Books like Dancer's lament by Ian C. Esslemont

The continent of Quon Taili has been shattered by endless wars between small city states, baronies, and principates. Only the alliance of Tali and Quon managed to create a hegemony that stretched from coast to coast. Decades after the collapse of this dynasty, regional powers are once again rising. Two youths come to the powerful central city state of LiHeng: Dorin, a determined assassin who seeks to prove himself the best of his age, and a Dal Hon mage who has proven remarkably difficult to kill. Li Heng has been guarded for centuries by the Protectress, a powerful sorceress, and her cabal of five mage servants who repelled the Quon‑Tali Iron Legions. Under the new ambitious King Chulalorn the Third, neighboring Itko Kan launches an offensive from the south, deploying its own assassin corps, the Nightblades, against the city and hinting at the use of legendary inhuman forces. Above all, ominous shadows swirl around Li Heng and monstrous creatures appear, stepping through the streets. Amid this chaos, the young Dal Hon mage finds opportunity in the upheaval.

First publish date: 2016