90 books like Morningwood

By Neven Iliev, Daniel Gonzalez S. (illustrator), Nicholas Coulson (illustrator)

Here are 90 books that Morningwood fans have personally recommended if you like Morningwood. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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

Book cover of Dungeon Born

Shemer Kuznits Author Of Life Reset

From my list on engaging LitRPG.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a huge fan of D&D and RPG games since I’ve been old enough to play them. The idea of grooming a character, growing it in terms of strength and levels until it becomes powerful enough to take on gods always captured my imagination. LitRPG is a relatively new book genre, and reading it (the good ones at least) makes you feel like you’re playing those games yourselves. Following a new protagonist growth and journey, often illustrated by actual numeric values you can easily keep track of (like skills and levels) is so much fun, and I think more people should be aware it exists.

Shemer's book list on engaging LitRPG

Shemer Kuznits Why did Shemer love this book?

Want another new hero perspective? How about storytelling from the point of view of a rock? Well, that rock grows to become a full dungeon including traps, monsters, and hidden treasures. It's an amazing journey from a small crystal entity who just wants to survive to become humanity’s only hope for survival.

My first dive into dungeon core books, and boy, this one is hard to top. Carl is just a great character, how he figures out to grow himself as a dungeon, eat people and whole, yet retain his own streak of 'humanity,' and it's a pleasure to watch him evolve both as a dungeon and as a person. A must-read!

By Dakota Krout,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Dungeon Born as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A powerful dungeon. A sheep-herder turned Noble. Their path to ascendance through cultivation.

Conquering dungeons and using them to grow has long been the most efficient way to become a powerful adventurer. The only thing keeping the process from being easy is the Beasts that inhabit these places. Questions plague those entering this particular place of power: Where do the ‘rewards’ of weapons, armor, and heavy gold coins come from? Why is a fluffy bunny charging at me? For abyss-sake, why are there so many monsters?

Cal has all of the answers to these age-old questions for a very simple…


Book cover of Unity

Shemer Kuznits Author Of Life Reset

From my list on engaging LitRPG.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a huge fan of D&D and RPG games since I’ve been old enough to play them. The idea of grooming a character, growing it in terms of strength and levels until it becomes powerful enough to take on gods always captured my imagination. LitRPG is a relatively new book genre, and reading it (the good ones at least) makes you feel like you’re playing those games yourselves. Following a new protagonist growth and journey, often illustrated by actual numeric values you can easily keep track of (like skills and levels) is so much fun, and I think more people should be aware it exists.

Shemer's book list on engaging LitRPG

Shemer Kuznits Why did Shemer love this book?

A great story about the underdog bullied kid who rises up to become a necromancer builds up an undead nation, and rises up to contend with powerful forces against all odds. Great storytelling and compelling character, it’s a pleasure watching Jason grows up from a timid teen to a confident leader – and by using the dark arts. It's a great coming-of-age \ underdog reach the top kind of story except the underdog does it by embracing necromancy and his tools are the undead soul-wilting powers yet you can't stop rooting for him to win.

By Travis Bagwell,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A side quest adventure in the best selling world of Awaken Online!In the aftermath of Thorn's attack on the Twilight Throne, Frank is in an awkward position. Jason and Riley have outpaced him and everyone is hard at work rebuilding the Twilight Throne, establishing new towns, and trying to get their fledgling manufacturing operation off the ground. Everyone except Frank - who finds himself with no immediate task or goal.So Frank decides to strike off on his own. He sets his eyes on the north, heading toward the snow-capped mountains that loom over the undead kingdom's border in the hope…


Book cover of Opening Moves

Shemer Kuznits Author Of Life Reset

From my list on engaging LitRPG.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a huge fan of D&D and RPG games since I’ve been old enough to play them. The idea of grooming a character, growing it in terms of strength and levels until it becomes powerful enough to take on gods always captured my imagination. LitRPG is a relatively new book genre, and reading it (the good ones at least) makes you feel like you’re playing those games yourselves. Following a new protagonist growth and journey, often illustrated by actual numeric values you can easily keep track of (like skills and levels) is so much fun, and I think more people should be aware it exists.

