100 books like Rumors of War

By A.K. DuBoff,

Here are 100 books that Rumors of War fans have personally recommended if you like Rumors of War. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Vacuum of Space

A.C. Huntley Author Of The Galactic Zookeeper's Guide to Heists and Husbandry

From my list on humorous sci-fi books with female protagonists.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was a child, the thing that plagued me most about my favorite genre, sci-fi, was that none of the protagonists were women! As a daughter to doctors and research scientists, it felt strange that the only female characters in sci-fi were these buxom, mystical healers or seamstresses who meekly repaired their crewmates’ uniforms. While that problem has been remedied over the last two decades of excellence in mainstream sci-fi with some truly unforgettable female heroines, they’re not as plentiful in the niche market of humorous sci-fi. I am thrilled to share this list of my favorite lighthearted, humorous sci-fi reads with female protagonists. 

A.C.'s book list on humorous sci-fi books with female protagonists

A.C. Huntley Why did A.C. love this book?

I enjoyed reading about this protagonist and her escapades. Triana is a brilliant coder whose main charge is the ship’s maintenance bots. When one of her bots discovers a dead body–that disappears–Triana gets sucked into the investigation and learns that not all the security agents are what they seem.

One of the things I appreciated about this novel is that the protagonist, Triana, is as smart as she is–to the extent that she can outwit the security team–while still happily working for the janitorial staff. Overall, I found the pacing to be great and the plot highly imaginative.

By Julia Huni,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Vacuum of Space as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Cleaning a space station is easy.

Staying under the radar? Priceless.

Triana Moore programs the robots that clean the glitzy Station Kelly Kornienko. Avoiding the wealthy inhabitants on the upper levels of the station is her number one rule. Well, number two, right after "eat all the chocolate."

But when one of her bots finds a dead body, all the rules go out the window.  Or the airlock, since the windows on SK2 don't open.

Come along on a crazy ride through SK2 and across the galaxy with Triana Moore, Space Janitor.

This ebook contains the complete Space Janitor series…


Book cover of Clocker

J.L. Stowers Author Of Vengeance Lost

From my list on space opera written by women.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve held a burgeoning interest in the stars since I was a young girl. Daydreams of adventure and exploration guided me to the genre. Once I found it, I consumed everything I could find, both on-screen and in the pages of books. There’s something to be said about the vulnerability of being in the vastness of space, oftentimes with strangers who grow to be family. I guess, in a way, it reminds me of that moment when we set out into the world, away from our families, to learn and explore more about our surroundings and the characters we meet along the way (only on a much grander scale). 

J.L.'s book list on space opera written by women

J.L. Stowers Why did J.L. love this book?

AM Scott is fantastic at character development, and she explains technology in a way that anyone can understand. These books are hard to put down and I really enjoyed getting to know the main character. This is an ongoing series and I look forward to seeing what she does next. 

By AM Scott,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The complete seven-book classic space opera series is ready for binge-reading! This set includes Books 1.0 through 3.0, plus the prequel novella Book 0.5, Lightwave: Nexus Station!

Saree’s got a secret. A truly unique talent.

Trillions rely on her rare gift. If they knew, they’d betray her in a heartbeat for the huge reward.

Despite Saree’s best efforts, rumors fly. Desperate, she jumps on Lightwave Fold Transport just ahead of a bounty hunter.

But Lightwave might not be safer.

Lightwave’s crew were mercenaries. Mercenaries who destroyed her childhood home. Saree barely escaped last time. Will they recognize her?

Worse, will…


Book cover of Eye of the Colossus

J.L. Stowers Author Of Vengeance Lost

From my list on space opera written by women.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve held a burgeoning interest in the stars since I was a young girl. Daydreams of adventure and exploration guided me to the genre. Once I found it, I consumed everything I could find, both on-screen and in the pages of books. There’s something to be said about the vulnerability of being in the vastness of space, oftentimes with strangers who grow to be family. I guess, in a way, it reminds me of that moment when we set out into the world, away from our families, to learn and explore more about our surroundings and the characters we meet along the way (only on a much grander scale). 

J.L.'s book list on space opera written by women

J.L. Stowers Why did J.L. love this book?

Nicole has done something really great with this series. She’s created memorable, detailed characters to build a cast you really care about. I really love seeing how other authors have humans interact with aliens and vice versa. This series was a great blend of everything you need for an epic adventure.

