Books matching: alternative history fantasy
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- #1
Save:In 'Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution', R.F. Kuang presents an alternative history fantasy set in a Victorian Britain where the city of Oxford is the center of knowledge and progress. The story revolves around Robin Swift, a bright boy plucked from Canton, who is taken to England by Professor Richard Lovell to study languages at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. As Robin befriends a group of misfits, they find themselves embroiled in a revolution that challenges the foundations of the Empire, all while dealing with themes of colonialism, language, and power.
Kuang's writing style intricately weaves together elements of history, fantasy, and language, creating a detailed and immersive world where the power of the Empire is tied to the magic of enchanted silver inscribed with untranslatable words. Through a diverse cast of characters and a unique magic system, the author explores complex themes of colonialism, empire building, exploitation, and prejudice, offering a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the dark corners of history and society.
The air was rank, the floors slippery. A jug of water sat full, untouched by the bed. At first the boy had been too scared of retching to drink; now he was too weak to lift the jug. He was still consc... - #2
Save:'Damiano' by R.A. MacAvoy is a lovely fantasy novel set in Renaissance Italy, featuring a kind-hearted hero who is a witch, alchemist, and musician. Damiano, accompanied by his talking dog, embarks on a journey to keep his town safe from war and conflict, making spiritual sacrifices and facing otherworldly challenges. The story weaves in elements of Christian mythology, magic, and supernatural beings, creating a unique alternate history fantasy with philosophical undertones. The writing style is described as lyrical, touching, clever, and thought-provoking, offering a blend of innocence and depth in exploring themes of sacrifice, duty, and the cost of being kind in a harsh world.
- #3
Save:The Midnight Sea by Kat Ross is an engaging alternate history fantasy set in the Middle East, where readers follow Nazafareen's journey from a young girl seeking revenge to a woman grappling with moral dilemmas. The plot weaves together elements of ancient mythology, supernatural creatures like daevas and liches, and a rich historical setting during the time of Alexander the Great. The writing style includes a mix of summary and detailed scenes that capture the world through Nazafareen's experiences, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
The wind whistled through the high passes as we picked our way up the trail. Slow-moving shadows signified the long train of people and animals stretching ahead, but the snow was blowing too hard to m... - #4
Save:Set in an alternate New Orleans in 1884, 'The Black God's Drums' follows Creeper, a young orphan pickpocket with the power to channel energy from the African goddess Oya. When Creeper overhears a plan to destroy the city with a Haitian weapon, she seeks a spot on a smuggler's airship to stop the impending disaster. The novella is praised for its engaging writing style, well-developed characters, and intricate world-building that combines elements of steampunk, fantasy, and alternate history.
'The Black God's Drums' presents a fast-paced plot with futuristic elements and spiritual beliefs from Black cultures. The story revolves around Creeper's journey to save New Orleans from a dangerous plot, with the help of airship captain Ann Marie and the guidance of African deities. The novella is lauded for its unique setting, strong world-building, and the blend of historical events and supernatural elements that captivate readers from start to finish.
The night in New Orleans always got something going on, ma maman used to say—like this city don’t know how to sleep. You want a good look, take the cable-elevator to the top of one of Les Grand Murs, ... - #5
Save:In The Peshawar Lancers by S.M. Stirling, a post-apocalyptic alternate history unfolds as a meteor strike reshapes the world, leading to the British Empire relocating to India and rebuilding its power. The story follows the King family's struggles in this new empire, filled with intrigue, spies, and action, set against a backdrop of a steampunk world with airships and steam trains. The narrative is a blend of adventure, historical fiction, and speculative elements, keeping readers engaged with its unique world-building and compelling characters.
Captain Athelstane King rinsed out his mouth with a swig from the goatskin water bag slung at his saddlebow. Even in October this shadeless, low-lying part of the Northwest Frontier Province was hot; ... - #6
Save:In "His Majesty's Dragon," author Naomi Novik presents an alternate history during the Napoleonic Wars where dragons play a crucial role in warfare. The story follows Captain Will Laurence, who unexpectedly becomes a dragon rider after capturing a French ship carrying a dragon egg. Laurence forms a deep bond with the dragon, Temeraire, as they navigate through the challenges of joining the British Aerial Corps and fighting alongside each other in aerial battles. The book seamlessly blends elements of historical fiction with fantasy, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and adaptation to new circumstances.
THE DECK OF the French ship was slippery with blood, heaving in the choppy sea; a stroke might as easily bring down the man making it as the intended target. Laurence did not have time in the heat of ... - #7
Save:'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set in an alternate version of nineteenth century England. The story follows two magicians, Mr. Norrell and Jonathan Strange, as they delve into the restoration of magic in England and eventually aid in the country's victory in the Napoleonic Wars. The book intricately weaves together intricate world-building, fascinating characters, and a plot that unfolds slowly but steadily, keeping readers engaged through its detailed descriptions and rich storytelling style.
The writing style of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' is described as dense, detailed, and somewhat long-winded, reminiscent of nineteenth-century literature. The author, Susanna Clarke, creates a world that is both captivating and immersive, with elements of humor, pointed digs, and a cynical outlook on the usefulness of magic. The book is known for its historical accuracy, extensive footnotes that add depth to the narrative, and its ability to transport readers to a world where magic and reality intertwine seamlessly.
They were gentleman-magicians, which is to say they had never harmed any one by magic – nor ever done any one the slightest good. In fact, to own the truth, not one of these magicians had ever cast th... - #8
Save:Everfair by Nisi Shawl is a steampunk alternate history novel set in an African utopia called Everfair, challenging the brutal Belgian rule in Congo. The book spans 30 years and features a diverse ensemble cast of characters from various backgrounds, exploring themes of agency, colonialism, and the impact of individual actions on history. The writing style includes jumps in time between chapters, providing a prologue-like structure that drives home the alternate history aspect and emphasizes the power of personal narratives in shaping the future.
Lisette Toutournier sighed. She breathed in again, out, in, the marvelous air smelling of crushed stems, green blood bruised and roused by her progress along this narrow forest path. Her progress, and... - #9
Save:The City of Brass is a fantasy novel set in a world of Devas and Djinn, following the journey of Nahri, a young girl with mysterious powers, as she navigates through complex politics, magic, and society. The plot unfolds in a Middle Eastern-inspired setting, where Nahri discovers her heritage and connection to the magical beings, while facing challenges of power, intrigue, and romance in a richly detailed world filled with historical and supernatural elements.
Nahri smiled behind her veil, watching the two men bicker as they approached her stall. The younger one glanced anxiously down the alley while the older man—her client—sweated in the cool dawn air. Sa... - #10
Save:'The Black Opera' by Mary Gentle is an alternate history fantasy novel set in 19th century Italy, particularly in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies after the Battle of Waterloo. The story revolves around Conrad Scalese, a librettist tasked with creating an opera to counteract the sinister spells of a secret society aiming to trigger a volcanic eruption through a blood sacrifice during a performance. The book combines elements of music, magic, and historical intrigue, with a focus on the challenges of writing and staging an opera within a tight deadline, while incorporating themes of atheism, love triangles, and the supernatural.
Ranieri glanced back through the glass of the steamship’s wheel-house. Two of his men grappled with the captain: a grey and grizzled man in a salt-worn peaked cap. By his lip movements, he appeared to...
