Books Like...

'The Angel of the Crows' by Katherine Addison is a unique fantasy novel that reimagines Sherlock Holmes as an angel named Crow and Dr. Watson as Dr. Doyle, a human turned into a hellhound after being injured by a fallen angel. Set in an alternate Victorian London filled with supernatural beings like angels, werewolves, and vampires, the book follows Crow and Doyle as they solve mysteries inspired by classic Sherlock Holmes stories, including encounters with Jack the Ripper. The writing style is described as engaging, with intricate world-building, complex characters, and a blend of humor and intrigue that keeps readers hooked till the end.

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock is a fantasy novel set in a world of floating islands, blood magic, and mirror projections. The story follows Princess Isabelle des Zephyrs, a polymath physically disabled princess, and her devoted musketeer, Jean Claude. Together, they navigate a world filled with complex villains, court intrigue, and political marriages. The writing style is described as fast-paced, intricate, and detailed, with a mix of adventure, intrigue, and witty banter reminiscent of The Three Musketeers.

Set in an alternate history of 1912 Cairo, "A Dead Djinn in Cairo" follows Fatma el Sha'arawi, a special investigator with the Egyptian Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities. The story revolves around her investigation into the murder of a dead djinn, leading her to uncover hidden plots and nefarious foes in a steampunk world filled with djinns, angels, ghouls, and other mythical creatures. With a compelling mystery and intriguing characters, the novella offers a unique blend of fantasy, supernatural elements, and detective work, all set in a richly detailed and atmospheric Cairo.

'When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain' by Nghi Vo is a novella that follows the cleric Chih on a journey where they find themselves trapped by a group of hungry tigers. To save themselves and their companions, Chih must tell a story about the scholar Dieu and her tiger lover Ho Thi Thao, but the tigers interject and correct the story as it unfolds. The book features a nested storytelling format, showcasing a delicate interplay between framing and framed narratives, all while exploring themes of truth, perspective, and the art of storytelling. The writing style is described as enchanting, lyrical, evocative, and lush, with the author's words transitioning seamlessly from the familiar to the magical.

'Daughters of Nri' by Reni K. Amayo is a fantasy novel set in Africa, featuring strong female characters, magic, and a medieval fantasy world. The story follows two sisters, Naala and Sinai, who were separated at birth to protect them from a ruthless king with magic powers. As they discover their true identities and powers, they embark on a journey to reunite and face the challenges posed by the villain. The writing style is described as vivid, engaging, and lyrical, with detailed world-building and character development that brings the story to life.

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho is a contemporary fantasy novel set in Malaysia, following the story of Jess, a reluctant lesbian medium who moves back to Malaysia with her parents. Upon her return, she starts hearing the voice of her dead grandmother, Ah Ma, and gets entangled in a world of gods, ghosts, and vengeance. The book explores themes of displacement, family dynamics, cultural identity, and the supernatural, all wrapped in a compelling narrative with elements of horror and humor. Cho's writing style is described as beautifully written, with depth of character, intricate world-building, and dynamic conflict resolution.

"My Beautiful Life" by K.J. Parker is a novella that delves into themes of intrigue, backstabbing, wit, and dark humor, typical of Parker's style. The story follows a nameless main character who narrates his life story which involves humble beginnings, manipulation, and a rise to power. The plot revolves around the complex relationships between the characters, particularly focusing on the dynamics between the narrator, his brothers Nico and Edax, and their mother. The setting is a standard low fantasy world with minimal magic, serving as a backdrop to the character-driven narrative. The novella plays with structure and characters, providing a unique perspective on storytelling that may not resonate with all readers.

Spirits Abroad by Zen Cho is a collection of diverse and engaging short stories that explore themes of ghosts, spirits, folklore, and the supernatural from a Malay viewpoint. The stories range from humorous to philosophical, touching on topics such as migration, family relationships, love affairs with dragons, and the coexistence of the earthly and the supernatural. Cho's writing style is described as tight, controlled, and filled with humor, blending fantasy and folklore with insightful commentary on Asian diaspora.

Fatima, a young girl in a future Ghana, encounters a strange object during a meteor shower that grants her unique powers but also leads to tragic events. Renamed Sankofa, she navigates a world where her touch brings death, struggling to control her abilities as she roams through Ghana. Nnedi Okorafor's writing combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism to create a captivating narrative that explores themes of identity, power, and connection in a futuristic African setting.

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.