Books Like...
Phule's Company by Robert Lynn Asprin is a lighthearted take on the military sci-fi genre, following a ragtag company of aliens and misfit humans lead by a trust fund kid with lofty ambitions. The story revolves around newly minted Captain Jester, a.k.a. Willard Phule, who finds himself in command of a group of rejects and no-goodniks on a backwater planet, Haskin's Planet. Despite the initial challenges, Phule sets out to turn this ragtag group into an effective and cohesive unit, with a humorous and tongue-in-cheek writing style that introduces quirky characters and incorporates Asprin's typical humor.
If you liked Phule's Company, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Another Fine Myth' by Robert Lynn Asprin is a lighthearted and humorous fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Skeeve, an apprentice magician, who finds himself in a series of misadventures after his mentor is killed. With the help of a demon named Aahz, who becomes his new mentor, Skeeve navigates through a universe filled with magical creatures, witty wordplay, and humorous situations. The book combines elements of fantasy, humor, and clever storytelling to create an engaging and fast-paced read that appeals to readers of all ages.
The writing style of 'Another Fine Myth' is described as witty, light, and engaging, with a focus on clever wordplay and situational humor. The book introduces readers to a colorful cast of characters, including Skeeve, Aahz, and a variety of fantastical beings, as they embark on a quest to defeat a sorcerer and unravel a plot to take over the world of Klah. Asprin's storytelling is praised for its humor, fast pacing, and ability to keep readers entertained from start to finish.
ONE of the few redeeming facets of instructors, I thought, is that occasionally they can be fooled. It was true when my mother taught me to read, it was true when my father tried to teach me to be a f... - #2
Castle Perilous is a giant castle with 144,000 rooms that are portals to other worlds. An assortment of odd characters find themselves in this besieged castle in an alternate universe, trying to figure out the confusing rules. The characters are flat, a bit boring, and too accepting of their fate, such as Gene just accepting Snowy, a very hairy abominable snowman. The plot involves the castle being under siege by the jilted lover of the castle's owner, while the Lord of the castle, Incarnadine, strives to prevent its destruction and ensure the safety of those within.
The book is a humorous fantasy story full of unexpected twists and turns, with a concept where the universes are aspects created by the nature of the castle itself. The story follows Gene's journey through different portals, encountering strange creatures and facing the threat of the castle's disappearance, which would lead to the destruction of all connected universes.
Something was following Kwip up the dark spiral stairwell. He was sure of that now. It was something that walked on taloned feet with thickly padded soles. Some inhuman . . . thing, little doubt. His ... - #3
Starship Grifters is a comedic science fiction novel that follows the adventures of the main character, Rex Nihilo, a bumbling con artist, and his robotic sidekick, Sasha. The story is set in a parallel universe reminiscent of George Lucas' creations, filled with humor, absurdity, and parodies of major science fiction movies. Rex's misadventures lead him to become the accidental owner of a planet, plunging him into debt and entangling him in a conflict between the galactic empire and rebel forces.
The narrative style of Starship Grifters is described as fast-paced, witty, and filled with comedic dialogue. The book features a mix of absurd situations, clever banter between characters, and a plot that keeps readers engaged through twists and turns. Despite the unlikable nature of the main character, the book manages to entertain with its humorous take on space opera tropes and its unique blend of comedy and science fiction elements.
The early thirty-first century was a dark time in the galaxy, as the oppressive regime known as the Galactic Malarchy threatened to snuff out the last remaining embers of freedom far out on the southe... - #4
In the 'Stainless Steel Rat' series by Harry Harrison, readers are introduced to Slippery Jim diGriz, a clever and anarchic thief who operates in a future society where crime is almost non-existent. The story follows his recruitment into the Special Corps to track down more malevolent lawbreakers, leading to a series of adventures across different planets and systems. The writing style is described as a mixture of science fiction and humor, combining satire and parody with a memorable central character that engages readers with quick wit and moral complexity.
