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Books matching: complex and flawed characters

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  1. #1

    Vurt by Jeff Noon
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    'Vurt' by Jeff Noon is a surreal and mind-bending journey set in a futuristic Manchester where people use feathers to enter virtual realities known as Vurts. The story follows Scribble, a member of the Stash Riders, who embarks on a quest to find his lost sister, Desdemona, after she gets trapped in a dangerous Vurt. Scribble navigates through a world filled with hallucinogenic experiences, strange creatures, and complex relationships, all while trying to trade back an alien being for his sister.

    The writing style of 'Vurt' is described as cryptic, colorful, and immersive, with a unique lingo that adds to the overall mysterious and surreal atmosphere of the book. The plot moves at a good pace, keeping readers entertained with its action-packed narrative and intricate world-building, despite the challenging and abstract nature of the story.

    Close by was a genuine dog, flesh and blood mix; the kind you don’t see much any more. A real collector’s item. It was tethered to the post of a street sign. The sign read NO GO. Slumped under the sig...

  2. #2

    The Forgetting Moon - The Five Warrior Angels by Brian Lee Durfee
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    The Forgetting Moon is an epic fantasy novel that delves into a world of corruption, betrayal, and heroic deeds. With multiple POVs that are all interesting, the book keeps a fast-paced rhythm with relatively short chapters, engaging readers throughout its 800 pages. The intricate world-building introduces various creatures like dwarves, elves, orcs, and dragons, alongside a mix of murder, corruption, and prophecies that drive the characters towards a divided kingdom threatened by an invading army.

    The story unfolds with mystery, intrigue, and conflicting matters of religion, exploring themes of identity and trust among young adult characters facing tragedy, war, and personal growth. The book offers a complex and flawed character portrayal, intertwining political motives and prophecies influenced by religious beliefs, creating a gripping tale that leaves readers invested in each POV chapter, eagerly anticipating the sequel.

    Be we slave, peasant, knight, or lord, within all of us dwells a craving, a longing deep in our soul to know our own heritage and to identify the birthright of our fellow man. For regardless the numbe...

  3. #3

    The Tailor of Panama by John le Carré
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    'The Tailor of Panama' by John le Carre is a spy thriller set in Panama after the collapse of the Noriega regime. The story revolves around Harry Pendel, a successful tailor living in his own world of lies, and Andy Osnard, a British agent, both weaving intricate deceptions that eventually lead to chaos in the Canal Zone and Panamanian politics. The book explores the concept of creating false realities and the consequences that follow, all set against a backdrop of political intrigue and moral ambiguity.

    The novel is known for its excellent sense of time and place, capturing the desperation of characters navigating a confusing post-Noriega era. The plot, though intriguing, struggles to maintain attention for some readers due to slow pacing and certain characters that drag down the story. Despite these challenges, the book provides an engaging look into the world of espionage, humor, and moral dilemmas, making it a unique addition to the spy genre.

    It was a perfectly ordinary Friday afternoon in tropical Panama until Andrew Osnard barged into Harry Pendel's shop, asking to be measured for a suit. When he barged in, Pendel was one person. By the ...

  4. #4

    Daughter of Hounds by Caitlin R. Kiernan
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    'Daughter of Hounds' by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a dark fantasy novel that continues to expand on Lovecraftian mythos. The story follows characters like Emmie Silvey, Soldier, Deacon Silvey, and Pearl as they navigate a world filled with monsters, changelings, and ghouls. The narrative weaves together different story arcs, creating a tapestry of gloom and despair, with vivid scene descriptions and intricate details that immerse the reader in a world where reality is not what it seems. The writing style is described as poetic, clear, and atmospheric, drawing readers into a dark and mysterious realm where unexpected twists and turns keep them engaged.

    Emmie and Deacon sit together on one of the long antique benches lined up neatly inside the old Kingston Station, daughter and father waiting impatiently with all the other people headed south to New ...

  5. #5

    Pretty Pretty Boys - Hazard and Somerset by Gregory Ashe
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    In the book 'Pretty Pretty Boys' by Gregory Ashe, readers are introduced to Detective Emery Hazard and Detective John Henry Somerset Somers who are partnered together to investigate a series of murders in their hometown. The dynamic between the two main characters is described as turbulent, with a complex relationship that mirrors the challenging mystery they are trying to solve involving extremists from opposing political standpoints. The writing style is praised for its ability to link chapters seamlessly, keeping readers engaged and intrigued by the flawed yet complementary characters.

