Books matching: alternative reality
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The 'Gods of the Ragnarok Era Omnibus 1' by Matt Larkin is an epic fantasy series that delves into the themes of fate versus free will, family dynamics, and Norse mythology. The plot follows Odom's journey to become a king and lead his people to a new land free from the Mists, encountering monsters, villains, demi-gods, and heroes along the way. The writing style is described as intricate, seductive, and vibrant, weaving Norse mythology with Nordic references and creating a world of gods, immortals, sorcerers, werewolves, and other mythical creatures.
- #2
Save:'Terminus' by Peter Clines is the final installment in the 'Threshold' series, where readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with Lovecraftian horror, complex plots, and well-drawn characters. The story revolves around characters like Nate, Veek, Mike, and Chase forming a unique team to face otherworldly threats, including the Family of the Red Death and lesser elder gods. Set in an island in the Indian Ocean, the book explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the battle between different factions for control over a mysterious Machine.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Threshold ) - #3
Save:'The Counterlife' by Philip Roth is a novel that blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction, presenting alternate realities and exploring the craft of writing. The narrative follows multiple characters and their intertwined fates, delving into themes of love, hate, family dynamics, religious extremism, and the complexities of Jewish identity. The author skillfully weaves together different storylines, challenging the reader's perception of reality and fiction.
The book is structured in a unique format, resembling a play with five acts, each containing a mix of themes like brotherly love, heart failure, impotency, death, and the meaning of being Jewish. Through eloquent monologues and intricate character development, Roth explores the concept of imagination as a creator and the interconnectedness of individuals in shaping each other's lives. The novel is emotionally impactful, particularly in its portrayal of the love and hate between the brothers Henry and Nathan, while also addressing themes of religious hatred and extremism.
WHEN I located him at his newspaper, Shuki couldn’t at first understand who I said was calling—when he did, he pretended to be stupefied. “What’s a nice Jewish boy like you doing in a place like this?... - #4
Save:'Lanark' by Alasdair Gray is a complex and unique novel that intertwines multiple narratives and genres. It follows the lives of Lanark Duncan Thaw, a man who moves between worlds or dimensions, and the city of Unthank where reality is nebulous and time is ever-changing. The book is a mix of autobiographical bildungsroman and dystopian fantasy, with elements of surrealism and social commentary. Gray's writing style is described as rich in detail, imagery, and allegory, similar to a painting, with a touch of mysticism and thought-provoking themes about society, politics, and religion.
The Elite Café was entered by a staircase from the foyer of a cinema. A landing two thirds of the way up had a door into the cinema itself, but people going to the Elite climbed farther and came to a ... 'Changing Planes: Armchair Travel for the Mind' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a collection of interconnected short stories that explore the concept of changing between different worlds or planes of existence while waiting in airports. The stories serve as travel reports from these alternate planes, offering insights into unique cultures, societies, and customs. Le Guin's writing style blends elements of satire, fantasy, and sociological commentary, creating a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to explore the diverse and imaginative worlds she has crafted.
The book features a framing story that follows a narrator's adventures in discovering and exploring various planes of existence while stuck in airport terminals. Each story within the collection presents a different world with its own set of inhabitants, traditions, and challenges, offering readers a rich tapestry of alternate realities to immerse themselves in. Le Guin's ability to pack entertainment, deep critiques, and witty observations into these short stories makes 'Changing Planes' a captivating and engaging read that encourages readers to ponder the complexities of human society and existence.
THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN when the miseries of air travel seemed to be entirely the doing of the corporations that ran the airports and the airlines, without any help from bigots with beards in caves. Spo...- #6
Save:Our Ecstatic Days by Steve Erickson is a fiercely thematic and thought-provoking novel that delves into a futurist Los Angeles entering the Age of Chaos. The unconventional organization of the book, including an italicized stream of text darting through most of the narrative, serves to bolster Erickson's exploration of loss, motherhood, identity, chaos, power, love, and the amorphous nature of relationships. Central to the story is Lake Zed, a mysterious entity that submerges neighborhoods in Los Angeles, catalyzing a series of time-bending, shape-shifting events that force the characters to confront an ominous, vaguely sci-fi future.
- #7
Save:In Silent Graves by Gary A. Braunbeck is a complex and intricately woven story that delves into themes of horror, fantasy, love, tragedy, and the brutality of human nature. The plot follows Robert Londrigan, a TV newscaster whose life takes a tragic turn on Halloween evening, leading him on a journey of anguishing loss and questioning of reality. The writing style is described as rich, poetic, and consistent, with a narrative that involves multiple layers and stories within stories, creating a unique and compelling reading experience.
When I was a young boy and sick with fever, my mother would sit at my bedside and read stories, usually fairy tales or mysteries. I preferred fairy tales but she liked mysteries the best—especially Sh... - #8
Save:"Stalking the Wild Pendulum: On the Mechanics of Consciousness" by William A. Tiller and Itzhak Bentov delves into complex ideas about the nature of the universe, consciousness, and reality. Bentov's writing style is described as a masterpiece of creativity, filled with crazy ideas, hand-drawn graphs, and doodles to illustrate his points. explores concepts such as frequency, vibrations, consciousness hierarchies, and relative realities, challenging readers to think about their place in the cosmos.
Bentov's model of the Universe, complete with Black Holes, White Holes, Matter, and the Universal Mind Hologram, is designed to push the boundaries of what we understand about ourselves and the Universe. takes readers on a journey through discussions on concepts like Poltergeists, ESP, Psychokinesis, and Telepathy, presenting a unique perspective on how consciousness interacts with the world around us.
Ben is an intuitive inventor without much formal education who likes to tinker about in his versatile basement laboratory seeking simple and practical solutions to complex technological problems. Pres... - #9
Save:The Dalkey Archive by Flann O'Brien is a surreal and humorous novel that follows the protagonist Mick and his friend Hackett as they interact with the mad scientist De Selby, James Joyce, and navigate a plot involving time manipulation and the potential destruction of the world. The book is characterized by its bizarre and wacky plot, filled with twisted conversations with historical and literary figures, as well as playful language and irreverent humor that pokes fun at various aspects of Irish society, religion, and authorship.
The narrative of The Dalkey Archive is a mix of literary playfulness, inventive storytelling, and philosophical musings, creating a unique reading experience that is both perplexing and satisfying. The novel delves into themes of identity, reality, and the unreliability of fame, with a plot that weaves together elements of science fiction, absurdity, and existential contemplation, leaving readers both entertained and contemplative about the complexities of the narrative.
Dalkey is a little town maybe twelve miles south of Dublin, on the shore. It is an unlikely town, huddled, quiet, pretending to be asleep. Its streets are narrow, not quite self-evident as streets and... - #10
Save:The Course of the Heart is a poetical and enchanting book that follows the lives of Pam and Lucas, intertwined with the mysterious Yaxley, as they obsess over the lost kingdom of Ceur and the concept of Pleroma. The narrative, full of mysteries and complexities, explores the stormy relationship between Pam and Lucas, their struggles with something beyond their comprehension, and the mystical incomprehensibility of the events they experience. M. John Harrison's beautiful and descriptive writing style weaves a tale of surreal imagery, dreamlike occurrences, and deep philosophical arguments at the heart of a love story.
Pam Stuyvesant took drugs to manage her epilepsy. They often made her depressed and difficult to deal with; and Lucas, who was nervous himself, never knew what to do. After their divorce he relied inc...
