Books Like...

The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington is a historical fantasy novel set during the Spanish Inquisition, following the story of Awa, a young necromancer trying to rid herself of a curse put upon her by her teacher. The book mixes elements of magic, grotesque scenes, and dark humor to tell a tale of adventure, friendship, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving world. The plot unfolds with a mix of lurching unevenness, combining themes of necromancy, cannibalism, necrophilia, and the struggles of the protagonist against societal prejudices and supernatural threats.

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.

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.

Set in 14th century England, 'Morality Play' by Barry Unsworth follows a young monk, Nicholas Barber, who joins a theatre troupe and gets involved in investigating a murder in a small town. The troupe decides to enact the murder as a play to attract an audience, leading to a deeper investigation that uncovers surprising truths about the crime and the people involved. The novel is praised for its rich historical detail, exploration of moral dilemmas, and the clever intertwining of the improvised play with the real-life drama.

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.

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.

'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.

'Batavia's Graveyard: The True Story of the Mad Heretic Who Led History's Bloodiest Mutiny' by Mike Dash is a harrowing true account of a mutiny and shipwreck involving the Dutch East India Company's ship Batavia in the 17th century. The story unfolds on Beacon Island near Australia, where survivors faced barbaric rule and mass killings led by a charismatic but deranged ship's officer. Dash's writing style brings to life the dreadful descent into evil of the shipwrecked survivors, highlighting the flaws in human personalities that fueled the violent events.

'On Stranger Tides' by Tim Powers is a swashbuckling tale set in the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy. The story follows Jack Shandy, a man thrust into the dangerous world of pirates, voodoo magic, and the quest for the Fountain of Youth. The book combines historical elements such as real pirates like Blackbeard with magical elements like zombies and sorcery, creating a fast-paced and adventurous narrative. The writing style is described as engaging, with intricate plotting and fantastical ideas that keep the reader entertained throughout the story.

Little Marek, the abused and delusional son of the village shepherd, never knew his mother his father told him she died in childbirth. One of life's few consolations for Marek is his enduring bond with the blind village midwife, Ina, who suckled him as a baby, as she did so many of the village's children. Ina's gifts extend beyond childcare she possesses a unique ability to communicate with the natural world. Her gift often brings her the transmission of sacred knowledge on levels far beyond those available to other villagers, however religious they might be. For some people, Ina's home in the woods outside of the village is a place to fear and to avoid, a godless place. Among their number is Father Barnabas, the town priest and lackey for the depraved lord and governor, Villiam, whose hilltop manor contains a secret embarrassment of riches. The people's desperate need to believe that there are powers that be who have their best interests at heart is put to a cruel test by Villiam and the priest, especially in this year of record drought and famine. But when fate brings Marek into violent proximity to the lord's family, new and occult forces upset the old order. By year's end, the veil between blindness and sight, life and death, the natural world and the spirit world, civility and savagery, will prove to be very thin indeed.