Books matching: betrayal and survival
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Time in Between' by Maria Duenas follows the life of Sira Quiroga, a young Spanish girl who becomes a seamstress and later a spy, amidst the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. The novel spans across Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, detailing Sira's journey from innocence to resilience as she navigates through love, betrayal, espionage, and self-discovery. The book is praised for its intricate character development, historical detail, and engaging storytelling style that keeps readers engrossed in Sira's tumultuous life.
A typewriter shattered my destiny. The culprit was a Hispano-Olivetti, and for weeks, a store window kept it from me. Looking back now, from the vantage point of the years gone by, it’s hard to believ... 'Two Old Women' by Velma Wallis is a touching story about two elderly women who are abandoned by their tribe in the harsh Alaskan winter. Despite being left behind, the women decide to survive and thrive, showcasing resilience, independence, and the strength of the human spirit. The plot focuses on themes of aging, friendship, survival, and the value society places on older individuals. Written in a simple and direct prose style, the book provides a powerful message about not underestimating the capabilities of older people and the importance of self-reliance.
'Two Old Women' is based on an indigenous legend about the strength and courage of women, set in a tribal society facing challenging circumstances. The story highlights the transformation of the two old women as they learn new survival skills, gain self-esteem, and ultimately earn respect and independence. The author, Velma Wallis, beautifully captures the essence of the human spirit through this tale of survival and empowerment, shedding light on the resilience and wisdom of older generations.
The air stretched tight, quiet and cold over the vast land. Tall spruce branches hung heavily laden with snow, awaiting distant spring winds. The frosted willows seemed to tremble in the freezing temp...- #3
Save:Alaskan Fury by Sara King is a paranormal romance set in Alaska, featuring a Fury and a Djinn who have been fighting each other for 3,000 years. The storyline revolves around the challenges faced by the Fury, Kaashifah, who is unable to harm anyone due to a curse, and the Djinn, 'Aqrab, who is chained to her and must learn to get along in order to save their friends. The book is praised for its unique premise, complex characters, and engaging writing style that weaves together elements of love, politics, betrayal, and survival amidst historical religious upheaval and persecution.
Though Kaashifah couldn’t see the djinni, she knew he was nearby from the way the drapes seemed to waver above the bed. Over the long years of bondage to the Fourth Lander, she had trained herself to...
(Also, see 4 recommendations for the series Guardians of the First Realm ) - #4
Save:Finch by Jeff VanderMeer is a dark and complex novel set in the city of Ambergris, a century after the events in the previous books of the series. The story follows John Finch, an Ambergrisian detective, as he investigates a strange double murder that leads him into increasingly dangerous and mysterious situations involving the fungal overlords who now control the city. The book combines elements of detective fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy, showcasing VanderMeer's skill at universe building and intricate storytelling. The writing style is described as direct and to the point, emulating the hardboiled genre, keeping the story moving at a strong pace while exploring the mysteries of the city and its inhabitants.
A sudden flash of his partner Wyte, telling him he was compromised, him replying, "I don't have an opinion on that." Written on a wall at a crime scene: Everyone's a collaborator. Everyone's a rebel. ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ambergris ) 'The Haj' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction novel that delves into the creation of Israel in the midst of turmoil in the Middle East. The story follows an Arab young man and his family, offering insights into the complexities of the region's culture and conflicts. Through the eyes of the characters, readers are taken on a journey through the struggles, betrayals, and survival during a time of violence and displacement in Palestine.
The writing style of Leon Uris in 'The Haj' is noted for its detailed historical backdrop and immersive storytelling. The novel provides a deep understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict, touching on themes of cultural imperatives, human emotions, ambition, pride, friendship, and betrayal. Despite being biased towards the Jewish perspective, the book offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the struggles and dilemmas faced by both Arab Palestinians and Israeli Jews in a tragic and complex historical context.
I AM ISHMAEL. I WAS born in Palestine during the riots of 1936. Since many things written here took place before my birth, you ask, ‘How could Ishmael know of them?’ Take the case of my father, Ibrahi...- #6
Save:Penric's Mission is a novella in the 'Penric and Desdemona' series by Lois McMaster Bujold. The story follows Penric, a sorcerer with a chaos demon named Desdemona, as he embarks on a secret mission for the Duke of Adria. However, things go awry almost immediately, leading to political intrigue, perilous situations, and unexpected twists. Along the way, Penric forms new relationships with characters like Nikys, the twin sister of a disgraced general, and navigates the complexities of demon possession, healing, and divine intervention. The writing style blends elements of adventure, romance, humor, and philosophical exploration, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Penric and Desdemona ) - #7
Save:'The Ten Thousand' by Paul Kearney is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of the Macht, a mercenary force hired by the Great King's brother to overthrow his lordly brother and seize power. The story unfolds through the eyes of two main characters, Rictus and Gasca, who join the Macht and experience the brutal realities of war. The book is inspired by Xenophon's Anabasis but set in a world with alien species and fantastical elements. The author weaves together a story of warfare, betrayal, and the search for meaning in a gritty and brutal narrative style.
The plot revolves around the struggles of the Macht mercenaries as they face overwhelming odds, internal intrigue, and battles against formidable enemies. The characters are well-written, the world-building is vivid, and the battle scenes are among the best in contemporary fiction. Kearney's writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and easy to follow, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and making them feel invested in their fates.
He had thrown away his shield and sat on a tussock of yellow marram grass, with the cold grey sand between his toes and a blinding white lace of foam from the incoming tide blazing bright as snow in h... - #8
Save:A nurse is hired to work in the middle of the woods and mountains, where her patient, the Wolfman, awakens with an animalistic appeal that draws her closer despite being under constant surveillance. Strange occurrences around the highly secured hospital campus lead her to question the doctor's practices. The story unfolds with lies, betrayal, and experimentation by psychotic doctors, but amidst the darkness, themes of hope, trust, and love emerge. The book is described as a riveting love story with elements of Beauty and the Beast, Frankenstein, and Rosemary's Baby intertwined, creating a tale of love and pain set in a morally twisted situation.
- #9
Save:'Overpowered Dungeon Boy: Book One' by Benjamin Barreth is a fast-paced and entertaining blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements. The story follows Thomas, a character who has grown up in a dungeon, as he navigates the outside world with his magical abilities. The book features a mix of adventure, humor, and well-developed characters that keep the plot engaging and enjoyable. Despite some initial challenges with multiple points of view, the narrative eventually converges into a cohesive and intriguing storyline that keeps readers hooked.
- #10
Save:In "Hostage to the Revolution" by Diane Scott Lewis, the story follows Bettina Jonquiere as she navigates the aftermath of the French Revolution, searching for her mother in New Orleans while dealing with threats from revolutionaries. The book captures the essence of eighteenth-century New Orleans, depicting Bettina's struggles, her longing for her lost love Everett, and her determination to protect her children amidst political turmoil and personal challenges.
Bettina's journey takes her from America to France, where she is kidnapped and embroiled in dangerous missions for the rebels. The narrative seamlessly weaves historical events with a compelling love story, showcasing Bettina's strength, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of her family and personal freedom. Diane Scott Lewis's vivid descriptions immerse readers in the setting, making them feel the heat, the chaos of Carnival Season, and the emotional turmoil of the protagonist.
