Books matching: distinct narrative voice
100 result(s)
'The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories' by Susanna Clarke is a collection of short stories set in a Regency era England where magic is intertwined with everyday life. The stories feature female magicians, malevolent fairies, and historical figures like The Duke of Wellington and Mary, Queen of Scots. The writing style is described as dry, highly mannered wit, reminiscent of Jane Austen, with a modern twist that includes elements of sex, violence, and humor.
And if we honour this principle we shall discover that our magic is much greater than all the sum of all the spells that were ever taught. Then magic is to us as flight is to the birds, because then o...Alfred Bester's 'Virtual Unrealities' is a collection of short fiction that showcases his unique perspective on childhood fantasies, time travel, and the consequences of wishes. The stories range from hard Sci-Fi to dark narratives, all delivered in Bester's distinctive writing style that combines rhythm and enchantment with satirical elements. The book explores themes of psychological maturity, delusions, and the need to grow up, all wrapped in playful typesetting and creative storytelling techniques.
There are fighting generals (vital to an army),political generals (vital to an administration),and public relations generals (vital to a war). General Carpenter was a master of public relations. Forth...- #3
Thomas the Rhymer is a prose re-telling of the famous traditional ballad, centering around a minstrel named Thomas who is taken to the land of the Sidhe to live and love for the Queen. The story is narrated from four different viewpoints, providing insight into the emotional growth of Thomas as he navigates his time in Faerieland. Ellen Kushner's writing style brings to life the characters and setting, creating a magical and fantastical world that stays true to the source material while adding depth and detail to the tale.
I don’t like anyone to know that my hearing isn't as good as it used to be, but it's true for all that. There are other ways for a body to keep track of matters, though, and those I know. The start of... - #4
A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris is a novel that intricately weaves together the stories of three generations of Indian women - Rayona, Christine, and Aunt Ida. The book is divided into three parts, each narrated in the first person by a different character, shedding light on their interconnected lives and the family secrets that shape their relationships. The narrative structure allows readers to see the same events from different perspectives, gradually unraveling the complexities of the characters' lives and the impact of their shared past.
The book delves into themes of family relationships, intergenerational trauma, and the consequences of keeping secrets within a family. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the novel explores the struggles, hardships, and emotional burdens faced by the three women as they navigate their identities, histories, and the bonds that tie them together. Through Dorris's skillful storytelling, readers are taken on a poignant journey of discovery, understanding, and the enduring power of kinship.
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"More Than Human" by Theodore Sturgeon explores the concept of human evolution through the unlocking of special powers of the mind, leading to the formation of an aggregate entity known as homo gestalt. The novel is divided into three parts, detailing the coming together of individuals with unique abilities, the transformation and degeneration of the entity, and the life of a talented engineer who encounters this extraordinary being. Sturgeon's writing style is described as poetic, psychological, and philosophical, delving into themes such as identity, isolation, family, and moral development while ultimately conveying a message of hope and transformation.
THE IDIOT LIVED IN a black and gray world, punctuated by the white lightning of hunger and the flickering of fear. His clothes were old and many-windowed. Here peeped a shinbone, sharp as a cold chise... - #6
The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier is the first book in the Warrior Bards series, set in a Celtic-inspired world. The story follows three protagonists - Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau - who are training to be warriors on Swan Island. When the harp of kings goes missing, they are given a mission to find out who took it and return it before the new king's coronation. The book is filled with Celtic folklore, mystical elements, and a blend of magic, set in an old world with a strong focus on character growth and development. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the three main characters, each bringing a unique voice to the story.
The plot of The Harp of Kings is filled with twists and turns, keeping the readers engaged at every chapter. Juliet Marillier's writing style is described as beautiful, building strong female characters and weaving in elements of folklore, mythology, and character development seamlessly. The book also explores themes of friendship, trust, and personal growth, creating a rich and immersive reading experience for fans of fantasy and historical fiction.
A pox on Archu! Why must we fight in a wretched downpour? I hook my left leg around Brocc’s right and throw my full weight backwards, toppling us both to the ground. We roll, coating ourselves with mu... - #7
'Cold Print' by Ramsey Campbell is a collection of stories heavily influenced by Lovecraftian themes and the Cthulhu Mythos. Campbell's writing style evolves throughout the stories, starting with traditional Lovecraftian elements and gradually moving towards a more contemporary and unique approach. explores dark and corrupted settings, ancient gods, and forbidden knowledge, all while building a parallel mythology set in Britain that adds new creatures and entities to the Lovecraftian universe.
Epilogue by Etzoli is a dark fantasy novel that delves into the challenges faced by three teenagers who return from a fantasy world to their normal lives on modern Earth. The book explores the struggles of the characters as they try to reintegrate into society after experiencing war, loss, and a vastly different culture. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, offering distinct voices that gradually reveal more about their past and present dilemmas.
The narrative style of Epilogue is concise yet impactful, with a brisk pace that maintains suspense and keeps readers engaged. The author skillfully weaves together the characters' experiences and emotions, creating a story that is thought-provoking and engaging. Through subtle shifts in tone and prose, the book provides a deep exploration of the characters' struggles and the challenges they face in transitioning from fantasy heroes to ordinary teenagers.
Disoriented didn’t even begin to describe my mind at that moment. My lungs rasped for air. I swallowed a long, deep breath, finally opening my eyes to the dark ceiling above. I sat up, leaning again...The Knife Thrower and Other Stories by Steven Millhauser is a collection of twelve unusual stories that delve into themes of imagination, magic, and the human experience. The stories present absurd and fantastic premises, such as a knife thrower who pushes his art to the limit, a man marrying a big frog, and young girls gathering in darkness for mysterious reasons. The writing style is described as seamless and clear, with a focus on slow-paced meditations on unusual concepts and aspects of being human, rather than traditional story structures like beginnings, middles, and endings.
WHEN WE LEARNED that Hensch, the knife thrower, was stopping at our town for a single performance at eight o’clock on Saturday night, we hesitated, wondering what we felt. Hensch, the knife thrower! D...- #10
In "Swerve" by Sherilee Gray, Shay, a graphic designer, finds herself in a series of unfortunate events including a breakup with her abusive ex-boyfriend boss and the passing of her grandmother. On the other hand, Hugh, a man dedicated to fixing his family's mistakes, is involved in criminal activities to pay off a debt. Their paths cross unexpectedly, leading to a steamy romance filled with chemistry and obstacles for them to overcome. The book delves into themes of self-worth, romance, and personal growth, with a writing style that captures intimate moments and character development effectively.