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Books matching: complex protagonist

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Dark Moon by David Gemmell
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    In "Dark Moon" by David Gemmell, the story unfolds in a fantastical world where ancient races collide with humans in a battle for survival. The book follows three heroes - Karis, a warrior woman, Tarantio Dace, a formidable swordsman with a split personality, and Duvodas, a magical healer - as they navigate a world of love, hate, peace, and war. Gemmell's writing style combines action-packed sequences with deep messages about human frailties and the courage to survive, creating a heroic fantasy novel that explores themes of heroism, courage, and the nature of humanity.

    The plot of "Dark Moon" is filled with brawls, duels, battles, and magic, offering readers a fast-paced and compelling narrative that keeps them engaged until the very end. Gemmell's characters are complex and multifaceted, portraying shades of grey, violence, gore, and sex, making the story suitable for mature audiences who enjoy epic fantasy with deep meaning and originality.

    Tarantio was a warrior. Before that he had been a sailor, a miner, a breaker of horses, and an apprentice cleric to an elderly writer. Before that a child: quiet and solitary, living with a widowed fa...

  2. #2

    Penance by Rick R. Reed
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    "Penance" by Rick R. Reed is a dark thriller that delves into the lives of street kids in Chicago, focusing on their struggles to survive in a dangerous world. The book follows a psycho killer who targets the homeless children, a pedophile priest battling his addiction, and a vengeful man seeking personal justice. The writing style is described as riveting, intense, and gripping, with a plot that is both horrifying and well-written, providing insights into the psyches of the main characters.

    Lawrence Avenue was alive with rain-slicked excitement. Here, in Chicago’s uptown, royal blue, yellow, and green neon reflected off the pavement’s darkness. Cold night air. Steam rushing up through ma...

  3. #3

    Liar, Dreamer, Thief by Maria Dong
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    "Liar, Dreamer, Thief" by Maria Dong follows the protagonist Katrina Kim, a complex character struggling with mental illness and compulsions. The plot revolves around a mystery where Katrina is both stalking someone and being stalked herself. As the story progresses, the narrative delves into Katrina's obsessions, rituals, and struggles with reality. The writing style is described as unique, with a mix of suspenseful thriller elements and fantasy world details that keep the reader engaged. is a genre-straddling novel, combining suspense and speculative fiction, with a fast-paced plot and compelling characters like Katrina, whose observations about the world are filtered through her obsessions with numbers and music.


  4. #4

    The Mountains Rise - Embers of Illeniel by Michael G. Manning
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    "The Mountains Rise" by Michael G. Manning is a dark fantasy novel that delves into complex topics such as trauma, love, and revenge. The story follows the protagonist, Daniel, on his descent into darkness as he seeks vengeance, while also exploring themes of emotional and psychological damage. Manning intricately weaves a tale of love twisted by pain and suffering, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and compelling.

    Despite the dark themes, the book also offers a well-thought-out magic system, deep fantasy secrets, and complex characters that evolve throughout the story. Manning's writing style sensitively handles difficult subjects like sexual abuse, while also providing readers with suspense, emotional depth, and a sense of inevitability in the protagonist's journey towards his ultimate fate.

    Daniel chewed a long stem he had pulled from the ground beside him. The sun warmed his face even as a cold wind chilled his hands. Spring had arrived, but winter hadn’t given up completely yet, and th...

  5. #5

    Blood Count by Robert Goddard
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    'Blood Count' by Robert Goddard is a contemporary thriller that follows the story of Edward Hammond, a surgeon whose past actions come back to haunt him when he is contacted about a transplant operation he conducted years earlier on a Serbian warlord. As Hammond gets entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and criminality, he finds himself facing a moral dilemma and struggling to extricate himself from a dangerous situation. Set against the backdrop of the Balkan crisis and the UN International Criminal Tribunal, the plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged in Hammond's journey of helplessness and desperation.

    Goddard's writing style in 'Blood Count' is described as tense, beautiful, and fast-paced, with a literary touch that adds depth to the thrilling narrative. The author skillfully weaves together a complex story that delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of past actions, creating a compelling read that explores the dark side of human nature and the complexities of moral choices.