- #5
'Clovenhoof' by Heide Goody is a humorous take on the premise of Satan being banished to Earth to live as a human named Jeremy Clovenhoof, stripped of all his powers. The story follows Clovenhoof as he navigates through various adventures and scrapes, interacting with a mix of characters including Nerys, a domineering woman, and a nerd wimp type character. The writing style is described as clever and attention-grabbing, with well-drawn characters and a clash of personalities that lead to farcical scenarios.
- #6
'Glory Lane' by Alan Dean Foster is a comedic science fiction novel that follows the adventures of a punk, his nerd brother, and a beautiful girl who end up in a flying saucer and journey through the universe. Along the way, they encounter various evolved super species, like Neanderthals, Prufillians, Oomemiams, Sikans, Halets, and Izmir, adding a cosmic silliness to the narrative. The story involves rescuing Akwait, a Prufilluan, and delving into the mystery of the missing 12 of all matter to uncover the secrets of the universe. The writing style is described as absurd, silly, and over the top, akin to slapstick comedy in prose form, but with an interesting take on things that makes it a great and enjoyable read.
It was always slow in Albuquerque on Tuesday nights, but tonight was worse than usual. Man, it was dead, Seeth Ransom fumed. He couldn’t even find a stray cat to kick around. So he was forced to fall ... In "Emperor Mollusk versus The Sinister Brain" by A. Lee Martinez, readers are taken on a wild and absurd sci-fi adventure where Emperor Mollusk, a squid-like creature from Neptune, finds himself contemplating retirement as the ruler of the universe. However, an attempt on his life leads him to a new contender for Earth's rule, a disembodied human brain. The plot is filled with over-the-top scenarios, witty humor, and unpredictable twists, creating an entertaining and fast-paced read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The writing style of the book is described as a mix of H.G. Wells, Douglas Adams, and Jimmy Breslin, creating a light, snappy, and humorous narrative that pays homage to classic sci-fi while adding a unique comedic twist. The characters, including the egotistical yet likable Emperor Mollusk and the tough and smart Zala, add depth and humor to the story, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for readers who appreciate a blend of campy space opera and comedic elements.
There’s no sound in space, but my saucer cannons simulated a shriek with every blast. A swoosh followed every barrel roll. And when my autogunner scored a hit, a sophisticated program supplied the app...- #8
'Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls' by David Sedaris is a collection of humorous essays and short stories that delve into the author's life experiences, family dynamics, travels, and observations of the world around him. Sedaris employs a witty and sardonic writing style, often blending autobiographical tales with satirical pieces that touch on various topics such as childhood memories, familial relationships, cultural differences between countries like France and England, and even political satire. Readers are taken on a journey through Sedaris's unique perspective on everyday encounters, showcasing his ability to find humor in the mundane and absurd aspects of life.
One thing that puzzled me during the American health-care debate was all the talk about socialized medicine and how ineffective it’s supposed to be. The Canadian plan was likened to genocide, but even... - #9
'Apathy and Other Small Victories' by Paul Neilan follows the life of a middle-aged man named Shane who is portrayed as apathetic, directionless, and cynical. The story revolves around Shane's encounters with suspected murder, dysfunctional relationships, and his mundane job as a temp in an insurance agency. The writing style is described as politically incorrect, irreverent, and full of dark humor, with the main character narrating his absurdly apathetic and comedic experiences.
I was stealing saltshakers again. Ten, sometimes twelve a night, shoving them in my pockets, hiding them up my sleeves, smuggling them out of bars and diners and anywhere else I could find them. In th... - #10
'Dragon's Wild' by Robert Lynn Asprin is a humorous fantasy novel set in New Orleans, focusing on Griffen McCandles who discovers he is descended from a line of almost purebred dragons. As Griffen navigates his newfound powers and the dangers that come with them, he becomes involved in an illicit gambling ring run by dragons, leading to a series of adventures filled with humor, quirky characters, and a unique blend of fantasy elements. The writing style of the book combines elements of humor, fantasy, and urban fantasy, creating a story that keeps readers entertained and engaged.
It was early June, which in Michigan meant one could almost count on summer being here to stay. The state was notorious for its “Indian winters,” which lingered forever. When the snows melted, it was ...