Books Like...

The Night of the Triffids by Simon Clark is a sequel to the classic science fiction novel, The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. The book continues the battle of man against the triffids, incorporating elements of social justice and political complexities. The plot twists and sudden action scenes keep the readers engaged, even though some feel that it lacks the lyrical prose of its predecessor. The story follows the adventures of David, son of the original protagonist, as he faces the challenges posed by the triffids and oppressive ideologies in a post-apocalyptic world.

Retromancer by Robert Rankin tells the tale of Hugo Rune and his acolyte Rizla as they travel back in time to World War II to prevent a nuclear bomb from being dropped on New York. The story involves solving cosmic riddles based on tarot cards, encountering pirates, robots, and Hugo Rune's arch enemy Count Otto Black. The book is described as a mix of alternate history, magic, technology, and self-referential humor, reminiscent of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The writing style is noted to be mad, funny, and with a curious sort of insane logic that is very readable and entertaining.

The Brightonomicon follows the adventures of Hugo Rune and his amnesiac assistant Rizla as they tackle twelve interlinking cases, each tied to a sign of the Brighton zodiac, in an attempt to obtain and destroy the Chronovision before it falls into the wrong hands. The book is described as a mix of supernatural and alien interventions, filled with running jokes, bad puns, and a style that is as much interested in telling a joke as telling a story. The plot is goofy yet purposefully redundant, with a scattergun approach that feels like a collection of short stories rather than a cohesive narrative.

The writing style of The Brightonomicon is noted for its zany humor, dry British wit, and wordplay reminiscent of Monty Python and Douglas Adams. The book features Hugo Rune, a mysterious character who is both revered and disliked, and his apprentice Rizla, as they navigate through mindbogglingly difficult conundrums to prevent the end of the world. The narrative is peppered with references to time sprouts, running themes from discworld, and a touch of madness that is characteristic of Robert Rankin's style.

The Road To Mars by Eric Idle is a comedic science fiction novel that follows the journey of two comedians, Alex Muscroft and Lewis Ashby, as they aim to make it big by traveling to Mars. Accompanied by their robot Carlton, who is trying to understand comedy, the trio gets entangled in a terrorist plot and dangerous events. The book combines elements of comedy, sci-fi, and mystery, offering a humorous and insightful take on the theory of comedy while exploring the dynamics between the different types of comedians represented by the White Face and the Red Nose archetypes.

The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams is a posthumous collection of writings, essays, interviews, and the incomplete beginnings of the third Dirk Gently novel, salvaged from the author's computers after his untimely death. The book offers a mix of short stories, letters, articles, and insights into Adams' mind, showcasing his distinct humor and wit. While some readers found the unfinished novel disappointing, many appreciated the collection as a tribute to the beloved author and a glimpse into his unique writing style.

'Starship Titanic' by Terry Jones and Douglas Adams is a humorous science fiction story set in space. It follows the misadventures of the Starship Titanic, a spaceship equipped with an early version of the Infinite Improbability Drive. The plot involves the ship facing an existence failure shortly after launch, leading to chaotic and absurd situations. The writing style is described as hilarious, with elements of madcap craziness and absurd British humor reminiscent of Douglas Adams.

"Attack Of The Unsinkable Rubber Ducks" in the series 'Jack Parlabane' by author Christopher Brookmyre revolves around Jack Parlabane, a cynical journalist, who finds himself entangled in a world of psychics, ghosts, and paranormal activities. The plot delves into themes of skepticism, manipulation, and the conflict between faith and science. Through a mix of sharp dialogue and dark humor, the book follows Parlabane's investigation into psychic fraudsters and fake investigators, leading to unexpected twists and revelations. The writing style combines multiple first-person narrators, offering a unique perspective on the story's progression and keeping the readers engaged till the end.

'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency' by Douglas Adams is a quirky and creative novel that follows the eccentric private detective Dirk Gently as he investigates peculiar cases involving time travel, ghosts, and interconnected plots. The book is filled with witty humor, unexpected twists, and a mix of bizarre characters like the electric monk, a disgruntled former magazine publisher, and a time-traveling university professor. The plot unfolds in a non-linear fashion, gradually weaving together seemingly disparate storylines into a cohesive and satisfying narrative.

The Andromeda Evolution by Daniel H. Wilson is a thrilling sequel to the original book by Michael Crichton. Set 50 years after the events of the first book, the story follows a group of scientists sent into the jungle to investigate a new sighting of the Andromeda nanoparticle. The plot unfolds over five days, with new characters introduced and secrets slowly revealed. The book is described as action-packed, filled with scientific-based facts, and wrapped in an adventurous thrill, reminiscent of Crichton's style.

The writing style of The Andromeda Evolution is likened to that of Michael Crichton, with readers praising Wilson for writing smart thrillers similar to Crichton's works. The book is said to be a real cliffhanger, consistently entertaining, and easy to read. While not considered a literary masterpiece, it is commended for being a great page-turner that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

"Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers" in the Red Dwarf series by Grant Naylor is a satirical space travel romp that follows the adventures of former cab driver Lister who accidentally spends three million years in suspended animation as the spaceship he is on accelerates into deep space. The plot revolves around Lister's attempts to return to Earth and the quirky characters he encounters along the way. The writing style is described as dry, satirical British humor that hits all the right notes for readers who enjoy Douglas Adams and appreciate the humor of the Red Dwarf television series.