By Nicole Grotepas,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

1900 pages of space opera adventure for fans of Firefly, Killjoys, and the Mandalorian... Holly Drake just got out of prison... but that doesn't mean she’s free.

The City of Jade Spires is no paradise, though everything about it says otherwise: the glimmering jade towers, the glow of a gas giant, and the 6 Moons balanced between four supposedly equal races.

Serving an unfair sentence like Holly’s clears up such a gross misconception pretty quick. When she walks free due to the intervention of a mysterious source, she soon realizes they want her to do something: Steal a priceless jewel…


Book cover of Crisis in Silstrand

J.L. Stowers Author Of Vengeance Lost

From my list on space opera written by women.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve held a burgeoning interest in the stars since I was a young girl. Daydreams of adventure and exploration guided me to the genre. Once I found it, I consumed everything I could find, both on-screen and in the pages of books. There’s something to be said about the vulnerability of being in the vastness of space, oftentimes with strangers who grow to be family. I guess, in a way, it reminds me of that moment when we set out into the world, away from our families, to learn and explore more about our surroundings and the characters we meet along the way (only on a much grander scale). 

J.L.'s book list on space opera written by women

J.L. Stowers Why did J.L. love this book?

I don’t typically read military sci-fi or hard science fiction, but these two incredible authors have pulled me in. This series is part of a bigger universe called Aeon 14 and all of it is a joy to read. The authors work together to weave a story full of well-developed characters, flawless character interactions, along with conflict and resolution. 

By Chris J. Pike, M. D. Cooper,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The Silstrand Alliance lies at the intersection of vast empires.
And they're losing ground...
Kylie Rhoads, one-time officer in the Silstrand Space Force, is now a junker. Captain of the Dauntless, she plies the black at the edge of the Gedri System, looking for derelict hulls to pull in and sell for salvage. So that she can bring Maverick his cut of the take...

But the Silstrand Alliance hasn't forgotten Kylie, and Maverick has something they desperately need.

Kylie finds herself caught up with old friends, enemies, and a rather terrifying new technology that will make or break whatever future…


Book cover of The Running Game

Sunshine Somerville Author Of The Kota

From my list on science fiction and fantasy world-building.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been pulled to rich, deep, complex fiction all my life. And I started building my own world when I was nine, adding to The Kota Series over two decades. Even while getting an English Literature degree, I was bored by simple worlds, characters, and stories and always found myself more interested in unique books and fresh reads. Really, the weirder the world, the better! That’s what I’ve continued to look for as a reader, and I’ve been lucky to encounter new authors that a lot of people might not have heard about yet. I’ve found some real world-building gems, like these I’ve discussed. I hope to find many more!

Sunshine's book list on science fiction and fantasy world-building

Sunshine Somerville Why did Sunshine love this book?

Some dystopian books show futures that aren’t relatable or believable at all. The whole story is a great mix of genres – not just dystopian but also sci-fi, thriller, and it reads like a crime novel with mobsters.  The reachers themselves are telepathic/telekinetic and add a unique dimension to a story that otherwise could fit in with a non-fantasy setting. The world-building in this book is so effective exactly because it feels real. I was sucked in and sympathetic toward the reachers because you can easily put many different peoples in their place today, and the political and social aspects of the story feel frighteningly possible.

By L E Fitzpatrick,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Rachel’s father called it the running game. Count the exits, calculate the routes, and always be ready to run. She is a Reacher, wanted by the government and the criminal underworld for her psionic powers.

Charlie and his brother John have a reputation for accomplishing the impossible. But after losing his family, Charlie is a broken mess and John is barely keeping him afloat. In desperation, they take a job from a ruthless crime lord, only to discover the girl they are hunting is a Reacher. One of their own kind.

With the help of dangerous and dubious allies, can…


Book cover of The Fifth Season

J.T. Greathouse Author Of The Hand of the Sun King

From my list on fantasy with wonderful characters and settings.

Why am I passionate about this?

