Books Like...

In "Hench" by Natalie Zina Walschots, readers are introduced to Anna, a low-level henchwoman who becomes determined to take down superheroes after being injured by one. The book delves into the world of supervillains and superheroes through the eyes of a character who uses spreadsheets and data analysis to seek revenge and highlight the collateral damage caused by superheroes. The story combines elements of humor, action, and trauma as Anna navigates her newfound power and purpose in a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred.

With a feminist take on superhero tropes, "Hench" offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the overlooked sidekicks and henchmen who are often sidelined in traditional superhero narratives. The book cleverly explores themes of bureaucracy, trauma, and the consequences of heroism, all while maintaining a fast-paced plot and engaging writing style that keeps readers hooked until the thrilling conclusion.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao is a dark fantasy prequel to the tale of the Evil Queen from Snow White, set in a reimagined East Asia. The story follows Xifeng, a young woman raised by her aunt to become Empress through her beauty and ambition. As Xifeng navigates her path to power, she must embrace the darkness within herself, making ruthless choices along the way. The book explores themes of destiny, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions, with a focus on gender dynamics and the complexities of power.

The Young Elites is a dark and gritty fantasy novel set in a world where a blood fever has left some children with markings and special powers, known as the Young Elites. The story follows Adelina, a damaged heroine filled with anger and vengeance, who struggles with her self-worth and value as a person. The plot is filled with complex characters capable of good and evil, surprises that shock the readers, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps the readers engaged from the first page.

Death Note is a gripping story revolving around Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook capable of killing those whose names are written in it. As Light uses the notebook to eliminate criminals, a game of cat and mouse ensues when the world's greatest detective, known as L, is called in to uncover the mysterious killings. The book delves into themes of horror, death, and suicide, drawing readers in through elements of humor, action, and romance. The plot is described as a psychological journey where Light's initial intentions to create a crime-free world spiral into a battle to evade the law and maintain his power.

The setup for Death Note involves a death god dropping a notebook in the human world out of boredom, leading to a series of events where humans wield the power to cause deaths. The story evolves into a detective narrative with a touch of the supernatural, maintaining mystery and suspense that keeps readers engaged. The book is commended for taking the mystery murder genre to the next level, exploring the consequences of individuals wielding immense power and the moral dilemmas that arise from it.

In 'Battle Royale' by Koushun Takami, a class of Japanese junior high school students is taken to a deserted island by the government and forced to participate in a survival game where they must kill or be killed by their classmates. Equipped with various weapons, the students engage in a brutal fight for survival, with only one student allowed to live. The story follows the students as they navigate the violent and harrowing game, exploring themes of fear, self-preservation, and the lengths people will go to in extreme situations. The writing style is described as intense, gripping, and immersive, drawing readers into a dark and twisted world where the characters must confront their deepest fears and darkest desires.

The novel delves into the psychological and emotional impact of the brutal game on the students, offering a nuanced exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances. With a gripping plot filled with action, suspense, and moral dilemmas, 'Battle Royale' presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to consider the consequences of violence, fear, and survival instincts. The book is praised for its detailed character development, vivid descriptions of the island setting, and the way it keeps readers on edge from start to finish with its relentless pace and shocking twists.

In "Vicious" by V.E. Schwab, the story revolves around two college students, Victor and Eli, who experiment on themselves to trigger superhuman abilities, leading them down a path of becoming bitter enemies. The narrative alternates between past and present timelines, exploring themes of vengeance, power, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The writing style is fast-paced, with short and punchy chapters that keep the reader engaged, while the characters are morally ambiguous, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer is a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, focusing on the origin story of The Queen of Hearts, Catherine. The story follows Catherine, a young woman who dreams of opening her own bakery but is pressured to marry the King of Hearts. However, her encounter with Jest, the court jester, leads to a forbidden romance that changes her path. As Catherine navigates her desires and societal expectations, readers are taken on a journey through Wonderland filled with familiar characters like The Mad Hatter and The Cheshire Cat. The narrative explores Catherine's transformation from a hopeful baker to the infamous Queen of Hearts, shedding light on the events that shaped her descent into darkness.

In "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner, readers are introduced to a mysterious world where teenage boys find themselves trapped in a place called The Glade with no memories of their past. The Glade is surrounded by high walls, and outside lies a dangerous maze filled with monsters. The protagonist, Thomas, navigates through this tension-filled and suspenseful story, trying to unravel the mysteries of the maze and the reason behind their presence in the Glade. Dashner's writing style keeps readers engaged and curious, with a plot that is both complex and intriguing.

In 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' Tom Ripley is sent to Europe by Dickie Greenleaf's father in an attempt to persuade Dickie to return home. Instead, Ripley becomes obsessed with Dickie and decides to take over his life, leading to a series of deceptions and close calls that create suspense throughout the novel. The story delves into the chilling portrayal of a young man's descent into becoming a serial killer, showcasing themes of paranoia, narcissism, and manipulation.

The narrative follows Ripley's calculated actions as he navigates through Europe, inserting himself into Dickie's life and facing the consequences of his immoral decisions. Patricia Highsmith's writing style is described as clinical yet engaging, offering readers a glimpse into Ripley's mind and his twisted motivations, creating a suspenseful and thrilling reading experience.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is a suspenseful novel that delves into the cutthroat world of the publishing industry. The story follows June Hayward, a struggling author who seizes an opportunity to steal her deceased friend Athena's unpublished manuscript and claim it as her own. As June's success grows, she is haunted by the shadows of her past actions and the consequences of her literary theft. The narrative explores themes of jealousy, friendship, cultural appropriation, and the negative impact of social media on an author's life. Kuang's writing style is described as compelling, witty, and fast-paced, keeping readers engaged as the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns.