Books Like...

On an Earth that is on the point of death through global warming, there is an orbital lift still operating from a small town on the equator in Africa. Rich people preparing to ascend the elevator stop off at a hotel in the town. When things go wrong with the hotel's systems, teams of Fire Walkers are called in to get things sorted out. The fire walkers are young, talented, tough, and very poor. They have to be all these things to withstand the heat and be desperate enough to go out on potentially suicidal missions to improvise fixes to keep things working well enough for survival. This book is the story of one team of fire walkers lead by Mao who are commissioned to deal with a drop in power coming from the solar power fields to the south of the town. The slow reveal of the problem the fire walkers are actually facing is good but the ending was a bit too much of a quick fix after the slow build-up of the other scenarios in the story. Tchaikovsky has come up with some good twists that make this a very different tale to any that I have previously encountered. This is not the best of Tchaikovsky's work. It has the feeling of being the author's notes for a successor work. I found it sketchy in places but still a riveting read. I look forward to reading the books that build on this backstory. There are interesting ideas to be found in the book's closing pages. The 'Fire Walkers' is a decent read. It will grip you and, I hope, will leave you wanting more. But the 'sketchbook' feeling of the work means it falls short of the standard I expect for my 5-star rating.

'Beneath the Loch' by S.D. Simper is a dark fantasy romance that blends elements of horror and fantasy seamlessly. The story follows Mairi, a rural woman dreading marriage, who forms a bond with a fae named Olphia. As they reunite as adults, their relationship blossoms into a forbidden love, filled with intense passion and dark twists. The book is described as a lesbian fairytale, exploring themes of romance, horror, and mysticism in just 44 pages, leaving readers captivated and craving more.

In "The Expert System's Brother" by Adrian Tchaikovsky, the story unfolds on an unnamed alien planet where a small village of 317 people lives under strict rules imposed by the village Lawgiver. The protagonist, Handry, is banished from the village following an accident, leading to a series of events involving his twin sister Melory, who has been inhabited by a ghost that controls her actions. As the plot progresses, the novella explores themes of social control, exile, and the struggle for survival in a harsh environment filled with unique creatures and mysterious technology. Tchaikovsky's writing style combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, creating a rich and immersive world that captivates readers with its originality and thought-provoking narrative.

The novella delves into complex questions about identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, challenging readers to reflect on what it means to be human and the price of adhering to societal norms. Through a mix of intriguing world-building, unexpected plot twists, and compelling character dynamics, Tchaikovsky weaves a story that offers a satisfying reading experience while exploring profound themes that resonate long after the final pages.

'Longshadow' by Olivia Atwater is a delightful blend of faerie tale, charming romance, and intriguing murder mystery set in Regency England and Faerie. The story follows Abigail Wilder, a young woman discovering her identity and magical abilities while investigating mysterious deaths of girls she knows. Atwater's writing style is described as whimsically dark, addressing dark themes with eloquence and integrating diverse characters and magical structures seamlessly into the narrative.

In a world where murder victims inexplicably come back to life, a new job of a Dispatcher emerges - someone who kills people before they die so they can return to life. The novella follows a police detective and a Dispatcher as they investigate the disappearance of a fellow Dispatcher, delving into the morality and consequences of this unique phenomenon. John Scalzi blends fantasy with reality in a believable way, creating a fast-paced and intriguing story that leaves readers wanting more.

Never Die by Rob J. Hayes is a standalone fantasy novel that follows the story of a young boy named Ein who is tasked by a Shinigami to assassinate the Emperor of Ten Kings. To aid him in this quest, Ein has the power to resurrect legendary heroes to fight for him. As Ein gathers his team of heroes, they face battles against not only each other but also dangerous mythical creatures, all while venturing towards the city of Jieshu to fulfill their impossible mission. The narrative is a blend of Chinese wuxia action, Japanese folklore, and epic fantasy, with a focus on revenge, dark themes, and the complexities of the characters' motivations.

The book is filled with exhilarating action sequences, high-octane fight scenes, and intricate character interactions that draw inspiration from wuxia movies, anime, and Japanese mythology. Rob J. Hayes' writing style is described as fluid and smooth, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy, action, and eastern influences to create a captivating and fast-paced story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

'Not My Problem' by Ciara Smyth is a heartwarming and hilarious story that follows Aideen, a witty and vibrant teen who decides to solve others' problems instead of her own. The book explores Aideen's journey as she forms accidental friendships, navigates through heavy and humorous situations, and experiences unexpected chances at love. The writing style captures the casual juxtaposition of humor and heaviness, creating a narrative that delves into themes of friendship, growth, and self-discovery.

Aideen's character is deeply flawed yet relatable, reminiscent of the popular TV show 'Derry Girls,' questioning everything and displaying realness that resonates with readers. The story not only focuses on the witty banter and interactions between characters like Aideen, Meabh, and Kavi but also delves into heavier topics such as toxic relationships, self-acceptance, and the impact of family dynamics on an individual's growth. With a mix of humor, heartbreak, and personal growth, 'Not My Problem' offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Fatima, a young girl in a future Ghana, encounters a strange object during a meteor shower that grants her unique powers but also leads to tragic events. Renamed Sankofa, she navigates a world where her touch brings death, struggling to control her abilities as she roams through Ghana. Nnedi Okorafor's writing combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism to create a captivating narrative that explores themes of identity, power, and connection in a futuristic African setting.

In "Gearbreakers" by Zoe Hana Mikuta, the story revolves around Sona and Eris, two women on opposing sides - one trained by Godolia to pilot a Valkyrie Windup and the other a notorious Gearbreaker rebel. Their paths intersect as they form an unlikely alliance to take down the oppressive regime of Godolia. The book is set in a dystopian world filled with mechas, giant mecha battles, rebellion, found family, and unexpected romance. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, plot twists, and engaging character dynamics, all narrated through a dual POV that provides insight into the world and the characters' perspectives.

The writing style of "Gearbreakers" is captivating, with a gripping opening line that hooks the reader from the start. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of revenge, survival, betrayal, and redemption, creating a world that is both dark and hopeful. The characters, especially the primary ones like Sona and Eris, are well-developed and offer a diverse representation, while the relationships and conflicts drive the story forward, culminating in a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager for the next installment.

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.