Looking for Recommendations: Non-Series Books

[Julia]

I like that, Shomeret,

Alternative history fantasy. Would you say the Temeraire books by Naomi Novik also fit this description? Have you read The Yiddish Policemen's Union? It won a Nebula, (or Hugo, I can't keep these straight) but it's alternate history mystery; and inventive and GREAT writing, but there's no sfnal elements beyond the alternate history.

[Shomeret]

The Temeraire books have dragons which are generally regarded as a fantasy element unless the dragons are on another planet. Then it becomes a different sub-genre that is a cross between science fiction and fantasy called science fantasy. Science fantasy novels are often considered science fiction. The Darkover novels by Marion Zimmer Bradley are an example of this. But yes, I do think Naomi Novik's books are alternate universe fantasy. By the way, I didn't invent the term "science fantasy"I saw it applied to Darkover and Pern in reviews thirty years ago.

The Yiddish Policeman's Union has no fantasy elements. There's no magic, no magical creatures associated with fantasy and not even any paranormal elements. It's categorized as alternate universe science fiction/mystery in my book journal. That's long and complicated, but I consider it an accurate label.

[Joseph]

Michelle M. wrote: "I'll agree with everyone who mentioned Christopher Moore, A. Lee Martinez, and De Lint.

Martinez's Gil's All Fright Diner was hilarious and different. Trucker were and hillbilly vamp face evil ..."

I just finished Gil's All Fright Diner and loved it! It was SO different and a real riot. Lots of fun to read this unique work.

[Susan (Suz)]

Glad you read and enjoyed Gil's All Fright Diner, Joseph! I thought it was really fun and entertaining! Definitely want to check out some of his other books!:)

[The Flooze]

It was very different, wasn't it, Joseph? I loved it, and have his other books at home to read. S Nameless Witch was okay. Too Many Ogres was quite funny.

Have you read any Christopher Moore? He's sorta similar in wacky tone.

[Melodie]

Michelle M. wrote: "It was very different, wasn't it, Joseph? I loved it, and have his other books at home to read. S Nameless Witch was okay. Too Many Ogres was quite funny.

Have you read any Christopher Moore? H..."

Agreed, Christopher Moore is great!!! YOU SUCK, A LOVE STORY is a favorite of mine!

[Susan (Suz)]

I am loving the wacky stuff I'm going to have to check out more of Martinez's stuff and look into Christopher Moore too ;)

[The Flooze]

Of Christopher Moore's stuff I'd most recommend Dirty Job, followed by Lamb. The Stupidest Angel was great too with zombie Santa. Oddly enough, You Suck and its predecessor Bloodsucking Fiends are my least favorites of his!

[Susan (Suz)]

Interesting MichelleM. Thanks for the info!:)

[The Flooze]

A Dirty Job is about a totally Beta guy who suddenly gets the job of reaping souls. There are large, slobbering Hell Hounds involved. And they like to chomp soap bubbles.

I was reading it during downtime at an info desk, and random people kept stopping just to find out why I was laughing so hard.

[John]

While it's probably going to be a series eventually, Mark Del Franco just put out Skin Deep this past year. at least it's the first of the series.

[Melodie]

Michelle M. wrote: "Of Christopher Moore's stuff I'd most recommend Dirty Job, followed by Lamb. The Stupidest Angel was great too with zombie Santa. Oddly enough, You Suck and its predecessor Bloodsucking Fiends are ..."

DIRTY JOB was excellent! I liked BLOODSUCKING FIENDS,, but YOU SUCK is still my favorite. Have you read ISLAND OF THE SEQUINED LOVE NUN? Another goodie!

[The Flooze]

I've read everything but Fool, which is sitting here waiting for me! Try his Blog. He's just as funny there, too.

[SJ]

I just finished Boneshaker by Cherie Priest and I thought it was pretty great. While I know she's writing other things set in the same 'world' they're all standalone books...