Books matching: adult complexities
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- #1
Save:"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman is a novel that has been compared to Harry Potter for adults, blending elements of magic, fantasy worlds, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Quentin, an anxious and unhappy genius who discovers the existence of magic and is invited to a wizard school. However, as Quentin navigates through this world, he faces challenges, makes questionable decisions, and struggles with issues of self-identity and maturity. The book has been praised for its unique take on the magic school genre, incorporating elements of darkness, angst, and flawed characters reminiscent of those in "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt.
He snapped the cigarette away and set off across the wide lawn. He didn’t look back to see if Quentin was following, which at first Quentin didn’t, but then a sudden fear of being left alone in this p... - #2
Save:'The Cottingley Secret' by Hazel Gaynor is a novel that weaves together the past and present, exploring the story behind the Cottingley fairy photographs taken by two young cousins in 1917. The book follows the lives of Frances and Elsie, the girls behind the fairy pictures, and Olivia, a modern-day protagonist who discovers a connection to the past through her late grandfather's bookstore. Through magical realism and historical fiction elements, the author brings to life the enchanting tale of the Cottingley fairies and the impact of belief in the extraordinary.
Olivia Kavanagh didn’t believe in happy endings. Life hadn’t worked out that way for her so far. At thirty-five, she had almost stopped believing it ever would. Almost, but not entirely, because there... - #3
Save:'The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump' by Harry Turtledove is a fantasy novel set in an alternate Earth where magic takes the place of technology. The story follows David Fisher, an investigator for the Environmental Perfection Agency, as he delves into a mystery involving leaks from a toxic spell dump, birth defects in children, and a potential plot to bring about the Third Sorcerous War. The book is filled with puns, wordplay, and complex analogies with our world, creating a humorous and intriguing narrative that explores a world where magic is the norm.
The writing style of 'The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump' by Harry Turtledove is described as clever and humorous, with intricate puns and wordplay that add depth to the story. The author masterfully creates a magical version of Southern California, complete with flying carpets, aerospace companies working on magical projects, and a blend of various religions and languages. The plot, while competently done, serves as a backdrop for Turtledove's central conceit and complex puns, offering a unique and entertaining reading experience for fans of urban fantasy.
For one thing, they have a habit of waking you up at the most inconvenient times. It was still dark outside when the one on my nightstand went off like a bomb. I groaned and tried to turn off the alar... - #4
Save:The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a whimsical and witty tale set in an alternate world where literature is a passion and characters from books come to life. The story follows Thursday Next, a SpecOps officer, as she delves into a dangerous mystery involving the kidnapping of Jane Eyre. With elements of time travel, literary references, and a touch of humor, the plot unfolds as Thursday jumps into the story to rescue Miss Eyre, navigating through different dimensions and encountering quirky characters along the way.
The writing style of The Eyre Affair is clever and imaginative, filled with puns, literary allusions, and witty wordplay. Fforde creates a society obsessed with literature, incorporating unique ideas and clever jokes that keep the reader engaged. The book offers a mix of humor, adventure, and mystery, making it a delightful read for bibliophiles and fans of speculative fiction.
‘. . . There are two schools of thought about the resilience of time. The first is that time is highly volatile, with every small event altering the possible outcome of the earth’s future. The other v... - #5
Save:"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau... - #6
Save:A Happy Catastrophe by Maddie Dawson tells the heartwarming story of Marnie and Patrick as they navigate their relationship and unexpected challenges. The arrival of 8-year-old Fritzie shakes up their lives and brings both joy and complexity to their journey. With quirky characters and unexpected plot twists, the book explores themes of love, compassion, and overcoming past traumas. The writing style is eloquent, immersive, and filled with both humorous and emotional moments that captivate the reader from beginning to end.
- #7
Save:In a dystopian future on Mars, the society is highly stratified, with the Reds working in deadly slavery while the Golds live in freedom and opulence. The story follows Darrow, a Red who infiltrates the elite Golds to bring about change and overthrow the caste system. Drawing from Greek and Roman philosophy, the book is fast-paced and innovative, filled with violence and revenge. The protagonist's journey is compared to a hero's journey, and the world-building is excellent, with a satisfying ending that sets up the next book in the trilogy.
The first thing you should know about me is I am my father’s son. And when they came for him, I did as he asked. I did not cry. Not when the Society televised the arrest. Not when the Golds tried him.... - #8
Save:The Failing Hours is the second book in the 'How to Date a Douchebag' series by Sara Ney. The story follows the characters Zeke Daniels and Violet De Luca as they navigate their complex relationship amidst the backdrop of college life and wrestling. Zeke, portrayed as a douchebag with severe abandonment issues and anger problems, meets Violet, a kind and warm-hearted woman with a stutter. Despite their differences, they develop a slow-burn romance that brings out the best in each other. The writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, their vulnerabilities, and the evolution of their relationship from animosity to understanding and love.
I ignore his entreaty, determined to start this essay for a class I have first thing tomorrow morning, a class I need for graduation. I thought coming to the quiet library would give me the solace I n...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series How to Date a Douchebag ) - #9
Save:A Spark of White Fire follows Esmae, the secret twin sister of an exiled prince, who has a plan to see her brother regain his throne. The story involves complex family relationships, political intrigue, and a sentient spaceship. The writing style is described as lush and vibrant, blending science fiction with epic fantasy, creating a world filled with immortal gods, traditional warfare, and advanced technology.
She is the greatest spaceship that has ever been built—the warship that cannot be beaten. And the star system has talked of little else for weeks. From the gods in their lofty celestial realms to the ... - #10
Save:"Borderline" in the series "The Arcadia Project" by Mishell Baker follows the story of Millie Roper, a borderline personality disorder amputee who gets recruited into a secret agency called the Arcadia Project. The agency manages humanity's relationship with the fae, who are the source of human creativity. Millie, along with a group of misfits with mental health issues, navigates the complexities of Hollywood, fey politics, and supernatural crimes. The writing style is described as fast-paced, character-driven, and filled with clever world-building that blends urban fantasy with elements of the fey.
It was midmorning on a Monday when magic walked into my life wearing a beige Ann Taylor suit and sensible flats. At the time I had more money than sense, and so I had been languishing at the Leishman ...
