Books matching: emotional investment in characters
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'War Dogs' by Greg Bear is a military sci-fi novel that follows Master Sergeant Michael Venn and his squad as they are sent to Mars to fight against Earth's enemies, the Antags. The story unfolds through flashbacks and present-day events, revealing a mysterious underground mining facility on Mars and the involvement of enigmatic aliens who provide advanced technology to Earth in exchange for fighting on their behalf.
The writing style of 'War Dogs' is fast-paced and engaging, with a focus on soldier's experiences and the complexities of war. The narrative provides glimpses of alien presence, evolution, and technologies, as well as the cultural differences between Earth and the beings behind the war effort.
I’M WITH TAK AND KAZAK. I think it was DJ and maybe Vee-Def and Michelin I saw thrashing away through the last of our puff sunrise. They may be no more than a klick or two off. The fasces apparently s...- #2
The Night Garden by Lisa Van Allen is a magical love story that revolves around Olivia and Sam, set in a farm with a maze and bountiful garden. The garden holds mysterious powers, offering answers to those who venture into its depths. However, alongside its beauty lies a dark secret - Olivia's condition that causes harm to others. The narrative unfolds with a blend of magical realism, focusing on themes of love, loss, and external influences affecting individuals. The book portrays vivid descriptions of the enchanting garden, reflecting the inner struggles and trials faced by the main characters as they navigate through danger and self-discovery.
The writing style of Lisa Van Allen in The Night Garden has been praised for its allegorical nature, engaging plot, and unique character development. The story weaves elements of magical realism seamlessly, drawing readers into a world where reality intertwines with the supernatural. The author's imaginative portrayal of the Pennywort farm as a magical and mysterious place, coupled with the complexities of the characters' relationships and struggles, creates a captivating narrative that lingers in the minds of readers long after finishing the book.
“No,” Gloria said. “But I know they’re doing it.” She made a noise that was halfway between a sigh and a huff, and then dropped her binoculars on the nylon strap around her neck. Her hair scrolled int... - #3
Among Thieves by M.J. Kuhn is a fantasy heist novel that follows Ryia and a group of misfit characters as they embark on a dangerous mission to steal an artifact known as The Quill. Each character has their own secrets and motivations, leading to a web of betrayal and deception as they navigate through a gritty and realistic world filled with magic and danger. The story is fast-paced, with multiple points of view that allow readers to become emotionally invested in each character's journey.
There were guards nearby. Ryia could smell them—and not just because they stank of wine. She ducked into an archway, pressing her back against the stone and holding her breath. They clanked past in ne... - #4
'The Forbidden Man' by Karina Halle is a romance novel that explores a forbidden relationship between Thalia, a physical therapist, and Alejo, a professional soccer player. Despite the age gap between them, their connection is deep and soulful, leading to a passionate and intense romance that defies the rules. The book is set in Spain, adding to the allure of the story, and the author skillfully builds the relationship between Thalia and Alejo, making it both angsty and romantic.
Halle's writing style in 'The Forbidden Man' is captivating, drawing readers in from the gut-wrenching prologue to the heartwarming epilogue. The characters, especially Alejo, are well-developed and charismatic, making it hard for readers to put the book down. The forbidden nature of the relationship, the emotional depth of the characters, and the immersive storytelling all contribute to a romance that is both intense and unforgettable.
“He’s coming home! Grab your little brother and hide,” my mother hisses at me. She puts her frail hands at my back and pushes me toward Armando who is sitting on the couch and squinting at the fuzzy s... - #5
'The Eagle and the Raven' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel set during the Roman conquest of Britain, focusing on the Boudiccan revolt and the betrayal of Caradoc Caractacus. The story follows Caradoc, the chief's son of the Catuvellauni, as he leads the native British tribes in their fight against the Roman invaders. The novel beautifully captures the sense of time and place, immersing the reader in the ancient Britons' desperate struggle for freedom against Roman domination. The battle scenes are vividly described, evoking the sights and sounds of clashes between tribes and Romans, leaving the reader breathless and emotionally invested in the characters' hardships.
