Books matching: cultural influences
100 result(s)
- #1
The City of Dusk centers around a kingdom called Vaega, which is tied to four realms. Each realm has their own god, each god with their own House of descendants known as The Four Noble Houses of Nexus. King Ferdinand is no such descendant, nor does he have an heir. Promising to choose one of the Houses to heir his throne on the holy day of celebration, Godsnight, the mounting pressure on each House to woo the citizens of Vaega is at an all-time high. While the battling heirs tiptoe the tightrope of mastering their god-given powers and upholding the dignity of their families, the pressure boils over. The book is an epic dark fantasy with incredible world-building, a diverse set of characters, and a complex web of relationships and powers that keep readers engaged throughout the story.
The City of Dusk is a book that presents a rich and detailed world filled with different houses, each possessing unique powers, shadow animal familiars, necromancy, elemental magic, and gods. The plot is engaging, with great friendships, LGBTQIA representation, and a focus on character development that adds depth to the narrative. The book successfully blends elements of fantasy, intrigue, humor, and action, making it a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy genres.
'American Apocalypse: A History of Modern Evangelicalism' by Matthew Avery Sutton delves into the history of US Evangelicalism, tracing its development from the late 1800s through about 2010. Sutton explores the influence of premillenialism on the growth of American evangelicalism, highlighting how beliefs in apocalyptic eschatology motivated followers to social and political activism. also discusses how Evangelicalism became a significant element in conservative American politics, focusing on themes such as patriarchy, racism, nationalism, and anticommunism. Sutton's writing style is detailed and thorough, providing compelling evidence to support his claims about the central role of premillenial eschatology in the movement.
- #3
Alta is the second book in the Dragon Jousters series by Mercedes Lackey. The story continues from where Joust left off, following Vetch/Kiron as he returns to his homeland of Alta to train new dragon riders. The book is set in a magical land inspired by Ancient Egypt, with elements of dragon riding and court intrigue. The plot revolves around Kiron's journey of self-discovery, leadership, and overcoming oppression, as he trains dragons and seeks to restore balance of power between warring factions.
OVERHEAD,the stars that filled the night sky, the ornaments upon the robe of the Goddess of the Night, seemed close enough to touch. The kamiseen wind whined in the tops of the trees of the oasis besi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dragon Jousters ) - #4
'Istanbul' by Bettany Hughes is a comprehensive exploration of the historical city, spanning from antiquity to modernity. The book weaves together past and present, offering a mystical and visceral history of Istanbul. Hughes skillfully connects various historical streams into one narrative, guiding readers through the city's rich biography with poetic prose and vivid descriptions. The book delves into the city's pivotal role in shaping civilizations, from its early years of Christianity to the impact of the Ottoman Empire and beyond. Despite some criticisms about the narrative structure, the book is praised for its detailed research, engaging storytelling, and the author's deep personal connection to Istanbul.
Suddenly a huge wave rose up before them, arched, like a steep rock; and at the sight they bowed with bended heads … Then a vaulted billow rushed upon them, and the ship like a cylinder ran on the fur... - #5
In 'Siren & Scion', Amara, a water mage of the 2nd House, embarks on a journey to the Republic to search for lost mages of the 3rd House to aid against a blight, all while facing a common enemy alongside Cassian. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, romance, and the looming threat of the Roman-like Republic, set in a world influenced by Turkish and Ottoman cultures. The story weaves together intricate world-building, magic systems, and character relationships, creating a blend of fantasy and romance with a touch of realism in its writing style.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Mages of the Wheel ) - #6
'The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours' by Gregory Nagy is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of ancient Greek heroes. The author's writing style is described as dense and informative, with a focus on key concepts in ancient Greek culture. Readers commend the book for its detailed analysis of archaic and classical Greek literature, particularly in relation to hero cults. is recommended for anyone interested in the Ancient Greeks, as it offers a deep understanding of their art, drama, philosophy, science, and history, with a particular emphasis on Homer and the epics.
'Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society' by Cordelia Fine challenges traditional beliefs about gender stereotypes, highlighting the complexities beyond simplistic assumptions. Fine explores the role of testosterone in shaping sexual differences and dismantles theories about male dominance and female limitations attributed to this hormone. Through a mix of humor and clear writing, she delves into the intertwined nature of biology and sociology, emphasizing the impact of socialization on gender expectations and behaviors from a young age.
Fine's book delves into the debate of nature versus nurture, dissecting the intertwined factors of evolution, hormones, culture, and sex in defining gender characteristics. She humorously critiques the myths surrounding sex differences, societal norms, and the influence of testosterone, urging readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about male and female behaviors. With a mix of engaging writing and thorough research, Fine challenges popular beliefs about gender differences and presents a compelling argument for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior.
BACK IN THE MISTS OF TIME THAT THANKFULLY CAST A HAZE over my dating career, I became entangled with a man who drove a Maserati. When I let this slip to my mother, she responded in the unnaturally bri...'Inverting The Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics' by Jonathan Wilson is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of football tactics from the 19th century to the present day. Wilson delves into the historical context, societal influences, and tactical innovations that have shaped the way the game is played worldwide. He discusses key moments in football history, such as the introduction of different formations like the 2-3-5 and the 4-4-2, and highlights the contributions of influential coaches and teams like the Dutch Total Football and the Brazilian style of play. Through a mix of historical facts, tactical analysis, and engaging storytelling, Wilson provides readers with a deeper understanding of the beautiful game.
The book is praised for its detailed research, thought-provoking analysis, and engaging writing style. Wilson's narrative skillfully weaves together the chronological development of football tactics with in-depth discussions on the impact of different formations and playing styles. Readers appreciate the blend of history, strategy, and context presented in the book, which not only enhances their knowledge of the game but also allows them to enjoy football on a more profound level. Wilson's exploration of the tactical evolution of football, from the early days of the sport to the modern era, offers a fascinating insight into how the game has transformed over time.
∆∇ In the beginning there was chaos, and football was without form. Then came the Victorians, who codified it, and after them the theorists, who analysed it. It wasn’t until the late 1920s that tactic...Robert Alter's 'Pen of Iron' is a scholarly exploration of the influence of the King James Bible on American prose, focusing on works such as Moby Dick, Absalom Absalom, and Seize the Day. Alter delves into the connections between these literary masterpieces and the language, style, and themes found in the Bible, emphasizing the lasting impact of this religious text on American literature. Through detailed analyses, Alter demonstrates how the King James Bible serves as a rich source of ideas, images, and metaphors, as well as a manual of style for classical writing, shaping the literary heritage of the United States.
Alter's writing style in 'Pen of Iron' is both erudite and accessible, making a challenging subject approachable for readers interested in American literature. By providing in-depth discussions on iconic works and authors like Melville, Faulkner, and Hemingway, Alter offers a compelling narrative that highlights the enduring influence of the King James Bible in shaping the literary landscape of America. His meticulous research and insightful interpretations bring to light the profound connections between biblical themes and the evolution of American prose over the centuries.
Tom Holland's 'Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World' delves into the influence of Christianity on Western civilization. The book explores how Christian values have shaped societal norms, morals, and ethics throughout history. Holland argues that many beliefs and values that are now considered universal actually have Christian origins, even in a post-Christian era. He discusses the positive impact of Christianity on society, while also addressing the darker aspects of Christian history, such as colonialism and slavery. Through a non-religious lens, Holland traces the history of Christianity, highlighting its revolutionary ideas and enduring influence on the Western world.