Discover books similar to "Striking the Balance"

Harry Turtledove

Striking the Balance

3.83

In 'Striking the Balance' by Harry Turtledove, the author masterfully weaves together alternate history and high fantasy to create a unique and engaging world. The story is set in an alternate version of Europe in the late Middle Ages, where magic and mythical creatures are real and have a significant impact on the course of history. The main character, a young and inexperienced mage named Alleya, finds herself at the center of a power struggle between the human kingdoms and the magical creatures who inhabit the land. As she navigates the complex political landscape, Alleya must learn to control her growing magical abilities and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of those around her. Turtledove's world-building is exceptional, with a richly detailed and believable alternate Europe that is both familiar and fantastical. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Alleya's struggles to balance her own desires and the needs of those around her providing a compelling emotional core to the story. One of the standout aspects of 'Striking the Balance' is Turtledove's exploration of the themes of power, responsibility, and balance. Through Alleya's journey, the reader is forced to consider the consequences of wielding power, and the importance of using it responsibly. The book also raises thought-provoking questions about the relationship between different species and the balance of power in a world where magic and mythical creatures exist. Overall, 'Striking the Balance' is a captivating and imaginative alternate history/high fantasy hybrid that will appeal to fans of both genres. Turtledove's masterful storytelling and world-building make for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

List of books similar to "Striking the Balance":

Harry Turtledove

The Guns of the South

For fans of 'Striking the Balance', 'The Guns of the South' is another thought-provoking alternate history novel by Turtledove. This time, the Confederate States of America win the Civil War with the help of time-traveling white supremacists from the future. The novel explores the consequences of this victory and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

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Stephen Fry

Making History

If you enjoyed the time-traveling elements of 'Striking the Balance', you might like 'Making History' by Stephen Fry. The novel follows two physics students who build a time machine to prevent the rise of Hitler. However, their actions have unintended consequences that threaten the very existence of the world they know.

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Michael Chabon

The Yiddish Policemen's Union

For readers who enjoyed the noir elements of 'Striking the Balance', 'The Yiddish Policemen's Union' by Michael Chabon is a great choice. Set in an alternate history where Jewish refugees have created a temporary state in Sitka, Alaska, the novel follows a detective as he investigates a murder that could have far-reaching consequences for the Jewish community.

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Philip K. Dick

The Man in the High Castle

If you enjoyed the alternate history elements of 'Striking the Balance', you might like 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. The novel is set in an alternate 1960s where the Axis powers have won World War II and divided the United States into Nazi and Japanese territories. The story follows several characters as they navigate this dangerous world and search for meaning in their lives.

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Philip Roth

The Plot Against America

For readers who enjoyed the exploration of political ideologies in 'Striking the Balance', 'The Plot Against America' by Philip Roth is a great choice. The novel is set in an alternate 1940s where Charles Lindbergh becomes president and implements anti-Semitic policies that threaten the safety and freedom of Jewish Americans.

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Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale

If you enjoyed the dystopian elements of 'Striking the Balance', you might like 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. The novel is set in a totalitarian theocracy where women's bodies are controlled by the state. The story follows a handmaid as she navigates this oppressive world and tries to reclaim her agency.

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Cormac McCarthy

The Road

For readers who enjoyed the post-apocalyptic elements of 'Striking the Balance', 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy is a great choice. The novel is set in a world destroyed by an unspecified cataclysm and follows a father and son as they travel through the ruins in search of safety and hope.

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H.G. Wells

The Time Machine

If you enjoyed the time-traveling elements of 'Striking the Balance', you might like 'The Time Machine' by H.G.

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