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Books matching: ecological system

13 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 13 
  1. #1

    Demon’s Reign - Bloodwood Saga by Ben Galley, David Estes
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    'Demon's Reign' in the 'Bloodwood Saga' by Ben Galley and David Estes is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Tarko, a young man living in a forest civilization within giant bloodwood trees. The book features a rich world-building where magic fueled by tree sap is central to the society. As a demon invasion threatens their world, Tarko and his companions must navigate through betrayals, bravery, and twists to protect their home and the precious nektra. The plot unfolds at a great pace, featuring airborne knights, a coming-of-age story, and a final showdown with the demon king.

    The writing style of 'Demon's Reign' is praised for its detailed world-building, unique magic system, and compelling characters. The narrative is described as intense and spellbinding, with great character development and likable protagonists. Despite a slow start heavy on world-building, the book picks up pace in the later chapters, delivering action-packed sequences and emotional depth in handling stressful situations.


  2. #2

    The Terranauts by T.C. Boyle
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    'The Terranauts' by T.C. Boyle is a novel inspired by the real-life Biosphere 2 project, where eight individuals are chosen to live in a closed ecological system for two years. The book delves into the challenges faced by the Terranauts, exploring themes of human nature, manipulation, commitment, and the dynamics of relationships in a confined environment. Through the perspectives of the characters inside and outside the biodome, Boyle weaves a tale of intrigue, tension, and the complexities of experimental living.

    The plot of 'The Terranauts' revolves around the social and scientific experiment within the closed ecosystem, where the characters struggle with hunger, oxygen levels, personal conflicts, and the scrutiny of the outside world. Boyle's writing style captures the psychological drama of the Terranauts, portraying their interactions, desires, and disappointments as they navigate the challenges of living in isolation while being observed like reality show contestants.

    We were discouraged from having pets—or, for that matter, husbands or even boyfriends, and the same went for the men, none of whom were married as far as anybody knew. I think Mission Control would ha...

  3. #3

    Sixth of the Dusk by Brandon Sanderson
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    'Sixth of the Dusk' by Brandon Sanderson is a Cosmere novella set in a world with unique world-building elements. The story follows Dusk, a trapper specializing in catching magical birds that grant powers, as he navigates dangerous islands filled with deadly creatures. The plot delves into the complexities of the fading native trapping culture, the advances of civilization, and the arrival of an advanced alien race known as The Ones Above.

    The writing style of 'Sixth of the Dusk' is praised for its originality, intricate world-building, and engaging storytelling. The novella explores themes of mystery, adventure, and the clash between traditional practices and technological advancements in a captivating manner.

    Death hunted beneath the waves. Dusk saw it approach, an enormous blackness within the deep blue, a shadowed form as wide as six narrowboats tied together. Dusk’s hands tensed on his paddle, his heart...

  4. 'Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?' by Dave Eggers is a unique and original story told entirely in dialogue, offering a puzzling narrative like a novella. The plot revolves around a psychotic lead character who kidnaps various individuals, engaging them in conversations about societal issues, personal beliefs, and injustices in the world. Through these dialogues, the author delves into themes of mental illness, societal norms, police brutality, and the complexities of human nature.


  5. #5

    Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth by James E. Lovelock
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    In "Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth," James E. Lovelock presents the Gaia Theory, proposing that the Earth is a self-regulating living system. Lovelock is considered the originator of this theory and provides a comprehensive explanation and summary in this book. He explores the interconnectedness of physical and biological sciences to illustrate how Earth functions as a giant living organism. Despite some detours into discussions about Earth's consciousness, the book aims to promote dialogue about viewing our planet as a living entity.

    The book delves into the concept of Gaia having vital organs and maintaining constant conditions for terrestrial life. Lovelock emphasizes the importance of understanding Earth as a complete living system and highlights the need for humans to work with, rather than against, the planet. While some readers appreciate the book's lean writing style and its ability to spark deep understanding of the environment's complexity, others critique its lack of organization and editing.

