Books matching: complex character motivations
100 result(s)
- #1
'The Lure of the Basilisk' by Lawrence Watt-Evans follows Garth, a lord of the overmen, who embarks on a quest to gain fame and recognition. Sent by an oracle to find the Forgotten King, Garth is tasked with journeying to a distant city and retrieving a mysterious creature from its tombs. Along the way, he faces bandits, sorcerers, and ultimately encounters a deadly basilisk. The story blends typical fantasy tropes with unique elements, such as the overmen race and Garth's non-human perspective on human behaviors.
The plot unfolds as Garth navigates through challenges, showcasing the author's ability to bring new concepts to the fantasy genre. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of adventure, mystery, and humor. Readers are taken on a captivating journey with Garth as he delves into a quest that proves to be more complex than initially anticipated.
The village of Skelleth was the northernmost limit of human civilization, a perpetually starving huddle of farmers and ice-cutters; it shrank with each succeeding ten-month winter. Its existence depen... - #2
'Dark Canyon' by Louis L'Amour is a gripping Western novel that follows the story of Gaylord Riley, a young man seeking revenge for his father's murder. The book explores the harsh realities of the American West, depicting the journey of good men turning bad and vice versa in a lawless environment. With well-described scenes and realistic characters, the narrative twists and turns, keeping readers engaged until the very end. Set in the town of Rimrock, the story unfolds with themes of survival, redemption, and the complexities of human nature in a rugged landscape.
The plot delves into the life of Gaylord Riley, who becomes entangled with the Coburn Gang but ultimately chooses a different path, transitioning from a potential outlaw to a respected cattleman. Through encounters with outlaws, lawmen, and personal challenges, Riley's character evolves, showcasing themes of resilience and moral choices. The book captures the essence of the Wild West, painting a vivid picture of a time where survival often meant making tough decisions and forging unexpected alliances.
WHEN JIM COLBURNrode into the hide-out at sundown he was not alone. There was a gangling youngster riding with him, a kid with narrow hips and wide, meatless shoulders and chest. The old Navy .44 look... - #3
'Too Good to Be True' by Carola Lovering is a psychological thriller that delves into the intertwined lives of Skye, Burke, and Heather. Skye falls deeply in love with Burke, unaware of his hidden secrets and ulterior motives. As the story unfolds from multiple perspectives, readers are taken on a journey of love, deceit, revenge, and unexpected twists. The book explores themes of love, family, friendship, money, OCD, and the consequences of deception, revealing the truth gradually through past and present narratives.
The fear that my forty-six-year-old boyfriend might be developing early-onset Alzheimer’s suddenly seizes every square inch of my brain. I recognize the irrational concern as it formulates, but the co... - #4
'Bandits' by Elmore Leonard is a crime fiction novel set in New Orleans during the late 1980s. The story follows Jack Delaney, an ex-con working at a funeral home, who gets caught up in a scheme to rob a corrupt Nicaraguan colonel raising funds for his fighters. Jack teams up with an ex-nun, Sister Lucy, to divert the stolen money to rebuild a leprosy hospital destroyed by the colonel. The plot is filled with twists and turns, dark humor, and a diverse set of characters, all presented with Leonard's signature crisp dialogue and fast-paced narrative style.
The narrative of 'Bandits' unfolds gradually, revealing the complexities of the characters and their motivations. As Jack and Sister Lucy navigate the dangerous world of war criminals and corrupt officials, the story delves into themes of redemption, morality, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Leonard's writing seamlessly blends suspense, humor, and social commentary, creating a compelling and engaging read that keeps the reader hooked till the end.
EVERY TIME THEY GOT a call from the leper hospital to pick up a body Jack Delaney would feel himself coming down with the flu or something. Leo Mullen, his boss, was finally calling it to Jack’s atten... - #5
'Infernal Devices' by Philip Reeve is the third installment in the 'Hungry City Chronicles' series. Set 16 years after the events in the previous book, the story follows Tom and Hester's daughter, Wren, who yearns for adventure in the peaceful city of Anchorage. However, when Wren is kidnapped and sold into slavery, her parents, along with other characters, embark on a journey to rescue her, only to discover that the world has changed drastically in their absence. The plot involves a mix of action, adventure, and dystopian elements, with the narrative exploring themes of family dynamics, conflicts, and character growth. The writing style is described as engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the heart-wrenching conclusion.
