Books Like...

In Rust in the Root, Justina Ireland creates a new and believable society within 1937 New York, where magic intertwines with the harsh realities of racism and oppression. The story follows Laura, a gifted Flormancer, who joins The Colored Auxiliary to combat Mechomancers and save the land from a destructive Blight. Ireland weaves a fantastical world that sheds light on the horrors of slavery and explores the complexities of magic through various characters practicing different forms of magic within the Bureau of the Arcane.

The book delves into themes of racism, magic, and societal hierarchies, offering a fresh perspective on historical fiction fantasy. Through Laura's journey and encounters with various magical practitioners, readers are taken on a thought-provoking exploration of a world where Black individuals are at the center, facing challenges that mirror the racial injustices of the time period.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs is a magical tale following the intertwined fates of Joanna, Esther, and Nicholas. The story revolves around magical books, spells, and the power they hold, while exploring themes of courage, self-discovery, and the magic of books. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, dense prose in the beginning that gradually picks up pace, and a diverse set of characters who embark on a magically charged adventure together.

The narrative delves into the lives of two half-sisters, Joanna and Esther, who reunite after being separated for a decade, and Nicholas, who is exploited for his ability to write magical spells. As the story progresses, the trio uncovers dark secrets about their father's past, leading them on a journey to confront their destinies, repair broken relationships, and protect the future of magic. Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a gripping, spine-tingling read that combines elements of supernatural romance, drama, and the transformative power of books.

Breathers: A Zombie's Lament by S.G. Browne is a humorous and original take on the zombie genre, following the story of Andy, a newly reanimated zombie navigating through his unlife. The book explores Andy's emotional journey as he copes with the loss of his wife, the challenges of being a zombie in a society that reviles them, and his quest for equal rights alongside his undead friends from Undead Anonymous. The writing style is described as fresh, humorous, and at times dark, with a focus on Andy's perspective and his experiences in rediscovering himself and finding love within his therapy group.

'The Ugly Beginning' by T.W. Brown is a gripping start to a zombie series that focuses on the relationships between characters facing a zombie apocalypse. The story is well-written, drawing readers in with empathetic characters and diverse storylines involving survivors from all walks of life. The character development is praised, with individual strengths and flaws making the characters relatable and engaging. Despite the typical zombie apocalypse setting, the book stands out for its focus on human relationships and the challenges of survival.

In 'Walk on Earth a Stranger', set during the Gold Rush era in the United States, readers follow the journey of Leah Westfall, a young girl with the unique ability to sense gold. After facing tragedy and deceit, Leah decides to escape her uncle's plans by disguising herself as a boy and embarking on a perilous journey to California. Along the way, she encounters a diverse group of characters, navigates the challenges of the wild frontier, and discovers the true meaning of family. The book expertly blends historical fiction with elements of fantasy, offering a captivating tale of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom during a turbulent period in American history.

The Six-Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher is a genre-bending novel set in the town of Golgotha, where the odd, magical, and otherworldly are drawn. The story revolves around the secrets of the town's inhabitants, the opening of an old silver mine, and the chain reaction it causes, leading to a thrilling showdown. The book combines elements of Chinese mysticism, Mormon and creation mythology, the Civil War, the paranormal, horror, and the Wild West, creating a unique and intriguing narrative that keeps readers engaged with its dark and mysterious atmosphere.

Set 25 years after a zombie uprising, 'The Reapers are the Angels' follows Temple, a 15-year-old girl who navigates a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and dangers. Born into a world overrun by the dead, Temple is portrayed as tough and dangerous yet still harboring a sense of wonder. The plot revolves around Temple's journey through the deep South as she tries to survive, help others, and stay ahead of a man seeking vengeance. The writing style is described as literary, intelligent, contemplative, and characterized by old-fashioned zombie ass-kicking.

The book is praised for its well-rendered main character, Temple, who is depicted as a strong, pragmatic, and ultimately hopeful young woman in a dark and desperate world. The narrative is lauded for its character-driven approach, intriguing premise, and intricate plots that keep readers engaged. The novel is commended for its ability to blend elements of a zombie apocalypse story with literary fiction, offering a fresh take on the genre.

In the alternate history novel "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest, set in nineteenth-century Seattle, a catastrophic event leads to the release of a poisonous gas that turns people into zombies. Briar Wilkes, a widow with a complicated past, ventures into the walled-off city filled with the living dead to find her son Zeke, who has gone in search of answers about his father's involvement in the disaster. The story unfolds with elements of steampunk, air pirates, survival horror, and a touch of family drama, creating a unique and thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.

The book is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly Briar and Zeke, and their compelling mother-son dynamic. The intricate world-building, blending steampunk technology with a zombie-infested setting, adds depth to the story. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of action, suspense, and moments of reflection that keep the pacing dynamic and the plot intriguing, making "Boneshaker" a standout entry in the steampunk genre.

'Deck Z: The Titanic: Unsinkable. Undead.' by Chris Pauls is an alternate history zombie novel set aboard the Titanic. The story follows Dr. Weiss, a scientist fleeing Germany with a deadly plague he had refined as a cure, only to be pursued by a German agent. As the plague is released onboard the Titanic, chaos ensues, and the ship becomes a battleground against the undead. The plot is action-packed, filled with twists and turns, and characters are portrayed as flawed and caring individuals navigating through a tumultuous journey.

'Make Me No Grave' by Hayley Stone is a modern twist to a classic western tale, where the plot is filled with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The story follows the unlikely alliance between Apostle Nathan, a law marshal, and Almena Guillory, the notorious outlaw known as the Grizzly Queen. As they navigate through a world where moral lines blur, the characters are forced to confront their own identities and past traumas, ultimately leading to a gripping tale of justice, redemption, and the complexities of defining oneself in a lawless Wild West setting. Stone's writing style is described as unique and compelling, blending elements of fantasy, paranormal, and alternate history seamlessly into the narrative, creating a refreshing and captivating read for fans of the genre.