Books matching: dark dungeon
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- #1
'The Pit and the Pendulum' by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of horror tales that delve into the depths of human suffering and psychological suspense. The stories are filled with dark and macabre elements, where characters face torment and terror in various forms. The writing style of Poe is described as vivid and immersive, allowing readers to feel the angst and fear of the characters as if watching a movie unfold in their minds.
Impia tortorum longas hic turba furores Sanguinis innocui, non satiata, aluit. Sospite nunc patria, fracto nunc funeris antro, Mors ubi dira fuit, vita salusque patent. [Here the wicked mob, unappease...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Edgar Allan Poe Tales ) - #2
Aching God by Mike Shel follows an aging adventurer, Auric Manteo, who is reluctantly pulled back into a dangerous quest when his daughter falls ill from a mysterious plague caused by an ancient idol. The story is a blend of horror and fantasy, rich in world-building and character development, with a focus on post-traumatic stress and the consequences of past actions. Shel's writing style intricately weaves together elements of suspense, dread, and intricate world-building, creating a dark and deteriorating world filled with malevolence, madness, and magic.
- #3
'Brute Force' by Lizzy Bequin follows the story of Fiorinda, a young and idealistic queen who finds herself imprisoned next to G'rakk, a Dugorim warlord. Together, they come up with an unusual escape plan that involves mating to trigger a protective instinct in G'rakk. The plot is filled with action, danger, and steam, creating a fast-paced read that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as well-written, with a good balance of romance, adventure, and character development.
The North Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger, when a traveler came along wrapped in a warm cloak. They agreed that the one who first succeeded in making the traveler take her cloak... - #4
'Sin Eater' by Megan Campisi is a dark and immersive tale set in 16th century England, following the story of May Owens, a young orphan sentenced to a life as a sin eater after stealing a loaf of bread. As a sin eater, May absorbs the sins of the dying by consuming foods that symbolize their confessions, delving into mysteries and dark secrets within the Queen's royal household. The novel explores themes of power, society's outcasts, and the struggle for survival in a bleak historical setting, offering a unique and creative perspective on folklore and dark fairy tales.
“Get on!” calls the cart man, coming from a side lane, urging the mare into the mess of the main thoroughfare. She shuttles her head from side to side, the bit buckling against her yellow teeth. My wa... - #5
Swords and Deviltry is the first book in the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber. It consists of short stories that introduce the iconic characters, Fafhrd, a barbarian from the cold north, and the Gray Mouser, a former wizard apprentice turned thief. The stories delve into the origins of the two protagonists, their individual backstories, and the eventual meeting that leads to their partnership in the city of Lankhmar. The book is described as classic sword and sorcery fantasy, filled with adventure, humor, and elements of dark fantasy, all set in the vividly created world of Nehwon.
The writing style of Swords and Deviltry is characterized as entertaining, fast-paced, and not taking itself too seriously. The stories are a mix of short, brutal, and somewhat disjointed narratives that follow the misadventures of the two rogues, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. The book is praised for its world-building, grey morality, and the portrayal of flawed yet likable characters, providing a refreshing take on the traditional heroic fantasy genre.
Sundered from us by gulfs of time and stranger dimensions dreams the ancient world of Nehwon with its towers and skulls and jewels, its swords and sorceries. Nehwon’s known realms crowd about the Inne... - #6
In 'Kings of the Wyld' by Nicholas Eames, the story follows a group of retired mercenaries who reunite to embark on one last adventure to save a member's daughter from a dangerous situation. The book is described as a fun and fast-paced fantasy novel with a humorous and self-aware take on the classic epic fantasy genre. The characters are portrayed as lovable, the plot is filled with thrilling and entertaining moments, and the writing style is engaging and easy to follow.
Should you wish to learn what became of those who survived the Battle for Castia, I suggest you visit either your local library or your favorite pub. What you find in the library might be closer to th... - #7
Perdido Street Station by China Mieville is a bizarre and captivating tale set in the steampunky city of New Crobuzon. The story follows a brilliant scientist, a half man half bird seeking help, a half bug half woman artist, a renegade journalist, a self-aware robot, and a pack of monstrous moths on a quest for knowledge, justice, and survival. Filled with intricate world-building, weird creatures, and unexpected twists, the book immerses readers in a richly textured, atmospheric read that blurs the lines between fantasy, horror, and steampunk genres.
The narrative delves into the dense and corrupt city of New Crobuzon, where characters must navigate complex social relations and face hard decisions with consequences. Mieville's writing style, described as dense and heavy, paints a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants, creating a neo-gothic, neo-victorian, and steampunk world. The book is praised for its originality, richly detailed monsters, and the author's ability to handle multiple ideas and themes with brash intelligence and confidence.
A window burst open high above the market. A basket flew from it and arced towards the oblivious crowd. It spasmed in mid-air, then spun and continued earthwards at a slower, uneven pace. Dancing prec... - #8
In "Heroes Die" by Matthew Woodring Stover, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a dystopian world where actors are sent to a parallel universe to entertain the masses with violent and action-packed performances. The main character, Hari Michaelson, plays the role of Caine, a top assassin in the parallel Earth called Overworld. As the story unfolds, Hari must navigate political intrigue, magickal plots, and the desperate race to save his estranged wife, who is in danger in the other world. The book expertly blends elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, and fantasy, offering readers a fast-paced and compelling narrative filled with gritty violence and convoluted betrayals.
The writing style in "Heroes Die" is described as epic and engaging, making readers feel like they are watching an adrenaline-pumping action movie. The book's plot is praised for its twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Hari's quest to rescue his wife amidst the complex societal structures of both Earth and Overworld. Despite its violent and graphic nature, the novel delves into deeper philosophical themes about humanity's fascination with violent entertainment, offering readers a thought-provoking experience alongside the thrilling action sequences.
The bedchamber of Prince-Regent Toa-Phelathon is really pretty restrained, when you consider that the guy in the bed there rules the second-largest empire on Overworld. The bed itself is a modest eigh... - #9
The novel 'The Crafter's Dungeon: A Dungeon Core Novel' by Jonathan Brooks is a subset of the LitRPG genre where the main character, Sandra, a woman turned Dungeon Core, embarks on a journey of crafting and exploring her new world. The plot is exciting all the way without any annoying endings, showcasing creativity in character development and world-building. The book introduces the concept of a Dungeon Core, where Sandra tries to make a difference in her world through her crafting abilities and interactions with different races.
The writing style of Jonathan Brooks is praised for its depth, realism in characterizations, and well-thought-out world-building. The book stands out for its unique take on dungeon core tropes, with a dungeon that aims to be helpful and creative rather than destructive. Readers find the storytelling engaging, with a focus on character growth and ingenuity, making it a compelling read for fans of dungeon core books.
Sandra cursed her fumbling fingers as she caught the small jewel-encrusted knife – by the handle, fortunately – before it could hit the ground, though she stumbled a bit and had to collapse to her kne... - #10
In 'Dungeon Crawler Carl,' readers are thrust into an absurd and violent game-like world where survival means killing monsters and fellow humans Battle Royale style. The protagonist, Carl, stands out as a balance of blue-collar everyman, nerd, and isekai protagonist, navigating through a mix of absurd violence and depravity with close companionship with his cat and complicated feelings towards his ex and father. The writing style is described as modern and idiomatic, with masterful dialogue that elevates fictional craftsmanship while maintaining natural and unaffected character interactions.