10 books like The Return of the King

Atticus and Scout Finch are OG father-daughter #goals, so it’s only fitting that any list of novels about father and daughters start here. Lawyer Atticus Finch teaches young Scout about empathy, the multiple perspectives to a story, and standing up for what’s right. His advice resonates with me decades after I first read this classic in middle school: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Atticus’ compassionate and measuredly wise parenting style, coupled with young Scout’s wide-eyed coming of age and discovery of uncomfortable social blights, like racism and injustice in our criminal justice system, make this literary duo an unforgettable pair. 

Erik Larson’s highly readable, page-turning treatment of one of history’s most enigmatic figures—Winston Churchill—during his “Finest Hour” makes us pause and reflect just how consequential one man can be. Yet Larson’s true triumph is how he showcased the people around Churchill, showing the reader how any of us can bravely rise to the occasion.

This book is a fascinating depiction of Lincoln’s presidency and cabinet.

It is full of fantastic lessons on leadership and overcoming obstacles in dark times. Lincoln's leadership style offers valuable insights for today's leaders. Overall, it's a must-read for history buffs and anyone interested in the art of leadership. 

For most of us, the greatest enemy isn’t from without, but from within. This is true today and was just as true nearly two millennia ago when Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote his Confessions, the first autobiography. His struggles with sin and vice should be relatable to us all, especially his difficulty in abandoning his worldly desires. Would most of us be so brave as to abandon our wants for something far greater?

Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series is the very definition of sprawling epic, the entire story spanning fourteen volumes. While it is steeped in a number of thematic elements that may, from modern perspective, be seen as tropes, the intricate design of the magic system in the books is undeniable. 

The system is described over time through the series with such nuance that the reader can begin to have a very clear notion of what is and is not possible, and feel an understanding of how things are done, almost as if we the readers are versed in the topic. Jordan accomplishes this without excessive info-dumping or the need for a character to attend a magic school so it can all be explained cleanly.

I love books of Irish lore, magic, and battles of good vs evil. This series hits all the marks for me.

The Awaking - Breen Kelly’s discovers that she is a magic being, and the stories that her long-lost father wove for her when she was a child are true. The magic realm of Talamh does exist. She stumbles into the magic realm from a portal in Ireland.

The tale continues in The Becoming. Breen learns of and hones her skills as a witch, with her childhood friend who winds up in Ireland with her. There is a fantastic cast of characters that will melt your heart as well as evil that must be fought.

The tale comes full circle in The Choice - with Breen’s hero, Keegan, and the newfound family by her side in Talamh, she fights the evil and darkness with every weapon she has, her magic,… show more.

In this book, we get to see the dichotomy of good versus evil in dragons, but both believe they have chosen the righteous path. Saphira and Eragon care for each other deeply and although they fight and argue, they have formed an unbreakable bond. Eragon is the “chosen one” and Saphira makes sure he knows it. She selected him. I particularly like the training that they go through with the experienced dragon rider, and enjoy how the experienced dragon plays a significant part in educating the new pair.

I really connected with evil genius Doctor Impossible and his whacky world of superheroes. In grade and high school, I felt like I was the one who was overlooked, which was often the good days; getting noticed generally meant I was being made fun of and bullied. But to take revenge, to show my plebeian classmates the (imagined) might that lay within me, how glorious that would be! Hahaha! Evil laugh aside, as Doctor Impossible does just that, I also enjoyed his vulnerable needs, longings, and regrets. And the lives of the heroes are not all they are cracked up to be. While not as stark (or violent) as The Boys, Grossman also exposes the toll superhero biology can take on the mind and body. A fun and poignant read.

The diverse group Gandalf (Tolkien) puts together to accompany the ring and ring bearer (Frodo) is inspiring.

While they all have their own opinions on the best route, and argue incessantly, they all come together in the end. This book represents life; the ups and downs, the danger and reward. The symbolism in this book is both heartening and foreboding.

I’m a fan of V. E. Schwab’s writing in general, but This Savage Song is my personal favorite story of theirs. I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a main character as unlikeable as Kate Harker. The daughter of a kingpin who rules over a city where monsters are real, Kate is ruthless and rebellious. As the city threatens to burst into an all-out war, Kate has to team up with another main character—one of the monsters. 

The writing in This Savage Song is lyrical and punchy at the same time, making it a quick and compelling read. If you’re looking for a story where everyone is a villain in their own way, set in a world with a fascinating magic system that turns violence into actual living, breathing monsters, you’ll want to give this one a read.