In James Islington's The Will of the Many, readers were introduced to the Catenan Republic and the Hierarchy that runs it. We learn that every citizen eventually must succumb their strength, drive, and focus—their collective Will—to the powerful elites. But one man is not who he says he is. He’s not there to comply or obey. Despite working through the ranks of the Academy, his goal isn’t just to keep his Will, it’s to destroy an empire.
There’s nothing I love more than a good revenge story, particularly in a horrifically unjust fantasy world. It sets the stakes immediately and invests me in the protagonist’s journey. I want them to achieve their goals, even if it means doing atrocious things to accomplish them. And there’s nothing that makes that story better than sending the main character undercover deep in enemy territory.
Vis Telimus has to pretend to be someone he’s not and one wrong move means death. Not just from the Hierarchy, but from the people helping him. It’s a dangerous premise that promises to only escalate the tension the closer he gets to the goal. If you’re looking for books with similar page-turning pacing thanks to characters going undercover or acting as double agents, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven science fiction and fantasy books filled with lies, spies, and deadly secrets.
Armistice
Expanding from the world of Amberlough, Armistice follows three people as they navigate the world of politics and espionage. One is a diplomat for a fascist nation. One is an ex-pat director running from crimes of both the law and the heart. And one is a former cabaret stripper turned revolutionary. Each of them harbors secrets that could take down countries. But when their paths cross, their fates collide, setting off a series of events that only the deadliest machinations and most unlikely alliances will survive.
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Doomsday Morning
Howard Rohan was the greatest actor in the United States. He was married to the most popular actress. And Comus, the department who runs the country, helped ensure his success. But when his wife is unfaithful to him, his work suffers and his life falls into disarray. It’s only when Comus asks for his help that Howard is able to pick himself up. After all, who best to infiltrate the rebellious California and find the information Comus needs to regain control than a skilled actor?
Red Rising
Born a Red, Darrow of Lykos was supposed to spend his days toiling in the mines beneath the surface of Mars. But when his wife is killed, Darrow discovers that his life is a lie. The Golds who rule Society have already terraformed the planet, living in luxury on the backs of the Reds.
Vowing vengeance in his wife’s name, Darrow is reborn a Gold. He will become what he hates. He will learn their tactics and strategies. He will gain their trust. And then he will destroy them from the inside.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Xingyin lives a quiet life on the moon. She has no idea that her mother was exiled for stealing the elixir of immortality and that she’s being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor. When Xingyin’s magic comes to life, she has no choice but to leave her home to keep her mother safe. Disguised and alone, she gains the opportunity to study beside the Emperor’s son. She never expected to fall for him, but when forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, Xingyin is forced to challenge the Emperor. All she wants is to save her mother, so she strikes a bargain where she has to choose between plunging the Empire into chaos and losing everything she loves.
Raybearer
Raised in isolation, all Tarisai has ever wanted was the love of a family. She’s only ever known the comfort of a mysterious woman known as The Lady. Thanks to a magical wish, Tarisai has to obey The Lady. So when she is sent to the capital to compete to become one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If she’s selected, she’ll be joined with the rest of the Council in a bond stronger than blood.
It sounds like heaven to Tarisai, but The Lady has other plans. She orders Tarisai to win and gain the Crown Prince’s trust—and then kill him. Tarisai is tired of being controlled. The only question is if she’s strong enough to resist and forge her own path.
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Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel
For over 20 years, Sciona has spent every moment studying so that she can achieve the impossible: becoming the first woman on the High Magistry. She’s elated when she finally reaches highmage only to realize the rank isn’t enough in her colleagues’ eyes. They make sure she knows she’s unwelcome, including giving her a janitor as an assistant.
But Thomil is more than he seems. He has mopped floors for years waiting for the right opportunity to learn the magic that killed his family, and working for a highmage gives him that chance. The only thing he doesn’t expect is to forge a relationship with her. Or that together, they would uncover a secret that could change magic forever—or kill them in the process.
Kushiel's Dart
Phédre nó Delaunay was born with a scarlet mote in her eye. Kushiel’s Dart means she is forever marked to experience pleasure and pain as one. When she is sold into indentured servitude as a child, the nobleman who purchases her is the first to recognize the mark, and he has plans for her. She is trained in the arts of seduction and subterfuge, focusing on how to observe, remember, and analyze.
But when she stumbles on a scheme that threatens her home, Phédre is pushed to the edge of her capabilities. Balancing the masks of enemy, friend, and assassin, she knows she’ll only have once chance to save everything she loves.
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