Books Like...

'Empire in Black and Gold' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a fantasy novel set in a world where humans have insect-like traits and affinities, with different races like Beetle kinden, Wasp kinden, and Moth kinden. The story follows a group of friends who prepare to combat the rising threat of the Wasp Empire, led by a Beetle kin artificer, Stenwold Maker. The book delves into complex internal politics, unique world-building, and the struggle against the brutal suppression of the Wasp kin race.

The plot involves a mix of action, espionage, and political scheming, where characters with insect heritage possess varied and sometimes magical abilities. The narrative explores themes of racial discrimination, social classes, empire, and individuality against the backdrop of a world on the brink of conquest by the Wasp Empire. The book introduces readers to a richly detailed world with intricate character dynamics and a mix of insect-inspired powers and technologies.

Decades after their arrival on a planet that was supposed to hold God's city, the elite group of mostly scientists assembled by Lee Suh Mih after her revelation about the technology to get them there are now colonists, living a privileged life supplied by printers. Ren, the resident printer technician, has a number of terrible secrets, not least of them what happened during Planetfall to the expedition's leaders, including Lee. The story involves space travel, an off Earth colony 20 some years after its establishment in the shadows of a mostly abandoned alien structure, the biology linked religious beliefs that inspired the colony's creation, and a first person narrator coping with and trying to hide her anxious obsessions. The protagonist is a woman with secrets and struggles with the choices she has made and the mental illness she is trying to conceal from her fellow colonists on a planet that no one truly understands.

'The Thousand Names' by Django Wexler is a military fantasy novel set in a replica colonial Egypt, featuring a mix of occult mystery and fantasy elements. The story follows a second-rate colonial regiment faced with a revolt by religious fanatics, led by a potentially reckless or genius new colonel. The plot is narrated from the perspectives of two soldiers, the captain, and the second in command, as well as a lowly sergeant with a secret. The book combines musket-level military technology with well-described battle scenes, good characterization, and surprising plot twists. The characters are complex, the world-building is intriguing, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the end.

'Shards of Earth' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a space opera set in a far future where humanity faces a threat from the Architects, moon-sized aliens that destroyed Earth and other inhabited planets. The story follows Idris, known as The Intermediary, who made mental contact with the Architects and is now trying to navigate the war alongside a crew on the salvaged ship, The Vulture God. The book features complex world-building, intriguing characters, and a plot filled with political schemes, mysterious aliens, and personal and world-saving drama.

In an alternate history version of World War I, 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld follows the stories of Alek, the young heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British air fleet. The narrative explores their encounters as they navigate the war between the Clankers and Darwinists, featuring giant mechanical monsters and genetically engineered creatures. The book is praised for its vivid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and the dual narrative approach that offers a fresh perspective on the historical events.

'Leviathan' is noted for its fast-paced, action-packed storyline set in a steampunk alternative history of WWI. The book introduces a rich and imaginative universe where the Darwinists and Clankers clash with their distinct war machines, providing a unique twist on the familiar historical setting. The dual perspectives of the main characters, Alek and Deryn, offer a compelling narrative that blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and humanity, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for young adults.

'Children of Ruin' is a science fiction novel and a sequel to 'Children of Time', where readers encounter vivid non-human aliens and thrilling action between planets. The story delves into a space-faring octopus species and a terrifying parasite species, exploring the complexities of different intelligences and societies. The narrative is told through multiple timelines, showcasing the evolution of species and the challenges of space exploration.

In a post-apocalyptic world, a healer named Snake uses genetically modified snakes to produce drugs and treat diseases. When her rare dreamsnake is killed, she embarks on a quest to find another one, facing dangers and meeting new friends along the way. The story unfolds gradually, offering glimpses into a world of contrasts between technology and lack of technology, with a well-rendered female protagonist at its core.

The writing style of 'Dreamsnake' is described as a mix of soft sci-fi and fantasy, with an unusual premise involving a healer woman who uses venomous snakes to create medicines. The book explores themes of female empowerment, self-sufficiency, and gender roles in a world filled with post-apocalyptic landscapes, alien snakes, social commentary, and intriguing world-building.

Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett is a satirical fantasy novel set in a world where Polly Perks disguises herself as a boy to join the army and find her missing brother. The story unfolds in a war-torn nation, Borogravia, where young women start taking the place of depleted young men in the military. Through humor and clever twists, Pratchett explores themes of gender roles, war, and nationalism, all while delivering a fast-paced and engaging narrative that keeps readers entertained and enthralled.

The book is praised for its witty writing style that subverts traditional fantasy tropes and offers a fresh take on familiar themes. Pratchett's humor shines through as he weaves a tale of strong female characters, biting satire on societal norms, and thought-provoking commentary on the absurdities of war and gender expectations. Monstrous Regiment stands out as a standalone Discworld novel that combines humor, social commentary, and compelling storytelling in a way that captivates readers from start to finish.

The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie is a gritty and realistic fantasy war book that focuses more on the characters and their struggles rather than the fantasy elements. The story revolves around a three-day battle between the savages of the North and the civilized men of the Union, showcasing dual perspectives of carnage, ineptitude, and opportunism. The narrative delves deep into the theme of wartime heroism and the complexities of human nature amidst conflict, providing a raw and dark portrayal of war devoid of romanticism.

Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon is a space opera following Ky Vatta, a young woman kicked out of Space Academy who takes on the role of captain in her family's trading company. Despite her inexperience, Ky finds herself in the midst of a war after seizing an opportunity for profit while on a routine cargo delivery. The book is praised for its character development, realistic portrayal of military training, and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked.