Books Like...

'Sixth of the Dusk' by Brandon Sanderson is a Cosmere novella set in a world with unique world-building elements. The story follows Dusk, a trapper specializing in catching magical birds that grant powers, as he navigates dangerous islands filled with deadly creatures. The plot delves into the complexities of the fading native trapping culture, the advances of civilization, and the arrival of an advanced alien race known as The Ones Above.

The writing style of 'Sixth of the Dusk' is praised for its originality, intricate world-building, and engaging storytelling. The novella explores themes of mystery, adventure, and the clash between traditional practices and technological advancements in a captivating manner.

'Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection' by Brandon Sanderson is a compilation of short stories and novellas set in Sanderson's expansive Cosmere universe. The book contains companion pieces to larger works, offering deeper insights into various worlds and characters. Readers praise the in-depth lore surrounding Sanderson's worlds, the intricate magic systems, and the postscripts that provide additional context to the stories.

The Emperor's Soul is a novella by Brandon Sanderson set in a world where a Forger named Shai is caught forging a painting in the Emperor's palace. Instead of being executed, she is tasked with forging a new soul for the Emperor, who is unresponsive after an assassination attempt. The story delves into the intricate magic system where objects and people's history can be rewritten, exploring themes of identity and the power of artistry. The fast-paced writing style and engaging plot make it a captivating read, showcasing Sanderson's talent for crafting unique magical systems and complex characters.

"Dangerous Women" is an anthology edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, featuring a collection of 21 short stories by various authors. The stories revolve around the theme of women who are considered dangerous, showcasing strong female characters across different genres. While some readers found the stories to be a mix of very good and just plain bad, others appreciated the diverse subject matter and the exploration of the concept of 'dangerous women' in various ways.

'Perfect State' by Brandon Sanderson explores a futuristic world where humanity exists as brains in jars living in personalized virtual worlds. The protagonist, Emperor Kairominas, is faced with the task of procreation, leading him to interact with another liveborn human in a border state. The novella delves into themes of self-discovery, human relationships, and the concept of reality in a thought-provoking and engaging manner. The writing style combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, offering a unique take on the idea of simulated universes and individual satisfaction.

In 'How the Marquis Got His Coat Back', Neil Gaiman continues the story of the Marquis de Carabas from his novel Neverwhere. The Marquis embarks on an adventure through London Below, encountering dangerous cults, his enemy the Elephant of the Elephant and Castle, and his intriguing brother Peregrine. The story revolves around the Marquis trying to retrieve his unique coat, which has a multitude of hidden pockets and a mysterious history, leading him into various scrapes and unexpected situations in the surreal world of London Below. Gaiman's writing style is described as dark, whimsical, and full of surprises, drawing readers into a fairy tale-like narrative filled with exuberant imagination and wry humor.

In a dystopian future where two warring corporations control the remnants of the United States, Mallory "Mal" Parker, a young war orphan hustler, navigates a gritty and desperate life alongside her friends. Living in a world plagued by artificial water shortages and constant conflict, Mal's life takes a dangerous turn when she gets involved in activities deemed subversive by the corporation controlling her existence. As she goes from playing video games to facing real-life threats, Mal uncovers a shocking secret about the corporation's super soldiers, leading to a high-stakes battle against corporate greed and conspiracy.

'Snapshot' by Brandon Sanderson is a science fiction novella set in a world where entire cities can be recreated virtually for detectives to investigate crimes. The story follows detectives Anthony Davis and Chaz as they uncover a larger crime while investigating a murder. The concept of a 'Snapshot' where a virtual copy of the world from a few days ago can be created is central to the plot, reminiscent of movies like Source Code and The Matrix. explores the consequences of living in a 'fake' world and the challenges faced by the characters in solving the crime within this unique setting.

In 'The Sunlit Man', Brandon Sanderson delivers a unique and compelling addition to The Cosmere series that is full of surprises, colorful characters, and imaginative world-building. The story follows a character on the run, a Knight Radiant with a shardblade, who fights for truth while trying to stay ahead of pursuit. The book is action-packed, full of wonder, and seamlessly connects to the larger Cosmere universe, offering a heartfelt tale with great emotional beats.

Sanderson's writing style in 'The Sunlit Man' showcases his outside-the-box thinking and talent for building unique worlds in an easily digestible way. The plot is breakneck-paced, filled with fantastic characters, and teases much to come in the Stormlight Archive. The book engages readers with its intricate storytelling, interconnected ideas, and well-formed resolutions, making it a must-read for fans of the Cosmere looking for a fresh and connected experience.

'Legion' by Brandon Sanderson follows the story of Stephen Leeds, a genius private investigator with schizophrenia who sees and converses with hallucinatory people in his mind, known as aspects. These aspects help him solve cases by providing him with knowledge and skills he doesn't consciously possess. The novellas in the series explore Stephen's unique condition, his evolving capabilities, and the mysteries he investigates, all while delving into the depths of belief and reality. The writing style of the book is described as imaginative, fun, and engaging, with a touch of humor and a noir feel to it.