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Books matching: brutal siege

8 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 8 of 8 
  1. #1

    City of Thieves by David Benioff
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    In 'City of Thieves' by David Benioff, the story unfolds during the siege of Leningrad in World War II, following Lev and Kolya, two unlikely companions tasked with finding a dozen eggs in a starving city to secure their freedom. The book blends humor, adventure, and tragedy as the characters navigate the harsh realities of war and the desperate conditions of the besieged city, providing a poignant and gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.

    The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of the characters, the setting, and the historical context of the siege of Leningrad, offering a unique blend of humor, heart-wrenching moments, and realistic depictions of wartime struggles. The writing style is lauded for its fast pace, engaging plot twists, and the dynamic relationship between Lev and Kolya, creating a compelling and memorable story that resonates with readers.

    You have never been so hungry; you have never been so cold. When we slept, if we slept, we dreamed of the feasts we had carelessly eaten seven months earlier—all that buttered bread, the potato dumpli...

  2. #2
    The Siege
    Book 1 in the series:The Siege

    The Siege - The Siege by Helen Dunmore
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    'The Siege' by Helen Dunmore vividly depicts the harrowing experiences of Anna, a young woman in Leningrad during the German siege of 1941-1942. Through Anna's eyes, readers witness the brutal reality of starvation, extreme cold, and the will to survive amidst the horrors of war. The writing style is described as powerful and somber, capturing the impact of war on common citizens with poignant and touching storytelling.

    The December death-toll is mounting. The figures can’t be accurate, because not all the dead find their way to cemeteries or to common graves dynamited out of frozen earth. It’s impossible to count th...

  3. #3
    Fall of Kings
    Book 3 in the series:Troy

    Fall of Kings - Troy by David Gemmell
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    'Fall of Kings' in the 'Troy' series by David Gemmell is a gripping historical fiction epic that delves into the legendary Battle of Troy. The story weaves together the lives of iconic characters like Odysseus, Agamemnon, Hektor, and Helikaon as they face the impending war and the fall of the city of Troy. Gemmell's writing style immerses readers in the Ancient World of the Great Green, bringing to life the brutal siege, epic battles, and heartbreaking moments that define this final chapter of the trilogy.

    In 'Fall of Kings', readers are taken on a journey filled with intense storytelling, believable mythological elements, and intricate character dynamics. The narrative explores the high stakes of the battle, the deep-rooted rivalries, and the sacrifices made by heroes who are destined to become legends. Gemmell's masterful storytelling transports readers to a world where alliances are tested, fates are sealed, and the outcome of the legendary Battle of Troy hangs in the balance.

    Helikaon stood at the stern of the Xanthos, staring back at the burning fleet. He felt no satisfaction as the flames lit the night sky. Removing his helm of bronze, he leaned against the stern rail an...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Troy )

  4. #4

    Sword and Scimitar by Simon Scarrow
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    "Sword and Scimitar" by Simon Scarrow is set during the 1565 Ottoman Siege of Malta, focusing on the story of Sir Thomas Barrett, a disgraced former Knight with divided loyalties. Ordered by Queen Elizabeth to retrieve a mysterious scroll guarded by the Order, Sir Thomas finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue, personal struggles, and the desperate fight for survival against the Ottoman Empire. The plot weaves historical accuracy with the character-driven narrative, bringing to life the brutal siege and the internal conflicts faced by the protagonist.

    The writing style of Simon Scarrow in "Sword and Scimitar" is commended for its attention to historical detail and fast-paced storytelling. Readers appreciate the vivid descriptions of the Siege of Malta, the complex character development of Sir Thomas Barrett, and the engaging portrayal of political tensions and religious conflicts during the Elizabethan era. Despite some mixed opinions on character likability and pacing, the book is praised for its immersive depiction of a lesser-known historical event and the author's ability to blend fiction with real events seamlessly.


  5. #5

    Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944 by Anna Reid
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    'Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944' by Anna Reid is a moving and well-researched account of the people of Leningrad during the siege of World War II. The author effectively portrays the chilling experiences of ordinary Russians during the darkest days of the Nazi invasion, providing a realistic and invaluable insight into the reality of life in a siege city. Through eyewitness accounts and recently uncovered diaries, the book vividly describes the transformation of a once vibrant city into a famine-stricken nightmare, dispelling myths and highlighting the resilience and suffering of the Leningraders.

    Drive sixty kilometres south-west of what used to be Leningrad and you come to what Russians call dacha country: a green, untilled landscape of small lakes, soft dirt roads, tall, rusty-barked ‘ship p...

  6. #6

    The First Crusade by Thomas Asbridge
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    'The First Crusade' by Thomas Asbridge delves into the historical account of the First Crusade, exploring the motivations, actions, and impacts of the Western Christian Crusaders. Asbridge provides a detailed narrative of the events leading up to the Crusade, the battles fought along the way, and the ultimate capture of Jerusalem. offers insights into the religious, political, and social dynamics of the time, highlighting the complex interplay between different leaders and factions involved in the Crusade. Through vivid descriptions and historical analysis, Asbridge paints a picture of the brutality, devotion, and strategic maneuvers that characterized this significant historical event.

    The First Crusade stands as one of the most remarkable episodes in European history. It saw tens of thousands of people embark on an extraordinary 3,000-kilometre journey to the Holy Land, their aim t...

  7. #7

    The Iliad by Homer
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    Homer's 'The Iliad' is an epic poem that delves into the epic battle of Troy during the early 12th century BC, focusing on the conflict between the hard-nosed Agamemnon and the flexible Achilles over war tactics involving two women captives. The narrative is full of gory war descriptions, hubris, pride, love, and passion, showcasing the essence of human nature and the constant struggle between personal motives and greater causes. The book intricately weaves together detailed descriptions of war, interactions with Greek gods, and familial histories, providing a rich tapestry of ancient Greek mythology and legends.

    The writing style in 'The Iliad' is characterized by poetic storytelling, vivid battle scenes, bickering gods, vengeful heroes, and emotional depth. The narrative is a blend of action, emotion, and historical detail, creating a captivating tale that explores themes of heroism, honor, rage, and fate. Despite the lengthy and at times tedious battle scenes, the book manages to engage readers with its compelling characters, intricate plot, and timeless exploration of human nature and the complexities of war.

    Sing, 0 Goddess, the ruinous wrath of Achilles, Son of Peleus, the terrible curse that brought Unnumbered woes upon the Achaeans and hurled To Hades so many heroic souls, leaving Their bodies the prey...

  8. #8

    Fire in the East - Warrior of Rome by Harry Sidebottom
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    Fire in the East is a historical novel set in the late Roman Empire, focusing on the siege of the Roman city of Arete by the Sassanid Persians in the mid-250 AD period. The story follows the Roman general Ballista, a barbarian from Denmark, as he leads his men in heroic efforts to defend the stronghold against the invading Persians. The author, Harry Sidebottom, weaves historical facts with creative storytelling, providing a detailed and engaging narrative of siege warfare in antiquity.

    The book delves into the political intrigue of the Roman Empire, as Ballista is sent to hold the city against the Sassanid Persians by the Roman emperors. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged with unpredictable events and a fast-paced narrative. Sidebottom's expertise as a Professor of Classical History shines through in the well-researched historical details and the vivid portrayal of Roman military tactics and life during this tumultuous period.

    By the time the warship had cleared the harbour breakwater of Brundisium, the spies had found each other. They sat on the deck, inconspicuous among the men of the Dux Ripae. From their position near t...

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