Books Like...

The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne, the second book in The Bloodsworn Saga, delves deeper into the world building and magic system, offering thrilling combat sequences. The story follows characters like Orka, Varg, and Elvar as they undergo significant development and face intense challenges. The book is structured to synchronize multiple POVs into a climactic final moment, similar to Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, providing a well-rounded cast of characters and expanding on the lore of the gods.

"The Life and Loves of a She Devil" by Fay Weldon is a dark and intense story revolving around Ruth Patchett, a woman who has been ignored and unloved her entire life. Ruth's husband, Bobbo, leaves her for the petite and rich romance novelist Mary Fisher, sparking Ruth's intense desire for revenge. Ruth embarks on a manipulative and ruthless journey to destroy Bobbo and Mary Fisher, using every person she encounters to achieve her goal. The book delves into themes of self-hatred, envy, and the lengths one will go to in order to transform themselves into someone they believe will be loved.

The narrative is anchored in a black, cosmic humor that never falters, creating a searing and intense reading experience. The story unfolds with a detached narration that cleverly collides with Ruth's transformation, leading readers through a journey of self-imposed hell and intense psychological exploration. Fay Weldon's writing style is described as well-crafted, engaging, and captivating, offering a unique blend of dark humor and tragedy that keeps readers engrossed until the very end.

'The Rook' by Daniel O'Malley follows the story of Myfanwy Thomas, a high-ranking operative in a secret government agency called The Checquy, who wakes up with amnesia surrounded by dead bodies. She discovers letters left by her former self guiding her through her identity and role in the agency, while also dealing with internal threats and a dangerous enemy. The plot is a mix of supernatural elements, mystery, and humor, set in an alternate London where paranormal forces are kept hidden by the agency.

The writing style of 'The Rook' is described as engaging and clever, with a first-person narrator who has had her memory wiped but leaves letters for her successor, providing detailed incluing for the reader. The characters are rounded and interesting, the plot is deftly handled, and the book is seen as an origins story that sets the stage for future installments in the series, promising more depth and development in the Checquy Files universe.

"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.

In the book "Soulless" by Gail Carriger, readers are transported to an alternate Victorian England where supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves are accepted members of society. The protagonist, Alexia Tarabotti, is a unique character who is soulless, meaning she can neutralize supernatural abilities by touch. The story follows Alexia's adventures as she inadvertently kills a vampire and is drawn into investigating the supernatural occurrences in her society, leading her to partner with the brash and handsome werewolf leader, Lord Maccon. The plot is filled with mystery, humor, witty dialogue, and a touch of romance, set against a backdrop of steampunk elements and a Victorian London filled with paranormal intrigue.

The writing style of "Soulless" is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, with a blend of fantasy, steampunk, and romantic elements. The characters, especially the strong and sassy heroine Alexia, are praised for their depth, humor, and chemistry, making the story a delightful mix of comedy of manners, urban fantasy, and romance with a modern and feminine twist.

In The City We Became, N.K. Jemisin creates a fantastical tale where New York City's soul manifests into human avatars representing its five boroughs, each embodying the unique characteristics of their area. These avatars must come together to battle an ancient evil threatening the city, with themes of racism, diversity, and unity woven throughout the fast-paced narrative. The book is praised for its thrilling plot, diverse characters, and the homage it pays to the complexities of New York City, capturing both its flaws and its beauty.

'Dead Witch Walking' by Kim Harrison is an urban fantasy novel that introduces readers to Rachel Morgan, a witch who decides to leave the Federal Inderlander Service to become an independent bounty hunter with her vampire co-worker Ivy and pixy friend Jenks. The story is set in a world where a virus has wiped out a large portion of humanity, allowing supernatural beings like witches, vampires, and pixies to come out of hiding. As Rachel navigates the dangers of her new career, she faces threats from her former employer and must find a way to pay off a death note placed on her head.

The book is praised for its imaginative world-building, complex characters, and fast-paced action. Readers appreciate the addition of fey characters and the unique setting in Cincinnati, where humans and supernatural beings coexist. Despite some initial challenges with pacing and character development, the story quickly picks up speed and keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot and dynamic interactions between the characters.

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.

'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a fantasy novel based on Chinese history, featuring a protagonist named Rin who rises from being an orphan to excelling at a prestigious military academy. The story takes unexpected turns diverging from typical YA fantasy tropes, delving into themes of tragedy, war, and morality. The book incorporates elements of Chinese culture and history, drawing parallels to real-world events such as the Japanese occupation and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and thought-provoking, providing a fresh take on epic fantasy with strong themes and messages.

'The Way of Kings' in 'The Stormlight Archive' series by Brandon Sanderson is an epic fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with unique magic systems, intricate world-building, and deep character development. The plot revolves around multiple main characters, each with their own complex storylines that eventually intertwine. The magic system in the book is innovative and tied to gems that capture stormlight, which powers magical armor and various other elements in the world. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of slow-paced world-building and action-packed sequences that keep readers hooked throughout the 1000+ pages of the book.