Shemer's book list on engaging LitRPG

Shemer Kuznits Why did Shemer love this book?

An excellent Litrpg sci-fi series. The protagonist goes out beyond earth to discover new races and worlds, slowly gain power, and unearth the secret of the ancient race that started it all. He’s just a human, but he’ll change the galaxy in his quest for knowledge.

The best scfi-fi litrpg in my opinion, the character growth is very visible and keeps you glued to the pages as the protagonist struggle to raise himself. Through his eyes, I got to experience unearthing ancient, hidden cultures, find ancient relics, and uncover galactic-wide schemes that blew my mind away.

By Cosimo Yap,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An Artificial Intelligence, LitRPG, Cyberpunk adventure.

The Earth is changing. The alien invasion brought social upheaval, advanced technology, and an armada of peacekeeping robots. But Alan, a college student pursuing a now-useless degree, cares little about all of this. He has only one thing on his mind: the Game.

A fully immersive virtual reality, the Game appears to be a major part of the invading civilization. Alan can't wait to play, recklessly diving into the digital universe. Soon though, Alan realizes the Game is anything but simple, and the stakes are higher than he ever imagined.


Book cover of The Wandering Inn: Book 1

Jakob H. Greif Author Of Apocalypse Redux - Book One: A LitRPG Time Regression Adventure

From my list on cheer on a competent badass in a fantastical world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading basically since I learned how to, and I’ve always loved fantasy stories that I could imagine myself in, with stuff going on in every corner of the world, everything fleshed out so thoroughly that the reader just understands how things work and has that world playing in their mind long after they’ve put the book down. I also love stories with well-written characters, where mistakes happen because of who they are, not because of an idiot ball, because nothing launches me out of a story faster than an idiot ball. And this kind of story is what I hope to have written myself.  

Jakob's book list on cheer on a competent badass in a fantastical world

Jakob H. Greif Why did Jakob love this book?

This is the biggest, most overwhelmingly awesome fantasy story I’ve ever read, bar none. I started reading it and kept doing so non-stop for probably well over a month. It’s so good that I basically did nothing except read, go to class, and do the usual self-care.

It’s a story about a thousand people from Earth scattered across a vast fantasy world, and you really get to see every nook and cranny of this world across the series. Because this is an ancient world, every nook and cranny actually has something fascinating to find. I just absolutely love this story. 

By Pirate Aba,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

(This novel is the e-book version of the free web serial. You may read the entire ongoing story at wanderinginn.com free of charge.)

“No killing Goblins.”

So reads the sign outside of The Wandering Inn, a small building run by a young woman named Erin Solstice. She serves pasta with sausage, blue fruit juice, and dead acid flies on request. And she comes from another world. Ours.

It’s a bad day when Erin finds herself transported to a fantastical world and nearly gets eaten by a Dragon. She doesn’t belong in a place where monster attacks are a fact of…


Book cover of Magic-Price

D. Wallace Peach Author Of The Ferryman and the Sea Witch

From my list on lyrical writing that will make you swoon.

Why am I passionate about this?

During my childhood summers, my dad bought thrift-store paperbacks by the bagful, and fantastical stories filled my shady hammock days. Now as an author, writing and reading go hand in hand. There’s no better way to improve my prose and hone my personal style than to read books I love. My trusty highlighter immortalizes the lyrical passages that I swoon over, those luscious words that slip from the tongue, make music in my ears, and paint scenes behind my eyes. I’m swept away by gorgeous language despite the genre, though fantasy books usher in summer memories and a lovely time of idleness when there was nothing to do but read.

D. Wallace's book list on lyrical writing that will make you swoon

D. Wallace Peach Why did D. Wallace love this book?

The Crown of Stone series is an undiscovered gem in grim-dark fantasy, and Magic-Price is the book that kicked it off. Grim-dark fantasy isn’t often associated with lyrical writing, which made this book a rare find. It’s violent, contains profanity and a few scenes of erotica, and has a great anti-hero, but it’s also beautifully written with rich imagery, vivid descriptions, and a wrenching emotional fullness that stuck with me for days after closing the last page. I loved the flow and how all this luscious writing contrasted with the brutality of the characters and story. All that and a fabulous ending to the series too.

