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Spear by Nicola Griffith

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Love Spear but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for Spear below.

In Spear, did you enjoy ...

... mythic retellings with a queer, feminist perspective?

The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley

If you were captivated by the way Spear reimagines Arthurian legend through a fresh, queer lens, you'll love how The Mere Wife transforms the tale of Beowulf into a contemporary story steeped in mythic resonance and social commentary. Like Griffith’s Peretur, Headley’s Dana is a fiercely complex woman navigating a world defined by violence, inheritance, and outsiderhood, with the same sharp prose and sense of destiny.

... richly imagined worlds with strong and complex female leads?

The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

If you were drawn to Peretur’s journey and the vivid cast of women in Spear, you’ll be swept away by the sweeping epic of The Priory of the Orange Tree. Shannon’s novel features multiple powerful women at the center of a lush, detailed fantasy realm, offering both political intrigue and deep emotional arcs.

... queer coming-of-age stories rooted in myth?

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

If you cherished Peretur’s growth and the tender, yearning romance in Spear, you’re likely to be moved by The Song of Achilles. Miller’s lyrical retelling of the Iliad centers on the intense personal journey of Patroclus as he comes of age alongside Achilles, blending myth, love, and heartbreak with exquisite prose.

... intimate, character-driven historical fantasy?

Hild by Nicola Griffith

If you loved the immersive, intimate perspective of Peretur in Spear, you should try Hild, where Griffith masterfully crafts another unforgettable heroine. Set in 7th-century Britain, you’ll follow Hild as she navigates court intrigue and personal transformation with the same nuanced psychological depth and lyrical style.

... atmospheric folklore with immersive worldbuilding?

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

If the enchanting, myth-laden landscapes and detailed sense of place in Spear drew you in, The Bear and the Nightingale will enchant you as well. Arden’s Russia is alive with spirits and old beliefs, and Vasya’s journey through supernatural and societal dangers is equally immersive and beautifully crafted.

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