Books matching: archetypal characters
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- #1
Save:The Dueling Machine by Ben Bova is a science fiction adventure that revolves around a device allowing two opponents to settle disputes in virtual environments. The story follows Professor Leoh, the machine's inventor, and Junior Lieutenant Hector as they confront Major Par Odal, a cunning assassin who uses deceitful tactics to gain the upper hand. This classic Cold War narrative, while engaging, is somewhat dated and leans towards simplicity instead of exploring deeper sci-fi themes.
Bova's writing is clear and accessible, offering slice-of-life moments mixed with action and humor. Readers experience the charm of a bygone era of science fiction, with relatable characters, and a storyline rich with twists, romance, and political intrigue. However, some may find the plot's latter half diverges from its intended focus, introducing clichéd elements that detract from its initial depth. Overall, it remains an entertaining read that captures the imagination and showcases early visions of virtual reality.
Dulaq rode the slide to the upper pedestrian level, stepped off, and walked over to the railing. The city stretched out all around him-broad avenues thronged with busy people, pedestrian walks, vehicl...1969•256 pages - #2
Save:A wildly imaginative, challenging read best enjoyed by adventurous readers who like their fiction lyrical, dense, and unconventional. For everyone else, it may be a tough (and sometimes frustrating) journey.
Ink, the second volume in Hal Duncan's 'Book of All Hours' duology, continues the narrative from Vellum by exploring alternate WWII histories and the intertwined stories of characters like Jack, Joey, Phreedom, Anna, and Seamus Finnan. The book weaves together literary references, stylistic experimentation, and archetypical characters in a complex structure that spans different time periods and settings, including World War II, Palestine in 1929, and futuristic Kentigern. While some readers found the plot to be less coherent and engaging than Vellum, others appreciated the ambitious nature of the book and its clever execution.
Militiamen, their chakras acrackle with the blue-green fire of orgone-fusion chain reactions, come streaming from the building, fleeing, jostling through doorways, diving from windows. I watch them fr...February 2007•574 pages
(Also, see 40 recommendations for the series The Book of All Hours ) - #3
Save:A brilliant, wild, and demanding read - Vellum is experimental fantasy at its most ambitious. You'll either be mesmerized or maddened, but you'll definitely have an opinion.
'Vellum' by Hal Duncan is a complex and non-linear fantasy novel that delves into mythology, parallel worlds, and intertwining plotlines. The writing style is described as dense, lyrical, and at times, challenging to follow due to its non-linear structure and multiple perspectives. Readers mention that the book involves elements of profanity, blasphemy, and a war between angels and demons, all set against the backdrop of a reality that can be rewritten known as the Vellum. The plot is described as intricate, with characters playing similar roles across different storylines, leading to a unique reading experience that may require multiple readings to fully grasp.
– A burning map. Every epic, my friend Jack used to say, should start with a burning map. Like in the movies. Fucking flames burning the world away; that’s the best thing about all those old films, he...2005•547 pages - #4
Save:A classic, pulpy WWII thriller with supernatural chills and creative twists. Not perfect, but loads of creepy fun if you love horror with a historical (and slightly bonkers) edge.
In an eerie mountain fortress in Transylvania, two Nazi officers seek help from outside when an unknown killer sucks out the light and warmth from a room, leaving only bloodless mutilated corpses behind. The Nazis must bring in a Jewish local folklore expert to help them. The battle has begun. On one side, the ultimate evil created by man, and on the other...the unthinkable, unstoppable, unknowing terror that man has inevitably awakened. The Keep is a high kind of mini castle set in the mountains of Romania, where a detachment of German army soldiers is sent to serve as a watchtower, but soon they are being picked off one by one by an ancient evil. The book delves into the conflicts and choices faced by the characters, including a Jewish scholar, German soldiers, and an ailing Jewish scholar, as they confront the horrors within the Keep.
IN SUMMATION: The refining complex at Ploiesti has relatively good natural protection to the north. The Dinu Pass through the Transylvanian Alps offers the only overland threat, and that a minor one....1981•425 pages - #5
Save:Wildly imaginative and packed with surprises, A Plague of Angels is a unique, thought-provoking ride - best for those who enjoy ambitious speculative fiction with equal parts heart and strangeness.
'A Plague of Angels' by Sheri S. Tepper is a complex novel set in a far future world after a nuclear attack. The story follows multiple plotlines that eventually converge, involving characters navigating political intrigue, personal struggles, and a quest for freedom and harmony in a world filled with monsters, heroes, androids, talking animals, and ecological messages. Tepper's writing style blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, creating a mysterious and immersive world where nothing is as it seems, leading readers on a journey of discovery and understanding.
Moonset, just before dawn; swollen moon collapsing into a notch between black mountains; river talking quietly to itself among the stones; pine and horsemint scenting the air as Abasio brushed by them...1993•588 pages - #6
Save:A cozy, atmospheric Christmas classic that’s perfect for fans of vintage mysteries - just don’t expect rigorous logic or modern pacing, and you’ll have a snowbound blast.
