Books Like...

Envy of Angels follows the journey of Lena and Darren as they venture into the world of Sin du Jour, a unique catering company with a clientele that includes demons and hellspawn. The novella combines urban fantasy elements with a culinary twist, offering a fast-paced and quirky storyline filled with dark humor and imaginative characters. Matt Wallace's writing style is described as distinctive and refreshing, with a touch of chaos and a hint of madness that keeps the reader engaged throughout the surreal adventure.

'The Palace Job' by Patrick Weekes is a high fantasy ensemble heist book reminiscent of Ocean's Eleven in a Dungeons and Dragons setting. The story follows Loch, a rogue captain, who assembles a diverse crew to recover a stolen elvish book, leading them on a wild adventure filled with fights, witty banter, and unexpected twists. The book features a mix of fantasy elements like magic, floating cities, and mythical creatures, creating a fun and entertaining read for fans of caper stories.

The writing style of 'The Palace Job' is described as light and easy to read, with a focus on humor, clever dialogue, and a fast-paced plot filled with double-crossings and surprises. Despite some predictable twists and juvenile humor, the book manages to engage readers with its diverse cast of characters and the thrilling escapades they embark on.

Swords and Deviltry is the first book in the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber. It consists of short stories that introduce the iconic characters, Fafhrd, a barbarian from the cold north, and the Gray Mouser, a former wizard apprentice turned thief. The stories delve into the origins of the two protagonists, their individual backstories, and the eventual meeting that leads to their partnership in the city of Lankhmar. The book is described as classic sword and sorcery fantasy, filled with adventure, humor, and elements of dark fantasy, all set in the vividly created world of Nehwon.

The writing style of Swords and Deviltry is characterized as entertaining, fast-paced, and not taking itself too seriously. The stories are a mix of short, brutal, and somewhat disjointed narratives that follow the misadventures of the two rogues, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. The book is praised for its world-building, grey morality, and the portrayal of flawed yet likable characters, providing a refreshing take on the traditional heroic fantasy genre.

'The Great Train Robbery' by Michael Crichton is a fictionalized account of an actual event that took place in 19th century England. The plot revolves around a group of misfits coming together to pull off a heist, delving into the highs and lows of Victorian life. Crichton's writing style is praised for its detailed descriptions that transport readers to the era, combining historical facts with a captivating storyline.

The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake is a comedic heist novel featuring John Dortmunder and his crew of New York robbers. The plot revolves around Dortmunder and his team attempting to steal a priceless gem, but due to a series of mishaps, they end up having to pull off multiple heists to secure the jewel. The writing style is described as funny, engaging, and fast-paced, with quirky and eccentric characters adding to the humor and entertainment value of the story. The book offers a series of capers that keep readers engaged, with each attempt to steal the gem resulting in unexpected twists and turns.

In 'The Devil You Know' by Mike Carey, readers are introduced to Felix Castor, a charming exorcist in London who navigates a world where ghosts and supernatural entities coexist with the living. The plot revolves around Felix being hired to exorcise a ghost haunting an archive museum, leading him into a complex mystery involving prostitution and a web of villains. The story is fast-paced with many twists, satisfying both fans of sci-fi paranormal and detective mysteries.

'The Hunter' by Richard Stark, also known as Donald Westlake, follows the story of Parker, a hardened criminal seeking revenge after being double-crossed by his partners and his wife. Set in a noir atmosphere, the book portrays Parker as an antihero, showcasing his brutal and unapologetic nature as he navigates the criminal underworld of New York City in the 1960s. The narrative is fast-paced, violent, and filled with gritty characters, reflecting a classic pulp fiction style that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

The writing style of 'The Hunter' is described as spare, clean, and sharp, typical of hard-boiled crime fiction. The book is commended for its taut and lean prose, lacking in unnecessary embellishments but delivering a straightforward and impactful storytelling experience. The character of Parker is highlighted as a standout element, portrayed as a ruthless and relentless protagonist who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of vengeance, setting him apart as a memorable and formidable figure in the genre.

'Blacktop Wasteland' by S.A. Cosby follows the story of Beauregard Bug Montage, a skilled mechanic and former getaway driver who is forced back into a life of crime to save his struggling auto repair business and support his family. As Bug plans a heist and drives the getaway car against his wife's wishes, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous criminal underworld where violence and betrayal lurk at every turn. Set in rural Virginia, the novel explores themes of poverty, desperation, and the complexities of family relationships, all while delivering a fast-paced and gritty thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of characters, particularly Bug, who is depicted as a sympathetic protagonist caught in a web of circumstances beyond his control. The writing style is noted for its raw and intense delivery, immersing readers in the adrenaline-fueled world of illegal racing, heists, and the harsh realities of rural life in Virginia.

'The Rook' by Daniel O'Malley follows the story of Myfanwy Thomas, a high-ranking operative in a secret government agency called The Checquy, who wakes up with amnesia surrounded by dead bodies. She discovers letters left by her former self guiding her through her identity and role in the agency, while also dealing with internal threats and a dangerous enemy. The plot is a mix of supernatural elements, mystery, and humor, set in an alternate London where paranormal forces are kept hidden by the agency.

The writing style of 'The Rook' is described as engaging and clever, with a first-person narrator who has had her memory wiped but leaves letters for her successor, providing detailed incluing for the reader. The characters are rounded and interesting, the plot is deftly handled, and the book is seen as an origins story that sets the stage for future installments in the series, promising more depth and development in the Checquy Files universe.

'Sandman Slim' is a gritty and dark fantasy novel that follows the story of James Stark, also known as Sandman Slim, who returns to Los Angeles after surviving eleven years in Hell. Seeking revenge on those who betrayed him and killed his girlfriend, Stark navigates a world filled with monsters, demons, angels, and magic. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with dark humor, making it a thrilling and engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and modern noir.