Books Like...

The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake is a comedic heist novel featuring John Dortmunder and his crew of New York robbers. The plot revolves around Dortmunder and his team attempting to steal a priceless gem, but due to a series of mishaps, they end up having to pull off multiple heists to secure the jewel. The writing style is described as funny, engaging, and fast-paced, with quirky and eccentric characters adding to the humor and entertainment value of the story. The book offers a series of capers that keep readers engaged, with each attempt to steal the gem resulting in unexpected twists and turns.

'The Great Train Robbery' by Michael Crichton is a fictionalized account of an actual event that took place in 19th century England. The plot revolves around a group of misfits coming together to pull off a heist, delving into the highs and lows of Victorian life. Crichton's writing style is praised for its detailed descriptions that transport readers to the era, combining historical facts with a captivating storyline.

The Gilded Wolves is an action-packed YA fantasy novel that follows Severin and his crew on a dangerous adventure filled with heists, diverse characters, and a mix of magic and history. The plot revolves around the group's quest, led by Severin's overall end goal, with each character having their own strengths, weaknesses, and secrets that intertwine perfectly in the story. The book features a unique world-building that blends different myths, a secret society with hidden agendas, and a hunt for ancient artifacts, all set in a lush, magical version of Paris in the 1880s.

'Portrait of a Thief' by Grace D. Li is a novel that delves into the complexities of diaspora, family, and big dreams. The story follows a group of college students on a mission to reclaim stolen art and return it to its country of origin. The book explores themes of identity, struggles with familial expectations, and the impact of colonialism on Chinese Americans. Through a mix of suspenseful heists and introspective moments, the characters navigate friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of justice, all while grappling with their own imperfections and the weight of their heritage.

'Oath of Swords' by David Weber follows the story of Prince Bahzell Bahnakson, a Horse Stealer Hradni and a political hostage, who finds himself on the run after a confrontation with the Crown Prince of his host country. Along with his companion, Brandark, Bahzell embarks on a journey across the continent, facing evildoers, rescuing maidens in distress, and dealing with unwanted gods. presents a mix of epic fantasy, humor, and action, with a focus on themes of honor, prejudice, and adventure. The writing style is described as witty, glib, and entertaining, with charming but not particularly original characters and a plot that unfolds through a series of tangents.

'The Hunter' by Richard Stark, also known as Donald Westlake, follows the story of Parker, a hardened criminal seeking revenge after being double-crossed by his partners and his wife. Set in a noir atmosphere, the book portrays Parker as an antihero, showcasing his brutal and unapologetic nature as he navigates the criminal underworld of New York City in the 1960s. The narrative is fast-paced, violent, and filled with gritty characters, reflecting a classic pulp fiction style that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

The writing style of 'The Hunter' is described as spare, clean, and sharp, typical of hard-boiled crime fiction. The book is commended for its taut and lean prose, lacking in unnecessary embellishments but delivering a straightforward and impactful storytelling experience. The character of Parker is highlighted as a standout element, portrayed as a ruthless and relentless protagonist who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of vengeance, setting him apart as a memorable and formidable figure in the genre.

Rachel Aaron's 'The Spirit Thief' is a light and enjoyable fantasy romp featuring a legendary thief, Eli Monpress, who aims to increase the bounty on his head by stealing a king. The story unfolds in a world where wood can speak, magicians draw their power from surrounding nature, and rogues charm their way through life with impish wit. The plot revolves around Eli's heist going wrong, leading to unexpected alliances and adventures with a group of sorcerers, a spiritualist, and a dangerous swordsman.

The book introduces a magical system where everything has a spirit, and wizards perform magic by interacting with these spirits. The narrative is fast-paced, engaging, and humorous, with a classic heist storyline full of twists and turns. The characters, including Eli Monpress, are intriguing, with morally grey traits, and the action scenes, both magical and mundane, are described as fun and entertaining.

The Thousand Deaths of Ardor Benn is an epic fantasy novel following the master con artist, Ardor Benn, as he assembles a team for his most daring heist yet - stealing from the most powerful king in the realm. The book is filled with twists and turns, explosive exploits, and a unique magic system based on 'grit' obtained from dragon waste. The story is fast-paced, immersive, and features well-developed characters who embark on a thrilling adventure full of schemes, heists, and unexpected revelations.

In "Crooked Kingdom," the sequel to "Six of Crows," readers are taken on a thrilling journey with the Crows as they seek revenge against those who have wronged them. The book is filled with intricate heists, intense action, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Leigh Bardugo's writing style is praised for its ability to create a vibrant and complex world, with characters that feel like old friends and a storyline that is both exhilarating and fun.

Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett is a satirical fantasy novel set in a world where Polly Perks disguises herself as a boy to join the army and find her missing brother. The story unfolds in a war-torn nation, Borogravia, where young women start taking the place of depleted young men in the military. Through humor and clever twists, Pratchett explores themes of gender roles, war, and nationalism, all while delivering a fast-paced and engaging narrative that keeps readers entertained and enthralled.

The book is praised for its witty writing style that subverts traditional fantasy tropes and offers a fresh take on familiar themes. Pratchett's humor shines through as he weaves a tale of strong female characters, biting satire on societal norms, and thought-provoking commentary on the absurdities of war and gender expectations. Monstrous Regiment stands out as a standalone Discworld novel that combines humor, social commentary, and compelling storytelling in a way that captivates readers from start to finish.