Books Like...

The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington is a historical fantasy novel set during the Spanish Inquisition, following the story of Awa, a young necromancer trying to rid herself of a curse put upon her by her teacher. The book mixes elements of magic, grotesque scenes, and dark humor to tell a tale of adventure, friendship, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving world. The plot unfolds with a mix of lurching unevenness, combining themes of necromancy, cannibalism, necrophilia, and the struggles of the protagonist against societal prejudices and supernatural threats.

Armed in Her Fashion by Kate Heartfield is a dark, gritty fantasy set in medieval Europe, particularly in 1328 Bruges. The story follows the protagonist, Margriet de Vos, a feisty widow who demands her rightful inheritance for her daughter, leading to a series of events involving a transgender man-at-arms named Claude, a mysterious hellbeast, and a cast of diverse characters fighting against the powers of Hell and Earth. The writing style is described as evocative, moving, and reminiscent of a Hieronymous Bosch painting brought to life, filled with strange and vivid imagery that tumbles along at a fast pace.

The novella "Hellmouth" by Giles Kristian follows Galien, an excommunicated knight leading a band of mercenaries in the Holy Roman Empire as they are hired by Cardinal Cesarini to hunt a heretic. However, their mission takes a dark turn as they find themselves entangled in a supernatural horror story that challenges their beliefs and confronts them with their own sins and violence. The writing style is described as evocative, filled with vivid imagery, creeping dread, black humor, and quality horror, all set against a medieval backdrop in the Czech Republic wilderness.

Set in 15th century Holland, "The Folly of the World" by Jesse Bullington follows the journey of a disenfranchised son, Jan, who is separated from his fortune due to class customs and a great flood. Teaming up with a psychotic henchman, Sander, and a poor sea diver, Jan embarks on a quest to reclaim his wealth amidst civil strife. The novel blends historical knowledge with elements of violence, graphic sex, the supernatural, and dark humor, creating a compelling narrative that delves into Dutch politics of the time.

The story unfolds in a late Middle Ages Renaissance setting with magical elements, where a fiesty teenage shellfish gatherer, a psychotic henchman, and his ruthless gay lover navigate a freshly flooded Holland. As the trio navigates through financial and political intrigue, the narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of fortune in a world rife with violence and deception.

'Hollow' by B Catling is a genre-fusing work of imaginative fiction that takes readers on a mystical journey through a world filled with unforgettable scenes and mordant humor. The plot involves a group of mercenaries and knights on a mission to deliver a new oracle to a mysterious monastery, encountering unsettling and sinister elements along the way. Catling's writing style is described as intricate yet beautiful, drawing readers into a dark yet fantastically beautiful world reminiscent of a surrealist painting.

The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic short story from the 19th century that delves into the moral ambiguity and consequences of body snatching. The plot follows two young doctors who become entangled in a spiral of moral depravity and blackmail as they procure dead bodies for dissection. The writing style is described as eerie and atmospheric, capturing the feeling of the thriller genre effectively.

"Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary" by Jeff Strand follows the misadventures of Andrew Mayhem, a bumbling novice detective who finds himself in a horrific situation after taking on a seemingly simple job to dig up a body for $20,000. However, things take a dark turn when Andrew realizes that the person in the grave is not dead, leading to a series of chaotic and bloody events. The book is a blend of mystery, humor, and gore, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained. Jeff Strand's writing style walks a fine line between graphic violence and humor, creating a unique and compelling narrative that is both light and funny yet not for the easily squeamish.

Andrew Mayhem's character is portrayed as deeply sarcastic and witty, making him a likable protagonist whose running commentary adds to the fun and snappy writing style of the author. Despite the chaotic and ludicrous plot, the book manages to maintain tension by throwing innocents into the mix, making readers fear for the safety of Andrew's family and friends. Overall, "Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary" is a fast-paced and entertaining read that seamlessly merges horror and comedy, showcasing Jeff Strand's talent in crafting a darkly humorous and thrilling story.

'Rotters' by Daniel Kraus is a dark and haunting novel that delves into the world of grave robbing, following the story of Joey who discovers his long-lost father's macabre profession. The book explores themes of death, decay, and the unsettling reality of grave robbing, all presented in a unique and poetic writing style that captivates readers. As Joey is initiated into the secretive society of Diggers, he undergoes a transformation that challenges his perceptions of life and humanity, ultimately leading to a gripping and unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman is a gripping tale set in a world ravaged by war with goblins. The story focuses on Galva dom Braga, a soldier who rises from an inexperienced fighter to a notable warrior, all while grappling with profound themes like love, mortality, and the brutality of conflict. Despite being a prequel to The Blacktongue Thief, it has a unique depth and intensity, portraying the harsh realities of life and death. The narrative flows with a poetic quality, making the violence and sorrow it depicts haunting yet beautiful.

Buehlman's writing style blends relatable human experiences with the fantasy genre, crafting a richly detailed world that feels both tragic and compelling. While some readers might find the main character a bit dry, Buehlman skillfully uses her perspective to explore the emotional weight of war and survival. His ability to create real, believable characters allows readers to connect deeply with their struggles. Overall, The Daughters' War is an intense, emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression, showcasing Buehlman's talent in weaving brutal realism with lyrical prose.

'The Moon of Skulls' in the 'Solomon Kane' series by Robert E. Howard is a collection of stories featuring the titular character, Solomon Kane, a puritan vigilante who embarks on missions to avenge or rescue individuals while facing various challenges such as monsters and violent men. The stories are known for starting in the middle of the action, with a mysterious and enigmatic portrayal of Solomon Kane, keeping readers curious and engaged. The writing style is described as starting abruptly, devoid of prolonged buildup, which adds to the allure of the character and his adventures.

The book delves into themes of horror, fantasy, and sword and sorcery, with Solomon Kane confronting 'terrestrial' horrors like vampires, werecreatures, witches, voodoo, and more. Robert E. Howard's storytelling is praised for its action-packed narratives, intricate world-building, and the creation of morally righteous characters like Solomon Kane, who strive to do what is right to the point of fanaticism.