Discover books similar to "Un Lun Dun"
China Miéville
Un Lun Dun
3.81
"Un Lun Dun" by China Miéville is a young adult fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through an alternate London, known as UnLondon. The story follows two young protagonists, Zanna and Deeba, who stumble upon this mysterious world while trying to escape from bullies in their own London. In UnLondon, Zanna is hailed as the "Shwazzy," a prophesied hero destined to save the city from the evil Smog. However, when Zanna is captured by the Smog, it is up to Deeba to rescue her and save UnLondon. Along the way, Deeba discovers her own unique abilities and gathers a motley crew of companions, including a sentient bus, a book-reading ghost, and a band of binja (ninja bin men). Miéville's world-building is exceptional, creating a vivid and imaginative landscape that is both familiar and foreign. The city of UnLondon is filled with strange and wondrous creatures, including talking animals, living statues, and malevolent dust clouds. The author's use of language is playful and inventive, with neologisms and wordplay that add to the whimsy and wonder of the story. At its heart, "Un Lun Dun" is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, bravery, and identity. Deeba's journey from sidekick to hero is empowering and inspiring, and her determination and resilience are qualities that readers of all ages can admire. Overall, "Un Lun Dun" is a delightful and engaging read that combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and humor. China Miéville's imaginative world-building and compelling storytelling make this a standout addition to any young adult library...
List of books similar to "Un Lun Dun":
Susanna Clarke
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Like 'Un Lun Dun', this book is a unique blend of fantasy and literary fiction, with a focus on language and a dry sense of humor. It's set in an alternate 19th-century England where magic has returned, and follows the lives of two magicians, Jonathan Strange and Gilbert Norrell, as they try to bring magic back into the world.
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China Miéville
The City & the City
For readers who enjoyed the imaginative world-building and noir atmosphere of 'Un Lun Dun', this book is a must-read. It's a detective story set in two cities that occupy the same physical space but are completely separate and unaware of each other's existence. The book explores themes of identity, nationalism, and the power of the state.
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Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus
Like 'Un Lun Dun', this book is a whimsical and imaginative work of fantasy that explores the boundaries between reality and illusion. It follows the story of two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound together in a magical competition that takes place in a mysterious circus that appears and disappears without warning.
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Mervyn Peake
The Gormenghast Trilogy
Fans of the intricate world-building and baroque prose of 'Un Lun Dun' will find much to love in this classic fantasy series. It's set in the crumbling castle of Gormenghast, where the eccentric inhabitants are bound by centuries-old traditions and rituals. The series follows the lives of several characters, including the young heir to the throne, Titus Groan, as they navigate the complex politics and intrigues of the castle.
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Jasper Fforde
The Eyre Affair
For readers who enjoyed the playful metafiction and literary allusions of 'Un Lun Dun', this book is a great choice. It's set in an alternate England where literature is taken very seriously, and follows the adventures of Thursday Next, a detective who specializes in literary crimes. The book is full of witty references to classic novels and features a delightfully absurd sense of humor.
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China Miéville
The Scar
This book shares the same imaginative world-building and dark, atmospheric prose as 'Un Lun Dun'. It's set in the city of Armada, a floating pirate town made up of ships lashed together. The book follows the story of a former pirate captain, Bellis Coldwine, as she tries to uncover the secrets of the city and its enigmatic ruler.
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China Miéville
Perdido Street Station
This is another excellent book by China Miéville that shares the same imaginative world-building and dark, atmospheric prose as 'Un Lun Dun'. It's set in the sprawling city of New Crobuzon, where magic and technology coexist in a uneasy alliance. The book follows the story of Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin, a scientist who becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the city's rulers.
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Catherynne M. Valente
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Fans of the imaginative world-building and playful language of 'Un Lun Dun' will enjoy this whimsical work of fantasy. It's the story of a young girl, September, who is whisked away to Fairyland on a flying leopard. The book is full of witty references to classic fairy tales and features a delightfully absurd sense of humor.
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Scott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora
For readers who enjoyed the intricate plotting and colorful characters of 'Un Lun Dun', this book is a great choice. It's the story of Locke Lamora, a master con artist who leads a gang of thieves in the city of Camorr. The book is full of twists and turns and features a richly detailed world that is both familiar and fantastical.
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Mark Lawrence
The Broken Empire series
Fans of the dark, gritty world-building and morally ambiguous characters of 'Un Lun Dun' will enjoy this series. It's set in a world where magic has destroyed civilization and follows the story of a ruthless prince, Jorg, as he seeks to conquer the known world. The series is full of violence and intrigue and features a complex, nuanced protagonist.
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Claire North
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
For readers who enjoyed the imaginative premise and philosophical musings of 'Un Lun Dun', this book is a great choice. It's the story of Harry August, a man who lives his life over and over again, each time with full memory of his previous lives. The book explores themes of time, memory, and identity, and features a richly detailed world that is both familiar and fantastical.
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