More like Lover to Shadows

anchored on:fantasypolitical intriguesecondary worldhistorical fantasycourt intriguedark

but

Narrow

World of Ice and FireUniverse
universe19 books1980
Epic fantasy, about war.
“Winter is coming, and the men who forget it die first.”
from the catalogue
Start with A Game of Thrones →
includes A Song of Ice and Fire, Targaryen History
Heart ReadersNovel
Kristine Kathryn Ruschstandalone novel1993
About psychic powers and revenge.
“The empire's killing machine ruined her life - this is her chance for revenge.”
from the catalogue
The RiftwarUniverse
universe44 books1982
Epic fantasy.
“On the world of Midkemia a tear opens in the air itself, a rift hung between stars, and through it march the armies of an empire from another world entirely.”
from the catalogue
Start with Magician →
includes Kelewan Empire, Serpentwar Saga, Krondor's Sons, The Riftwar Legacy, Midkemian Trilogy [UK] / Chaoswar Saga [US], Darkwar Saga, Conclave of Shadows, Legends of the Riftwar
TiganaNovel
Guy Gavriel Kaystandalone novel1990
Epic fantasy, emotional in tone, about rebellion and revolution and identity.
The Laurentine SpyNovel
Emily Geestandalone novel2009
Thriller & suspense, about witches.
“The Corhonase citadel is a place of virtue and debauchery—and deadly secrets.”
from the catalogue
GrishaverseUniverse
universe19 books2012
“Saints are canonized here the way soldiers are buried elsewhere — quietly, and too often.”
from the catalogue
Start with Six of Crows →
includes The Nikolai Duology, Six of Crows, The Grisha