Books Like...

The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North is a unique tale centered around the protagonist, Hope Arden, who has a condition that causes people to forget her as soon as she leaves their sight. Hope navigates a world where she is constantly forgotten, leading her to a life of crime as a master thief. The plot delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the impact of a new lifestyle app called Perfection. As Hope becomes entangled in a conflict with the creators of Perfection, the story unfolds with elements of thriller, psychology, and self-reflection, creating a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of human connection and memory.

The book is praised for its fascinating concept of a protagonist who is unnaturally forgettable, engaging plot that combines elements of action and drama, and thought-provoking exploration of media, social pressure, and the essence of humanity. Claire North's writing style is commended for its unique voice, detailed world-building, and ability to evoke emotions and keep readers hooked until the very end.

'Obernewtyn' by Isobelle Carmody is a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel set in a world devastated by a nuclear war. The story follows Elspeth, a Misfit with special mental powers, who is sent to Obernewtyn, a camp for Misfits, where she uncovers dark secrets and struggles to navigate a society controlled by a paranoid Council and religious zealots. The plot unfolds with Elspeth discovering her abilities, forming friendships, and facing challenges while trying to survive in a world where Misfits like her are hunted down and persecuted.

The writing style in 'Obernewtyn' is described as a mix of post-apocalyptic world-building, character development, and a slow but engaging plot progression. The author, Isobelle Carmody, creates a setting that is both creepy and intriguing, blending elements of dystopia and fantasy to immerse readers in a unique and complex world. The narrative explores themes of survival, identity, trust, and power dynamics, offering a deep and detailed story that keeps readers hooked as Elspeth navigates through a dangerous and uncertain future.

In "City of Ghosts" by Victoria V.E. Schwab, we follow Cassidy Blake, a girl who gains the ability to see ghosts and cross over to the world of the dead after a near-death experience. Accompanied by her ghost best friend Jacob, Cassidy's parents take her to Edinburgh, Scotland, to film a TV show about haunted places. The book is a middle-grade supernatural adventure that blends elements of ghost stories with references to popular works like Harry Potter, creating a spooky and engaging atmosphere that captures the reader's attention.

The plot unfolds with Cassidy encountering malevolent ghosts in Edinburgh, navigating her unique ability, and exploring the historic city's supernatural side. The writing style is described as a perfect blend of scary and fun, with well-developed characters like Cassidy and Jacob, engaging storytelling, and a captivating setting that brings the haunted city of Edinburgh to life, making it a thrilling read for both middle-grade and older readers.

'A Darker Shade of Magic' by V.E. Schwab follows Kell, a magician who can travel between four parallel worlds - White London, Red London, Grey London, and Black London. The story revolves around Kell's journey to return a forbidden talisman, installed with dangerous magic, to Black London. Along the way, he is aided by Delilah Bard, a thief from Grey London, as they navigate through different Londons with varying levels of magic and power struggles. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, adventure, and plot twists, making it an engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and epic fantasy genres.

The Foxglove King, the first book in 'The Nightshade Crown' series by Hannah F. Whitten, follows Lore, a strong and complex female lead, who gets entangled in the political intrigues of a kingdom on the verge of war. The story delves into the theological and political mysteries of the court, as Lore, along with Gabriel and Bastian, investigates the Nightshade Kingdom. Set in a world where magic comes in two flavors - Spiritum and Mortem, derived from ancient gods, the book explores themes of religious fanaticism, love triangles, and complex character relationships.

The book is a slow, careful revelation of mysteries, with a dark and twisty plot that keeps readers engaged. The author, Hannah F. Whitten, expertly crafts a lush and magical world with detailed world-building and intriguing character dynamics. Readers are drawn into a story filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected twists, setting the stage for a series full of potential and anticipation for what the sequels will bring.

In "This Savage Song" by Victoria Schwab, the story unfolds in a divided city, Verity, where humans and monsters coexist in disharmony. The narrative follows two angsty teens, Kate and August, from rival families who are forced to rely on each other for survival. The plot delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the blurred lines between good and evil, set against a backdrop of a unique world filled with monsters. Schwab's writing skillfully details the origins of different monsters and their ties to human violence, creating a dark and intriguing urban fantasy setting.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher is an intriguing fantasy that blends horror and humor in a unique way. The plot follows Cordelia, a young girl oppressed by her abusive sorceress mother, Evangeline. As the story unfolds, Cordelia finds strength in newfound friendships while navigating complex family dynamics and the looming threat of her mother’s control. The narrative, reminiscent of the fairy tale The Goose Girl, showcases her struggle to escape her mother's grasp and prevent her from marrying for wealth.

The writing style is a hallmark of Kingfisher, filled with quirky and well-developed characters that draw readers in. Hester, Richard, and other supporting characters add humor and depth to Cordelia's journey. The book's pacing keeps readers engaged, and the characterization highlights unique attributes that resonate. Though dark themes are explored, the witty dialogues and charming interactions provide moments of levity, making it an enjoyable read despite the serious undertones.

"The Signature of All Things" by Elizabeth Gilbert is a historical novel that spans generations, focusing on the life of Alma Whittaker, a woman ahead of her time in the 19th century. The story follows Alma's journey of self-discovery through her passion for botany, particularly mosses, while navigating themes of love, family, and scientific exploration. The narrative delves into Alma's relationships, adventures, and inner struggles, painting a vivid portrait of a complex and compelling protagonist. The writing style is described as lush, detailed, and engaging, drawing readers into Alma's world of intellect, curiosity, and growth.

'One Dark Window' in the 'Shepherd King' series by Rachel Gillig is an enchanting, dark, gothic tale about Elspeth, a girl with a big secret - an infection that gave her magic but comes with a price. Elspeth is pulled into a treasonous plot against the king to gather all the Twelve Cards of Magic gifted by the Spirit of the Wood to undo a blight on her kingdom. The story unfolds with Elspeth navigating the political landscape, dealing with a monster in her head, and falling in love while trying to save their kingdom. The writing style is described as rhythmic, captivating, enchanting, and immersive, drawing readers into a world filled with riddles, mystery, and magic.

The plot twists, including a big unexpected twist at the end, keep readers on the edge of their seats, with bone-chilling poems and jaw-dropping moments that drive home the storyline. The unique magic system, the atmospheric vibes, and the complex characters like Elspeth and Ravyn Yew add depth to the story, creating a lush gothic Romantasy that captivates readers and leaves them eagerly awaiting the next installment.

"Phoenix Unbound" is an epic fantasy set in a brutal empire where the central characters, Gilene and Azarion, must navigate a world filled with sacrifice, magic, and betrayal. Gilene, a fire witch, has been sent from her village as an annual sacrifice to the Emperor, enduring the horrors of being burned alive for five years. She possesses the magical abilities of illusion and fire, which she uses to escape each year. Azarion, a gladiator sold into slavery by his cousin, seeks to reclaim his rightful position in the Savatar clan. Their paths cross when Azarion blackmails Gilene into helping him escape, leading to a tumultuous journey filled with challenges and a slow-burn romance that develops despite their initial conflicts.

The writing style of Grace Draven is characterized by vivid descriptions and emotional depth, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the harsh realities of the empire and the characters' struggles. The author expertly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and world-building, creating a captivating narrative that balances action with character development. Readers experience the harshness of the empire's cruelty alongside the growth of Gilene and Azarion's relationship, making for a compelling story that keeps them engaged from start to finish.