Books matching: detailed world building
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- #1
Flesh Eater is a fantasy novel set in a world populated entirely by anthropomorphic animals. The story follows Coal, a likable fox on the run from his past, as he navigates through gangsters, a spider race, a mysterious artifact, unexpected romance, and the promise of a more significant quest. The book is praised for its originality, dark themes, and the depth of emotion portrayed by the animal characters, making it a captivating and satisfying read for those who enjoy fantasy with a unique twist.
Travis M. Riddle showcases his talent for world-building in Flesh Eater, creating a beautifully detailed world of Ruska that is both wondrous and macabre. The novel weaves a character-driven story that draws readers in with exciting, animal-based fantasy adventures, original creatures, and settings, all while delivering unexpected twists and turns that keep the readers engaged until the end.
- #2
The Atlas of Middle-Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad is a comprehensive collection of maps covering the geography of Middle Earth as depicted in Tolkien's works. The book includes detailed maps of various locations mentioned in Tolkien's writings, providing day-by-day routes followed by characters like Frodo and the Fellowship during their journeys. The book is praised for its accuracy and usefulness in helping readers visualize the land of Middle Earth, making it a fantastic reference for fans of Tolkien's works.
- #3
Isolate by L.E. Modesitt Jr. is the opening book in the Grand Illusion series, set in the country of Guldor, a world reminiscent of a steampunk era after a fall of a former technological civilization. The story follows Dekkard, a highly trained bodyguard who is impervious to empaths, in a world where political intrigue and projective empaths play a significant role. The narrative delves into the nitty-gritty of politics, legislation, and combating corruption, set against a backdrop of a society on the brink of change.
The writing style of Modesitt in Isolate is detailed and immersive, capturing the minutiae of Dekkard's daily life and political challenges. The worldbuilding is well thought out, presenting a gaslamp world with steam engines and no electricity, where the characters are believable and the storytelling flows effortlessly. Despite the slower pace and focus on political intricacies, the novel weaves in elements of humor, tragedy, and poetic prose, creating an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.
- #4
'City of Last Chances' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a fantasy novel set in the city of Ilmar, which has been occupied by the Palleseen for three years. The city is divided into factions of resistance, including old aristocrats, scholars, thugs, killers, and unions. Outside the city lies the grove, the Port of Nowhere, offering an escape to other worlds when there seems to be no other option. The plot revolves around a revolutionary conspiracy collision where all story threads come together at a breakneck pace, leading to a city in crisis and a magical cauldron on the brink of boiling over. The characters are engaging and believable, offering insights into their motivations and desires as events cascade from bad to worse.
The writing style of 'City of Last Chances' is described as brilliantly realized, featuring fantastic characters and a plot that rockets along with great prose. Adrian Tchaikovsky weaves a deep, layered, and believable world, incorporating elements of magic, mayhem, gods, demons, and human struggles within the city of Ilmar. offers a fast-paced and interesting story from multiple perspectives, culminating in a surprising and satisfying open ending that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
- #5
The Eye of the World, the first book in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, follows the epic journey of two young women and three young men as they leave their small village in the Two Rivers. The series introduces readers to a richly detailed world with a well-thought-out magic system and a diverse cast of characters. The plot is filled with adventure, danger, magic, darkness, and brave deeds, capturing the readers' imagination and keeping them on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in The Eye of the World is described as well-written, fast-paced, and engaging, with a richly detailed world that immerses readers into the story. The book sets the bar high for the rest of the series, delivering a stirring tale of small-town folk who find themselves embroiled in a frightening scenario beyond their wildest imaginations. Despite some comparisons to other fantasy stories, The Eye of the World is praised for being the beginning of a unique series that offers a fresh take on the epic fantasy genre.
