Books matching: abrupt conclusions
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- #1
Save:"Down a Dark Hall" by Lois Duncan is a suspenseful and paranormal story set in a boarding school where four girls uncover dark truths. The plot revolves around Kit, a student who senses evil at the school and realizes that each girl has a tragic, supernatural event in their past. As the girls start manifesting unknown talents and producing art that is not their own, they must work together to uncover the mysteries of Blackwood School and find a way to escape. The book combines elements of contemporary gothic with psychic channeling, creating an intriguing and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and a well-crafted plot.
Lois Duncan's writing style in "Down a Dark Hall" is described as suspenseful and full of imagery, gradually revealing conflicts and mysteries to the readers. The story emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and staying alert in uncomfortable situations, adding depth to the characters and the overall narrative. Despite some modernizations in the text for updated audiences, the book retains its original charm and captivates readers with its eerie atmosphere and intriguing storyline.
They had been driving since dawn, but for the past two hours—since they had turned off the highway onto the winding road that led through the hill country—Kit Gordy had been sleeping. Perhaps not comp... - #2
Save:'Nine Stories' by J.D. Salinger is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The stories are described as original, well-written, and thought-provoking, with themes ranging from love and war to childhood innocence and mental instability. Salinger's writing style is praised for its ability to capture the essence of characters and evoke strong emotional responses from readers, offering a blend of humor, wit, and poignant observations on life.
THERE WERE ninety-seven New York advertising men in the hotel, and, the way they were monopolizing the long-distance lines, the girl in 507 had to wait from noon till almost two-thirty to get her call... - #3
Save:Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer is a Regency romance novel set in Bath, focusing on the charming heroine Abigail Wendover and the black sheep hero Miles Calverleigh. Abby finds herself in a predicament when trying to separate her niece Fanny from a fortune hunter, leading her to seek help from Miles. The book is known for its witty and humorous dialogue exchanges between Abby and Miles, providing high entertainment in the first half of the story. The plot revolves around unconventional characters navigating societal norms and romantic entanglements, with a touch of scandal and romance.
A little before eight o'clock, at the close of a damp autumn day, a post-chaise entered Bath, on the London Road, and presently drew up outside a house in Sydney Place. It was a hired vehicle, but it ... - #4
Save:'The Third Reich' by Roberto Bolano is about a German tourist named Udo who becomes obsessed with a strategic board game called The Third Reich while on vacation in Spain. The novel delves into themes of war, politics, love, literature, and the psychological effects of obsession. The writing style is described as slow-building, tense, suffocating, and surreal, mirroring the apparent boredom of the setting where the action takes place.
Through the window comes the murmur of the sea mingled with the laughter of the night’s last revelers, a sound that might be the waiters clearing the tables on the terrace, an occasional car driving s... - #5
Save:In Larry Niven's 'Ringworld', readers are taken on a journey to a massive artificial world that serves as the backdrop for a story involving two humans and two aliens exploring its mysteries. The book delves into themes of exploration, alien civilizations, and the mind-boggling vastness of the Ringworld itself. Niven's writing style combines detailed scientific concepts with sociological exploration, creating a backdrop for characters to navigate through a world beyond imagination.
His foot-length queue was as white and shiny as artificial snow. His skin and depilated scalp were chrome yellow; the irises of his eyes were gold; his robe was royal blue with a golden stereoptic dra... - #6
Save:Spindle by E.K. Johnston is a companion novel to 'A Thousand Nights,' offering a unique retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale. The story follows Yashaa, who, along with his friends, embarks on a quest to break a curse and save their kingdom. Set in a vibrant and exotic landscape, the narrative is told through alternating first-person narrations, providing a fresh perspective on the classic fairy tale. Johnston's evocative prose and strong character development create a rich and immersive reading experience, focusing on themes of strength, love, determination, and sacrifice.
THE LITTLE ROSE was only five years old when her parents ruined my mother and brought ruination to my own life. I can tell the story like I was there, though I wasn’t. Even if I had been, I had only s...
(Also, see 43 recommendations for the series A Thousand Nights ) - #7
Save:Three thousand years before, the monstrous Dark had sprung from loathsome underground lairs to destroy most of humanity. Now they were again ravening and ruining in their blood hunger. Only a few thousand people had managed to find refuge in the ancient fortress Keep of Renweth. There, even the magic of the wizard Ingold Inglorion could offer them little hope against the Dark. To defeat the savage horror, they must gain help from the Hidden City of Quo, to which all other wizards had been summoned. But Ingold could not pierce the walls of illusion that separated Quo from the world. With his student, Rudy Solis, the old wizard set out to cross two thousand miles of dangerous desert to the City of Wizards. What he might find there he could not know and dared not guess. Many middle books of trilogies feel a bit weaker. We've met most of the main characters, and the author doesn't really resolve the storyline. Still somehow, there needs to be enough story to keep our interest. This book does that. This fantasy follows the pattern of Tolkien's The Two Towers and splits up the characters. Rudy and Ingold head off to the wizards' city while Gil and Minalde stay behind in the Keep. Through Rudy's eyes, we learn more about the nature and perils of magic. Gil is a historian and intent on finding out more about the physical infrastructure of the Keep while trying to dodge most of the political and social infighting. I found both alternating stories interesting in their own way. Unifying them both is the threat of the Dark and how people deal with adversity and tragedy. I enjoyed the story and, while I noticed it was the middle book, I also thought it had enough going on that it wasn't significantly weaker than the first book. Highly recommended for fans of The Time of the Dark.
THE SETTING WAS THE Shamrock Bar in San Bernardino on a rainy Saturday night. Rain drummed softly on the plate glass window, and the tawdry gleam of lights shone on the wet pavement outside. Two beard...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Darwath ) - #8
Save:'Foundation' is the first book in the 'Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles' series by Mercedes Lackey. Set in the world of Valdemar, the story follows Mags, an orphan mistreated in a mine, who is Chosen to become a Herald. The book explores Mags' journey from a deprived background to discovering his unique abilities and finding a new purpose in life at the newly founded Collegium. Lackey's writing style is described as engaging, focusing on character development and world-building, with a plot that sets the stage for future events in the series.
MAGS did not shiver in the cold; his body was used to it by now. Besides, it was warmer down here in the mine than it was up there, up at the sluices, and almost warmer than it was in the doss room, a... - #9
Save:'Redemption Ark' is a space opera masterpiece that delves into cosmic time scales and fictitious technical ideas, leading to thrilling space battles and escapes. The story continues in the Resurgam system after many years, focusing on the threat posed by alien machines whose purpose is to prevent a catastrophic extinction in the future. The book introduces strong characters manipulated by powerful principles and forces, with unexpected heroes trying to save the situation while leaving behind more mysteries.
ANTOINETTE BAX WATCHED the police proxy unfold itself from the airlock. The machine was all planar black armour and sharp articulated limbs, like a sculpture made from many pairs of scissors. It was d...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Revelation Space ) - #10
Save:Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George follows Princess Poppy, one of the twelve dancing princesses, who is sent to Breton as part of a royal fostering initiative. While there, she becomes entangled in a twisted version of Cinderella's story, where she must help her friends fight magical enemies and break dark enchantments. The book offers an innovative retelling of Cinderella, weaving in themes of friendship, recovering from past trauma, and forming romantic relationships in a medieval Europe-inspired setting. Princess Poppy is portrayed as a strong and complex character, and the story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
When someone knocked on the bedroom door, Poppy nearly leaped right off the bed. She had been sprawled across it writing, and her quill pen skidded over the paper and left huge blotches of ink on the ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Princesses of Westfalin Trilogy )
