The Fantasy 101 › Books Like

Books Like Johannes Cabal

J.L. Howard, 2009 · #87 on the Epic Fantasy 101 Booklist · 69/120

A necromancer sold his soul for knowledge. To win it back, he has a year to collect a hundred souls, by running a demonic travelling carnival.

Its strongest scores: creative details and mood. The five books below have the closest scores across all eleven criteria.

If you liked Johannes Cabal, read:

1. Lyonesse

   Vance, 1983 · #66 on the list · 75/120

   In the drowned kingdoms of the Elder Isles before Arthur, kings scheme, a fairy-raised princess grows up, and wizards keep their own counsel.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, creative details.

2. The Magic Goes Away

   Niven, 1978 · #78 on the list · 71/120

   Magic is a finite natural resource and it is running out. An aging sorcerer and his companions set out to steal power from the moon.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, further reading.

3. World of Tiers

   Farmer, 1965 · #57 on the list · 78/120

   A man from Earth is pulled into a series of pocket universes built by godlike Lords. They play deadly games with their creations.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, further reading.

4. The Iron Dragon's Daughter

   Swanwick, 1993 · #43 on the list · 83/120

   A changeling girl is enslaved in a faerie factory that builds war dragons. She escapes with one of them into a world as grim as our own.

   Close on structure, creative details, real-world blend, divine influence.

5. The Face in the Frost

   Bellairs, 1969 · #97 on the list · 61/120

   Two wizards, the eccentric Prospero and his friend Roger Bacon, investigate a creeping evil that twists reality in their kingdoms.

   Close on mood, theme, structure, further reading.

How the scores work: each book is rated 1 to 10 on eleven criteria; real-world blend and climax and fights count double, for a maximum of 120. See the full Fantasy 101.