10 books like Good Omens

So, if you haven’t already noticed, for most of this list I have chosen the first book in a series. Let's be honest, if you read fantasy, then you know pretty much every book is part of a series. In The Black Prism we are introduced to one of my favorite magic systems. In this system, the magicians or “Drafters” are able to turn light into substance. Each color of the light spectrum has a different property. A drafter can create constructs using light. Most people can only access one color, but there are those special people that can use multiple colors, and of course, there are the select few who can use all. What I love about this system is that it is only limited to the strength and imagination of the user.

I am a big fan of systems that you have to think to use. Anyone can… show more.

Wood is known for his stellar television documentaries, but he’s also a prolific and talented author. This gem of a book delves into some of the most famous legends of English/British folklore, ones that still capture the popular imagination. He then examines some key historical events and people from the earlier Middle Ages, and their importance even now. Written in an engaging style, it’s an excellent introduction to the roots and origins of so much British culture.     

This is my go-to book whenever I start a new Halloween writing project. It grounds me in details about the origins of Halloween (and holidays throughout the year) and illustrates brilliantly why the turning of the seasons has always been critical, and how holidays mark important cultural moments in so many ways. The origin of Halloween is here, but so is the origin of celebration itself.

This intriguing novel tells the story of a young Christian monk, Brand, who is sent to find and learn from a Saxon shaman/sorcerer, Wulf. The shaman turns Brand’s life upside down, introducing him to a strange, mysterious, and magical world that Brand never imagined existed. Written like a modern spiritual quest, but set in Anglo-Saxon England, the novel is an ingenious combination of old and new, inspired by charms and healings in a thousand-year-old manuscript in the British Library.

Bill Bryson is an international treasure, a keen observer of the modern quirks and foibles of his fellow humans all over the world. His wit and ability to good-naturedly skewer just about anything and anyone are a marvel to read. This book is perhaps a sequel to his earlier work, Notes from a Small Island, but both provide valuable insights into British culture and its many charms and annoyances. Hilarious!

This is a highly relevant book for our time.

Conceived in 1948, Orwell reversed numbers to envision a dystopic world in 1984. I remember how it was in 1984, when I felt some sense of relief that the world “wasn’t as bad” as Orwell had predicted. But, in today’s politics? This novel told of a political party with the slogan “Ignorance is strength”. How far is that from silencing the history of racism in this country and trying to keep people from waking up (“woke”) to the injustices of the world?

The “Big Lie,” first practiced by Adolph Hitler, was standard fare in 1984, and has deeply infected our politics today. I take the warnings of this book seriously. 

A Discovery of Witches is an exciting journey! Deborah Harkness masterfully weaves together history, science, and fantasy to create a captivating story that will keep you guessing until the  end. The book is filled with layers of clues and mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed, and the romance between Diana and Matthew is both compelling and heart-wrenching. I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait to dive into the  next installment. This book is a true page-turner, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of magic!

The Stand – almost a must-read for anyone who reads speculative fiction. Written forty-odd years ago, King nailed the post-apocalyptic theme and at the same time re-introduced us to the greater-than-us Good vs. Evil idea. I can remember the cornfields and their sinister presence to this day. But of course, fans of King will know that his real strength as a writer is his once-in-a-lifetime talent for characterisation. He is the master. Had he written in genre other than horror/fantasy early in his career, I believe he would still have made it as one of the greats. 

You can’t talk about nerds in trouble without mentioning Andy Weir. This one came out in the pandemic and it’s about a man who wakes up in a spaceship and doesn’t know who he is or what he’s supposed to do. I read this during the second year of the pandemic and I very much sympathized with his plight—he can’t go outside because it will kill him, he senses that he has important things to do, and he has a lingering feeling of existential dread. But even with all those worries, Ryland Grace manages to find his way forward with science and logic and humor. He’s nerdy and funny and he’s going to try to save the world.

The Name of the Wind is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery. The story of Kvothe, an orphan turned legendarily talented musician and magician, is rich in character development and world-building. The book is filled with layers of clues and mysteries that will keep the reader guessing and engaged. Rothfuss's writing style is captivating, making it hard to put the book down. The balance of fantasy, mystery, and adventure makes it a perfect fit for readers who enjoy multiple genres. It leaves you feeling like there is more going on than meets the eye, making it a true page-turner. This novel is not to be missed.