The Fantasy 101 › Books Like

Books Like Licanius

Islington, 2014 · #77 on the Epic Fantasy 101 Booklist · 71/120

Three students at a school for the gifted are drawn into a war tied to a prophecy, a closing magical Boundary and fate itself.

Its strongest scores: structure and epicness. The five books below have the closest scores across all eleven criteria.

If you liked Licanius, read:

1. Lightbringer

   Weeks, 2010 · #63 on the list · 76/120

   The Prism, who wields every color of light, hides a secret, while his newly discovered son must learn the magic and survive the war.

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

2. The Demon Cycle

   Brett, 2008 · #85 on the list · 70/120

   Demons rise from the ground each night and only magic wards stand between them and humanity. A boy determined to fight back becomes a legend.

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

3. The Bound and the Broken

   Cahill, 2019 · #90 on the list · 68/120

   A wandering bard and a trapped noble woman face the gods' meddling in a world on the verge of war.

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

4. The Riyria Revelations

   Sullivan, 2008 · #93 on the list · 64/120

   A cynical ex-assassin and an idealistic swordsman, thieves for hire, are framed for a king's murder and pulled into a scheme to restore an ancient empire.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, further reading.

5. Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne

   Staveley, 2014 · #80 on the list · 71/120

   After their emperor father is murdered, his three heirs must face assassins, ancient beings and the secret hidden behind their faith.

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

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.