    As I write, two Viking spacecraft are circling our fellow planet Mars, awaiting landfall instructions from the Earth. Their mission is to search for life, or evidence of life, now or long ago. This bo...

  6. #6

    Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella H. Meadows
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    'Thinking in Systems: A Primer' by Donella H. Meadows delves into the concept of systems thinking, urging readers to look at the world from a broader perspective. It explores how various systems, whether social, corporate, governmental, or human, function with the goal of achieving a specific outcome. Meadows emphasizes the interconnectedness of systems, illustrating how stocks and flows play a crucial role in maintaining the balance within these systems. uses real-world examples like the human body to explain complex systems in a simple and relatable manner, making it accessible to readers from different backgrounds.

    In 1993, Donella (Dana) Meadows completed a draft of the book you now hold. The manuscript was not published at the time, but circulated informally for years. Dana died quite unexpectedly in 2001—befo...

  7. #7
    Deep Wizardry
    Book 2 in the series:Young Wizards

    Deep Wizardry - Young Wizards by Diane Duane
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    'Deep Wizardry' by Diane Duane is the second book in the 'Young Wizards' series and follows the protagonists Nita and Kit as they navigate their roles as young wizards. The story revolves around ecological issues off the New York coast, where Nita and Kit must work together to communicate with marine life, shapeshift, and tackle the consequences of human actions on the environment. The writing style is described as immersive, with a focus on character development and the intricate magical system that requires effort and learning to master.

    Nita slipped out the back door of the beach house, careful not to let the rickety screen door slam, and for a second stood silently on the back porch in the darkness. It was no use. “Nita”—her mother’...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Young Wizards )

  8. #8

    Son of the Storm - The Nameless Republic by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
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    'Son of the Storm' is set in the ancient city of Bassa where an outsider with pale skin arrives, bringing a mythic magic that could change the lives of the characters forever. The story follows the young scholar Danso, who is biracial and faces racism due to his light skin, as he navigates the intricate societal fabric of Bassa. Alongside his intended, Esheme, and her mother Nem, they are drawn into a world of power struggles and ancient magic that threatens to unravel the very society they live in. The narrative explores themes of racial discrimination, political tensions, and gender conflicts within a richly established West Africa inspired setting.

    The writing style of 'Son of the Storm' is praised for its unique voice, intricate world-building, and complex characters. The narrative unfolds slowly, gradually revealing the characters' internal struggles and societal dynamics, culminating in a story filled with awe, wonder, fear, and the pursuit of power. Despite some pacing issues and forced exposition, the book delves into themes of environmental exploitation, racial prejudice, and the consequences of wielding forgotten magic, offering a fresh and politically charged fantasy tale that stands out from traditional Western fantasy novels.

    For a multitude of seasons before Oke was born, the travelhouse had offered food, wine, board, and music—and for those who had been on the road too long, companionship—to many a traveller across the S...

  9. 'The New Human Rights Movement: Reinventing the Economy to End Oppression' by Peter Joseph delves into a comprehensive analysis of our economic model, tracing its roots back to the Neolithic Revolution and its evolution into the current free market system. Through a detailed examination of the origins of poverty, ecological destruction, and the market system of trade, the author offers a visionary perspective on how to address the challenges faced under late-stage capitalism. The writing style combines a historical narrative with a forward-thinking approach, proposing a new economic model that challenges traditional ideologies like capitalism and Marxism.

    FIGURE 1A. While incomplete, this conceptual graphic represents the biological, psychological, and social (biopsychosocial) influences that intersect to define the health and character of a human b...

  10. #10

    2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson
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    "2312" by Kim Stanley Robinson is a science fiction novel set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. The story follows the protagonist, Swan, as she navigates through a complex web of relationships, mysteries, and political intrigues across different planets and habitats. The writing style of the book is described as ambitious, with a focus on world-building and exploring themes such as future technologies, gender expression, and societal structures.

    From the moment Kiran saw the woman his cousins had grabbed, everything changed. She was old, tall, good-looking. She moved as if she were swimming. He knew immediately that she was a spacer, and that...

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