Books Like...

'Cat-a-Lyst' by Alan Dean Foster is a humorous and high adventure novel that takes readers on a journey from Atlanta, Georgia to Peru to Scotland, blending elements of Alice in Wonderland, Lost Civilizations, and an alien invasion attempt. The story revolves around super beings with catlike qualities who oversee Earth's development, with humans stepping in to set things right amidst a rogue super being's attempt to disrupt everything. is described as a tongue-in-cheek adventure novel that is fun, especially for cat lovers, and offers a mix of missing Incan civilizations, inter-dimensional energy beings resembling housecats, and a battle between good and evil.

'Midworld' by Alan Dean Foster is a science fiction novel set on a planet where humans have adapted to survive in a dangerous and exotic environment. The story follows Born, a man with a brilliant mind in an aboriginal body, and his intelligent furcot companion as they navigate the treacherous rainforest of Midworld. When two stranded human travelers need help returning to their base, Born must lead them through the perilous jungle, facing challenges from both the environment and illegal human intruders. The book explores themes of interdependency between man, animal, plant, and planet, showcasing the rich world-building and unique alien creatures that inhabit Midworld.

The writing style of 'Midworld' is praised for its vivid descriptions, imaginative world-building, and complex characters. Readers appreciate the detailed portrayal of the planet, the engaging storyline that blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, and the exploration of ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The book offers a thought-provoking narrative that delves into themes of adaptation, survival, and the consequences of human intervention in a foreign ecosystem.

'The Engines of God' in the series 'The Academy' by Jack McDevitt is a hard science fiction novel set in the future where humanity is facing challenges on Earth and exploring the universe. The story revolves around xenoarchaeology, dead civilizations, and the mysteries surrounding alien artifacts discovered in different star systems. Characters embark on expeditions, facing plausible and dangerous situations, while trying to unravel the secrets of extinct civilizations. The narrative combines elements of mystery, discovery, and exploration, focusing on the interaction between humans and the vast universe they are exploring.

The writing style of the book is described as focusing on big ideas, political ramifications, ethical discussions, and sociological aspects, rather than depending on violence to create tension. The plot moves in stages, gradually revealing the mysteries of the dead civilizations and the challenges faced by the characters. While some readers find the character development lacking, the book is praised for its focus on mystery, discovery, and the absence of traditional space opera elements, offering a thought-provoking perspective on humanity's place in the cosmos.

Adrian Tchaikovsky's 'Cage of Souls' is a standalone story set in a distant future Earth where civilization has collapsed, leaving only one city inhabited by a population obsessed with vanity and politics. The protagonist, Stefan Advani, documents his life as an academic condemned to a prison on an island, amidst a dying world where humanity has accepted its fate. The narrative weaves together elements of science fiction, dystopia, and existential horror, creating a rich and engrossing world filled with strange prisons, monstrous creatures, and eerie apocalyptic sights.

The book is narrated by Stefan, an academic with a complex and sometimes contradictory character, who finds himself entangled in world-changing events that he observes as an outsider. The story unfolds non-linearly, offering glimpses of a doomed future and impending apocalypse through Stefan's personal and intimate perspective, keeping readers on their toes with unpredictable plot twists and a sense of impending doom.

"Spellsinger" by Alan Dean Foster follows the story of Jon Tom, a law student amateur musician, who is transported to a world of magic and talking animals. Jon Tom discovers his musical talents have turned magical, allowing him to conjure items through song. Together with a group of diverse characters, including a turtle mage and a human rogue, Jon Tom embarks on an adventure to save the world from a looming threat. The plot combines elements of familiar fantasy themes with a unique twist involving musical-based magic and anthropomorphic creatures.

The writing style of "Spellsinger" is described as humorous, entertaining, and light-hearted. presents a coming-of-age story set in a fantasy world where the protagonist, Jon Tom, navigates through new challenges and discovers his hidden powers. The narrative incorporates elements of rock music and magical spells, creating a whimsical and engaging atmosphere that appeals to readers who enjoy fun and imaginative fantasy adventures.

'Shockwave' in the 'Star Kingdom' series by Lindsay Buroker follows the story of Casmir, a roboticist on the run from the authorities for his creations, the killer robots known as crushers. Teaming up with his roommate Kim, they find themselves being hunted and eventually rescued by Captain Bonita and her crew, including the genetically altered cat girl, Qin. The plot revolves around the characters navigating through ethical dilemmas, mysterious pursuits, and unexpected discoveries, all set in a world where genetic modification is illegal. The writing style incorporates realistic characters with flaws and bantering dialogues, creating a mix of intense plot twists and engaging world-building that keeps readers hooked and eager for the next installment.

"Coyote" by Allen M. Steele is a science fiction tale set in a future America under a right-wing dictatorship where a group of rebels steal a prototype starship to embark on a journey to a new planet, Coyote. The story follows the colonists as they awaken on their new home and face the challenges of establishing a colony. The narrative explores themes of freedom, revolution, colonization, and the struggles of the characters against the oppressive government and the harsh environment of their new world. The writing style combines elements of space exploration, political intrigue, and interpersonal relationships, creating a multi-faceted story that delves into the complexities of space colonization and human nature.

'Retief: Envoy to New Worlds' in the series 'Retief' by Keith Laumer follows the adventures of Jaime Retief, a junior diplomat in the Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne, as he navigates the challenges of intergalactic diplomacy. The stories are a blend of humor, action, and satire, portraying Retief as a competent and witty character surrounded by bumbling bureaucrats and quirky companions like Ben Magnan. Laumer's writing style is described as wry and humorous, drawing on the author's own experiences in the US Foreign Service to create a world where Retief's unconventional methods save the day and preserve peace in the galaxy.

consists of seven relatively short stories that are engaging and fun to read, keeping readers entertained from start to finish. Each story is filled with action and humor, leaving readers in a good mood and eager to dive into the next adventure. The character dynamics between Retief and Magnan add depth to the narrative, with Magnan's occasional chastisements contrasting with his own undiplomatic quirks, creating a comedic yet endearing relationship that drives the plot forward.

In the book 'Salvage Trouble' from the 'Black Ocean' series by J.S. Morin, readers are taken on a spacefaring adventure with the crew of the spaceship Mobius. Led by Captain Carl and guided by the wizard Mort, the crew navigates through space, combining elements of soft science fiction with fantasy. The story unfolds with the crew finding themselves in the midst of salvaging a wrecked spaceship, only to discover unexpected survivors, leading to a series of events that involve space navy pursuits and encounters with mercenaries. The writing style is a blend of space opera and fantasy, with witty dialogues, engaging plot twists, and a touch of humor that keeps readers entertained from start to finish.

Fable follows the story of Fable, the daughter of a powerful trader, who is left to fend for herself on a treacherous island. Determined to earn her inheritance, she navigates a world of cutthroat traders and dangerous seas. Along the way, she forms unexpected alliances, faces betrayal, and must learn to trust in order to survive. Adrienne Young's writing style captivates readers with immersive world-building, intricate character development, and a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.