Books Like...

'Sphere' by Michael Crichton is a science fiction thriller that follows a team of scientists investigating an unidentified spacecraft at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The book explores themes of psychological drama, scientific exploration, and the power of human imagination. As the team delves deeper into the mystery, they encounter unexpected challenges and face the consequences of their discoveries, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative. Crichton's writing style combines detailed scientific explanations with plot twists and page-turning suspense, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.

'Into the Drowning Deep' by Mira Grant follows a crew on the ship Melusine as they venture to the Mariana Trench to investigate the disappearance of a previous crew who encountered killer mermaids. The story is described as a mix of horror, science fiction, and adventure, with a focus on the tension between humans and the predatory mermaids. The narrative is filled with gore, tension, and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the crew faces the terrifying creatures of the deep.

'The Swarm' by Frank Schatzing is an epic eco-thriller that delves into the consequences of nature turning against humanity. The book intricately weaves together a diverse cast of characters, scientific research, and global settings to build up to a disaster of catastrophic proportions. The plot unfolds with mysterious attacks by sea creatures, showcasing a blend of action-packed sequences and in-depth exploration of scientific concepts related to marine biology and environmentalism.

The writing style of 'The Swarm' is described as pacy and engaging, with a heavy emphasis on science and environmental themes. The author, Frank Schatzing, is praised for his extensive research and attention to detail, creating a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. Despite its length, the book keeps readers on edge with suspenseful moments and a complex storyline that challenges conventional notions of humanity's relationship with the natural world.

'The Deep' by Nick Cutter follows the story of a group of researchers stationed eight miles beneath the ocean's surface, seeking a cure for a devastating disease known as The Gets. The narrative is filled with suspense, as the characters face not only the claustrophobia of their underwater environment but also evil forces and mysterious occurrences that challenge their sanity. The plot revolves around the search for a substance called Ambrosia, believed to be the miracle cure, but it raises questions about its true nature and potential consequences. The writing style is described as descriptive and engaging, with an exciting storyline that keeps readers hooked until the end.

'Blindsight' by Peter Watts is a hard science fiction novel that delves adjusted humans sent on a mission to investigate alien contact beyond Pluto. The book explores deep philosophical questions about sentience, consciousness, and the nature of humanity, all set in a futuristic world containing space travel, vampires, and alien encounters. The story is told through a unique narrative style, offering a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of consciousness and intelligence.

In 'Meg' by Steve Alten, the plot revolves around Jonas Taylor, who is ridiculed for his belief that megalodons could still be alive, only to be proven right when one surfaces and starts terrorizing the world's oceans. The book is described as a fast-paced adventure thriller with elements of pulse-pounding terror, revenge, redemption, new romance, and plenty of action. The story follows the journey of Jonas as his expertise is urgently needed to deal with the threat posed by the megalodon. The writing style is characterized as fun, easy to read, and filled with suspense, blood, and mayhem, keeping readers engaged with its thrilling storyline.

'From Below' by Darcy Coates is a gripping deep sea horror thriller that alternates between the present-day dive to investigate the wreck of the SS Arcadia and the events that led to its sinking in 1928. The novel expertly weaves together two timelines, creating a sense of creeping dread and claustrophobia as the characters face mysterious dangers lurking beneath the ocean's surface. The writing style is immersive, building tension effectively and transporting readers to the eerie underwater setting where the horror unfolds.

'Leech' by Hiron Ennes is a unique horror sci-fi novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to rebuild after mass destruction. The story revolves around parasitic protagonists in a complex fictional world filled with various lands, species, and diseases. is described as chilling, gripping, and compelling, with a focus on finding freedom from those that control us by selling us the lie that we cannot survive without them.

'Our Wives Under the Sea' by Julia Armfield is a haunting and mysterious tale that delves into the deep and intensive love between Miri and her wife Leah. The story unfolds through alternating chapters, with Leah recounting a claustrophobic horror of an underwater mission gone awry, while Miri shares the emotional aftermath of Leah's return as a changed person. Armfield's prose is described as breathtaking, capturing a range of emotions beautifully and creating a weighty, claustrophobic atmosphere akin to being trapped under the ocean depths.

The novel combines elements of literary fiction, horror, and speculative fiction, offering a character-driven narrative that explores themes of grief, the dissolution of relationships, and the transformative power of love. The writing style is poetic and haunting, with a dreamlike quality that switches between past and present, different points of view, and layers of mystery, culminating in an ending that is open to interpretation and leaves a lasting impact on readers.

'The Scar' by China Mieville is a novel set in the same universe as 'Perdido Street Station' but with a different cast of characters and settings. The book is praised for its tightly plotted narrative, well-drawn characters, and the absence of gratuitous elements like slime and gore. The story follows the main character Bellis Coldwine as she navigates through a world filled with bizarre urban density, alternative realities, and a floating pirate city known as Armada.

The narrative of 'The Scar' is described as captivating, dark, and richly imagined, with complex characters who grapple with hidden goodness and darkness within the human condition. The book delves into themes of duplicity, energy policy, and exile, all while maintaining a focus on character development and a multi-perspective plot that weaves together various storylines in a compelling manner.