By C.L. Schneider,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Magic-Price as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Born of a fallen race, forced into combat at an early age, Ian Troy knew little but the brutality of war. A hope for more was born when, on the brink of defeat, an instrument of victory fell into his hands. Unaware of its true nature, Ian wielded the Crown of Stones, an ancient relic of untold power. He cast, wanting only an end to the conflict tearing the lands apart. Fate had other plans.

A decade later, Ian is still haunted by that tragic day. Running from the blood in his veins and on his hands, he struggles to…


Book cover of Grey: The Covenant of Shadows

Kayla Krantz Author Of The Council

From my list on creative magical realms in fantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a writer of all genres that’s found a lot of love, particularly in fantasy and thrillers. My love for epic fantasies first began when I was young, and like all young readers, was introduced to Harry Potter and the Magic Tree House series. The idea of being whisked away to a magical world captivated me, and so, I started to create my own stories to keep that magic alive. 

Kayla's book list on creative magical realms in fantasy

Kayla Krantz Why did Kayla love this book?

In Grey, Gabrian doesn’t believe in magic. She’s a psychologist, and proud to be one. She bases her life on logic, but when things start to happen that she can’t explain, she finds herself in a whirlwind of magic. The way that Gabrian slowly comes to the truth is probably my favorite part of this book. As a Borrower, she’s considered not just a magical being, but a dangerous one. At first, she doesn’t handle this well and takes on the role of an anti-hero, nearly villain which was an interesting way to not only build Gabrian’s character but to introduce the truth of the magical world as well.

By Kade Cook,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Enchantments will fail.

Closet doors will open.

And skeletons—all dressed in their finest secrets—will come out to dance.

Raised in urban downtown New York, Gabrian holds no grand illusions of how life really works. And legends of magic and vampires, nothing more than a bunch of hocus pocus stuffed within book pages or painted on the big screen.

But when a woman, no one else can see, enters her office and delivers a riddle filled warning about her intended fate, Gabrian's grip on sanity takes a big hit—terrified she is falling into madness.

As Gabrian untangles secrets of her past,…


Book cover of John Constantine, Hellblazer: 30th Anniversary Celebration

Kris Branham Author Of Breaking

From my list on getting magical powers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've spent my life feeling out of place in this world which had me diving into novels since I was a little girl able to read. I was increasingly drawn to the supernatural dynamic in shows and novels. On top of that I am neurodivergent which means that I have spent years in and out of my own forms of darkness and self-doubt. As an author I wanted to create a world for characters that struggle with the same issues I struggle with and help them heal and grow through their trials. My hope has always been that in the course of my stories I can help a reader heal as well. 

Kris' book list on getting magical powers

Kris Branham Why did Kris love this book?

This is the John Constantine series. I am constantly enthralled with the nit and grit of this series.

There are a great deal of historical and biblical references in this series as well as their own twists. I found when writing my book that this was the same feeling and style I wanted. I didn’t want a world that was fluffy and beautiful but I wanted to show a world tortured and used as a battleground for angels and demons.

I couldn’t recommend this series more. The magic in this series is power from supernatural being. It's definitely the closest form of magic we could gain for ourselves as we learn the rules of our dominion over the earth.

By Various,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

London's savviest street sorcerer is a foul-mouthed, cynical, chain-smoking con man, but sometimes he's also our only hope. All of these facets of Constantine's character have made him one of the most popular figures in graphic literature. John Constantine, Hellblazer: 30th Anniversary Celebration collects some of the antihero's greatest stories from some of comics' greatest writers, including Alan Moore, Jamie Delano, Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis, Brian Azzarello, and Mike Carey, and also features a foreword written by worldwide musical icon Sting!

