Discover books similar to "The Escapement"

K.J. Parker

The Escapement

3.89

"The Escapement" by K.J. Parker is a captivating work of fantasy that explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions. The novel is a prequel to Parker's critically acclaimed "Fencer Trilogy" and provides insight into the history of the enigmatic figure, Bardas Loredan. Set in a world where magic is a finite resource, "The Escapement" follows the story of Loredan, a skilled clockmaker, who is coerced into working for the government. He is tasked with building a machine that will allow the ruler to control the very fabric of time itself. However, as Loredan delves deeper into the project, he begins to question the morality of his actions and the true intentions of those in power. Parker's writing is sharp and witty, with a dry humor that permeates the narrative. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with Loredan being a particularly compelling protagonist. Despite his flaws, he is a sympathetic figure, and the reader cannot help but root for him as he navigates the treacherous waters of politics and power. One of the standout features of "The Escapement" is Parker's attention to detail when it comes to the mechanics of clockwork. The descriptions of the machines and their inner workings are fascinating and add a layer of depth to the story. The author's background in engineering is evident in the precision and accuracy of these descriptions. The pacing of the novel is expertly crafted, with a slow burn that builds to a thrilling climax. The plot is intricate and multi-layered, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, "The Escapement" is a masterful work of fantasy that will appeal to fans of the genre and beyond. Its exploration of complex themes, compelling characters, and intricate plot make it a standout addition to Parker's already impressive body of work.

List of books similar to "The Escapement":

Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora

This is the first book in the Gentleman Bastard series, which follows the exploits of a group of con artists in a fantasy world inspired by Renaissance Italy. Like The Escapement, this book features a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, as well as a richly detailed world with its own unique history and culture.

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Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind

This is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle series, which tells the story of Kvothe, a legendary musician, magician, and hero, as he recounts his life story to a chronicler. Like The Escapement, this book features a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, as well as a richly detailed world with its own unique history, culture, and magic system.

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Joe Abercrombie

The First Law Trilogy

This is a fantasy series that follows a group of morally ambiguous characters as they navigate a world filled with war, politics, and magic. Like The Escapement, this series features complex characters, intricate plotlines, and a richly detailed world with its own unique history and culture.

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Mark Lawrence

The Broken Empire series

This is a fantasy series that follows the exploits of a ruthless and cunning prince, Jorg, as he seeks to conquer and rule over a fractured empire. Like The Escapement, this series features a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, as well as a richly detailed world with its own unique history, culture, and politics.

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Brian McClellan

The Powder Mage Trilogy

This is a fantasy series that follows a group of powder mages, individuals with the ability to manipulate gunpowder, as they navigate a world on the brink of war. Like The Escapement, this series features complex characters, intricate plotlines, and a richly detailed world with its own unique history, culture, and magic system.

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Scott Lynch

The Gentlemen Bastards series

This is a fantasy series that follows the exploits of a group of con artists in a fantasy world inspired by Renaissance Italy. Like The Escapement, this series features a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, as well as a richly detailed world with its own unique history and culture.

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Jim Butcher

The Dresden Files series

This is a series of urban fantasy novels that follow the adventures of Harry Dresden, a professional wizard and private investigator, as he battles supernatural threats in modern-day Chicago. Like The Escapement, this series features a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, as well as a richly detailed world with its own unique magic system.

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Steven Erikson

The Malazan Book of the Fallen series

This is a epic fantasy series that follows a vast and diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world filled with war, politics, and magic. Like The Escapement, this series features complex characters, intricate plotlines, and a richly detailed world with its own unique history, culture, and magic system.

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Brandon Sanderson

The Stormlight Archive series

This is a epic fantasy series that follows a group of characters as they navigate a world filled with war, politics, and magic. Like The Escapement, this series features complex characters, intricate plotlines, and a richly detailed world with its own unique history, culture, and magic system.

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Patrick Rothfuss

The Kingkiller Chronicle series

This is a epic fantasy series that tells the story of Kvothe, a legendary musician, magician, and hero, as he recounts his life story to a chronicler. Like The Escapement, this series features complex characters, intricate plotlines, and a richly detailed world with its own unique history, culture, and magic system.

Learn More