Books like The desert spear

The desert spear by Peter V. Brett reads as grim, epic. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

Winds of Winter

George R. R. Martin · 2016

Both explore war

64% genome match

Holy Sister

Mark Lawrence · 2019

Both explore survival & magic

73% genome match

The Hero of Ages

Brandon Sanderson · 2008

Both explore magic & prophecy

68% genome match

Captain's Fury

Jim Butcher · 2007

Both explore war & leadership

69% genome match

Stone of Tears

Terry Goodkind · 1995

Both explore magic & prophecy

67% genome match

The Shadow of What Was Lost

James Islington · 2014

Both explore magic & prophecy

66% genome match

The Power That Preserves

Stephen R. Donaldson · 1977

Both explore good-vs-evil

64% genome match

The Shadow Rising

Robert Jordan · 1992

Both explore magic & war

61% genome match

Dragons of Spring Dawning

Margaret Weis · 1900

Both explore war

58% genome match

The Grace of Kings (The Dandelion Dynasty)

Ken Liu · 2001

Both explore leadership & war

58% genome match

The Orc King

R. A. Salvatore · 2007

Both explore war

58% genome match

The Diamond Throne (The Elenium)

David Eddings · 1989

Both explore magic

56% genome match