Books Like...

In the book "Marching Through Georgia" by S.M. Stirling, readers are taken on an alternate history journey to the 1940s where the world is under the sway of the militaristic Draka dynasty. The story follows a young Straka Centurion as he learns the essence of leadership in a new front opened by the Straka against the declining Nazis. The writing style combines elements of alternate society creation, small unit WW2 combat, and historical depictions, creating a vivid narrative set in a world where the Draka hold power over a third of the globe.

Resistance by Owen Sheers is an alternate history novel set during World War II, exploring the consequences of a German invasion of Britain. The story is centered around a group of women in a remote Welsh valley who are left to manage their farms after their husbands join the resistance. When a German patrol led by Albrecht Wolfram arrives, a symbiotic relationship develops between the women and the soldiers during a harsh winter. The novel is praised for its delicate storytelling, beautiful descriptions, and its focus on individual lives amidst the backdrop of war.

Set in an alternative history where the Germans won World War II in 1941, "SS-GB" by Len Deighton follows Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer as he investigates a murder trial with national and political implications in Nazi-occupied Britain. The story delves into the complexities of life under German control, the resistance movement, and the power struggles between different factions, all against the backdrop of a grim and oppressive reality in 1941 London.

In 'Conquistador', S.M. Stirling presents an alternate Earth where a group of individuals discovers a passage to a parallel world in California in 1946. They begin to colonize this new land, creating a new society and facing challenges such as political intrigue and the impact of European colonization on the indigenous population. The story unfolds with detailed descriptions of the alternate world, its political and social development, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate this unspoiled territory.

The plot of 'Conquistador' revolves around the exploration of a parallel Earth that diverged from history due to the absence of European exploration of the New World. The narrative spans across two universes, blending elements of mystery, action, and political intrigue. Stirling's writing style is described as descriptive and detailed, offering vivid depictions of battle scenes, world-building, and character development that immerse the reader in the story.

In an alternative history where Britain made peace with Hitler, 'Farthing' unfolds at a country house where a member of the Farthing Set is found murdered. The narrative alternates between Lucy, a daughter of the house, and Inspector Carmichael investigating the crime. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the sinister aspects of the aristocratic world, the rise of fascism, and the chilling reality of a society slipping into totalitarianism. The writing style combines elements of a murder mystery, a political parable, and a reflection on class loyalties and prejudices, creating a compelling and timely narrative.

'Immobility' by Brian B.K. Evenson is a post-apocalyptic tale where a man named Josef Horkai is awakened from stasis to embark on a mission in a world devastated by catastrophe. Paralyzed from the waist down, Josef is tasked with retrieving stolen seeds that are crucial for the survival of humanity. The story unfolds as Josef navigates the desolate landscape with the help of two humanoids referred to as mules, uncovering mysteries of his past while questioning the motives of those around him. Evenson's writing style is stark and atmospheric, creating a quest-like structure that delves into deep philosophical themes about existence and humanity's place in a harsh new world.

In The Peshawar Lancers by S.M. Stirling, a post-apocalyptic alternate history unfolds as a meteor strike reshapes the world, leading to the British Empire relocating to India and rebuilding its power. The story follows the King family's struggles in this new empire, filled with intrigue, spies, and action, set against a backdrop of a steampunk world with airships and steam trains. The narrative is a blend of adventure, historical fiction, and speculative elements, keeping readers engaged with its unique world-building and compelling characters.

Philip Roth's 'The Plot Against America' is an alternative history novel that explores a world where Charles Lindbergh, a Nazi sympathizer, defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election. The story follows a Jewish family living in Newark, primarily through the eyes of a young Philip Roth, as they navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the consequences of Lindbergh's presidency. The writing style is described as compelling, with long but readable sentences that present an altered reality that is both familiar and chilling.

'Dies the Fire' by S.M. Stirling is a post-apocalyptic novel where a mysterious event disables all modern technology, throwing the world back into a pre-industrial era. The story follows different groups of survivors as they navigate a world without electricity, guns, or machinery, focusing on their struggles to adapt to the new reality and rebuild society. The book explores themes of community, survival, and the impact of historical models on shaping the new post-technological world. The writing style includes detailed descriptions and complex character development, with a mix of pagan and historical elements woven into the narrative.

The plot of 'Dies the Fire' revolves around how society copes with the sudden loss of technology and the shift to a more primitive way of life. The characters face challenges in food production, defense, and medical care, leading to a reconfiguration of social structures and power dynamics. The book delves into the personal journeys of individuals as they navigate the aftermath of the apocalyptic event, highlighting themes of resilience, adaptation, and the exploration of different responses to a changed environment.

'The Fireman' by Joe Hill is a gripping tale set in a world ravaged by the Dragonscale plague, where infected individuals burst into flames. The story follows nurse Harper Grayson and the enigmatic Fireman as they navigate through a society hunting down those with Dragonscale. The narrative explores themes of survival, relationships, power dynamics, and the search for safety amidst chaos, all while delving into the unique concept of the Dragonscale infection and its deadly consequences.

The plot is filled with suspense, complex characters, and unexpected twists, drawing readers into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity's best and worst traits are on display. Joe Hill's writing style captivates the audience with its emotional depth, thought-provoking themes, and a storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, ultimately delivering a satisfying and immersive reading experience.