Books matching: character complexity and realism
100 result(s)
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- #1
Save:Creepy, moody, and full of unanswered questions, this is a suspenseful Nordic noir for those who like their mysteries chilling and psychological - but it might not convert readers who want fast-paced thrills or a neat ending.
As I sit up and bat the sleep out of my eyes, I see Tone reach out and turn off the radio. The crackling immediately disappears, replaced by the dull hum of the engine and the pent-up silence of the v... - #2
Save:A thoughtful, stirring, and original take on King Arthur filled with gritty battles, spiritual themes, and deeply human characters - perfect for those who want more than just knights and quests from their Arthurian fiction.
When all the words are spoken and the arguments fall exhausted into silence, this single fact remains: we would follow Arthur to the very gates of Hell and beyond if he asked it. And that is the solit...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Pendragon Cycle ) - #3
Save:A powerful, emotional finale with unforgettable characters and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation - just be ready for some heartbreak along the way.
Sweat ran down Herald Vanyel’s back, and his ankle hurt a little—he hadn’t twisted it, quite, when he’d slipped on the wooden floor of the salle back at the beginning of this bout, but it was still bo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Last Herald-Mage ) - #4
Save:The Belly of Paris by Emile Zola is a novel set in the bustling central market of Les Halles in 19th century Paris, focusing on the life of Florent, an escaped political prisoner trying to navigate the abundance of food and the poverty surrounding him. The book vividly describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the market, portraying a contrast between the opulence of the market's offerings and the struggles of the lower classes. Through intricate details of food and market life, Zola weaves a story of revolution, family dynamics, and societal disparities in the backdrop of a changing Paris.
In the silence of a deserted avenue, wagons stuffed with produce made their way toward Paris, their thudding wheels rhythmically echoing off the houses sleeping behind the rows of elm trees meandering...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Les Rougon-Macquart ) - #5
Save:A beautifully strange read - gorgeously written, emotionally resonant, and satisfyingly weird. Magical realism fans and anyone open to a bittersweet, contemplative story will find lots to savor.
1 It happened for the first time on a Tuesday afternoon, a warm spring day in the flatlands near Hollywood, a light breeze moving east from the ocean and stirring the black-eyed pansy petals newly pl... - #6
Save:A bite-sized adventure with Shadow Moon - great for Gaiman fans, but feels more like a tantalizing snack than a full meal.
“If you ask me,” said the little man to Shadow, “you’re something of a monster. Am I right?” They were the only two people, apart from the barmaid, in the bar of a hotel in a town on the north coast o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series American Gods ) - #7
Save:A beautifully written, deeply moving story that explores mental illness and the power of perception. Heartbreaking at times, hopeful at others - an impactful, memorable YA read.
My feet make hollow sounds on the weathered planks of the old boardwalk, but I have to stop soon enough. The giant metal gate before me is painted green to blend into the environment, which is dumb be... - #8
Save:A gorgeously written, imaginative start to a new series - perfect for Raven Cycle fans and those who love their fantasy with brains and heart. Come for the dreams and stay for the heartbreakingly real characters.
The cat was the most dramatic. It was a beautiful animal, if you liked cats, with a dainty face and long, cottony fur, the kind that seemed like it would melt away into liquid sugar. It was a calico,... - #9
Save:Eight years later, after too many lies and with trouble on her heels, Bina finds herself on the side of the road again, the city of her dreams calling for her. She has an old suitcase, a fresh black eye, and a room waiting for her at Catherine House, a young women's residence in Greenwich Village with a tragic history, a vow of confidentiality, and dark, magical secrets. Bina is drawn to her enigmatic downstairs neighbor Monet, a girl who is equal parts intriguing and dangerous. As Bina's lease begins to run out, and nightmare and memory get tangled, she will be forced to face the terrible truth of why she's come to Catherine House and what it will take for her to leave. Bina Tremper has very little in life, but that's all right, because she has her mother. Sent away from the home they share to make peace with her stepsisters, Bina leaves home and runs away to New York City. There, she finds the boarding house that her mother stayed in when she was pregnant with Bina. But Catherine House holds a host of secrets, some of them about Sabina herself. Things get even more complicated when she meets the mysterious, spontaneous Monet, who may be holding dangerous secrets herself. Will Bina discover the building's hidden truths Or lose herself entirely.
- #10
Save:In 'Going the Distance' by Julianna Keyes, readers are taken on an emotional roller coaster through a complex romance between Olivia, a lonely American kindergarten teacher in China, and Jarek, a cold and emotionally closed-off carpenter. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, love, forgiveness, and growth as the characters navigate through challenging situations and complex relationships. The author's writing style vividly portrays the characters' flaws and quirks, creating a realistic and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked until the end.
OLIVIA HAD SPENT enough time in the company of casually dangerous men to know one when he walked in. She kept up her pace on the treadmill and looked past her reflection in the mirror to watch the str...
