Books matching: action and romance elements
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- #1
Save:A sprawling, blood-soaked historical adventure that's equal parts brutal and exhilarating - if you can stomach the violence and occasional excess, it's a wild, immersive ride.
'The Religion' by Tim Willocks is a historical novel set during the 16th-century Turkish siege of Malta. The story follows the protagonist, Mattias Tannhauser, a former soldier who embarks on a quest to find the missing son of a noblewoman amidst the turmoil of war. The plot unfolds with rich descriptions of battles, intricate character dynamics, and themes of religion, loyalty, and love. The narrative weaves together historical events with elements of romance, drama, and philosophical insights, portraying a vivid picture of the brutal siege and the complexities of human nature.
The largest armada since antiquity, bearing the finest army in the modern world, had been dispatched by Suleiman Shah to conquer Malta. Turkish success would expose southern Europe to a wave of Islami...2006•756 pages - #2
Save:A captivating mash-up of magic, action, and intrigue set on a giant haunted ship, featuring a fierce queer heroine. Perfect for those wanting something other than the usual YA fantasy fare - just be prepared for a little darkness and a lot of adventure!
Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler follows Isoka, a powerful and confident protagonist who is caught by the Empire for being a mage adept and is tasked with stealing a ghost ship named the Soliton to save herself and her sister. The story is set on the mysterious Soliton, an enormous haunted ship full of ancient technology and dangerous creatures, where Isoka navigates through political intrigue, mystery, and danger to unravel the goals and methods of the ship's creators. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and features a unique magic system called Wells, with a focus on strong female characters, LGBTQ representation, and intricate world-building.
I move quickly, losing myself among the crumbling tenement blocks of the Sixteenth Ward. The streets smell of salt water and rotting fish, piss and misery. Huddled shapes crowd against the pitted bric...January 2019•370 pages - #3
Save:A fast, funny, and delightfully irreverent Arthurian romp - perfect for readers who love quick wit, adventure, and a dash of romance.
'The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf' by Gerald Morris is a fast-paced and witty take on King Arthur and his round table, featuring characters like Lynet, Roger, Terence, and Robin. The story follows Lady Lynet's quest to save her family's castle from the Knight of the Red Lands, where instead of a knight, she is given a kitchen hand named Beaumains. Along the way, she befriends a dwarf, learns about her magical heritage, and encounters a colorful group of knights. is filled with humor, action, romance, and wit, making it an entertaining and engaging read with a rough-edged elegance in its storytelling.
From the castle wall, Lynet watched the battle with mingled horror and hope, mostly horror. The young challenger was no match for the Knight of the Red Lands, who was obviously toying with him. Even f... - #4
Save:Imaginative, sassy, and genre-bending, "Clean Sweep" is a delight for urban fantasy fans craving something new - with bonus points for snark, action, and a heroine who’s anything but ordinary.
"Clean Sweep" in the series 'Innkeeper Chronicles' by Ilona Andrews is a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy set in a world where Inns are neutral grounds for all kinds of beings, including aliens, vampires, werewolves, and more. The story follows Dina, an innkeeper with magical abilities, as she navigates through a world filled with fantastical creatures and mysteries. The fast-paced tempo, creative worldbuilding, and engaging characters make this book a fun and exciting read, offering a fresh take on the paranormal genre.
Dina's journey as an innkeeper at a run-down inn, her encounters with sexy werewolves and vampires from space, and her efforts to keep the inn running smoothly amidst various challenges form the core of the plot. is described as relaxed, different, and weird in a good way, offering a delightful mix of humor, action, and magical elements. The author's writing style seamlessly weaves together elements of magic, science, and mystery, creating a captivating story that keeps readers entertained and eager for more.
It had been such a nice morning. The Texas summer had finally cooled a little, allowing for a light, happy breeze. Not a single cloud marked the blue sky, and the walk to the twenty-four-hour gas-stat...2012•235 pages - #5
Save:A wildly entertaining, twisty heist with unforgettable characters - definitely worth the hype, especially for fans of YA fantasy and ensemble casts! Just be warned: you might immediately want to grab the sequel.
'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is a gripping YA heist novel set in a fantasy world where a mastermind, Kaz Brekker, assembles a team of teenagers with special gifts and dark pasts to undertake an impossible mission in the dangerous city of Ketterdam. The story revolves around their quest to kidnap a scientist experimenting with enhancing special powers for military purposes, leading to a tale of revenge, loyalty, friendship, and intricate schemes against a backdrop of a richly imagined world filled with magic and complex characters.
The book is a heist thriller with a fantasy twist, featuring a group of misfits led by Kaz who navigate through a city controlled by gangs and a corrupt council. The narrative is driven by detailed schemes, plot twists, and the individual growth of the characters, as they face challenges, form relationships, and strive to achieve their goals in a world on the brink of change and chaos.