At first there was nothing. Then came a spark; a sizzling sound that stirred frayed webs of dream and memory. And then, with a crackle, a roar, a blue-white rush of electricity was surging through him...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hungry City Chronicles ) - #6
Starless Night is a fast-paced and attention-grabbing addition to the Forgotten Realms series, following Drizzt Do'Urden and his companions through the intricate world of the Underdark. The author, R.A. Salvatore, skillfully weaves in references to past events and characters, creating a sense of continuity and nostalgia for long-time readers. The story is filled with themes of friendship, grief, vengeance, and intrigue, all set against the backdrop of a masterful fantasy world.
Salvatore expertly delves into the destructive nature of grief while maintaining an engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The action-packed scenes and surprising plot twists add depth to the story, making it a thrilling and worthwhile read for fans of the series.
“Farewell, Guenhwyvar,” the drow ranger whispered, his expression sorrowful, almost pitiful, as he stared at the figurine. “I cannot in good conscience take you with me on this journey, for I would fe...
(Also, see 15 recommendations for the series Forgotten Realms: Legacy of the Drow ) - #7
The novel 'Silent Lies' by Kathryn Croft revolves around the mysterious death of Mia's husband Zach, which is believed to be a suicide. However, when a new client reveals that Zach did not kill himself, Mia's world is turned upside down. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Mia, Josie, and Alison, each revealing their own version of events leading to shocking revelations and unexpected twists. The plot is filled with suspense, unreliable narrators, and complex character dynamics, keeping the reader engaged until the very end. The writing style is described as clear, simple, and impactful, effectively conveying the emotions and intricacies of the story.
Someone is watching me, I’m sure of that. As Freya runs off to play on the swings, I glance around the park, but there’s nobody acting out of the ordinary, only mothers like me with their young childr... - #8
Widowed at the age of twenty eight, Eliza Lady Somerset finds herself in control of her own future for the first time. With money and a title at her disposal, she heads to Bath with her cousin Margaret and finds unexpected opportunities amidst a circle of new acquaintances, including the new Lord Somerset, whom she had refused years ago. The book explores themes of autonomy, betrayal, being true to oneself, and forgiveness, all while navigating gender roles and societal expectations in the Regency period.
The story is a mix of romance and high stakes, set in a time where characters act in line with societal norms, resulting in only stolen kisses and subtle gestures of affection. The writing is praised for being better than other romance novels, with strong, well-developed characters and surprising plot twists that keep the reader engaged throughout.
- #9
In "The Coworker" by Freida McFadden, the story revolves around Natalie, a successful salesperson at Vixed, who becomes entangled in a mysterious disappearance when her coworker Dawn vanishes. As Natalie delves into the secrets of the office, she unravels a web of suspicion, betrayal, and deadly consequences. The plot is filled with twists and turns, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, leaving readers guessing until the final, gasp-inducing revelation. McFadden expertly crafts a suspenseful narrative that explores the sinister ways in which the past can haunt the present, all within the enigmatic setting of Vixed's office culture.
Natalie's journey to uncover the truth about Dawn's disappearance leads her down a path of intrigue and danger, challenging her perceptions of herself and those around her. The novel skillfully combines elements of humor with suspense, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that oscillate between chuckles and gasps. As Natalie navigates through the treacherous terrain of office politics turned deadly, readers are drawn into a labyrinth of secrets lurking beneath the surface of Vixed, culminating in a thrilling tale that resonates long after the final revelation.
- #10
'At Risk' by Stella Rimington follows Liz Carlyle, an MI5 agent, as she tracks down suspected terrorists planning attacks in England. With a plot that feels realistic and believable, the story delves into the world of counter-terrorism, espionage, and the challenges faced by intelligence operatives. Rimington's writing style is described as authentic, detailed, and engaging, providing readers with a glimpse into the inner workings of the intelligence services.
For several moments no one in the crowded carriage moved. And then, as the stillness and the silence deepened, eyes began to flicker. Standing passengers peered worriedly through the windows into the ...