Books Like...
Skullcrack City by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a mind-bending and immersive Bizarro science fiction epic that follows the journey of S P Doyle, a paranoid and drug-addled banker, as he delves into conspiracies and cults, all while battling his own drug-induced delusions. The story takes readers on a wild and unpredictable ride, filled with dark humor, detailed descriptions of body modification, and unexpected plot twists that keep them engaged until the very end.
The writing style of Jeremy Robert Johnson in Skullcrack City has been described as masterful and unique, with a narrative that grips readers from the very first sentence and refuses to let go. Johnson's distinctive voice shines through, offering a blend of cosmic horror, conspiracy thriller, and black comedy that sets this book apart from others in the genre. The story unfolds at a breakneck pace, seamlessly transitioning between drug-induced paranoia and introspective moments, all while maintaining a sarcastic edge that adds depth to the characters and the plot.
If you liked Skullcrack City, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
The Unnoticeables by Robert Brockway is a bizarre and violent urban fantasy novel that follows the intertwined lives of Carey in 1977 New York and Kaitlyn in 2013 Hollywood. Both characters encounter angels and inhuman minions, trying to save their friends from being transformed into empty puppets. The story is split into three narratives, including an unnamed narrator rapidly losing his humanity, Carey's punk lifestyle filled with mayhem and good intentions, and Kaitlyn's struggle as a waitress and out of work stuntwoman facing supernatural threats. The book combines elements of urban fantasy and horror, showcasing vivid underground worlds in New York and Hollywood.
I’m not much for metaphor. So when I say “guardian angel,” I don’t mean some girl with big eyes and swiveling hips who I put on a ridiculous pedestal. I mean that she was an otherworldly being assigne... - #2
'Entropy in Bloom' by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a collection of dark and diverse short stories that cover a wide range of unsettling and thought-provoking themes. The stories delve into the depths of human condition, exploring paranoia, psychological disorders, and societal issues in a gritty and realistic way. The author's writing style is described as original, terrifying, and occasionally quite humorous in a dark manner, reminiscent of Clive Barker's works.
It’s obvious she’s having a hard time sipping her coffee. No matter how delicately she raises her hand or how straight and elegant her posture, she can’t help looking awkward when she drinks. Half the... - #3
Carrier Wave by Robert Brockway is a novel that intricately weaves together a series of vignettes that ultimately reveal a cosmic horror threatening humanity. The book explores the consequences of an extraterrestrial signal that drives individuals into madness, leading to the collapse of civilization and a post-apocalyptic struggle for survival. The narrative structure unfolds like a puzzle, with revelations building towards a grand finale that delves into the nature of humanity and its place in the universe.
- #4
'Quicksand House' by Carlton Mellick III is a dark fairy tale that follows two children raised in isolation by their nanny in a nursery within a gigantic, decaying mansion. The siblings have never met their busy parents and are forced to leave the safety of their childhood behind, embarking on a dangerous journey through the mysterious house to seek answers and confront their fears. The book is described as a blend of emotional coming-of-age experience and surreal survival horror fantasy, with a writing style that is imaginative, fast-paced, and deeply engaging.
Tick watches his sister and Nanny Warburough through a crack in the wall. They can’t see him hiding in the crawlspace. It is his territory. When Polly was younger, they both used to hide from the nann... - #5
Satan Burger by Carlton Mellick III is a surreal and bizarre novel that follows a group of punks navigating through the end of the world where the gates of heaven and hell are closed, dimensional aliens invade Earth, and Satan opens a burger joint. The book is described as a mix of extreme fantasy ideas with dark humor, exploring themes of the apocalypse, existentialism, and the absurd. The writing style is characterized as weird, uncomfortable, and bizarro, with elements of shock value and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged.
It is still developing/mutating like it is sludgeling through its puberty moments, within the tricky awkward stages of physical and emotional development, just finding hair where it did not have hair ... - #6
The Graveyard Shift: A Horror Comedy in the series '24/7 Demon Mart' by D.M. Guay follows the story of Lloyd, a chubby loser in desperate need of money and purpose, who takes a job at a local convenience store only to discover it's built on a hellmouth. Despite his initial reluctance and cluelessness, Lloyd finds himself navigating through supernatural adventures at Demon Mart, accompanied by a cast of eccentric characters. The book combines elements of horror, comedy, and urban fantasy, drawing readers into a world filled with demonic trappings, gory escapades, and unexpected twists that culminate in a satisfying conclusion.
The writing style of D.M. Guay is described as cinematic, allowing readers to vividly visualize the events unfolding in the story like a great movie or TV show. The narrative blends humor, dark humor, and supernatural elements, creating an escapism experience that keeps readers entertained and engaged throughout the book.
- #7
'Punk Land' by Carlton Mellick III is a bizarro fiction novel set in a unique afterlife called Punk Land, created by punk icon Sid Vicious. The story follows Goblin, a guard at the main gate of Punk Land, as he navigates through a series of bizarre and grotesque scenarios after the afterlife begins to deteriorate. With the help of new friends like Shark Girl, Nan, and Mortician, Goblin unravels the mysteries behind the strange rules and corrupt leaders of Punk Land, aiming to restore the anarchistic essence of the afterlife.
The book combines elements of horror, satire, and parody to deliver a fast-paced and darkly humorous narrative. Through unexpected plot twists, grotesque imagery, and witty writing, Carlton Mellick III crafts a story that explores themes of rebellion, identity, and the absurdity of existence in a punk-inspired afterlife.
'Warrior Wolf Women of the Wasteland' by Carlton Mellick III is a post-apocalyptic tale set in a world ruled by McDonald's, where mutants and wolf women coexist. The story follows the main character, Daniel, who is a mutated individual working at McDonald's and his adventures in this bizarre world. The plot involves themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, all set in a unique and surreal setting. The writing style is described as matter-of-fact yet engaging, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers intrigued until the end.
Being a brewer in McDonaldland is a terrible crime. It is considered heresy. The citizens of this country are only allowed to consume the items available on the McDonald’s menu. All other food and dri...- #9
'Siren Promised' by Jeremy Robert Johnson delves into the dark and gritty world of addiction, abuse, and redemption. The story follows Angie, a woman battling her past of addiction and abuse as she embarks on a journey to reunite with her daughter Kaya. Filled with disturbing imagery and raw emotions, the narrative weaves a tale of wretchedness and hope, showcasing the harsh realities of drug abuse and the desperate quest for salvation amidst haunting pasts and bleak circumstances.
- #10
The Big Meat by Carlton Mellick III is a unique take on the kaiju genre, focusing on the aftermath of a giant monster's death and the cleanup operation required to dispose of its massive corpse. The story follows Meri and her team, known as the Gut Crew, as they face dangerous challenges while dealing with the decomposing monster, which is infested with worms, junkies, and parasites. The narrative backtracks to show the events leading up to the cleanup operation, offering a diverse plot that keeps the reader engaged with unexpected twists and turns.
The writing style of the book is described as original and thought-provoking, with a practical approach to a fantastical concept. The author's storytelling shines through as the plot unfolds in a bleak yet intriguing wasteland setting, culminating in a unique and resonant tale that blends elements of kaiju fiction with a touch of bizarro.
The man with the big gray beard stares at me through his gas mask. I can’t quite hear him over the roaring engine of the dump truck as we plow through the rubble. He doesn’t look at the road as he dri...