going to put his plan into effect.

The first step is to increase the size of the bounty on his head, so he'll need to steal some big things. But he'll start…


Ad

Book cover of Black Crow Cabin

Black Crow Cabin by Peggy Webb,

A small town in the grips of evil... a single mom with nowhere to turn... and a madman who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

He is the Collector, and he's taking prized possessions, pets, and children, keeping what he wants, and burying his rejects in shallow…

Book cover of Traitor's Blade

Michael J. Sullivan Why did I love this book?

I have a soft spot for books where characters struggle to uphold justice in an unjust world. When you add in swashbuckling adventure, wry humor, and razor-sharp wit then I’m all in.

Sebastien de Castell’s Greatcoats is a wonderful romp with fabulous characters. While Falcio would be considered the main character, I think it’s Brasti, who steals the show. The fact that he is handsome, flirtatious, and self-assured, could become tiresome in less skilled hands, but Sebastien hits the mark (yes archery pun intended), and Brasti’s biting remarks (especially in dire situations) are the best part of this book.

By Sebastien de Castell,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Traitor's Blade as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When every noble is a tyrant and every knight is a thug, the only thing you can really trust is a traitor's blade. The Three Musketeers meets Joe Abercrombie via Mark Lawrence: 'Guaranteed to increase household swashbuckling by 100%,' says Library Journal

The Greatcoats - legendary heroes, arbiters of justice . . . or notorious traitors?

The Greatcoats are travelling magistrates bringing justice to all . . . or at least they were, before they watched the Dukes impale their King's head on a spike. Now the land's heroes are reviled as traitors, their Greatcoats in tatters.

'One hell of…


Explore my book 😀

The Crown Tower

By Michael J. Sullivan,

Book cover of The Crown Tower

What is my book about?

Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Hired by an old wizard, they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built by mankind and home to the realm's most prized possessions. But it isn't gold or jewels that the wizard is after. He’s forging a duo that will become legendary.

This is the first of eleven books that follow the adventures of the rogues-for-hire enterprise known as Riyria. Their witty banter, exceptional skills, and unbreakable friendship has garnered the pair a legion of fans.

Book cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora
Book cover of Kings of the Wyld
Book cover of Orconomics

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,996

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 You might also like…

Book cover of The Blighted Mission

The Blighted Mission by E. Chris Ambrose,

Disgraced British anthropologist Nigel Rowe hopes his YouTube adventure channel will be just the treat to redeem him, but vengeful treasure hunters have other plans! Seeking a legendary Jesuit mission in Baja, Nigel saves his producer’s life when the man takes a bullet meant for him. 

When an ex-Marine strolls…

Book cover of Edge of the Known World

Edge of the Known World by Sheri T. Joseph,

Edge of the Known World is a near-future love and adventure story about a brilliant young refugee caught in era when genetic screening tests like 23AndMe make it impossible to hide a secret identity. The novel is distributed by Simon & Schuster. It is a USA Today Bestseller and 2024…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in wizards, orphans, and magic-supernatural?

Wizards 104 books
Orphans 180 books
Magic-Supernatural 678 books