Books Like...

Crooked by Austin Grossman is a unique blend of alternate history, occult thriller, and redemption story, narrated by President Nixon. The story delves into a world where Nixon is portrayed as a complex character, not vilified or redeemed, but rather as a secret savior of the nation who navigates a shadowy realm involving KGB spies, Elder Ones, and the true threats of the Cold War. The book weaves a tale of Nixon's early political career, from his time as a Congressman investigating a Soviet spy to his tenure as Vice President under Eisenhower, all while hinting at a much larger and more encompassing story beyond what is revealed.

In "Bitter Seeds," author Ian Tregillis presents an alternate history of World War II where the Nazis create superhumans through torturous means, while the British employ warlocks to harness dark powers. The story unfolds like a WWII spy novel, with both sides resorting to morally questionable acts justified by the needs of war. The narrative is dark, engaging, and suspenseful, with a focus on broken characters navigating a bleak and twisted version of history.

The book delves into themes of sacrifice, desperation, and the blurred lines between good and evil during wartime. Tregillis skillfully weaves together elements of magic, sci-fi, and historical fiction to create a haunting tale set against the backdrop of one of the darkest periods in European history.

'Shoggoths in Bloom' by Elizabeth Bear is a collection of short stories that span various genres including fantasy, science fiction, and horror. The stories range from epic fantasy to modern science fiction, showcasing the author's versatility in storytelling. Elizabeth Bear's writing style is praised for its ability to create vivid and poignant imagery, drawing readers into each unique tale. The book includes stories about relationships, discovery, and speculative themes, with underlying themes that delve into nurturing, loss, aging, memory, freedom, rebellion, and gender roles.

'Lovecraft's Monsters' edited by Ellen Datlow is an anthology of short stories, poems, and novellas inspired by the early master of horror, HP Lovecraft. The collection features a variety of tales that reimagine Lovecraft's universe of cosmic horror, each written by renowned authors such as Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Bear, and Nick Mamatas. The stories range from eerie goings-on to full-on Lovecraftian horror, taking readers on a journey through different time periods and locations, all while invoking a sense of cosmic dread and helplessness.

The writing style in 'Lovecraft's Monsters' is praised for its ability to capture the essence of Lovecraft's work while adding a fresh perspective to his mythos. Readers appreciate the diverse range of stories that explore Lovecraftian themes in unique settings such as Indonesia, California's Gold Rush, and a future with only a few human survivors on Earth. The anthology offers a blend of familiarity and novelty, breathing new life into Lovecraft's monstrous creations and cosmic horror.

'Agents of Dreamland' by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a blend of Lovecraftian horror and espionage, featuring dark and surreal elements that draw readers into a mysterious and mesmerizing story. The narrative follows American operative, The Signalman, as he navigates a mission involving a prophetess from a British agency to combat cultists with dark intentions. The writing style is described as poetic, with a touch of Kafkaesque officialdom, creating a gripping and ambiguous atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.

Ex-boxer and Great War veteran Harry Stubbs, working for a London legal firm, embarks on a mystery involving the estate of famed explorer Ernest Shackleton. As Harry delves into the case, he uncovers ancient artifacts hinting at an unknown civilization and a conspiracy older than written history. The narrative skillfully combines elements of Lovecraftian horror with a pulp adventure tone, offering a refreshing take on the genre. The author's evocative prose, well-developed characters, and historical depth create an immersive reading experience set in 1920s London.

In Winter Tide, Ruthanna Emrys introduces readers to Aphra Marsh, a new urban fantasy heroine who is on a quest to preserve knowledge and navigate a changing world alongside beings with different worldviews. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the novel explores themes of espionage, supernatural investigations, and the protagonist's journey to reclaim her family's stolen legacy. Emrys skillfully weaves Lovecraftian elements into the story, creating a narrative that challenges established myths and delves into complex interpersonal relationships.

The plot unfolds as Aphra, one of the last survivors of a government raid on Innsmouth, teams up with FBI agents and other magical characters to uncover dangerous secrets and protect her heritage. Through vivid world-building and a unique take on Lovecraft's universe, Emrys crafts a tale that blends mystery, historical prejudice, and philosophical dilemmas, offering readers a fresh perspective on cosmic horror and the nature of monstrous beings.

Cthulhu's Daughters: Stories of Lovecraftian Horror is an anthology that focuses on exploring the female characters in Lovecraft's stories, filling the void of female representation in his fictional world. The stories range from pastiche and parody to serious horror, offering nightmarish and strange tales of women who would have inhabited Lovecraft's universe. The anthology is a solid collection of stories that usually end bleakly due to the involvement of elder gods, showcasing smart, powerful, and twisted female characters.

The book consists of 25 original tales that delve into the female characters of Lovecraft's stories, providing a varied tone and approach while remaining relatively focused on the subject matter. The stories can be read independently but are best understood when familiar with Lovecraft's fiction, giving readers a different perspective on the author's universe and characters.

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.