Books Like...

The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart by Jesse Bullington is a dark and graphic story set in medieval Europe, following the repulsive and brutal Grossbart brothers on their journey of grave robbing and encountering supernatural entities. The book delves into themes of violence, mayhem, and gore, showcasing the brothers' profane and foul nature as they travel to Gyptland in search of treasure, all while displaying a twisted sense of humor and unique storytelling style.

Throughout the narrative, readers are introduced to a cast of disturbing characters, including the Grossbart brothers themselves, as well as demons, monsters, and corrupt individuals, all set against a backdrop of historical events and religious turmoil. The writing style of the book is described as detailed, realistic, and fantastical, with a touch of dark humor that adds an element of sick entertainment to the grim and grotesque tale.

Set in 15th century Holland, "The Folly of the World" by Jesse Bullington follows the journey of a disenfranchised son, Jan, who is separated from his fortune due to class customs and a great flood. Teaming up with a psychotic henchman, Sander, and a poor sea diver, Jan embarks on a quest to reclaim his wealth amidst civil strife. The novel blends historical knowledge with elements of violence, graphic sex, the supernatural, and dark humor, creating a compelling narrative that delves into Dutch politics of the time.

The story unfolds in a late Middle Ages Renaissance setting with magical elements, where a fiesty teenage shellfish gatherer, a psychotic henchman, and his ruthless gay lover navigate a freshly flooded Holland. As the trio navigates through financial and political intrigue, the narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of fortune in a world rife with violence and deception.

Armed in Her Fashion by Kate Heartfield is a dark, gritty fantasy set in medieval Europe, particularly in 1328 Bruges. The story follows the protagonist, Margriet de Vos, a feisty widow who demands her rightful inheritance for her daughter, leading to a series of events involving a transgender man-at-arms named Claude, a mysterious hellbeast, and a cast of diverse characters fighting against the powers of Hell and Earth. The writing style is described as evocative, moving, and reminiscent of a Hieronymous Bosch painting brought to life, filled with strange and vivid imagery that tumbles along at a fast pace.

The novella "Hellmouth" by Giles Kristian follows Galien, an excommunicated knight leading a band of mercenaries in the Holy Roman Empire as they are hired by Cardinal Cesarini to hunt a heretic. However, their mission takes a dark turn as they find themselves entangled in a supernatural horror story that challenges their beliefs and confronts them with their own sins and violence. The writing style is described as evocative, filled with vivid imagery, creeping dread, black humor, and quality horror, all set against a medieval backdrop in the Czech Republic wilderness.

'Hollow' by B Catling is a genre-fusing work of imaginative fiction that takes readers on a mystical journey through a world filled with unforgettable scenes and mordant humor. The plot involves a group of mercenaries and knights on a mission to deliver a new oracle to a mysterious monastery, encountering unsettling and sinister elements along the way. Catling's writing style is described as intricate yet beautiful, drawing readers into a dark yet fantastically beautiful world reminiscent of a surrealist painting.

'The Summoner' in the series 'Chronicles of the Necromancer' by Gail Z. Martin follows the story of Prince Martris who is on the run from his evil brother after a coup to take the throne. Tris discovers he has inherited powers as a Summoner, enabling him to communicate with the dead. Fleeing with a small group of trusted friends, Tris embarks on a journey to gather allies and overthrow his brother. The plot of the book is described as a classic fantasy tale with elements of magic, sword fights, monsters, and a coming-of-age story for the main character.

The writing style of 'The Summoner' is praised for capturing a sense of magical adventure akin to 'Star Wars'. is noted for its brisk pace, focusing more on moments of adventure rather than intricate details, making it an engaging and captivating read. The characters are highlighted as interesting, gender-diverse, and well-developed, contributing to the overall world-building of magic, politics, and alliances between different countries.

'Abomination' by Gary Whitta is a historical horror fiction set in the dark ages after the fall of the Roman Empire. The story revolves around the discovery of ancient scrolls detailing rituals that transform animals and humans into hideous abominations, leading to death, destruction, and tragedy. The plot involves a chain of events triggered by these rituals, creating a lovecraftian feeling with visceral gore, action, and heartbreaking situations that suck the reader in at every turn. The narrative features two protagonists engaging in yammering dialogues, an unconvincing double cross, and a soft conclusion, keeping readers engaged despite some pacing issues.

'Finn Fancy Necromancy' by Randy Henderson is a tale of Finn, who was wrongly accused of dark necromancy and exiled to the Other Realm. Now, 25 years later, someone is trying to get him sent back all over again. Finn must prove his innocence within a few days, dealing with witches, sasquatches, gnomes, and the Arcana Ruling Council. The story is filled with magic, humor, and a coming-of-age theme as Finn navigates through the challenges thrown at him. The writing style is described as quirky, humorous, and easy to follow, with a blend of darkness and light moments that keep the reader engaged.

Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror by Mitchell Luthi is an epic historical novel set during the 12th century Crusades, following a diverse group of crusaders trying to transport a holy relic from Jerusalem. Their journey soon spirals into a series of harrowing encounters in a strange, otherworldly landscape, drawing heavily from Christian, Islamic, and pre-Islamic mythologies. The book is characterized by its rich world-building and layered prose, with the first 100 pages setting the stage before the real action begins.

Luthi's writing style blends vivid imagery with deep theological and philosophical explorations, making the characters feel authentic and multi-dimensional. Readers can expect chilling and grotesque moments, occasionally cinematic in their presentation. While the narrative may feel slow at times, especially in the second act, those who persist will find a rewarding tale filled with moral complexities and intriguing twists, culminating in a mix of horror and deep contemplation.

In 'A Crown for Cold Silver', the story unfolds in a vast world filled with battle weary souls, living up to legends, and heroes challenging their reputation. The narrative introduces readers to a multitude of characters and places, offering a complex and detailed setting. The book follows the journey of Zosia, a retired warrior who faked her death but is now back seeking vengeance, leading to political turmoil and an intriguing reveal at the end. The writing style is described as detailed yet crisp, reminiscent of George R. R. Martin's 'A Game of Thrones', with contemporary language and diverse characters contributing to the dark fantasy theme of the story.