Books Like...

'The Pastel City' by M. John Harrison is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where remnants of ancient technology play a significant role in the story. The plot revolves around the city of Viriconium and its inhabitants who are faced with a threat from rebel forces wielding advanced weaponry left behind by a long-gone civilization. The narrative follows tegeus Cromis, an old soldier, as he reunites with his fellow warriors to defend Viriconium and its young queen against impending ruin and destruction. The writing style mixes elements of sword and sorcery with poetic descriptions of the decaying landscape and mysterious artifacts, creating a unique and immersive world for readers to explore.

The Physiognomy by Jeffrey Ford is a fantasy novel set in a totalitarian society where the protagonist, Physiognomist Cley, is tasked with judging individuals based on their physical appearance. The story follows Cley's journey of redemption as he questions the oppressive regime he serves, navigates through hallucinations and moral dilemmas, all while exploring a world filled with bizarre characters and unique fantastical elements.

The San Veneficio Canon by Michael Cisco is a collection of two related novellas, The Divinity Student and The Golem. The book explores a mysterious and surreal world set in the imaginary city of San Veneficio, where characters like the Divinity Student and The Golem navigate through enigmatic tasks and encounters. Cisco's writing style is described as uniquely visceral, creating captivating atmospheres that pull readers into a world filled with strange objects and characters. The plot is fast-paced, with elements of gothic language and dark fantasy woven throughout the narrative.

'Palimpsest' by Catherynne M. Valente is a fantastical tale set in a city of the same name, where misfit travelers from the real world find themselves after experiencing a special ceremony. The narrative follows four main characters on their journeys to Palimpsest, which can only be accessed through a unique mark and a sexual encounter. The book intricately weaves together elements of urban fantasy, eroticism, and lush prose, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that explores themes of desire, identity, and the search for something beyond the ordinary.

The writing style in 'Palimpsest' is described as lyrical, evocative, and breathtaking, with rich descriptions and intricate world-building that draw readers into the fantastical realm of the city. Valente's storytelling is both provocative and beautiful, offering a unique blend of language, imagery, and mythology that immerses the reader in a world where history, community, and the human heart are all intertwined like layers of a palimpsest.

The Narrator by Michael Cisco is a complex and challenging novel that rewards careful reading. Set in a reality reminiscent of China Mieville's New Weird Crobuzon, the story follows a Narrator at a Narrator's College who is training to reshape everyday reality through the judicious application of Narration. The narrative delves into themes of power structures, societal norms, and the intertwining of reality and imagery, creating a dense and rewarding text that blurs the lines between real and surreal.

The protagonist, Low Loom Column, is drafted into a war and must navigate a world where two religions coexist, one celebrating life and the other death. As the narrative unfolds, Low's role as a Narrator in the war challenges his understanding of language and reality, leading to a feverish nightmare of war and violence that leaves a lasting impact on both the character and the reader. Through vivid imagery and a unique writing style, Cisco explores themes of war, storytelling, and the impact of narrative on history in a haunting and thought-provoking manner.

'Zothique' by Clark Ashton Smith is a collection of short stories set in a dark and fantastical world where magic has returned, civilizations have collapsed and risen multiple times, and the Earth is dying. The stories are rich in horror elements, featuring necromancers, demons, monsters, and ancient gods. The writing style is described as intense, frenzied, grandiose, and vivid, with a poetic touch that creates a dark and gothic atmosphere. The plots often revolve around characters facing terrifying challenges in shadowy temples, encountering necromancers, reanimated corpses, and sinister deities.

City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer is a collection of novellas, essays, faux bibliographies, and other miscellanea that revolve around the fantastical and bizarre city of Ambergris. The book delves into the strange and mysterious aspects of Ambergris, where mushroom people lurk in dark corners, King Squid hold positions of great importance, and composers' deaths lead to civil unrest. VanderMeer's writing style is described as dense and varied, with stories that range from history to prose, including footnotes, illustrations, interviews, bibliographies, and more, creating a richly textured and imaginative world that captivates readers.

'Dead Man's Hand: An Anthology of the Weird West' by John Joseph Adams is a collection of short stories set in versions of the Wild West infused with supernatural creatures, clockwork gunfighters, dark magic, and steampunk contraptions. The anthology presents a unique blend of genres including Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and History, where traditional Western characters and settings intertwine with elements like vampires, werewolves, demons, aliens, and dinosaurs. The stories are crafted seriously, without a hint of camp or parody, offering readers a fresh and imaginative take on the Western theme.

The anthology features a variety of short story format variations on the Wild West theme from the fantasy or science fiction genre, providing readers with a mix of bizarre twists, strong leading characters, clever dialogue, and an overall sense of wonderful escapism. While some stories may not please every reader, the majority are brilliantly crafted, showcasing the creativity of the writers in blending disparate genres together to create a novel experience of the Weird West.

Tainaron: Mail from Another City by Leena Krohn is a unique and mesmerizing book that follows the story of an unnamed person living in the Insect City of Tainaron, detailing her observations and experiences through a series of letters. The narrative is contemplative and introspective, exploring themes of life, death, birth, and change in a fantastical world vividly realized by the author. The book is presented in short letters that gradually reveal the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and transformation as she navigates the mysterious and ever-changing city inhabited by giant insects.

In The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman, the story is set in a world resembling America's Wild West but with a twist - the West is untamed and unmade, filled with demons, magic, and supernatural beings. The narrative follows the power struggles between two factions, the Gun and the Line, representing industrialization and conformity, and the wilderness frontier, respectively. The book explores themes of conflict, allegory, and the clash between technology and faith, all while creating a darkly fantastical version of the American frontier.