The Fantasy 101 › Books Like

Books Like Kane

Wagner, 1970 · #75 on the Epic Fantasy 101 Booklist · 72/120

Kane, cursed by a mad god to wander forever, is a scheming swordsman and sorcerer who works with any side that suits him.

Its strongest scores: mood and climax and fights. The five books below have the closest scores across all eleven criteria.

If you liked Kane, read:

1. A Land Fit for Heroes

   Morgan, 2008 · #84 on the list · 70/120

   Three veterans of a war against lizard-invaders now live on its bitter fringes. They are drawn back to face a stranger threat, the dwenda.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, further reading.

2. Never Die

   Hayes, 2019 · #79 on the list · 71/120

   A boy who cannot die gathers great warriors to kill an emperor. He brings them back from death to do it.

   Close on theme, structure, further reading, creative details.

3. Greatcoats

   de Castell, 2014 · #86 on the list · 69/120

   The King's travelling magistrates were disbanded when the king was killed. Falcio val Mond keeps the king's final order and keeps judging.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, further reading.

4. The Shadow Campaigns

   Wexler, 2013 · #56 on the list · 78/120

   A veteran captain and a disguised woman soldier serve a mysterious new colonel through a gunpowder-and-magic colonial war.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, creative details.

5. The Vagrant

   Newman, 2015 · #81 on the list · 71/120

   A silent man carrying an infant and a sentient sword walks through a broken land overrun by the demonic Infernal.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, further reading.

How the scores work: each book is rated 1 to 10 on eleven criteria; real-world blend and climax and fights count double, for a maximum of 120. See the full Fantasy 101.