Books Like...

The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross is a blend of high-tech espionage, Lovecraftian horrors, and bureaucratic satire. The story follows Bob Howard, a civil servant operative working for a secret British government agency known as The Laundry, dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats using mathematics and computer science. The book features a mix of horror, humor, and spy thriller elements, with a dash of wry humor and a dollop of horror, making it a compelling and entertaining read for fans of geeky, tech-heavy narratives.

"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.

In Discount Armageddon, the story follows Verity Price, a cryptozoologist and ballroom dancer, who is tasked with protecting the cryptids residing in New York City. The book introduces a mix of humor, action, and romance as Verity navigates her dual life, uncovering mysteries surrounding the disappearances of sentient cryptids. The writing style is described as fun, light-hearted, and fast-paced, with a focus on quirky characters, cryptid biology, and witty dialogue.

Verity's adventures involve teaming up with Dominic, a member of an organization that opposes her family, to investigate the threats to the city posed by the cryptids' disappearances. McGuire's unique approach to urban fantasy, blending elements of science fiction with fantasy, creates a rich and engaging world filled with colorful characters, cryptid creatures, and themes of acceptance and adaptation in a world where humans and cryptids coexist.

In 'The Devil You Know' by Mike Carey, readers are introduced to Felix Castor, a charming exorcist in London who navigates a world where ghosts and supernatural entities coexist with the living. The plot revolves around Felix being hired to exorcise a ghost haunting an archive museum, leading him into a complex mystery involving prostitution and a web of villains. The story is fast-paced with many twists, satisfying both fans of sci-fi paranormal and detective mysteries.

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a whimsical and witty tale set in an alternate world where literature is a passion and characters from books come to life. The story follows Thursday Next, a SpecOps officer, as she delves into a dangerous mystery involving the kidnapping of Jane Eyre. With elements of time travel, literary references, and a touch of humor, the plot unfolds as Thursday jumps into the story to rescue Miss Eyre, navigating through different dimensions and encountering quirky characters along the way.

The writing style of The Eyre Affair is clever and imaginative, filled with puns, literary allusions, and witty wordplay. Fforde creates a society obsessed with literature, incorporating unique ideas and clever jokes that keep the reader engaged. The book offers a mix of humor, adventure, and mystery, making it a delightful read for bibliophiles and fans of speculative fiction.

In 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum, readers are taken on a thrilling journey with Jason Bourne, a man who wakes up with no memory and sets out to uncover his past. As he navigates through dangerous situations and faces deadly assassins, Bourne must piece together clues to unravel the mystery of his own identity. The plot twists and turns keep the adrenaline pumping as Bourne races against time to save himself and unlock the secrets of his past. The writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and action-packed, with a focus on espionage, government intelligence, and a complex protagonist.

The book is praised for its intricate plot, engaging storytelling, and the depth of the character of Jason Bourne. Readers find themselves drawn into the world of espionage and intrigue, enjoying the suspenseful narrative and the unexpected twists that keep them on the edge of their seats. Despite differences from the movie adaptation, the book is lauded for its captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and the way it delves into the complexities of Bourne's past and the challenges he faces in uncovering the truth.

'Storm Front' in 'The Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher follows the protagonist Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator in Chicago. The story combines elements of noir detective mystery with urban fantasy, as Harry navigates through supernatural events while solving crimes and facing challenges from both human and magical worlds. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and humorous, with a blend of classic detective storytelling and paranormal elements that keep readers entertained.

"Fated" in the "Alex Verus" series by Benedict Jacka is an urban fantasy novel following the protagonist, Alex Verus, a mage with the ability to see into the future. Set in a world where powerful factions of magicians are in conflict, Alex navigates a dangerous path as he becomes entangled in a quest to open an ancient relic containing a powerful weapon. The book explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of one's choices, all while delivering a fast-paced and action-packed narrative. Written in a style reminiscent of Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files," the story balances world-building with character development, creating an engaging and intriguing urban fantasy setting.

The magic system in "Fated" is both familiar and unique, drawing readers in with its mysterious elements and well-crafted social and political dynamics. The narrative delves into the complexities of living amidst evil forces without succumbing to them, showcasing the growth of the lead character, Alex Verus, and his interactions with a diverse cast of supporting characters. While some aspects of the plot may feel derivative of other urban fantasy works, the book stands out for its engaging hero, intriguing world-building, and the promise of further exploration in subsequent installments of the series.

From the opinions provided, "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi is a humorous and engaging novel that follows the journey of Charlie Fitzer, an out-of-luck journalist turned substitute teacher, who unexpectedly inherits his wealthy and villainous uncle's estate. As Charlie navigates through a world of professional villains, secret societies, and sentient cats, he finds himself in bizarre and dangerous situations, ultimately discovering his own resilience and resourcefulness in the face of unexpected challenges. The book is filled with witty humor, improbable scenarios, and unexpected twists that keep readers entertained from start to finish.

'Hounded' in 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' series by Kevin Hearne follows the story of Atticus, a 2100-year-old Druid living in Tempe, Arizona, who runs an occult bookstore and is being pursued by vengeful Irish gods. The plot involves a mix of mythology, folklore, and supernatural beings, with Atticus navigating through encounters with gods, werewolves, vampires, witches, and other unexpected characters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, full of snark, humor, and wit, with a focus on character development and interactions, particularly the unique relationship between Atticus and Oberon, his Irish Wolfhound who communicates with him through mind speak.