Books Like...

'Dreadful' follows the story of Gav, an incompetent dark wizard who wakes up in an evil lair with no memory of who he is or the sinister deeds he's supposedly committed. As he navigates his new reality, Gav discovers that he has been mixed up in a terrifying plot involving a kidnapped princess and a looming demonic threat. The narrative unfolds with a blend of humor and introspection, as Gav grapples with the dissonance between his forgotten past and the choices he must now make. As he interacts with a cast of quirky side characters, including goblin servants and a sassy princess, the story explores themes of identity, redemption, and the complexity of good and evil.

The writing style is described as fast-paced and humorous, with a cozy yet dark fantasy vibe. Readers note the book's ability to balance entertainment with reflective moments, allowing for both laughter and deeper contemplation. The characters, particularly Gav, are relatable and undergo significant personal growth throughout the story. The interplay of action and conversation is engaging, although some transitions may be challenging to follow at times. Overall, 'Dreadful' presents a unique twist on traditional fantasy tropes, making it a delightful read for those seeking both humor and heart in their stories.

"Puckoon" by Spike Milligan is a convulsingly funny and insightful story that delves into the absurdities surrounding the Partition, showcasing the typical zany humor that Milligan is known for. The book presents a chaotic world where the ongoing battle between the British and the IRA serves as a backdrop for a series of unlikely comedy sketches, highlighting the absurdities of life in a small imaginary corner of Ireland.

Milligan's writing style is described as anarchic and imaginative, with vignettes of humor woven together into a fairly loose plot that takes wild excursions. The book is a satirical take on the Irish-British issue, filled with bold and crass humor that tackles serious themes such as the division of Ireland and the uselessness of terrorist groups, all while maintaining a laugh a page at least.

"I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons" by Peter S. Beagle follows Robert, a dragon exterminator who secretly loves the creatures he’s supposed to eliminate. When Princess Cerise seeks his help to clear the royal castle of dragons before her prince arrives, Robert's life takes unexpected turns, allowing him to navigate his complex feelings for both the dragons and the princess. His journey reveals deeper societal roles and character development, steering away from typical fantasy tropes toward a more fulfilling narrative.

Beagle’s writing style is celebrated for its beautiful prose and humor, making each sentence feel like a work of art. The story balances heartfelt moments with wit, drawing readers into a world rich with adventure and complexity. Characters are well-rounded, particularly Princess Cerise, who defies traditional roles, while the interactions among Robert, Cerise, and Prince Reginald showcase genuine respect. With its engaging blend of fantasy elements and relatable character struggles, the book captivates and entertains readers of all ages.

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan is a unique fantasy satire where the female main character (FMC), a dying cancer patient, finds herself transported into the body of the sexy villainess from her favorite high fantasy series. The story explores themes of identity and reputation, particularly around the tropes of beauty and promiscuity, as the FMC navigates her new life filled with dangers and expectations. The plot intertwines humor and self-discovery, all while offering a fresh take on the commonly used isekai genre.

The writing style is lively and filled with pop culture references, making it engaging yet contentious for some readers. The protagonist's humorous attitude, along with the meta narrative, adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling. The book balances romance and action, and while it ends on a cliffhanger, the overall experience leaves readers intrigued and entertained. Brennan's ability to weave comedy into a fantastical setting gives Long Live Evil its distinctive voice.

Unnatural Magic by C.M. Waggoner is a fantasy novel that intertwines two main stories - one following Onna, a student at a magic school, and the other focusing on Tsira, a young troll. The narrative explores themes of gender, sexuality, and culture clashes in a fascinating and unique way. The book delves into the characters' daily lives, showcasing their struggles to find their place in the world while investigating a series of troll murders. The writing style is described as dense and detailed, with a slow burn character development that sets in a magical world.

'Andrea Vernon and the Corporation for UltraHuman Protection' by Alexander C. Kane is a hilarious take on a modern company that provides security and protection services for New York City, employing superheroes instead of police or security guards. The book follows the protagonist, Andrea Vernon, an administrative assistant who joins The Corporation for UltraHuman Protection (CUP) and finds herself dealing with office politics and fighting supervillains. The story is described as funny, enjoyable, and witty, with a writing style that feels familiar to anyone used to the corporate world but with a superhero twist. The characters in the book, both superheroes and villains, are portrayed as ridiculous and lovable, creating a light-hearted and humorous atmosphere throughout the narrative.

The book is praised for its wit, humor, and unique take on the superhero genre. Readers enjoy the creative and sufficiently fleshed-out superheroes, the goofy yet great story, and the refreshing experience in writing provided by the author, Alexander C. Kane. The narrative is described as engaging and entertaining, offering a fun and light-hearted read that is both funny and engaging without resorting to slapstick humor. The audiobook format, narrated by Bahni Turpin, is particularly highlighted for enhancing the comedic elements of the story, making it feel more like a radio play than a novel.

'Soon I Will Be Invincible' by Austin Grossman is a unique take on the superhero genre, exploring the lives of superheroes and supervillains in a realistic and literary style. The story alternates between the perspectives of Doctor Impossible, an evil genius with grand plans of world domination, and Fatale, a female cyborg struggling to uncover her past while navigating the world of superheroes. The narrative is structured like a comic book, with chaotic jumps in time, flashbacks, and gradually revealed origins, providing a fun and engaging read for fans of the genre.

'Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City' by K.J. Parker is a fantasy novel set in a city under siege, where the protagonist, Orhan, an engineer, finds himself unexpectedly in charge of defending the city. The story is narrated by Orhan himself, known for his acerbic wit and sarcastic observations, which add humor and entertainment to the plot. The book explores themes of heroism, community, and the challenges faced by Orhan as he navigates through the siege using his cleverness and engineering skills.

From the opinions provided, "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi is a humorous and engaging novel that follows the journey of Charlie Fitzer, an out-of-luck journalist turned substitute teacher, who unexpectedly inherits his wealthy and villainous uncle's estate. As Charlie navigates through a world of professional villains, secret societies, and sentient cats, he finds himself in bizarre and dangerous situations, ultimately discovering his own resilience and resourcefulness in the face of unexpected challenges. The book is filled with witty humor, improbable scenarios, and unexpected twists that keep readers entertained from start to finish.

"Tower Climber" by Jakob Tanner is a continuation of the series following the adventures of Max and Casey as they navigate the challenges of being Tower Climbers. The story is described as creative, with elements of action, adventure, and a touch of anime influence. The plot is fast-paced, focusing more on the action and adventure aspects rather than personal relationships, as the characters accelerate towards their next goal of climbing the tower. introduces the concept of Tower Climbers facing various obstacles such as gangs, bureaucracy, and a missing princess, all set in a world with multiple interesting power dynamics.