Books Like Just One Damned Thing After Another

Read more

The four- ensemble — Gemma Whelan, Ben Miles, Jonathan Bailey, and Zara Ramm — gives *Just One Damned Thing After Another* a scrappy, theatrical energy that suits the material: historical mayhem needs voices that can pivot fast between dread and absurdity, and this cast handles the tonal whiplash without ever losing the thread. Seven hours is exactly the right length for a book that runs on momentum — long enough to build genuine affection for the chaos, short enough that the plot never stalls long enough to ask inconvenient questions. Whelan narrates several more titles in this list, the runtimes cluster in that same sweet spot, and the highest-rated picks share that particular quality of keeping you slightly off-balance — entertained and propelled forward, never quite sure what era you're about to crash-land in next.

10 books for fans of Just One Damned Thing After Another

  1. 1
    Blake's 7 - The Liberator Chronicles cover

    Blake's 7 - The Liberator Chronicles

    Blake's 7: The Liberator Chronicles • Book 7

    by Simon Guerrier, Eddie Robson, James Swallow, Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow, Michael Keating, Jan Chappell, Gemma Whelan

    More about this pick

    Two standalone missions pit rebel operatives against Federation spies and station-wide chaos, capturing the paranoid atmosphere and moral ambiguity that defined the series.

    3.79 Goodreads (19 ratings)
  2. 2
    Hold Back the Stars cover

    Hold Back the Stars

    by Katie Khan

    More about this pick

    Space becomes both prison and sanctuary for lovers whose relationship violates their society's strict rules about human connection. Khan's countdown format creates unbearable tension between hope and inevitability.

    3.43 Goodreads (4.6K ratings)
  3. 3
    All These Worlds cover

    All These Worlds

    Bobiverse • Book 3

    by Dennis E. Taylor

    More about this pick

    Taylor concludes his Bobiverse trilogy as Bob's clones face their greatest challenge: ancient aliens bent on destroying every thinking species they encounter.

    4.40 Goodreads (65.4K ratings)
  4. 4
    What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions cover

    What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

    What If? • Book 2

    by Randall Munroe

    4.37 Goodreads (17.7K ratings)
  5. 5
    Bloodchild and Other Stories cover

    Bloodchild and Other Stories

    by Octavia E. Butler

    More about this pick

    In Butler's award-winning title story, humans serve as hosts for alien reproduction in an arrangement that's both intimate and horrifying. Her collected stories examine power, survival, and what it means to be human when humanity isn't in control.

    4.34 Goodreads (27.6K ratings)
  6. 6
    The Light Within (Terran Expeditionary Corps Book 5) cover

    The Light Within (Terran Expeditionary Corps Book 5)

    Terran Expeditionary Corps • Book 5

    by Richard Fox

    More about this pick

    Betrayal has shattered Terra Nova's defenses as the Inheritors prepare their final devastating attack on the colony. A desperate three-way alliance becomes humanity's last chance for survival against extinction.

    4.75 Goodreads (36 ratings)
  7. 7
    Dragon Squared cover

    Dragon Squared

    Dragon Host • Book 5

    by Timothy Ellis

    More about this pick

    The Dragon Host forms the League of Worlds military core as Bud completes his world restoration task, but someone else's agenda may control everything.

    4.67 Goodreads (156 ratings)
  8. 8
    Dragon Rider cover

    Dragon Rider

    Dragon Host • Book 1

    by Timothy Ellis

    More about this pick

    Powerful mage Bud enters the Keerah war determined to resurrect entire populations of dragon-kin. Ellis combines space warfare with fantasy magic in this action-packed revival tale.

    4.65 Goodreads (182 ratings)
  9. 9
    Once Upon A Lucky Star cover

    Once Upon A Lucky Star

    Alpha Red • Book 2

    by N.D. Shar, Natalie Debrabandere

    More about this pick

    Still kicking at 161, Commander Storm Redfield battles space creatures, befriends one-eyed aliens, and discusses romance novels with blushing AIs. The 23rd century suits her perfectly.

    4.61 Goodreads (267 ratings)
  10. 10
    Imperium Knight Chaos Rising cover

    Imperium Knight Chaos Rising

    The Hunter Imperium • Book 6

    by Timothy Ellis

    More about this pick

    Tech specialist George Murdock volunteers to test the prototype jump drive that merges technology with magic—naturally, chaos ensues on an unprecedented scale.

    4.60 Goodreads (302 ratings)