I firmly believe that literature exists to do more than entertain us. It has an incredible power to expand our perspective about the world and the lives of the people around us. Fantasy, in particular, can stretch the mind’s boundaries by asking us to empathize with compelling characters and wrap our heads around strange and wondrous worlds. I try to achieve that in my books, presenting thrilling stories, fantastic worlds, and emotionally charged moments, but always through the eyes of real-feeling people. I hope the books on this list will feel as mind-expanding and empathy-building to you as they did to me!

J.T.'s book list on fantasy with wonderful characters and settings

J.T. Greathouse Why did J.T. love this book?

This book is both a fascinating vision of a tumultuous world and a deep dive into the mind of a troubled and compelling protagonist.

The character work in this book is incredibly impressive, with the long arc of the protagonist’s development drawn in convincing and gripping detail that left me feeling like I had known this person for years through all their triumphs, tragedies, and mistakes, which is to say nothing of its creative and plausible magic, its socio-political commentary, and its meditation on family and grief. Rightfully recognized as a modern classic, it is a book all fans of fantasy should read.

By N. K. Jemisin,

Why should I read it?

28 authors picked The Fifth Season as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

At the end of the world, a woman must hide her secret power and find her kidnapped daughter in this "intricate and extraordinary" Hugo Award winning novel of power, oppression, and revolution. (The New York Times)

This is the way the world ends. . .for the last time.

It starts with the great red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun. It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter. It starts with betrayal, and long dormant wounds rising up to fester.

This is the Stillness, a land…


Book cover of Almost Infamous

Fiona J. R. Titchenell Author Of Pinnacle City: A Superhero Noir

From my list on superhero comic book fans.

Why am I passionate about this?

Novels are my medium and my first love, but I’m a huge fan of comic books too. Even though visual arts have never been my strength, I adore how many different things are possible in superhero stories. Sci-fi and epic fantasy and all different kinds of horror coexist in these enormous fictional universes. You’ve got comedic, child-friendly mysteries and pitch-black serial killer thrillers and deep meditations on love and family all going on at once. Comic book tropes and general disregard for genre boundaries definitely inform my writing style, and I love when I discover other novelists who incorporate comic book inspiration in various ways.

Fiona's book list on superhero comic book fans

Fiona J. R. Titchenell Why did Fiona love this book?

Almost Infamous was the precursor to Pinnacle City. It’s by my partner, Matt Carter, and I’m so, so happy to have gotten to play in this universe, because this book is a gloriously nerdy yet pretty cutting take on a whole lot of corners of superhero comics. It’s about this disgruntled upper middle-class high school boy who decides to become a supervillain, and ends up drafted into Project Kayfabe, a forced league of supervillains controlled by the so-called superheroes to push the public narrative in whatever direction the “heroes” want. Thankfully, Project Kayfabe is made up of all sorts of villains who ended up there for all sorts of reasons, so they’re able to learn from each other, become better people, and come together to foil the heroes’ plot.

By Matt Carter,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Eighteen-year-old Aidan Salt isn't a superhero. With his powerful (and unpredictable) telekinetic abilities he could be one if he wanted to, but he doesn't. He's unambitious, selfish, and cowardly, and he doesn't want to have to deal with all the paperwork required to become a professional superhero. But since the money, fame, and women that come with wearing the cape are appealing, he decides to become the first supervillain the world has seen in more than twenty years: Apex Strike.

However, he soon finds villainy in a world where the heroes have long since defeated all the supervillains. While half…


Book cover of Firestarter

Ctein Author Of Saturn Run

From my list on science fiction novels with protagonists in peril.

Why am I passionate about this?

Here's my confession—I am a closet sadist. IRL, I carefully catch beetles and spiders in a jar to take them outside when I find them in the house. But at the keyboard? Mr. Hyde. I torture my major characters. A half dozen in Saturn Run look death in the face. Some die. In my second novel, Ripple Effect, it's way over a dozen and the carnage starts in the very first chapter. What can I say? I am a very nice and kind person, just not a nice and kind author! 

Ctein's book list on science fiction novels with protagonists in peril

Ctein Why did Ctein love this book?

This is Stephen's most straightforward, science-fictiony novel. (Assuming “psionic” powers to be science-fiction—let's not get into why that's so, yet muttering an incantation and waving a wand makes it fantasy. Just 'tis.)

Here, Stephen's at his most gripping, page-turning best. He even has the chutzpah to start with the climax of the novel, fergodsakes! Then, he winds back to how it all began and what led to that. I read it more than 30 years ago, I still remember thinking "Wow, he's really going to do that?! OMG, he's pulling it off!”

