Books matching: elaborate descriptions
100 result(s)
- #1
Icefalcon's Quest is a continuation of the Darwath series, focusing on the character Icefalcon, a White Raider with a mysterious past. The story follows Icefalcon's journey to rescue the young king Tir, who has been kidnapped by an old enemy. Set in a world filled with necromancy, madness, and old enmities, the book delves into themes of heroism, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by the characters. The writing style by Barbara Hambly is described as detailed, with rich character development and a focus on world-building.
Had the Icefalcon still been living among the Talking Stars People, the penalty for not recognizing the old man he encountered in the clearing by the four elm trees would have been the removal of his ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Darwath ) - #2
In "Stealing Heaven" by Madeline Hunter, readers are transported to the medieval age where the story revolves around Marcus of Anglesmore and Nesta. Marcus, ordered by King Edward to marry the heir of a Welsh estate to prevent rebellion, meets Nesta by chance and sparks fly between them despite their conflicting allegiances. The plot unfolds with a constant battle of wills between the strong, proud heroine Nesta and the intelligent and dutiful knight Marcus, as they navigate love, duty, and betrayal amidst the backdrop of medieval England and Wales. The novel is praised for its historical details, with Hunter's authentic voice and dialogue capturing the period's diction and values, making the story a compelling blend of romance and intrigue.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Medieval ) - #3
'Rabbit at Rest' by John Updike is the fourth and final installment in the Rabbit Angstrom series, following the life of Harry Rabbit Angstrom in his hometown near Brewster, Pennsylvania. The book delves into Rabbit's midlife crises, his relationships with his family, particularly his son Nelson, and the conflicts that arise within the family. Set in the late 80s, the novel captures the essence of American life during that time period, exploring themes of family dynamics, societal mores, and personal introspection. Updike's writing style intricately weaves together detailed observations, vivid descriptions, and inner narratives, providing a deep insight into Rabbit's character and his journey through life.
STANDING amid the tan, excited post-Christmas crowd at the Southwest Florida Regional Airport, Rabbit Angstrom has a funny sudden feeling that what he has come to meet, what’s floating in unseen about...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rabbit Angstrom ) - #4Droodby:
'Drood' by Dan Simmons is a captivating historical literary mystery that delves into the friendship and rivalry between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. The story is narrated through the eyes of Wilkie Collins, who recounts the final years of Dickens' life after a near-fatal train accident and his obsession with a mysterious figure named Drood. The novel weaves a tale of intrigue, darkness, and madness, exploring the complexities of Dickens and Collins' relationship and the haunting inspiration behind Dickens' unfinished work, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'
I was out of town on the day of my friend’s disaster at Staplehurst, so it was a full three days after the accident that I received a message from my younger brother, Charles, who had married Dickens’... - #5
In Bendigo Shafter, readers are taken on a journey of a boy growing into manhood, shouldering responsibilities, and becoming a well-respected member of his community. The novel follows Bendigo's experiences in helping create a town with a solid foundation, where weak and strong individuals stand together against various challenges like blizzards, outlaw raids, and invasions. The story is told in a thoughtful manner, from Bendigo's point of view, as he travels west with his family to set up a new town in the wilderness. The book captures the essence of survival in the wild, house building, tree harvesting, and various other aspects of frontier life.
“Their mother was a fine girl, a very fine one.” He looked up at me. “I knew her before. Long ago. She was ill. In very bad shape. So was the boy. I knew they had people in New Orleans, and if I could...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures ) - #6
'The Old Curiosity Shop' by Charles Dickens follows the story of Little Nell and her grandfather as they are driven from their home by the evil Quilp. The duo embarks on a journey across England, facing hardships and encountering various characters along the way. The novel delves into themes of poverty, innocence, and the contrast between good and evil, all portrayed through Dickens' signature blend of humor and pathos.
Night is generally my time for walking. In the summer I often leave home early in the morning, and roam about fields and lanes all day, or even escape for days or weeks together; but, saving in the co... - #7
Readers describe "The Island of the Day Before" as a fictional historical biography set in the 17th century, involving a protagonist stranded between two islands on opposite sides of the international date line. The book delves into themes of memory, love, loss, and redemption, with a narrative that includes flashbacks, philosophical discussions, and historical information. The writing style is praised for being highbrow, well-written, and featuring continuous digressions akin to "Moby Dick."
Itake pride withal in my humiliation, and as I am to this privilege condemned, almost I find joy in an abhorrent salvation; I am, I believe, alone of all our race, the only man in human memory to have... - #8
'Silas Marner' by George Eliot is a classic novel set in the early Nineteenth Century, telling the tale of a weaver named Silas Marner who isolates himself in a small village after facing betrayal in his hometown. The story revolves around Silas's transformation from a bitter recluse to a loving parent figure when he adopts an orphaned child, Eppie. The book explores themes of redemption, love, and the power of human connection, all set in a rural English backdrop before the Industrial Revolution. George Eliot's writing style is praised for its dialogue, dialect, diverse characters, and empathetic portrayal of the poor, making it a timeless and moving tale.
In the days when the spinning-wheels hummed busily in the farmhouses—and even great ladies, clothed in silk and thread-lace, had their toy spinning-wheels of polished oak—there might be seen in distri... Sex Wars by Marge Piercy is a historical fiction novel set in Gilded Age New York, focusing on the battle for women's equality in the late 19th century. The book intertwines the stories of real historical figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Victoria Woodhull, and Anthony Comstock with a fictional character named Freydeh Levin, a Jewish Russian immigrant. The narrative delves into the struggles faced by women in a society where they had limited control over their own bodies, legal matters, and freedom, shedding light on important historical events and figures through meticulous research and storytelling.
VICTORIA WAS READING the enormous book their landlady on Greene Street kept in her parlor. She was lying in bed with her temporary lover, Charlie, who was sleeping in on his back, snoring lightly She ...- #10
'The Coming Race' by Edward Bulwer-Lytton is a 19th-century novella that delves into the discovery of an underground civilization called the Vril ya. The story follows an encounter between the unnamed narrator and this advanced race who possess a limitless source of power called vril, which enables them to do anything they please, whether creative or destructive. The narrative primarily focuses on the culture and societal structure of the Vril ya, where women dominate intellectual life and courtship rituals, presenting an intriguing alien mindset that allows exploration of contemporary issues like evolution and women's rights. Despite being a seminal piece of 19th-century science fiction, the book is critiqued for its slow pacing and lack of incident, with the plot serving as an extended description of the unique civilization rather than a traditional adventure narrative.
I am a native of _____, in the United States of America. My ancestors migrated from England in the reign of Charles II.; and my grandfather was not undistinguished in the War of Independence. My famil...