Books matching: brutal action
100 result(s)
- #1
The Roving Party by Rohan Wilson is a gripping tale set in 1800s convict era Tasmania, following a party commissioned by the Governor to hunt and kill Aborigines. Led by John Batman, the party consists of a mix of convicts and indigenous members, including the central character Black Bill. The novel delves into the brutal foundations of European settlement in Australia, highlighting the stark contrast between the Tasmanian aboriginals and the European occupiers. Wilson's writing style expertly portrays the social conditions of all characters, showcasing the complexities of their motivations and actions amidst the harsh Tasmanian landscape.
The book offers a haunting and evocative retelling of the clearing of Van Diemen's Land for white settlers, shedding light on a dark period of Australian history often overlooked. Through vivid language and complex characterizations, Wilson skillfully navigates the intricate relationships within the roving party, capturing the tension between the different members as they navigate the treacherous terrain of Tasmania during the Black Wars.
THEY WHISTLED FOR BLACK BILL THROUGH the foredawn and called his old clan name behind it, a name he had no good use for. He sat upright on the bed and looked about. The fire in the hearth was dead and... - #2
'The Age of Zeus' by James Lovegrove is a thrilling sci-fi novel that combines Greek mythology with a modern-day setting. The story follows a group of individuals who are determined to rebel against the Greek gods that have taken over the world. The book is action-packed from beginning to end, with great combat scenes and clever ways of killing the gods. Lovegrove's writing style keeps the readers engaged, with unexpected plot twists and well-fleshed-out characters.
There were two of them waiting on the quay: Sam and the man she had first encountered a couple of hours ago on the train, the man who'd been carrying an invitation like hers. She had spotted him in th...
(Also, see 21 recommendations for the series Pantheon ) - #3
Call of the Bone Ships is a gripping sequel in The Tide Child series by R.J. Barker. The book continues the journey of Lucky Meas, Joron Twiner, and the crew of Tide Child as they face ongoing atrocities and harrowing battles at sea. Barker's writing style is described as vivid, emotional, and focused on character growth, with a touch of grand world-building. The story unfolds with a level of mystery that keeps readers guessing until the big reveal at the end, leaving them eagerly awaiting the final book in the trilogy.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Tide Child ) - #4
In Blood Standard, Laird Barron introduces us to Isaiah Coleridge, a former mob enforcer from Alaska who finds himself in upstate New York investigating a disappearance. The book seamlessly blends elements of noir and crime fiction, showcasing Barron's talent for creating vivid settings and complex characters. As Isaiah delves into the mystery, his unique skill set and contemplative nature are put to the test, leading to a thrilling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as lyrical and atmospheric, with a focus on character development and immersive world-building that sets it apart from traditional thrillers.
- #5
In "Devil in the Grove," Gilbert King delves into the story of Thurgood Marshall's fight to save three black men accused of raping a white woman in 1948 Florida. The book provides a detailed account of Marshall's work as a civil rights lawyer, highlighting the racial injustice prevalent in the Jim Crow South. King's writing style is described as engaging and informative, weaving together personal stories, historical context, and legal proceedings to bring the narrative to life.
Interior of the Morton Funeral Home, Columbia, Tennessee, showing vandalism of the race riots in February 1946. (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Visual Materials from the NAACP Rec... - #6
Adjustment Day by Chuck Palahniuk is a satirical novel that delves into the dark and divisive aspects of American culture. The story follows a dystopian society where the United States undergoes a radical transformation, splitting into separate countries based on race, sexual orientation, and class. The book explores themes of identity politics, societal divisions, and the consequences of extremism. Palahniuk's writing style is described as disorienting yet captivating, with a large cast of characters and a fast-paced narrative that switches perspectives frequently, creating a unique reading experience.
People still talk about some do-gooder. A good scout, the one in every crowd. Some altar boy, some teacher’s pet walks into the Southeast Precinct, looking both ways, whispering with one hand cupped b... - #7
Beheld by TaraShea Nesbit is a historical fiction novel set in the Plymouth Colony, focusing on the aftermath of the colony's first murder trial. The narrative delves into the lives of various characters, particularly the women, providing multiple perspectives on the societal dynamics, religious conflicts, and power struggles within the early American colony. The author's writing style immerses the reader in the 17th-century atmosphere, offering a nuanced exploration of class, religion, and gender through the lens of fictionalized historical events.
We thought ourselves a murderless colony. In God’s good favor, we created a place on a hill overlooking the sea, in the direction from which we came. For a while, God’s favor seemed possible. But it p... - #8
In 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op is summoned to Personville, a town overrun by corruption and violence. Upon arrival, he finds his client murdered and embarks on a mission to clean up the town by manipulating the various criminal factions to turn against each other. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with brutal action, double-crosses, and a high body count, all set in a gritty and corrupt environment. The writing style is hard-boiled and direct, with sharp language and a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a morally bankrupt society.
I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit. I didn’t think anything of what he had done to the ci... - #9
Unforgiving Years by Victor Serge is a novel set among disillusioned Soviet agents before, during, and after World War II. The book follows the story of various operatives, their struggles, and attempts to escape the harsh realities of history. The plot spans across different locations such as Paris, Leningrad, and Berlin, depicting the ambivalence, deceit, and futility of the characters' lives in a world torn by war and political turmoil. The writing style is described as a blend of elements from Solzhenitsyn and John Le Carre, with a touch of romance, creating a complex and engaging narrative.
UNFORGIVING Years is at once the most bitter, the most cerebral, and the most poetic of Victor Serge’s seven novels. It was first published in France in 1971 — twenty-five years after the author’s dea... - #10
'Rape: A Love Story' by Joyce Carol Oates is a harrowing and thought-provoking novella that delves into the aftermath of a brutal gang rape on a mother and daughter. The story explores the impact of sexual violence on the victims, the flaws in the legal system, and the complexities of love and justice. Oates skillfully weaves a dark and disturbing narrative that challenges assumptions and highlights the harsh realities faced by rape victims.
The book is narrated in alternating viewpoints, primarily focusing on Teena Maguire, the rape victim, and her 12-year-old daughter Bethie. Through precise details and fast-paced storytelling, Oates creates a compelling and heart-wrenching tale that sheds light on the trauma experienced by the characters and the societal judgments they face. Despite the scuzzy topic, Oates' writing skills shine through, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the devastating effects of sexual violence.
HE WASN’T THAT YOUNG. He didn’t look young and he didn’t act young and most of the time he didn’t feel young. He was a rookie, though. A damn rookie almost thirty years old and just out of Police Acad...