  6. #6
    Scoundrel
    Book 5 in the series:Sailing Thrillers

    Scoundrel - Sailing Thrillers by Bernard Cornwell
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    Scoundrel by Bernard Cornwell is a thrilling tale set in the early 90s, revolving around the main character, Paul Shanahan, an IRA agent involved in transporting 5,000,000 in gold for the purchase of anti-aircraft missiles. The story delves into the complexities of loyalty, espionage, and terrorism, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Cornwell's writing style expertly weaves together elements of political spy thriller and nautical adventure, creating a captivating narrative that explores the blurred lines between heroism and villainy.

    Three weeks later Shafiq asked if i could deliver a boat from the Mediterranean to America. Hannah, my part-time secretary, had taken Shafiq’s telephone call and late that afternoon she came to the fi...

    (Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Sailing Thrillers )

  7. #7

    The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
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    The Labyrinth of the Spirits is a gripping conclusion to the series 'O Cemiterio dos Livros Esquecidos' by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The novel weaves a complex tale spanning different time periods in Spain's history, from the brutal civil war to the oppressive years under Franco's regime. The story follows characters like Alicia Gris, a state agent uncovering dark secrets, and the Sempere family, who find themselves entangled in a web of mysteries and danger. Zafon's writing style is praised for its lyrical prose, intricate storytelling, and vivid depiction of Barcelona in the 50s and 60s.

    That night I dreamed that I was going back to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. I was ten years old again, and again I woke up in my old bedroom feeling that the memory of my mother’s face had deserted...

  8. #8

    Kolymsky Heights by Lionel Davidson
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    'Kolymsky Heights' by Lionel Davidson follows the gripping narrative of Johnny Porter, an academic turned reluctant spy, as he embarks on a perilous mission to infiltrate a top secret Soviet research facility in Siberia. The book intricately details Porter's elaborate plan to enter and eventually escape the facility, while British and American intelligence agencies closely monitor his movements. The story is filled with tension, intrigue, and a chilling atmosphere that vividly conveys the bitter cold of Arctic Siberia.

    Davidson's writing style in 'Kolymsky Heights' has been described as having an antique cadence, reminiscent of early thrillers from the 1920s. Despite some initial disconcertion, readers find themselves drawn into the rhythm of his prose, which adds a unique layer to the narrative. The book's sweeping narrative and the portrayal of Siberia's perils are commended for their vividness and convincing nature, as readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a maze of detail that ultimately builds towards a climactic and mind-blowing conclusion.

    She cycled slowly, corpulent and majestic as some former Queen of the Netherlands, sun hat bobbing, flowered dress billowing. Up and around churned the floral thighs until, turning into the High, they...

  9. #9
    Idyll Threats
    Book 1 in the series:Thomas Lynch

    Idyll Threats - Thomas Lynch by Stephanie Gayle
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    Thomas Lynch arrives in the small town of Idyll, Connecticut in the summer of 1997 to start his job as the new police chief. His arrival coincides with the murder of Cecilia North on the golf course, setting off a chain of events that challenges Lynch both personally and professionally. As Lynch navigates the investigation, readers are drawn into a well-paced and engaging story that delves into his internal struggles, including his homosexuality, grief over his former partner's death, and the complexities of small-town police work in the face of homophobia.

    The book is a small-town police procedural that not only focuses on solving the murder mystery but also delves into character development, particularly that of Thomas Lynch. Set in a time when social acceptance was different, the story captures the essence of a community where everyone knows everyone, economic divides exist, and suspicion of outsiders prevails, creating a rich backdrop for the unfolding plot.

    I didn't make small talk, didn't ask about anyone's evening plans or even say good night. I snuck out the station's rear exit, the metal door squeaky with humidity, got into my cruiser, and drove to a...

  10. #10

    Of Thorns and Beauty - Twisted Pages by Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison
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    'Of Thorns and Beauty' in the series 'Twisted Pages' by author Robin D. Mahle is a dark and emotional retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The story follows the characters Einar and Zaina as they navigate through their dark pasts, forming a complex relationship filled with secrets and mysteries. The book is praised for its character development, intriguing plot, and unique take on the classic fairy tale, keeping readers hooked with its slow pace and subtle darkness.


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