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Best Medieval Books

December 2024

The Queen of the Tearling

Kelsea Raleigh, raised in exile, embarks on a perilous journey to claim her rightful throne. Armed with nothing but her wits and a mysterious sapphire necklace, she must navigate treacherous politics and dark magic. As she uncovers shocking secrets about her kingdom’s past, Kelsea grapples with her own identity and the weight of her destiny. I was captivated by her transformation from an insecure girl to a formidable queen, facing impossible choices that will shape the future of the Tearling. Johansen’s rich world-building and complex characters kept me turning pages late into the night.

Assassin’s Quest

In this gripping finale to the Farseer trilogy, FitzChivalry Farseer faces his greatest challenge yet. Presumed dead, Fitz must navigate a world where his very existence is a threat. With his beloved wolf at his side, he embarks on a perilous journey to save the Six Duchies from the machinations of the evil Regal. Hobb’s masterful storytelling weaves together threads of loyalty, magic, and sacrifice, creating a tapestry of adventure that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

The Witcher: Season of Storms

Geralt of Rivia, the famed monster hunter, finds himself embroiled in a web of political intrigue and magical mayhem in this gripping tale. Set between the short stories and novels, Sapkowski weaves a masterful narrative that delves deeper into the Witcher’s world. As I turned each page, I felt transported to the gritty, fantastical realm where monsters lurk and loyalties shift like quicksand. The author’s wit and dark humor shine through, making this a must-read for fans and newcomers alike.

The Witcher: Lady of the Lake

Sapkowski’s masterful conclusion to The Witcher saga weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, and political intrigue. As Ciri’s destiny unfolds, readers are swept into a world where reality blurs with legend. The author’s sardonic wit and complex characters shine, while the narrative’s twists keep you guessing. I found myself lost in the rich lore, savoring every page. It’s a bittersweet farewell to characters who’ve become like old friends, leaving me both satisfied and wistful for more.

The Witcher: The Last Wish

Geralt of Rivia, the white-haired monster hunter, roams a dark fantasy world, slaying beasts for coin. Sapkowski’s collection of interconnected tales weaves a tapestry of moral ambiguity, where monsters aren’t always evil and humans often prove the real villains. With dry wit and unexpected twists, Geralt navigates political intrigue and personal demons, his choices echoing through a richly imagined world. I found myself captivated by the gritty realism and complex characters, each story leaving me hungry for more of the Witcher’s adventures.

A Column of Fire

In this sweeping epic, Ken Follett transports readers to 16th-century England, a time of religious turmoil and political intrigue. Young Ned Willard finds himself caught between warring factions as he navigates love, loyalty, and faith. Follett’s vivid prose brings to life the sights and sounds of Tudor England, from bustling marketplaces to opulent palaces. I was captivated by the complex characters and their intertwining fates, feeling as if I were walking alongside them through history. A masterful blend of fact and fiction that kept me turning pages late into the night.

The Lady and the Unicorn

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 15th-century Paris with Tracy Chevalier’s “The Lady and the Unicorn.” This captivating tale weaves together art, passion, and intrigue as it unravels the story behind a set of mysterious medieval tapestries. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era, while her complex characters grapple with desire, ambition, and societal expectations. I found myself utterly entranced, unable to put the book down as I followed the intertwining fates of nobles, artisans, and dreamers.