Books Like...

The City of Silk and Steel is a captivating tale set in a mythical city of women in the Middle East during the early middle ages. The story revolves around a group of concubines and their children who face a treacherous fate but decide to take control of their destinies. The narrative is structured as a series of stories about the backgrounds and perspectives of various characters, interwoven with a frame story of a librarian. The novel delves into themes of gender relations, power dynamics, perception, and religion, incorporating fantastical elements like djinn and magic while conveying universal ideas through a beautifully crafted, fairy tale-like narrative.

'Lucifer, Vol. 1' by M.R. Carey follows the story of Lucifer Morningstar, who has retired from Hell and is now running a bar on Earth. The plot delves into Lucifer being contacted by an emissary of Heaven to carry out a job for them, leading to a series of intriguing events. Readers appreciate the complex and interesting portrayal of Lucifer, with an almost cosmic awareness, as he navigates his new life and encounters various challenges. The writing style is described as rewarding, dark, and intense, similar to other popular series like Sandman and Preacher.

This House Is Haunted by John Boyne is a gothic ghost story set in a Victorian era, revolving around Eliza Caine, a young governess who takes a job at Gaudlin Hall to care for two children. As Eliza delves into the mysterious occurrences in the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and faces supernatural threats. The novel combines traditional elements of the 19th-century ghost story genre with a modern twist, incorporating feminist perspectives and eerie atmospheres reminiscent of classics like The Turn of the Screw and Jane Eyre.

The plot unfolds with Eliza navigating through the haunted house, encountering chilling events and uncovering the tragic past of the family residing in Gaudlin Hall. John Boyne skillfully weaves a suspenseful narrative, utilizing familiar tropes like ghostly apparitions, mysterious children, and hidden secrets to create a compelling tale that keeps readers engaged till the end.

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 Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.