Books Like...

Night's Master by Tanith Lee is a collection of interconnected stories set in a unique world where demons meddle in human affairs, showcasing a vast dark mythology covering thousands of years. The book follows Azhrarn, the Prince of Demons and Night's Master, who discovers and raises a human child, ultimately changing the destiny of the earth. Each tale weaves together themes of magic, love, grief, hate, and death, creating a richly luxuriant and passionate narrative. The writing style is described as dark, gothic, and full of vivid imagery and elegant prose, reminiscent of mythology and fairy tales.

'Red As Blood' by Tanith Lee is an anthology of re-imagined fairy tales that takes the familiar stories we all know and love and twists them into dark, sensual, and original narratives. The book features stories like 'Wolfland,' where Little Red Riding Hood is turned on its head, and 'The Golden Rope,' a mysterious and romantic version of Rapunzel with a demonic twist. Tanith Lee's writing style is described as poetic and imaginative, creating a collection that is both horrifying and sensual, with each story sending a specific message to the reader.

The book explores themes of feminism, dark fantasy, and challenges traditional storytelling norms. Readers are drawn to the unique retellings of classic tales, the thought-provoking narratives, and the unsettling endings that deviate from the original fairy tales. Tanith Lee's ability to weave together folklore, fantasy, and horror in a captivating manner keeps readers engaged and eager to delve deeper into each story.

'The Silver Metal Lover' by Tanith Lee is a science fiction romance set in a future Earth where a young girl named Jane falls in love with a Silver robot. The story explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth as Jane's relationship with Silver leads her to discover new aspects of herself and her existence. The plot delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and societal norms in a futuristic setting shaped by economic and environmental challenges.

Biting the Sun by Tanith Lee is a novel set in a distant future where all needs are instantly satisfied, leading to a world of luxury and pleasure devoid of purpose. The main character, a young female narrator, embarks on a journey outside the city's protective dome, which unravels her perception of life and society. The novel explores themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and the hollowness of a seemingly perfect existence in a dystopian world.

'The Oathbound' by Mercedes Lackey is the opening book in the duology of books dealing with Kethry and Tarma, a mage and a sword-sworn fighter bound by oath to one another and to the Goddess. The story follows their adventures as they travel together as mercenaries, defending women in need of deliverance despite the personal peril they face. The book is structured more like a collection of short stories, each chapter presenting a different adventure, rather than a continuous building story. The characters of Tarma and Kethry are engaging, and the plot, while somewhat episodic, is strong and enjoyable, especially when accompanied by the sequel 'Oathbreakers'.

The book delves into the journey of Tarma and Kethry, two oathbound sisters with contrasting roles - a Sworn Sword and a mage, united by their oath to protect women in distress. The plot unfolds through a series of episodic adventures that highlight the bond between the two women and their dedication to their cause. Despite being written over 30 years ago, the book is praised for being ahead of its time in focusing on two strong female protagonists and tackling themes of femininity and female empowerment within a fantasy setting.

'Full Dark, No Stars' by Stephen King is a collection of four novellas that delve into the dark and terrifying aspects of human nature. The stories explore themes of revenge, domestic nightmares, forbidden thoughts, and the evil capabilities of ordinary people. King's writing style in this book is described as mesmorizing, entrancing, and full of suspense, with a focus on realistic suspense and terror rather than the supernatural.

'Warprize' by Elizabeth Vaughan is a fantasy romance novel that follows the story of Xylara, a Royal Princess and master healer, who defies her brother to treat the war prisoners from the enemy Firelanders. As part of a peace treaty, she is given to Keir, the Warlord of the Firelanders, as the Warprize. The book explores the clash of cultures between the two peoples and how Xylara and Keir find common ground to establish lasting peace. The plot delves into themes of love, acceptance, and understanding, set in a richly imagined world where characters navigate through political intrigue and personal relationships.

The writing style of 'Warprize' is described as engaging, with detailed worldbuilding and well-developed characters. The book combines elements of romance, fantasy, and cultural exploration, creating a storyline that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Readers appreciate the unique blend of different cultures, the growth of relationships, and the underlying themes of acceptance and mutual respect portrayed throughout the novel.

In "Daughter of the Empire," Mara, a young girl thrust into power after the deaths of her father and brother, navigates the treacherous political landscape of the Tsuranuanni Empire. Written by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts, the novel delves into Mara's struggles, triumphs, and schemes as she rises to become the Ruling Lady of House Acoma. Set in the world of Kelewan, the story focuses on intricate political maneuvering, dramatic intrigue, assassination attempts, and clever subterfuge, all while showcasing Mara's cunning and intelligence in a society steeped in tradition and rigid codes of honor.

'Things We Lost in the Fire' by Mariana Enriquez is a collection of 12 short stories set in Argentina that delve into horror, both supernatural and psychological. The stories explore themes of poverty, fear, heartbreak, and the supernatural, offering a glimpse into the darker side of present-day life in Argentina. The writing style is described as haunting, addictive, and beautifully written, with each story presenting a unique and unsettling perspective on Argentinean struggles and poverty.

'Three Parts Dead' in the series 'Craft Sequence' by Max Gladstone is a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and steampunk genres. The story follows Tara, an apprentice at a magical firm, as she investigates the mysterious death of a god. The world is intricately built with a magic system that resembles contract law, where gods are like commercial banks and power is traded like assets. The plot unfolds with elements of a murder mystery, courtroom drama, and exploration of morality and faith, all set in a modern and technology-focused polytheistic society.