Books Like...

Kiteworld by Keith Roberts is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a rebuilt civilisation following a catastrophe, where survivors use kites to defend against demons from the Badlands. The story is told through a series of interconnected short stories, focusing on the society's reliance on kites and the religious and military forces that control them. The writing style is rich in detail, describing a unique world where kites have mythic power and play a crucial role in the society's defense against external threats.

In an alternate history where the Spanish Armada triumphs in 1588, 'Ruled Britannia' by Harry Turtledove explores a London under Spanish control. The story follows the struggles of England under the Spanish Inquisition, with a focus on William Shakespeare as a key figure in a plot to inspire a revolt against the Spanish occupiers. The book delves into the political intrigue of the time, showcasing the tensions between Shakespeare and a Spanish playwright, Lt. Lope de Vega, as they navigate loyalty to their respective monarchs while collaborating on a dangerous game of rebellion.

The narrative of 'Ruled Britannia' is filled with detailed portrayals of late 16th-century London under Spanish dominion, offering a realistic and grim depiction of life under occupation. The book cleverly incorporates Shakespearean quotes and themes, immersing readers in the world of Elizabethan theater amidst a backdrop of religious conflicts and power struggles. Through the eyes of Shakespeare and Lope de Vega, the story unfolds with a mix of historical accuracy and fictional intrigue, culminating in a tale of betrayal, loyalty, and the fight for freedom in a society rife with oppression and deception.

'The Gate of Worlds' by Robert Silverberg is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Death ravaged Europe, leading to the conquest of Europe by the Turks and the ascendance of the Aztecs in the Americas. The story follows a protagonist who embarks on an adventurous journey, encountering different cultures and participating in unique events, such as an Aztec-type game with a rubber ball and armor. Silverberg's world-building is intricate, presenting a reality where major powers are the Aztecs and the Turks, and where characters discuss the concept of Many Worlds theory, exploring divergent universes based on choices.

The narrative of 'The Gate of Worlds' delves into the protagonist's exploration of a world drastically altered by historical events, providing a thought-provoking reflection on what could have been if certain pivotal moments in history had unfolded differently. The book weaves together elements of adventure, alternate history, and speculative fiction, inviting readers to ponder the consequences of different historical outcomes and the complexities of societal structures in a world shaped by unique historical circumstances.

Bring the Jubilee by Ward Moore is an alternate history novel set in a world where the Southern States emerged victorious in the US Civil War. The story follows Hodge Backmaker, a historian, as he navigates a society where the South's victory has altered the course of history, leading to a horse and buggy impoverished North. The novel intricately weaves together elements of coming of age, time travel, and societal reflections, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how different the world could have been.

In the book "The Yiddish Policemen's Union" by Michael Chabon, readers are taken on a journey through an alternate history where Jews settled in Alaska after the failure of Israel in 1948. The story follows Detective Meyer Landsman as he investigates a murder in Sitka, Alaska, uncovering a complex web of government conspiracy, personal tales of loss, and the use of chess as a metaphor throughout the narrative. Chabon's writing style is described as rich with metaphor, featuring frequent use of Yiddish words, and showcasing a unique blend of noir elements and hard-boiled detective fiction.

The novel delves into themes of religion, chess, and the diverse population within the Jewish district of Sitka, Alaska. Chabon's intricate plot intertwines murder mystery elements with a deep exploration of character motivations, government intrigue, and the complexities of a society on the brink of change. The book is praised for its detailed world-building, engaging writing style, and the way it seamlessly blends elements of speculative fiction, detective fiction, and alternate history.

Set in an alternate reality where slavery is legal in four states, 'Underground Airlines' follows Victor, a black bounty hunter tasked with tracking down escaped slaves. As Victor delves into his latest case, involving an escapee named Jackdaw, he uncovers a dark secret that challenges his beliefs and forces him to question his own past. The book combines elements of thriller and detective genres, offering a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of race, history, and society in a chillingly realistic manner.

Milo Hastings' 'City of Endless Night' presents a dystopian future where Berlin has isolated itself from the world under a protective dome, controlling every aspect of its citizens' lives. The novel explores a society divided into different classes, including workers, soldiers, intellectuals, and the divine Hohenzollern dynasty. The protagonist, an outsider, infiltrates this society and navigates the underground city, offering a glimpse into the meticulously stratified fascist society. The narrative delves into themes of control, manipulation, eugenics, and the suppression of religion and individual freedoms, presenting a chilling vision of a future that might have been.

Hastings' writing style combines elements of archaic science fiction with a modern, efficient approach to prose. The story unfolds with attention to detail, offering a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through the protagonist's exploration of Berlin's underground world, the novel raises questions about societal values, human rights, and the consequences of authoritarian rule, making it a compelling read that challenges readers to reflect on historical parallels and contemporary issues.

In an alternative history where Britain made peace with Hitler, 'Farthing' unfolds at a country house where a member of the Farthing Set is found murdered. The narrative alternates between Lucy, a daughter of the house, and Inspector Carmichael investigating the crime. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the sinister aspects of the aristocratic world, the rise of fascism, and the chilling reality of a society slipping into totalitarianism. The writing style combines elements of a murder mystery, a political parable, and a reflection on class loyalties and prejudices, creating a compelling and timely narrative.

In 'The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln' by Stephen L. Carter, the author presents an alternate history where Lincoln survives Booth's assassination attempt and faces an impeachment trial for war crimes. The novel delves into the intrigues among radical Abolitionists, former Confederates seeking revenge, and the spectrum of black responses to emancipation. The book is praised for its deep research into historical details, creating a vivid backdrop of the wealthy elite, black population integration struggles, and the political landscape of the time.

The writing style of the book is noted for its blend of fictitious elements with reality-based material, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The character development, particularly of Abigail Canner, a black woman working on Lincoln's legal defense team, is highlighted as a strong point in the novel, adding depth and realism to the story.

Philip Roth's 'The Plot Against America' is an alternative history novel that explores a world where Charles Lindbergh, a Nazi sympathizer, defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election. The story follows a Jewish family living in Newark, primarily through the eyes of a young Philip Roth, as they navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the consequences of Lindbergh's presidency. The writing style is described as compelling, with long but readable sentences that present an altered reality that is both familiar and chilling.