The palace still shook occasionally as the earth rumbled in memory, groaned as if it would deny what had happened. Bars of sunlight cast through rents in the walls made motes of dust glitter where the... - #6
'The Final Empire' in the 'Mistborn' series by Brandon Sanderson follows the story of Vin, a young thief with extraordinary abilities, as she becomes involved in a plot to overthrow the immortal emperor. Set in a world plagued by slavery, crime, and political corruption, the story unfolds with intricate magical systems and complex characters facing moral dilemmas and making compromises. The rebellion to dethrone the seemingly unkillable Lord Ruler and free the oppressed Skaa forms the central conflict, providing a mix of action, intrigue, and character development.
Vin watched the downy flakes drift through the air. Leisurely. Careless. Free. The puffs of soot fell like black snowflakes, descending upon the dark city of Luthadel. They drifted in corners, blowing... - #7
In the book 'A Memory Called Empire' by Arkady Martine, Mahit is a young diplomat from a small space station who is sent to a colonizing empire after the mysterious death of her predecessor. Equipped with a brain implant that contains her predecessor's memories, Mahit finds herself immersed in palace intrigue and political complexities, struggling to navigate a world obsessed with language and cultural nuances. The story unfolds as Mahit questions her loyalty to her own people while trying to uncover the truth behind her predecessor's death and the empire's hidden agendas.
'A Memory Called Empire' is a complex science fiction saga that delves into themes of political intrigue, cultural identity, and personal relationships. The book follows Mahit's journey as she grapples with the complexities of the Teixcalaanli Empire, where every action and conversation holds deeper meanings, and trust is a scarce commodity in a world of shifting allegiances and hidden motives.
And from behind the curve of the large gaseous planet at coordinate B5682.76R1, the Emperor Twelve Solar-Flare arose on the bow of her ship, and she was a radiant blaze flooding all of the void. The r... - #8
'Gardens of the Moon' in the series 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson introduces readers to a vast and complex world filled with intricate plots and fascinating characters. The story weaves together multiple storylines that eventually converge, creating a rich and compelling narrative that challenges readers with its depth and scope. Erikson's writing style immerses readers in a world where alliances shift, actions are complex, and choices have profound consequences, all while exploring themes of power, magic, and the involvement of gods in mortal affairs.
“Prod and pull,” the old woman was saying, “’tis the way of the Empress, as like the gods themselves.” She leaned to one side and spat, then brought a soiled cloth to her wrinkled lips. “Three husband... - #9
Set in 7th century Britain, 'Hild' follows the early years of a young woman who later became known as St. Hilda of Whitby. The book delves into the historical details of life among the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, exploring the interactions and exchange of new religions and ideas during this tumultuous time. The narrative vividly brings to life the political and violent society of seventh-century Britain, as well as the evolving transition from paganism to Christianity and tribalism to a new destination. The story primarily focuses on Hild's growth from a little girl to a young woman, navigating her role as a seer with great observational and predictive abilities.
The book is praised for its rich historical fiction, intricate storytelling, and detailed world-building. It offers a deep exploration of gender and sexuality, portraying a complex and intriguing main female character in a dense, long novel that immerses readers in the daily life and challenges faced by women in a community thriving amidst blood, death, plots, and double-crosses. The author, Nicola Griffith, deftly weaves together elements of history, imagination, and intricate character development, creating a compelling narrative that engages readers with its lyrical language and evocative descriptions of seventh-century England.
THE CHILD’S WORLD CHANGED late one afternoon, though she didn’t know it. She lay at the edge of the hazel coppice, one cheek pressed to the moss that smelt of worm cast and the last of the sun, listen... - #10
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is a dark fantasy novel that delves into a world filled with political intrigue, impending war, and morally ambiguous characters. Set in a medieval-like world, the story follows multiple characters such as Logen Ninefingers, Inquisitor Glokta, and Captain Luthar, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. The plot weaves together their stories as they navigate through a world on the brink of change, with war looming and alliances shifting. Abercrombie's writing style is characterized by its gritty realism, grounded characters, and a focus on the inner thoughts and struggles of the protagonists.
Logen opened his eyes a crack. Light, blurry bright through leaves. This was death? Then why did it hurt so much? His whole left side was throbbing. He tried to take a proper breath, choked, coughed u...