    EMERY HAZARD WOKE UP in his motel room at dawn. Mostly, this was due to the light clawing in through the curtains. The curtains had probably been hung around the time of Hoover and had dissolved into ...

  6. #6

    Trust Exercise by Susan Choi
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    Trust Exercise by Susan Choi is a novel that delves into the lives of high school students at a performing arts school, exploring themes of trust, memory, and the complexities of relationships. The narrative unfolds in three parts, shifting perspectives and timelines, creating a puzzle-like structure that challenges readers to piece together the truth from the characters' differing accounts. The story follows the characters from their teenage years to adulthood, revealing the impact of their shared experiences and the lasting effects of their relationships.

    NEITHER CAN DRIVE. David turns sixteen the following March, Sarah the following April. It is early July, neither one within sight of sixteen and the keys to a car. Eight weeks remain of the summer, a ...

  7. #7

    A Reaper at the Gates - An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
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    'A Reaper at the Gates' delves into the lives of the three main characters, Helene Blood Shrike, Laia, and Elias Soul Catcher, as they navigate through a world that is a mix of Roman empire and magical fantasy. The story follows their individual journeys as they face challenges and make sacrifices in their respective roles to save the empire, protect their loved ones, and confront powerful enemies. The plot is filled with twists, fast-paced action, high stakes, and cliffhanger endings, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

    Readers praised the book for its strong focus on female strength empowerment, social justice themes, intricate world-building, and engaging storytelling. The character development, especially of Helene, was highlighted as a standout aspect, along with the complex relationships and dynamics among the main characters. The blend of military drama, fey magic, romance, and political intrigue was appreciated for creating a compelling narrative that captivated readers from start to finish.

    The Star hangs from the wall of the cavern far from human eyes. It is a four-pointed diamond, with a narrow gap at its apex. Thin striations spiderweb across it, a reminder of the day the Scholars sha...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series An Ember in the Ashes )

  8. #8

    By Nightfall by Michael Cunningham
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    By Nightfall by Michael Cunningham is a novel that delves into the life of Peter Harris, a middle-aged art dealer in Manhattan. His seemingly normal life with his wife, Rebecca, and their daughter takes a turn when Rebecca's younger brother, Mizzy, enters the picture. Peter finds himself drawn to Mizzy, leading to a series of events that challenge his relationships and perceptions of beauty. The narrative explores themes of beauty, love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of the New York art world.

    One of the inscrutable old horses that pull tourist carriages has been hit by a car somewhere up on Broadway, which has stopped traffic all the way down to the Port Authority, which is making Peter an...

  9. #9

    Blood Sport by Dick Francis
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    'Blood Sport' by Dick Francis follows the story of Gene Hawkins, a depressed bodyguard and security agent, who is hired to find an abducted racehorse. The plot involves attempted murders, theft, and a journey across different locations in the USA, including London, Kentucky, Wyoming, Nevada, and Santa Barbara. The story is described as more psychological than Francis' usual works, focusing on character analysis and the emotional struggles of the protagonist, Gene Hawkins.

    I awoke with foreboding. My hand closed in a reflex on the Luger under the pillow. I listened, acutely attentive. No sound. No quick surreptitious slither, no rub of cloth on cloth, no half-controlled...

  10. #10

    The Red Tree by Caitlin R. Kiernan
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    The Red Tree by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a psychological horror novel that follows writer Sarah Crowe as she moves to a small town in Rhode Island and gets entangled in eerie events surrounding an ancient red oak. The story unfolds through Sarah's journal, blending personal traumas with mysterious occurrences, creating a sense of psychological horror. Kiernan's writing style incorporates elements of Lovecraftian horror, with an unreliable narrator and a focus on the psychological aspects of fear and dread.

    I’m almost awake now, starting in on my second cup of coffee, sitting here at the kitchen table, and writing this in the spiral-bound notebook I purchased down in Coventry, a little over a week ago. I...

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