100 books like Here Be Dragons

Guy Gavriel Kay has long been my favorite fantasy author, and really I could list any one of his novels here and make a convincing case for why you ought to read it.

His work is just that good. His prose is vivid and exquisite, his storylines are filled with intrigue and tension, his characters and settings are rich, complex, and heartbreakingly real.

Tigana is a stand-alone fantasy that pits a small cadre of men and women against a powerful emperor-sorcerer who seeks to wipe their homeland from their world and from memory itself.

It is, in my opinion, the finest fantasy novel of the 20th century. And the ending will simply blow your mind.

Due to my short attention span, I was hesitant to read this book at first, due to the words “History” and “Memoir” in the title; however, “Dragons” sold me, and I’m very glad it did.

This book reads like a classic Victorian travel narrative, following an intelligent and likable protagonist in her quest to learn more about the natural life around her—namely, dragons. The way this genre-bending novel treats dragons, showing them in scientific diagrams and field drawings, makes for an interesting semi-fantasy world that’s exciting to step into and so much fun to explore.

Deathless is a lyrical retelling of Koschei the Deathless tales from Russian folklore, combining richly magical elements with historical and cultural details of post-revolution Russia. The novel presents wonderful oddities, such as Stalinist house elves, woven soldiers who fight battles between Life and Death, and bureaucratic dragons. However, the center of this story Marya Morevna, a child of the revolution and a complex character, who is capable of being at once naive, cunning, kind, and sometimes vicious. Throughout the journey of her life, Marya goes through many transformation, first with her marriage to Koschei the Deathless himself. She is tenacious and strong, changing as needed in the wake of the challenges and situations that confront her. 

When I discovered Kristin Lavransdatter was 1000 pages, I never expected to fininsh it (I'm a slow reader). However, about 50 pages into it, I was hooked and was at a loss when I read the final chapter. Religion is pervasive but delivered indirectly. The Catholic Church in the Middle Ages was an absolute authority with an iron grip on the main character Kristin. Undset was not judgmental in the book, but I was in reading it. 

There is so much going on in this book in terms of plot, drama, and relationships, but why I especially love it is because Caris, one of the protagonists, breaks the mold of the typical powerless medieval woman. When the Black Plague comes to Kingsbridge, Caris is the only one who uses observation and common sense to realize that the disease spreads by contact. In a world that revolves around religion and superstition, this doesn’t go over well. Though forced to sacrifice the love of her life, and put on trial as a witch, Caris sticks to her guns and enacts the medical policies she knows will save lives. Eventually, she gains the townspeople’s trust, ultimately ascending into a position of power within the town. Get it, girl!

Star-crossed lovers and a strong female heroine! This setting is the beginning of the end for the Plantagenets. Their royal court is turbulent—filled with secrets and enemies after the dramatic coup of the current king’s father, King Edward II (the events of which are featured in my book). When the beautiful and willful Joan of Kent, cousin to the royal family, is sent to live among them, she soon learns they’re the ones responsible for her father’s unjust execution and her family’s subsequent shame. Though the handsome and chivalrous Black Prince of Wales is falling at her feet, she twists his affection against him in an act of revenge, only allowing Fortune’s Wheel to turn once she decides it should be so.

I love this story because the main character, Jacquetta, is not outright royalty—like the typical queen or princess that many historical fiction novels feature. She’s descended from a river goddess, which gives her the gift of second sight and an alluring presence, propelling her into various rings of power. From meeting Joan of Arc in France, to studying alchemy, to participating in a secret marriage, to becoming a trusted confidant of the Queen of England, Jacquetta navigates so many dangerous situations and precarious relationships using her special gifts. Yet after all of this, it’s her family that ultimately comes out on top in what is the beginning of a dynasty in the War of the Roses… the revered House of York! Sneaky and fascinating!

I always knew that espionage and spycraft were a huge part of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, but to have a young woman be at the very core of the conspiracies was totally badass and unexpected! Mallory Bright is the talented daughter of a London locksmith, but after a terrible scandal, she’s propelled into Sir Francis Walsingham’s world of danger and deception—picking locks, unraveling codes, and trying on new identities! At first, she’s enamored with her new profession, but even as a woman, she can’t escape the brutal tortures and punishments that await someone in such a dangerous role. Throughout her trials, her bravery and talent are captivating, and I loved watching her eventually regain her own agency and strength while putting her horrid past behind her.

The Peasants' Revolt was one of the most pivotal events of the fourteenth century, for it turned society upside-down and threatened the powers-that-be in a way they could never have imagined. Poor King Richard was only fourteen years old, and he discovered that he could rely on no one but himself to put a stop to the rampaging. Much of London went up in flames, and fatalities included the Archbishop of Canterbury! What caused this terrible uprising? This book gives us a thorough explanation as to what happened—and why. Dan Jones is at his usual best in making it interesting to the general reader. I was so taken with the whole scenario that it played a major part in the first third of my novel. 

This book might be my definition of ‘fact more entertaining than fiction’. It is a relatively light read that was easy to get through, without feeling under-researched in the least. I bought it as an introduction to the life, reign, and personality of Richard II, who incidentally is one of England’s most fascinating kings in my view. Warner’s analysis of his character and relationships was what truly got me flipping the pages, anxious to read more about potential romances and debated narcissism.