When all the chips are down and everything's on the line, what would you do to come out on…


Book cover of What I Would Do For You

Belle Jay James Author Of Hearts Redress Series: Undesirable Book One

From my list on fiction authors that hide the scars of trauma.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author I emerged from a divergent path in life. Having navigated a hard childhood, new adulthood, and careers I didn’t love, I found my passion. I want to evoke deep emotions, drawing from the depths of my and others past experiences. Finding myself came with the realization that PTSD was something I didn't have to only suffer from. I wanted to advocate for PTSD. My dream is to continue The Hearts Redress series by taking others' pasts and weaving them into fiction. Giving them a voice they didn't have. Everyone deserves love, belonging, and redemption!

Belle's book list on fiction authors that hide the scars of trauma

Belle Jay James Why did Belle love this book?

If intense and enthralling are what you are looking for, What I Would Do For You by Willow Winters is my recommendation. 

This gripping romance has an unforgettable anti-hero that left me with a lasting impression. The story tells of betrayal and all-consuming love, something that is all too close to my heart. What had me turning the pages was the depth of emotion. The emotion guides us into a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption. All things that truly hit home. 

By Willow Winters,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What I Would Do For You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

USA Today best-selling author, Willow Winters, brings you an all-consuming, sizzling romance featuring an epic, anti-hero you won't soon forget. 

He enters the car accompanied by a chill from the evening wind and the car rocks gently, until he’s seated behind me and the door is shut. His scent fills my lungs first and as it does, I remember that I’ve been told that smell is the sense that holds the most memory. Maybe I read it somewhere, but I’ve never known something to be truer than that fact is now. 

When I open my eyes, his chilling gaze is…


Book cover of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever : Lord Foul's Bane', 'Illearth War' and 'Power That Preserves

G. Wells Taylor Author Of Skin Eaters

From my list on starring antiheroes you love to hate.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve had a thing for antiheroes since my early days that were dominated by stereotypical “true-blue” protagonists in straightforward “good versus evil” narratives. Comic books, novels, and television shows were stunted by this unrealistic division that was intended to shelter the reader from provocative ideas and philosophies in favor of presenting a stable worldview. This distortion was most obvious in entertainment intended for young Canadian minds, so it wasn’t until I was old enough to make my own library selections and book purchases that I began to seek out the dark characters populating the gray area that is fiction and life. This ongoing exploration is reflected in my books.

G. Wells' book list on starring antiheroes you love to hate

G. Wells Taylor Why did G. Wells love this book?

The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever is a fantastic tale of two worlds. There is the Land, a mystical place of good versus evil, with inhabitants who use supernatural means to summon help against the darkness, and our world where the writer Thomas Covenant lives as an outcast to keep his leprosy in remission and to avoid his hostile neighbors. When he is magically transported to the Land and its people beg him to fight the evil for them, he refuses, believing it is a suicidal delusion that will reactivate his disease and kill him. The troubled hero Covenant could not be more compelling, or his dilemma better written, especially as the true-blue inhabitants of the Land struggle to understand why he can’t do the right thing.

By Stephen R. Donaldson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The acclaimed fantasy epic, together in one volume.


Book cover of Black Lies

Andrea Smith Author Of Murders on the Ridge: Mystery in Briar County

From my list on 'who-dun-it' fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for true crime fiction started in 2016 with the murders of eight family members in a neighboring county in Southern Ohio. The case made international news, and five years later there are still more questions than answers. I felt the victims of this heinous crime deserved some closure which the legal system has not yet provided. So, writing a fictional version of this story was my way of providing closure - at least in my own mind.

Andrea's book list on 'who-dun-it' fiction

Andrea Smith Why did Andrea love this book?

I personally love twisted relationship books, especially when the antihero is hard to distinguish. This book deals with a marriage that is far from typical. I can't say more without spoilers, but take my word that this makes for a fabulous suspenseful read. If you read a book that makes you want to kick and scream when you finally "get it" then this is a perfect read for you. All I can say about Black Lies is expect the unexpected!

By Alessandra Torre,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Brant: Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years.Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.Lee: Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t.


Book cover of Dungeon Born
Book cover of Unity
Book cover of Opening Moves

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Interested in anti heros, swearing, and demons?

Anti Heros 83 books
Swearing 28 books
Demons 130 books