Books matching: chaos and destruction
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- #1
Monster Nation by David Wellington is a prequel to Monster Island that explores the beginning of the zombie apocalypse. The story follows Captain Bannerman of the Colorado Air National Guard and Nilla, a sentient zombie character, as they navigate the chaos and destruction caused by the undead outbreak. The book delves into the unique interpretation of zombies by the author, focusing on the life force that the dead seek rather than humans. With multiple perspectives and a well-balanced pace, the narrative unfolds with government officials, police barricades, and civilians trying to survive the impending doom.
“MY BROTHER WAS ALREADY DEAD!” Clifton Thackeray made some outrageous claims while he was being held in a Fort Collins lockup on suspicion of involvement in a truly bizarre and grizzly murder. Last Sa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Monster Island ) - #2
The Orchard of Lost Souls by Nadifa Mohamed is a gripping novel set in war-torn Somalia during the period of violent civil war and a severe drought. Through the eyes of three women - Deqo, Filsan, and Kawsar - the story unfolds, showcasing their struggles and survival in a country torn apart by conflict. The narrative vividly portrays the day-to-day activities of these women, revealing the history and culture of Somalia during the 1980s. The book delves into themes of war, violence, trauma, and resilience, painting a poignant picture of the impact of the civil war on innocent lives.
The writing style of Nadifa Mohamed is praised for its evocative and compelling nature, with strong character development and vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the harsh realities faced by the protagonists. The novel weaves together the individual stories of the three women, showing how their lives intersect amidst the backdrop of Somalia's political turmoil and social upheaval. The book is lauded for its ability to capture the complexities of human emotions, trauma, and pain, offering a poignant exploration of the enduring strength and courage of women in the face of adversity.
Five a.m. Too early to eat. There is hardly any light, perhaps just enough to distinguish a dark thread from white, but Kawsar washes her face in the basin inside her bathroom, runs a caday over her t... - #3
Out of the Earth by Jake Bible is an action-packed monster novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story unfolds with various characters facing untimely ends in different ways, evoking a range of emotions from shock to excitement. The book introduces a new threat to Earth, setting the stage for a wild adventure filled with chaos and destruction. Despite mixed feelings initially, readers find themselves engrossed in the well-written plot that intertwines different storylines seamlessly.
- #4
'The Fungus' by Harry Adam Knight (John Brosnan, Leroy Kettle) is a fast-paced, imaginative creature feature horror novel set in the British Isles. The plot revolves around a rapidly mutating killer fungus that infects all of London, attacking not only people but also concrete and other building materials, resulting in the literal crumbling of the city. The story follows several characters, including the scientist who accidentally created the fungus, as they navigate the chaos and destruction caused by the outbreak. The writing style is described as witty, fun, and slightly science-y, with just enough plausibility to engage readers.
By the time Norman Layne arrived home he’d long forgotten the embarrassing collision with the attractive woman in Tottenham Court Road. There were other things preying on his mind now, ranging from th... 'The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World' by Catherine Nixey explores the impact of early Christianity on the classical world, highlighting the destruction of classical architecture, literature, and culture by fanatical Christians. Nixey's writing style is described as passionate and colorful, vividly depicting unfamiliar periods of history with accessible language. delves into the intolerance and violence incited by early Christians towards anything pagan, shedding light on the dark side of the rise of Christianity.
A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary by Marta Hillers is a harrowing account of a woman's survival during the end of World War II in Berlin. The anonymous author documents the atrocities faced by women in the city, including hunger, rape, abuse, and mistrust, while highlighting the breakdown of societal norms and the struggle for survival in a decimated city overrun by the Russians. The diary provides a raw and factual depiction of life in Berlin during the post-war occupation, shedding light on the unimaginable suffering experienced by German women during the war.
The book captures the stark reality of the collapse of society and the lengths individuals go to in order to survive in a war-torn environment. Through meticulous observation and clear-eyed storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by women in Berlin, showcasing the resilience and adaptability required to navigate through the chaos and devastation of the aftermath of World War II.
It's true: the war is rolling towards Berlin. What was yesterday a distant rumble has now become a constant roar. We breathe the din; our ears are deafened to all but the heaviest guns. We've long giv...- #7
'Oblivion' in the 'Power of Five' series by Anthony Horowitz is the thrilling finale where the Five gatekeepers find themselves scattered across a dystopian world, ten years into the future. They must come together in Antarctica for a final showdown against the Old Ones, facing betrayals, sacrifices, and a traitor among them. The hefty novel is filled with non-stop action, twists, and suspense, as the characters navigate through various challenges and obstacles to save humanity once again.
It was the week before my sixteenth birthday when the boy fell out of the door and everything changed. Is that a good start? Miss Keyland, who taught me at the village school, used to say that you hav...
(Also, see 90 recommendations for the series Power of Five ) - #8
Southern Belle Varina finds her prospects of marriage becoming severely compromised by her father's debts so marriage to older widower Jeff seems like a good idea. Jeff is building a plantation but after becoming a hero in the Mexican War he turns his hand to politics and Varina has to learn to be a political wife. Jeff is Jefferson Davis and Varina is the First Lady of the Confederate President during the Civil War. After the defeat Jeff sends Varina and the family away and they travel across the South with enemies chasing them all the way. Told as a memoir dictated to a former member of the household, this is fictionalised biography of a real life character, Varina Davis, someone at the epicentre of the Civil War. In this book Varina is a complex and wilful character, her marriage seeing ups and downs and the excitement of the family's flight across the defeated South is an excellent juxtaposition to the genteel life of a society hostess who never quite fits in.
Once again, I wish GoodReads allowed for half stars This book would merit 4 in my estimation... A middle aged black man visits a Saratoga Springs, New York, resort hotel in 1906, and asks to see Varina Howell Davis, the widow of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, who is staying there. His recollections of his childhood are sketchy, but a recent publication has stirred him to find out more and this is his starting point. For the remainder of the book, over the course of several Sunday afternoons stretching months, James Blake and Varina Davis reminisce starting with their interactions some 40 years earlier, but including the teenage Varina's courtship by Jeff Davis, their married life, and her thoughts about the Civil War and life in general. The portrait of the First Lady of the Confederacy that emerges is vivid and realistic, but I found the depiction of conditions in the South immediately after the fall of Richmond in 1865 of particular intensity and interest.
IF HE IS THE BOY IN THE BLUE BOOK, WHERE TO START? HE can’t expect to recognize her after four decades, and he certainly doesn’t expect her to recognize him. The last time they saw each other he would... Gyo by Junji Ito is a horror manga that follows the story of Tadashi and his girlfriend Kaori as they encounter a strange fish with crab-like legs that attacks them during their vacation. The horror escalates as more sea creatures with mechanical legs invade Japan, causing chaos and destruction. The plot explores themes of phobias, commitments, and human cruelty, with a touch of grotesque imagery and surreal horror that keeps readers engaged till the end.
- #10
Cosmopolis tells the story of a young and very wealthy man spending his day in his limousine, encountering various characters, getting caught in a protest, experiencing a loss of reality, and ultimately delving into themes of money, art, control, and the impact of intentions. The novel presents a portrayal of the emptiness in the lives of the rich, showcasing a sense of disconnection from reality and humanity, all while exploring the protagonist's journey towards self-destruction in the midst of chaos and destruction.
Sleep failed him more often now, not once or twice a week but four times, five. What did he do when this happened? He did not take long walks into the scrolling dawn. There was no friend he loved enou...