He was supposed to be making his rounds at the Hoede house, but for the last fifteen minutes, he’d been hovering around the southeast wall of the gardens, trying to think of something clever and roman...September 2015•497 pages - #6
Save:A slick, addictive cat-and-mouse spy thriller - fast-paced and full of intrigue - Codename Villanelle is perfect for action lovers and fans of morally complex antiheroes, but may not capture all the charm of the TV series for every reader.
'Codename Villanelle' by Luke Jennings is a spy thriller that follows the story of an emotionless professional assassin named Villanelle, who was once a poor, motherless Russian girl named Oksana. The plot delves into Villanelle's exotic assignments and her transformation into a ruthless killer. The writing style is described as having exquisite imagery, detailed descriptions, and elegant yet raw character interactions that bring the characters to life.
The Palazzo Falconieri stands on a promontory on one of the smaller Italian lakes. It’s late June, and a faint breeze touches the pines and cypresses that cluster like sentinels around the rocky headl...2014•229 pages - #7
Save:A snarky, heartfelt, and utterly original take on the superhero genre - like Devil Wears Prada meets Marvel - with Asian American leads, lots of laughs, and real emotional depth. Urban fantasy fans looking for something fresh and fun should check it out!
Evie is the hardworking assistant to the famous superhero Aveda Jupiter in San Francisco. When Aveda gets injured, Evie must step into her shoes and face the challenges of being a superhero. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, superhero tropes, and Asian representation, exploring themes of friendship, heroism, and dealing with emotions in a fun and adventurous way.
“I’m on it, boss!” I yelped. I bobbed out of the cupcake’s path and flung myself behind a counter, my tailbone colliding with the floor of previously pristine bakery Cake My Day. That floor had been a...July 2016•381 pages - #8
Save:Hot, fast, and mythologically inventive - Eve of Darkness is a sexy urban fantasy adventure, though it lacks the finesse of Sylvia Day’s later work. Worth a try if you enjoy action, romance, and a supernatural love triangle.
'Eve of Darkness' in the 'Marked' series by Sylvia Day follows the story of Eve Hollis, an agnostic who finds herself thrust into the world of demon hunting with the mark of Cain. Mentored by the enigmatic brothers, Alec Cain and Reed Abel, Eve navigates a dangerous world filled with infernals, angels, and ageless love triangles. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, featuring sassy characters, intense action, and steamy romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The book blends elements of biblical beliefs with a creative and imaginative storyline that goes beyond traditional teachings, captivating readers with its unique take on good versus evil. As Eve grapples with her newfound abilities and the dynamics between the Cain and Abel brothers, the narrative delves into themes of inner demons, mentorship, and the complexities of relationships in a supernatural setting.
Evangeline Hollis understood the true gist of that saying now, surrounded as she was by thousands of Satan’s minions. Some wore Seattle Seahawks baseball caps, others wore San Diego Chargers jerseys....April 2009•369 pages - #9
Save:Addicting, intense, and packed with tough choices - An Ember in the Ashes is a standout YA fantasy perfect for fans of action and emotional journeys, though the violence and tropes may not suit every reader.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir is a YA fantasy novel that follows the intertwined stories of Laia and Elias in a society divided between the Martials and Scholars. Laia, a spy for the resistance inside the Martial Empire's military academy, is determined to save her brother from prison, while Elias, the academy's top soldier, seeks freedom from his oppressive mother and their empire. The alternating perspectives of Laia and Elias provide insight into their struggles, moral dilemmas, and growing connection, set against a backdrop of brutal challenges, political intrigue, and a society filled with complex characters.
He folds his scarecrow body through the window, bare feet silent on the rushes. A hot desert wind blows in after him, rustling the limp curtains. His sketchbook falls to the floor, and he nudges it un...April 2015•503 pages - #10
Save:A classic, character-driven space opera with loads of heart, smart political commentary, and a satisfying dose of adult romance - flaws and all, totally worth the ride (and a must for Vorkosigan newbies).
"Shards of Honour" by Lois McMaster Bujold is a space opera that follows the story of Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force and Captain Aral Vorkosigan of the Barrayaran Imperial Navy. When their paths cross on an unexplored planet after facing different challenges, they must work together to survive and navigate through war, love, and complicated loyalties. The book introduces the readers to the origins of Miles Vorkosigan's parents and sets the stage for a series of adventures in a universe filled with political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and unexpected romance.
The narrative of "Shards of Honour" is driven by well-developed characters like Cordelia and Aral, who are portrayed as mature, complex protagonists with interesting dynamics. The writing style is described as engaging, with elements of romance, action, and adventure interwoven into a science fiction setting. The story explores themes of survival, love, and the clash of cultures, offering a blend of character-driven storytelling and intriguing world-building that sets the foundation for a long-running series.
A sea of mist drifted through the cloud forest—soft, gray, luminescent. On the high ridges the fog showed brighter as the morning sun began to warm and lift the moisture, although in the ravine a cool...June 1986•295 pages
