Books Like...

Krystal Sutherland's 'House of Hollow' follows the mysterious disappearance and return of the three Hollow sisters, Iris, Grey, and Vivi, with no memory of their time away. As the eldest sister, Grey, vanishes once again, Iris is determined to uncover the truth behind their past and present. The story is a blend of horror, modern fairy tale, and magical realism, creating an eerie and chilling atmosphere that captivates readers with its dark aesthetic and intricate imagery. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing and engaged until the very end.

The writing style in 'House of Hollow' is described as beautiful, atmospheric, and vivid, with botanical imagery that immerses readers in the story's dark and mysterious world. The narrative is fast-paced, with a tone that is both contemporary and fairytale-like, exploring themes of sisterhood, magic, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Sutherland's masterful storytelling and captivating descriptions create a haunting and macabre mood that lingers long after the final page is turned.

In "This Savage Song" by Victoria Schwab, the story unfolds in a divided city, Verity, where humans and monsters coexist in disharmony. The narrative follows two angsty teens, Kate and August, from rival families who are forced to rely on each other for survival. The plot delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the blurred lines between good and evil, set against a backdrop of a unique world filled with monsters. Schwab's writing skillfully details the origins of different monsters and their ties to human violence, creating a dark and intriguing urban fantasy setting.

'The Rithmatist' by Brandon Sanderson is a young adult fantasy novel set in a steampunk world where Rithmatists use chalk drawings to fight against evil forces. The plot revolves around Joel, a student at Armedius Academy who aspires to become a Rithmatist despite not having the magical ability. When Rithmatist students start disappearing, Joel finds himself caught up in a mystery that may change the world. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, with intricate diagrams and drawings throughout the story adding depth to the magical elements and enhancing the reader's experience.

'The Bone Houses' by Emily Lloyd-Jones is a fantasy novel that combines elements of horror, romance, and folklore. The story follows Ryn, a strong heroine who works as a gravedigger in a small town plagued by the undead known as bone houses. When the bone houses become more aggressive, Ryn sets out on an adventure with a mapmaker named Ellis to uncover the source of the unrest. The book is praised for its unique and interesting plot, engaging characters like Ryn and Ellis, and the dark fantasy setting that adds depth to the story. The writing style is described as flowing well, engaging, and filled with excellent descriptions that make the book hard to put down.

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Artemisia, a young woman training to become a Gray Sister tasked with cleansing souls to prevent them from turning into evil spirits. As Artemisia faces attacks on her convent and is forced to awaken an ancient spirit, a revenant, her life takes an unexpected turn. The book explores themes of inner strength, survival, and the battle against malevolent spirits in a richly imagined world. The writing style is lush and evocative, drawing readers into a world where magic and danger intertwine, and characters like Artemisia and the sassy revenant stand out with their depth and development.

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman is a Regency-set supernatural novel following eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall as she discovers her abilities and is drawn into a world of demon hunting alongside enigmatic Lord Carlston. The book seamlessly blends historical details of 19th century London with dark fantasy elements, creating a gripping tale of intrigue, romance, and the struggle against hidden threats lurking within society.

A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee is a Japanese-inspired fantasy novel that follows the journey of Miuko, a girl who is cursed and slowly transforming into a demon with dangerous abilities. As Miuko navigates through a world filled with spirits, gods, and demons, she grapples with questions of identity, power, and the societal constraints placed upon her as a girl from the servant class. Through her adventures and friendships, Miuko learns about the complexities of good and evil, the importance of choices, and the true meaning of humanity in a lushly constructed world filled with mythology and fantasy elements.

Traci Chee's writing style in A Thousand Steps Into Night is described as beautiful, artistically done, and seamlessly written. The book incorporates footnotes to aid in understanding Japanese-inspired words and provides a rich worldbuilding experience that draws comparisons to beloved Miyazaki films. The narrative is character-driven, focusing on Miuko's growth as she faces challenges, makes choices with real consequences, and learns to navigate a world where power structures and personal agency intersect.

Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat follows the story of Will, a 16-year-old boy who witnesses his mother's murder and is told he must fight alongside the Stewards against the reborn Dark King. As Will navigates a world of magic and training for an upcoming battle, he uncovers unexpected twists and turns, challenging the traditional 'good vs evil' trope. The author's writing style is described as elegant and evocative, with intricate world-building and a narrative that unfolds with suspense, capturing the nuances of the characters' voices and making them feel distinct and authentic.

'Bone Gap' by Laura Ruby is a young adult novel that weaves together elements of mystery, magical realism, and romance. The story follows Finn, an outsider in a small town, who witnesses the kidnapping of his friend Roza but struggles to describe the assailant due to his difficulty with facial recognition. As Finn tries to unravel the mystery of Roza's disappearance, the narrative shifts between different characters' perspectives, revealing the impact on the community and exploring themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance. With lyrical prose and a touch of fantasy, 'Bone Gap' takes readers on a journey through a world where reality and magic intertwine, leaving them questioning beauty, identity, and the blurred lines between the seen and unseen.

Laura Ruby's writing style in 'Bone Gap' has been praised for its beautiful prose, engaging storytelling, and use of magical realism. The novel is described as a coming-of-age tale, a surreal fairy tale, and a blend of mystery and romance, offering readers a unique and captivating reading experience. Through the vivid characterization of Finn, Roza, and other inhabitants of Bone Gap, Ruby crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, the power of perception, and the mysteries that lie within the gaps of memory and reality.

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy follows the adventures of Felicity Montague, a determined young woman who aspires to become a doctor in a world that denies women such opportunities. Alongside her friends Sim and Johanna, Felicity embarks on a journey filled with pirates, dragons, and challenges that test her beliefs and abilities. The book explores themes of feminism, misogyny, imperialism, asexuality, and the complexities of female friendships, all while maintaining a balance between historical fiction and fantastical elements. The writing style is a blend of humor, adventure, and strong character development, with a focus on addressing important societal issues with grace and compassion.