A question for you all
I have a question for you all. I've recently had a request from a reader for books that are similar to my Raine Benares stories -- similar plot and tone, characters, some sort of quest, magical abilities, and set in a Renaissance-style world.
I don't get the chance to read as much as I'd like, so I'm drawing a blank on this one. Has anyone read any books that are similar to mine? And if so, what are they and who writes them?
Some of what's coming up:
BTW -- For anyone who asked for bookmarks and postcards for The Trouble with Demons -- they are now in the mail.
I don't get the chance to read as much as I'd like, so I'm drawing a blank on this one. Has anyone read any books that are similar to mine? And if so, what are they and who writes them?
Some of what's coming up:
- Why does it take so long to publish a book?
- Let every scene advance the plot
- Never stop learning
- Why downtime is good time
BTW -- For anyone who asked for bookmarks and postcards for The Trouble with Demons -- they are now in the mail.
posted by Lisa Shearin at
7:51 AM
11 Comments:
I only know of one that comes close: Alex Bledsoe's The Sword-Edged Blonde. It's about a Renaissance private investigator/sword jockey.
Plot and tone? check
A quest? check
Magical abilities? no. The hero is strictly a sword-jockey
Renaissance-style world? check
I highly recommend this book. It is one of my favorites. Bledsoe has made a lovable character in Eddie LaCrosse and you'll be cheering him all the way.
Otherwise, if the reader doesn't mind sacrificing the Renaissance world, he or she might want to check out modern urban fantasies. I'd have your reader look for ones that are lighter in tone, such as those by Jennifer Rardin.
Thanks Tia! I'll have to check those out.
I've been looking for similar books too, without much luck. I did pick up Moira J. Moore's book Resenting the Hero and its sequels. (Ignore the awful covers.) They're not very similar, but they seem to scratch the same itch that your books do. I've been looking for light, fun stuff lately with good plots and characters. It seems like so much fiction out there right now is dark!
I went to Alex Bledsoe's website and read a short story he had posted. Yep, this kind of writing is for me. ; ) Unfortunately, there weren't any sample chapters from the The Sword-Edged Blonde. But based on Tia's recommendation and the short story on Alex's site, I ordered the book. I should have it in a few days.
I admit I'm more of a general urban fantasy fan as of the past couple years. Yours is the only series I've seen that hits the right mix of humor and plot as well as a Renaissance-like feel.
That said, a few years back when I preferred more high/epic fantasy stuff I picked up The Family Trade and the Hidden Family by Charles Stross (there are now four books in the series but I just haven't picked them up). It's a rather unique premise in my opinion and I've been meaning to read the whole series so I know how it ends. It has a mix of modern-day and Renaissance b/c of its unique plot (there's time travel here, but not in the traditional sci-fi and/or a cheesy kind of way).
I don't recall much humor, but it was still good. Just not quite the same feel as your books.
I can't think of anything specifically that resembles your books, which is why I think I'm really drawn to them. I haven't encountered anything quite like them out there.
I've said it on the forum, but will say it here.
Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study by Maria V Synder (its amazing I remember either the title or the author....my memory for info like this is normally poor).
Yes! Yunaleska, those books are wonderful. They have are worth reading, and if you like Raine, you should like these books :)
I have heard that Divine by Mistake is somewhat similar to Raine. The main character starts out in our world but goes to a world that is somewhat Rennaissance. She doesn't have magical abilities, but does have a similar sense of humor.
It is amazing how much more money I am probably spending on books because of the internet. I read recommendations from authors I love and have expanded my reading base significantly because of this.
As Lisa was talking about the word of mouth on why it takes so long to get published, I wander if the internet will be a factor in speeding it up. I know I am reading more than ever.
It's definitely dangerous to my credit card (reading all of the online reviews). ; ) It's entirely too easy to read a review, want the book, order the book, and three days later I get the book. I just love online shopping.
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