Plus, I frikkin’ loved the coda! (Which properly appears at the very end.)

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Firestarter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Master storyteller Stephen King presents the classic #1 New York Timesbestseller—now a major motion picture!

Andy McGee and Vicky Tomlinson were once college students looking to make some extra cash, volunteering as test subjects for an experiment orchestrated by the clandestine government organization known as The Shop. But the outcome unlocked exceptional latent psychic talents for the two of them—manifesting in even more terrifying ways when they fell in love and had a child. Their daughter, Charlie, has been gifted with the most extraordinary and uncontrollable power ever seen—pyrokinesis, the ability to create fire with her mind. Now the merciless…


Book cover of The Obelisk Gate

Tephra Miriam Author Of The Sparkle Riot Crew and the Kid From Star Quad 9

From my list on igniting your inner magic and creativity.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an author, thought leader, activist, dreamer, and entrepreneur with a passion for change. I believe that creativity and imagination can lift anyone from where they are and usher them into destiny. Stories are a core part of human evolution, which means that stories have the power to change us inside and out. Growing up, I didn't see myself represented in the books and stories around me. I'm passionate about writing fantasy, sci-fi, whimsical tales, and historical action fiction because I believe that by telling our stories, we can help those who have limited opportunities see the world of possibilities and inspire them to dream and create their own magic in this world. 

Tephra's book list on igniting your inner magic and creativity

Tephra Miriam Why did Tephra love this book?

After reading, The Fifth Season, the first book in this series, I was left wanting more! In The Obelisk Gate, N.K Jemisin gifts us with more of her incredible world-building talents, character, and storyline development like only a truly gifted fantasy writer can. I love how multiple plot lines and characters were woven together seamlessly, and even some topics from the first book were fleshed out. This was an impactful read, highlighting the bond of mother and daughter and many other important themes of oppression, discrimination, and prejudice.  

By N. K. Jemisin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Essun's missing daughter grows more powerful every day, and her choices may destroy the world in this "magnificent" Hugo Award winner and NYT Notable Book. (NPR)

The season of endings grows darker, as civilization fades into the long cold night.

Essun -- once Damaya, once Syenite, now avenger -- has found shelter, but not her daughter. Instead there is Alabaster Tenring, destroyer of the world, with a request. But if Essun does what he asks, it would seal the fate of the Stillness forever.

Far away, her daughter Nassun is growing in power -- and her choices will break the…


Book cover of Carrie

Aldo Cernuto Author Of The Curse of Knowing

From my list on women a notch above the rest.

Why am I passionate about this?

Only in my recent life as a reader did I realize that my favorite novels often follow a precise pattern: either the author or the main character is a woman. Or both. So, why this sort of bias from a male reader? I found a plausible answer in my belief that female protagonists, more than male ones, serve as the ideal lever for compelling plot twists—the deae ex machina of contemporary storytelling. No wonder the protagonist of the first novel I wrote is a woman. No wonder she’s gifted (or, rather, cursed) with supernatural powers. As for my choice of topic, could it possibly have turned out differently?

Aldo's book list on women a notch above the rest

Aldo Cernuto Why did Aldo love this book?

I’m one of those readers who sometimes read a book because they have to. I started this book with the idea that I couldn’t possibly miss Stephen King’s debut novel. On paper, it stood at the antipodes of my liking— a horror story, but also a mystery and a thriller, set in a high school and so drenched in blood you might fear staining your finger at each turning page. Yet, I was so absorbed by Carrie’s tormented personality that I forgot all the above and went all the way down to the end in a single breath.

This book confirmed one of my firmest tenets—if you come across a book that is not your genre and love it, it means that you indeed loved it. A lot. 

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Carrie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Stephen King's legendary debut, about a teenage outcast and the revenge she enacts on her classmates, is a Classic. CARRIE is the novel which set him on the road to the Number One bestselling author King is today.

Carrie White is no ordinary girl.

Carrie White has the gift of telekinesis.

To be invited to Prom Night by Tommy Ross is a dream come true for Carrie - the first
step towards social acceptance by her high school colleagues.

But events will take a decidedly macabre turn on that horrifying and endless night as she
is forced to exercise her…


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