Book Recommendations?

[Willzyx]

I wasn't sure whether to post this to the Persona section or not, so I thought I'd start here first.

I'm really into the storylines of Persona 3 and 4. Haven't played earlier games yet but I plan on it. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good books with similar premises. The modern day/parallel world mystery/thriller thing interests me; what I don't like about a lot of fantasy and sci-fi is that it's set in a different time so it's not easy to relate to the characters and situations.

I take it there's a lot of these types of stories in manga, but I'd prefer a straight words-on-paper novel. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[EvilHero]

Not sure if this is what you would be into, but I read a few chapters of 'City of Bones' which is part of the Mortal Instruments series.

Similar premise, with demons and demon hunters existing in modern day society, most likely alot of romance.

Just letting you know, the author from the Twilight series commented on it being really good. So I figure if you didn't like Twilight, you might not like this.

[nbinney]

Megami Tensei was originally a novel, you can find fan-translations of it online.

[Sleepless Neko]

Megami Tensei was originally a novel, you can find fan-translations of it online.

This... although, it's not THAT good compared to the game's story.

Fan translation (http://ddstranslation.blogspot.com/2007/01/reincarnation-of-goddess-table-of.html) (if this isn't allowed, just delete the link)

[Willzyx]

I was aware of it, though I heard it was quite cheesy/schlocky. Also I'd rather something I can buy or pick up at the library.

EvilHero: I read a synopsis on that one and I don't think it's something I'd be into. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

I wonder if it's the incredible style and presentation of Persona 3 and 4 that make me tolerate and even appreciate the stories--or the fact that I get to play a part in them. If you step back, both are pretty silly. Demon world hidden in the space between midnight and 12:01? Murder mystery involving a parallel existence hidden behind television screens? Maybe I won't find similar books that interest me simply because it wasn't the stories themselves that drew me in in the first place.

I hope I'm wrong, though, and I'll keep looking just in case.

[slayn]

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher isn't really an alternate world thing, but it is a fantasy series set in the modern world. It is also 100% completely awesome.

[Willzyx]

That series does sound pretty good. I'll pick up the first volume on my next trip to the library--thanks!

[TheSheepman]

I think I'd reccomend two haruki murakami books, Dance,Dance,Dance and A Hard-boiled Wonderland and The End of The World I think that these works might have what are you looking for. They both contain the alternate world thing and Dance,Dance,Dance is a pretty profound, complex, mystery/detective/thriller story.

[Andy]

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is one I find myself going back to a lot. Not sure if it's on topic, but I just thought I'd mention it.

Is this going to turn into a manga thread? I was kinda hoping for some actual book talk.

[Willzyx]

Wow. Thanks a ton, guys. Whether or not these are exactly what I've been looking for, I will have enough to read for a little while. If these turn out to be as good as you say, then expect to be hit up for more suggestions later on. :)