Books matching: ambition and rivalry
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- #1
Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak is a gripping novel that delves into the complex dynamics of female friendships, ambition, and toxic relationships. The story follows Violet and Stella, two best friends with contrasting backgrounds and personalities, as their friendship is tested by jealousy, ambition, and manipulation. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through the world of cable news networks, showcasing the dark side of ambition and the consequences of coveting what others have. The author, Anna Pitoniak, skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, making it a compelling and captivating read.
One of the older boys who lived in a shabby off-campus house had managed to capture Stella’s attention. When Stella needed rescuing from these situations, from these men who couldn’t resist monopolizi... - #2
"The Ensemble" by Aja Gabel follows the lives of four talented musicians who form a string quartet and navigate their personal and professional journeys over a span of two decades. The characters, including prodigy Henry, ambitious Jana, struggling Daniel, and romantic Brit, face challenges, conflicts, and growth both individually and as a group. The novel is a character-driven exploration of relationships, music, and the complexities of human emotions, with a writing style that delves deep into the internal lives of its characters.
It’s a love story, the famous violinist had said, and even though Jana knew it was not, those were the words that knocked around her brain when she began to play on stage. The famous violinist, Fodori... - #3
Tiny Pretty Things follows the intense and cutthroat world of elite ballet through the eyes of three main characters: Gigi, Bette, and June. Gigi, the new girl at Manhattan Ballet School, faces challenges fitting in and navigating the competitive environment, all while keeping a secret about her health. Bette, considered the school's best dancer, struggles with pressure to live up to her older sister's legacy and resorts to extreme measures to stay on top. June, battling insecurities and an eating disorder, fights for recognition and deals with darker issues while striving to break free from being cast as an understudy. The narrative unfolds in a fast-paced and addictive manner, showcasing the characters' flaws and ambitions intertwined with the complexities of the ballet world.
The book is described as a dark and twisted tale of the competitive ballet industry, offering a mysterious aspect as characters face harassment and engage in malicious behavior. Readers are drawn into the melodramatic and engaging storyline, where the characters, though flawed, are compelling and evoke a range of emotions from love to hate to sympathy. The multi-perspective storytelling delves into themes of ambition, competition, mental health struggles, and the pursuit of perfection in the ballet world, creating a riveting and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers hooked till the surprising ending.
IT ALWAYS FEELS LIKE DEATH. At least at first. Your muscles stretch and burn until they might rip. The bones in your hips threaten to rotate right out of their sockets. Your spine lengthens and twists... - #4
'The Terranauts' by T.C. Boyle is a novel inspired by the real-life Biosphere 2 project, where eight individuals are chosen to live in a closed ecological system for two years. The book delves into the challenges faced by the Terranauts, exploring themes of human nature, manipulation, commitment, and the dynamics of relationships in a confined environment. Through the perspectives of the characters inside and outside the biodome, Boyle weaves a tale of intrigue, tension, and the complexities of experimental living.
The plot of 'The Terranauts' revolves around the social and scientific experiment within the closed ecosystem, where the characters struggle with hunger, oxygen levels, personal conflicts, and the scrutiny of the outside world. Boyle's writing style captures the psychological drama of the Terranauts, portraying their interactions, desires, and disappointments as they navigate the challenges of living in isolation while being observed like reality show contestants.
We were discouraged from having pets—or, for that matter, husbands or even boyfriends, and the same went for the men, none of whom were married as far as anybody knew. I think Mission Control would ha... - #5
"He Who Drowned the World" by Shelley Parker-Chan is the second book in The Radiant Emperor series, delivering a powerful conclusion to an epic duology. The story follows a cast of deeply engaging characters as they navigate a world filled with war, betrayal, love, and ambition. The plot is intricate and beautifully tragic, exploring themes of ambition, fate, gender, and loyalty against the backdrop of historical China. The writing style is immersive, with a blend of historical fiction and intriguing fantasy elements, such as magical Manifests and the ability to see ghosts, creating a captivating reading experience.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Radiant Emperor ) - #6
'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory is a historical fiction novel set in the Tudor period, focusing on the lives of the Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne. The story is narrated through Mary's eyes, detailing their rise in King Henry VIII's court, filled with court intrigue, romance, betrayals, and political scheming. Gregory's writing style is described as engaging, with vibrant characters and a rich portrayal of the Tudor times, even though some opinions mention it may lack historical accuracy.
The novel delves into the lesser-known story of Mary Boleyn, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known tale of Anne Boleyn's rise and fall. It explores themes of ambition, manipulation, love, and betrayal within the royal court, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by women during the 1500s. Gregory's storytelling weaves historical events seamlessly into the narrative, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience that keeps readers engrossed till the very end.
I COULD HEAR A ROLL OF MUFFLED DRUMS. BUT I COULD SEE nothing but the lacing on the bodice of the lady standing in front of me, blocking my view of the scaffold. I had been at this court for more than... - #7
The Peer and the Puppet is a gripping story of opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance between Four, a fearless and determined motocross racer, and Ever, the entitled and mysterious son of a billionaire. Set in the backdrop of illegal underground bike racing, the book follows their tumultuous relationship filled with angst, manipulation, suspense, and intense chemistry. As the characters navigate through dangerous situations and challenges, their dynamic interactions and evolving feelings keep readers hooked from the first page till the end.
The plot unfolds with Four's life taking a drastic turn when she is forced to move in with her mother's new rich boyfriend, Thomas McNamara, and his son, Ever. Despite their initial animosity, the undeniable attraction between Four and Ever leads to a rollercoaster of emotions, secrets, and unexpected twists. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with well-developed characters, witty banter, and intense romantic tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the mysteries and complexities of the characters' relationships.
I sunk back against the reclined hospital bed and sighed. I should be happy just to be alive, but all I could think about was how I would explain all of this to Gruff. I’d lose my job for sure and rig... - #8
'Viking's Dawn' by Henry Treece is the first part of a trilogy that follows the story of a young boy named Harald Sigurdson who embarks on a journey with a group of rovers in search of gold. The plot revolves around themes of ambition and betrayal, as the expedition is led by powerful and competitive leaders, Thorkell Fairhair and Ragnar Raven, who put the crew in perilous situations. The writing style is simple yet engaging, portraying the Viking characters as brave, cunning, and sometimes cruel, while also highlighting the transformation of the protagonist from a boy to a man through the challenges faced at sea.
- #9
The Lyre of Orpheus, the concluding novel in Robertson Davies's Cornish Trilogy, revolves around staging an unfinished opera by E.T.A. Hoffman at Stratford, Ontario. The executors of Francis Cornish's will decide to complete the opera, incorporating dark humor and the ghost of Hoffman into the production. The plot intertwines the efforts to stage the opera with the personal and intellectual journeys of various characters, exploring themes of art, music, and intellectual pursuits. Davies's writing style is described as layered, complex, and sardonic, with concise and erudite dialogue that brings the characters to life and adds depth to the narrative.
(Also, see 92 recommendations for the series The Cornish Trilogy ) - #10
'Some Like It Ruthless' in the 'Temporary Engagement' series by Megan Bryce is a contemporary romantic comedy featuring fully developed characters, Maggie and Cole, who have a complex and intriguing dynamic. The story revolves around their fast-paced relationship filled with witty banter, loyalty, and a desire to become better individuals. The book delves into themes of family, romance, and personal growth, all set against a backdrop of business dealings and Dallas enemies.