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.

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.

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.

Set in 15th century Holland, "The Folly of the World" by Jesse Bullington follows the journey of a disenfranchised son, Jan, who is separated from his fortune due to class customs and a great flood. Teaming up with a psychotic henchman, Sander, and a poor sea diver, Jan embarks on a quest to reclaim his wealth amidst civil strife. The novel blends historical knowledge with elements of violence, graphic sex, the supernatural, and dark humor, creating a compelling narrative that delves into Dutch politics of the time.

The story unfolds in a late Middle Ages Renaissance setting with magical elements, where a fiesty teenage shellfish gatherer, a psychotic henchman, and his ruthless gay lover navigate a freshly flooded Holland. As the trio navigates through financial and political intrigue, the narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of fortune in a world rife with violence and deception.

The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic short story from the 19th century that delves into the moral ambiguity and consequences of body snatching. The plot follows two young doctors who become entangled in a spiral of moral depravity and blackmail as they procure dead bodies for dissection. The writing style is described as eerie and atmospheric, capturing the feeling of the thriller genre effectively.

'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.

"Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary" by Jeff Strand follows the misadventures of Andrew Mayhem, a bumbling novice detective who finds himself in a horrific situation after taking on a seemingly simple job to dig up a body for $20,000. However, things take a dark turn when Andrew realizes that the person in the grave is not dead, leading to a series of chaotic and bloody events. The book is a blend of mystery, humor, and gore, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained. Jeff Strand's writing style walks a fine line between graphic violence and humor, creating a unique and compelling narrative that is both light and funny yet not for the easily squeamish.

Andrew Mayhem's character is portrayed as deeply sarcastic and witty, making him a likable protagonist whose running commentary adds to the fun and snappy writing style of the author. Despite the chaotic and ludicrous plot, the book manages to maintain tension by throwing innocents into the mix, making readers fear for the safety of Andrew's family and friends. Overall, "Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary" is a fast-paced and entertaining read that seamlessly merges horror and comedy, showcasing Jeff Strand's talent in crafting a darkly humorous and thrilling story.

In "Company of Liars" by Karen Maitland, the story unfolds during the outbreak of the Plague in England, following a group of nine strangers led by an elderly peddler named Camelot as they journey through the country to escape the pestilence. Each character has a dark secret that is gradually revealed, intertwining their lives and creating a sense of mystery and suspense. The narrative is rich in historical details, superstitions, and occult references, capturing the essence of the Middle Ages and the dangers of that era.

The book is a blend of historical fiction, mystery, horror, and fantasy elements, with a narrative reminiscent of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. As the characters navigate through medieval England, facing religious intolerance, superstitions, and the threat of the Plague, the story delves into themes of deception, secrets, and survival. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, compelling, and haunting, drawing readers into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, creating a gripping tale of mistrust, friendship, and the unknown.

Aching God by Mike Shel follows an aging adventurer, Auric Manteo, who is reluctantly pulled back into a dangerous quest when his daughter falls ill from a mysterious plague caused by an ancient idol. The story is a blend of horror and fantasy, rich in world-building and character development, with a focus on post-traumatic stress and the consequences of past actions. Shel's writing style intricately weaves together elements of suspense, dread, and intricate world-building, creating a dark and deteriorating world filled with malevolence, madness, and magic.

The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman is a gripping tale set in a world ravaged by war with goblins. The story focuses on Galva dom Braga, a soldier who rises from an inexperienced fighter to a notable warrior, all while grappling with profound themes like love, mortality, and the brutality of conflict. Despite being a prequel to The Blacktongue Thief, it has a unique depth and intensity, portraying the harsh realities of life and death. The narrative flows with a poetic quality, making the violence and sorrow it depicts haunting yet beautiful.

Buehlman's writing style blends relatable human experiences with the fantasy genre, crafting a richly detailed world that feels both tragic and compelling. While some readers might find the main character a bit dry, Buehlman skillfully uses her perspective to explore the emotional weight of war and survival. His ability to create real, believable characters allows readers to connect deeply with their struggles. Overall, The Daughters' War is an intense, emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression, showcasing Buehlman's talent in weaving brutal realism with lyrical prose.