In "Mystery in White" by J. Jefferson Farjeon, a group of train passengers find themselves stranded on Christmas Eve due to heavy snowfall. Seeking shelter, they come across a deserted house with signs of recent activity but no occupants. As they try to uncover the secrets of the house, a murder occurs among them, leading to a suspenseful and spooky tale of intrigue and murder. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, engaging characters, and a cozy Christmas setting that adds to the overall mystery and suspense of the story.
THE Great Snow began on the evening of December 19th. Shoppers smiled as they hurried home, speculating on the chances of a White Christmas. Their hopes were dampened when they turned on their wireles...1937•260 pages - #7
Save:"On a Pale Horse" is a bold, imaginative fantasy with a unique premise, but its problematic gender politics make it a very mixed bag - great for the worldbuilding, not so much for its treatment of women.
On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony is the first book in the Incarnations of Immortality series, where Death is portrayed as a character who can be killed and replaced by a mortal. The story follows Zane, a photographer who unintentionally takes over the role of Death and must navigate the responsibilities and challenges that come with the position. The book blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, exploring themes of mortality, destiny, and the supernatural, all while offering a unique perspective on traditional beliefs about life and death.
The writing style of On a Pale Horse is described as a mix of fantasy and philosophical musings, with a touch of humor and a deep exploration of existential themes. Readers appreciate the way the author, Piers Anthony, weaves together a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, creating a world where supernatural entities like Death and Satan are portrayed in a humanized and relatable manner.
The man smiled, an obviously perfunctory and practiced expression reserved for wavering marks. He was well dressed, but somewhat sallow, in the manner of those who remained in the shade too long. “You...1983•346 pages - #8
Save:A short, punchy classic that basically invented time travel fiction - essential for sci-fi fans and anyone who loves exploring the big "what ifs" of our future, even if the style feels a little old-fashioned.
"The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells follows the Time Traveler as he journeys into the future, discovering a world where humanity has evolved into two distinct classes - the Eloi, a gentle and fragile species living above ground, and the Morlocks, a sinister and hideous race residing underground. The narrative explores themes of human evolution, class divisions, and societal decay, presenting a thought-provoking commentary on industrialization and the potential future of society. Despite the book's vintage writing style, readers find it easy to follow and engaging due to the intriguing storyline and Wells's reflections on the concerns of the Nineteenth Century.
The Time Traveller (for so it will be convenient to speak of him) was expounding a recondite matter to us. His grey eyes shone and twinkled, and his usually pale face was flushed and animated. The fir...1895•130 pages - #9
Save:A thoughtful, elegant retelling for myth and history lovers, but its cool, reserved style won't suit everyone - best read as a companion to "The King Must Die."
Published four years after The King Must Die, this book picks up the thread of Theseus' story once again. Having brought down the ancient Cretan house of Minos, he comes home to Athens flushed with glory, accompanied by his loyal team of bull leapers, the Cranes. But the joy fades quickly Theseus is greeted by news of his father's premature death and, for all the Cranes, the Athens they return to seems smaller and more provincial than the city they left... For the rest of the review, please see my blog http theidlewoman.blogspot.co.uk 2014 03 the bull from sea mary renault.html
Another excellent picture of Ancient Greece, this time concentrating on the life of Theseus after he returned from Mycenae, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur. Theseus is bigger than life, as a mythical hero should be, but Renault manages to make him seem almost human with some very real and strong emotions. Most of the other characters are rather flat, thus the 4 stars. The author's strength was always her storytelling and world building. Of special note here are the more or less plausible explanations of some of the myths e.g., the centaurs . This will appeal to anyone interested in Ancient Greece and or Classical Mythology.
IT WAS DOLPHIN WEATHER, when I sailed into Piraeus with my comrades of the Cretan bull ring. Knossos had fallen, which time out of mind had ruled the seas. The smoke of the burning Labyrinth still clu... - #10
Save:An ambitious, inclusive, and gorgeously built standalone epic - if you love immersive fantasy and don’t mind a slow start, it’s a must-read. Think “Game of Thrones” meets sapphic fairytale - with a side of dragons.
'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon is an immersive and expansive high fantasy novel that presents a world where women of diverse backgrounds take center stage, breaking away from traditional tropes. The book delves into a world without sexism, homophobia, and racism, while exploring themes of religious intolerance, political intrigue, and the balance of power. The story follows multiple characters as they navigate conflicting political currents and eventually unite to confront an ancient evil threatening their world.
The book offers a feminist reboot of Arthurian legend with LGBTQ representation and a focus on strong female characters. Despite some pacing issues and slow world-building, the novel weaves together a complex narrative with dragons, magic, and diverse cultures, creating a unique and engaging fantasy world that challenges traditional fantasy norms.
Every morning she kept the same routine. To be predictable was to be safe. First she went to the Master of the Posts, who confirmed he had no letters for her. Then she went to the gates and gazed out...February 2019•848 pages
