Books Like...
Under the Pendulum Sun is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Catherine Helstone as she ventures into Faerie to find her missionary brother, Laon, and help him save the souls of the Fae. The book delves into a nightmare Faerie world filled with gothic horror elements, religious themes, and a dark elegance that gradually unfolds as the protagonist navigates through a mysterious and cruel land. The story combines Victorian influences with a theological twist, creating a unique and atmospheric narrative that slowly draws readers in until the final act unveils the full picture with a captivating sense of ambition.
If you liked Under the Pendulum Sun, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho is a Regency fantasy novel set in an alternate version of early 19th century England where magic is a prevalent force. The story follows Zacharias Wythe, a black Sorcerer Royal, and Prunella Gentleman, a young woman with great magical gifts, as they navigate a society filled with prejudice, intrigue, and a dwindling magic supply. The book combines elements of Regency England, magical realism, and social commentary, creating a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative reminiscent of works like Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
LADY FRANCES BURROW’S guests had not noticed her butler particularly when he showed them into the house, but the self-important flourish with which he now flung open the door piqued curiosity. Those w... - #2
Save:The True Queen is a sequel to Sorcerer to the Crown, where readers are introduced to two sisters, Muna and Sakti, who wake up on a beach with no memories of their past. As they embark on a journey to England to seek help from the Sorceress Royal, they encounter magical adventures, fairy worlds, and Regency-era challenges. The book weaves together themes of sisterhood, friendship, and the complexities of navigating a society filled with sexism, racism, and magical intrigue.
The forests blanketed a large part of the island, but the villages clung to the coast. The people of the island went quietly in the shadow of the jungle, avoiding its notice. What came to pass in the ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sorcerer Royal ) - #3
Save:'Redemption in Indigo' by Karen Lord is a unique fairy tale that takes inspiration from Senegalese folklore but adds a Caribbean twist. The story follows Paama, a strong female protagonist, who is given the Chaos Stick and must navigate a world filled with spirit creatures, quest, redemption, and humor. The book is praised for its engaging writing style, the use of African-inspired mythology, and the refreshing departure from typical European-centered fantasy narratives.
There are men of violence. There are men who drink. And then there was Ansige, a man with a vice so pathetic as to be laughable. He ate; he lived for his belly. No one would believe that a woman could... 'The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories' by Susanna Clarke is a collection of short stories set in a Regency era England where magic is intertwined with everyday life. The stories feature female magicians, malevolent fairies, and historical figures like The Duke of Wellington and Mary, Queen of Scots. The writing style is described as dry, highly mannered wit, reminiscent of Jane Austen, with a modern twist that includes elements of sex, violence, and humor.
And if we honour this principle we shall discover that our magic is much greater than all the sum of all the spells that were ever taught. Then magic is to us as flight is to the birds, because then o...- #5
Save:In "Faerie Tale" by Raymond E. Feist, the Higgings family moves to a farm with rumored Faerie Woods, where they encounter scary and ruthless supernatural beings seeking to harm them. The story is filled with mystery, magic, drama, and a touch of love as characters navigate the Faerie world while dealing with the dark and otherworldly creatures.
The book is set in modern-day upper state New York and intermixes Celtic mythical creatures with twentieth-century individuals, focusing on the twins Patrick and Sean as they learn to cope in the Faerie world. As the family unravels the mysteries surrounding their new home, they are drawn into a tale of Faerie intersecting with the real world, leading to a compelling and engaging narrative.
Gloria Hastings stood with hands on hips, delivering the Look. Sean and Patrick stopped their bickering over who was entitled to the baseball bat. Their large blue eyes regarded their mother for a mom... - #6
Save:"The Call" by Peadar O Guilin is a dark and terrifying YA fantasy novel set in Ireland, where teenagers are taken to the Grey Land by the Sidhe for three minutes, facing gruesome and deadly challenges. The story follows Nessa, a disabled but determined fighter, and her friendship with Megan as they train to survive the Call. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, rooted in Irish folklore, offering a unique and chilling portrayal of the faerie world. The writing style is engaging, descriptive, and haunting, drawing readers into a world of suspense, horror, and action.
On her tenth birthday Nessa overhears an argument in her parents’ bedroom. She knows nothing about the Three Minutes yet. How could she? The whole of society is working to keep its children innocent. ... - #7
Save:'War for the Oaks' by Emma Bull is an urban fantasy novel set in Minneapolis that follows Eddi, a rock musician who gets entangled in a faerie war. The story revolves around Eddi's journey as she navigates the war between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, forming relationships with various faerie beings and discovering the magical ways she can use her musical talent. The book combines elements of music, magic, and faerie lore, creating a unique and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.
The writing style of 'War for the Oaks' is often praised for its ability to seamlessly blend the mundane with the magical. Emma Bull's storytelling is described as elegant and haunting, drawing readers into a world where rock and roll performers coexist with the faerie realm. The book is noted for its well-developed characters, particularly Eddi, and the way it slowly draws readers into the story until they are unable to put it down.
The University Bar was not, in the grand scheme of the city, close to the university. Nor was its clientele collegiate. They worked the assembly lines and warehouses, and wanted uncomplicated entertai... - #8
Save:Thomas the Rhymer is a prose re-telling of the famous traditional ballad, centering around a minstrel named Thomas who is taken to the land of the Sidhe to live and love for the Queen. The story is narrated from four different viewpoints, providing insight into the emotional growth of Thomas as he navigates his time in Faerieland. Ellen Kushner's writing style brings to life the characters and setting, creating a magical and fantastical world that stays true to the source material while adding depth and detail to the tale.
I don’t like anyone to know that my hearing isn't as good as it used to be, but it's true for all that. There are other ways for a body to keep track of matters, though, and those I know. The start of... - #9
Save:In "Lords and Ladies" by Terry Pratchett, the story revolves around the witches Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick as they face an invasion by elves in the kingdom of Lancre. The book combines humor, fantasy, and elements of darker folklore, as the witches navigate through challenges such as Magrat's upcoming marriage to the King, the dangerous presence of the elves, and the mysterious alternate universe glimpses experienced by Granny Weatherwax. The narrative is filled with literary references, clever storytelling, and a blend of comedy and horror, making it a unique and engaging addition to the Discworld series.
There are very few starts. Oh, some things seem to be beginnings. The curtain goes up, the first pawn moves, the first shot is fired*—but that’s not the start. The play, the game, the war is just a li...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #10
Save:'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set in an alternate version of nineteenth century England. The story follows two magicians, Mr. Norrell and Jonathan Strange, as they delve into the restoration of magic in England and eventually aid in the country's victory in the Napoleonic Wars. The book intricately weaves together intricate world-building, fascinating characters, and a plot that unfolds slowly but steadily, keeping readers engaged through its detailed descriptions and rich storytelling style.
The writing style of 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' is described as dense, detailed, and somewhat long-winded, reminiscent of nineteenth-century literature. The author, Susanna Clarke, creates a world that is both captivating and immersive, with elements of humor, pointed digs, and a cynical outlook on the usefulness of magic. The book is known for its historical accuracy, extensive footnotes that add depth to the narrative, and its ability to transport readers to a world where magic and reality intertwine seamlessly.
They were gentleman-magicians, which is to say they had never harmed any one by magic – nor ever done any one the slightest good. In fact, to own the truth, not one of these magicians had ever cast th...