CARADOC PUSHED HIS WAY through the dense thicket of briars and found himself out in the open at last, free of the forest’s somber shadows. With a sense of weak relief, he sheathed his sword, hugged hi... - #6
A group of young people vacationing in Mexico venture into the jungle in search of a missing brother, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare as they encounter an ancient and otherworldly presence that leads to horrific and terrifying events. The story unfolds in a remote location, with the characters making bad decisions that result in a collapse of their society, while the environment becomes increasingly hostile, mirroring the deterioration of their relationships.
The plot of the book revolves around a group of tourists facing peril in the Mexican jungle, where they are confronted by killer vines that manipulate and terrorize them. The narrative is filled with tension, suspense, and horror, as the characters struggle to survive the sinister forces at play, leading to a gripping and gruesome conclusion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
I want to thank my wife, Elizabeth Hill, my editor, Victoria Wilson, and my agents, Gail Hochman and Lynn Pleshette, for their very generous assistance in the completion of this book. The following pe... - #7
Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid is a romantic comedy that follows the quirky and socially awkward Janie Morris who, after losing her boyfriend, job, and apartment in a single day, finds herself entangled with the mysterious and handsome Quinn Sullivan. The story revolves around their unconventional relationship, filled with humor, quirky characters, and unexpected twists. Penny Reid's writing style is described as smart, funny, and engaging, with a touch of wackiness that keeps the readers entertained and emotionally invested in the journey of Janie and Quinn.
Sitting on the toilet, I started to panic when I noticed the graveyard of empty toilet paper rolls. The brown cylinders had ostensibly been placed vertically to form a half oval on top of the flat shi... - #8
'The Power of the Dog' by Don Winslow is a dark and gripping novel that delves into the morally conflicted world of the American Drug War, specifically focusing on the drug trade between Mexico and the United States. The book spans over several decades, following the rise of brutal Mexican drug lords, the pursuit by dedicated DEA agents, and the intertwining of various criminal elements including the Mafia, CIA, and corrupt government officials. The writing style is described as compelling, gripping, and expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its themes of fate, vengeance, power, and the consequences of individual decisions.
Winslow's novel is praised for its epic sweep through the complexities of the drug trade, delivering a heart-thumping page-turner that resonates long after the final page. The characters created by Winslow are lauded for their depth and realism, with readers finding themselves emotionally invested in their journeys. The book skillfully weaves together history and crime fiction, offering a raw and violent portrayal of the Mexican drug cartels and the futile war on drugs, while also shedding light on the political and economic aspects of the conflict.
Campesinos—Mexican peasant farmers—trot in front of the flames, clutching the few possessions they could grab before the soldiers put the torch to their village. Pushing their children in front of the... - #9
'Wild Country' by Anne Bishop is a story set in the same world as 'The Others' series, focusing on the frontier town of Bennett where humans and terra indigene must learn to coexist. The plot revolves around the aftermath of a war between humans and the Others, the resettlement of Bennett under the control of terra indigene, and the challenges faced by characters like Jana, a human deputy, and Virgil, an alpha of the pack. The writing style combines elements of dark fantasy, humor, and fast-paced storytelling, with a focus on rich character relationships and world-building.
Jana Paniccia followed the gravel paths through the memorial park. There were no cemeteries on the continent of Thaisia, no individual gravestones, no family mausoleums unless you were very rich. Citi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Others ) - #10
In "In Want of a Wife" by Jo Goodman, Morgan Longstreet sends for a mail order bride, only to be surprised by the strong-willed Jane Middlebourne who is hiding secrets that put them both in danger. The book offers a slow-burn romance with realistic character development and a mix of passion, intelligence, chemistry, and humor. The plot includes a marriage of convenience trope set in the historical western setting of Bitter Creek, Wyoming, with well-written banter and delightful side characters adding depth to the story.
Hearing his name, Morgan Longstreet broke stride. He avoided trampling eleven-year-old Finn Collins because the boy was as slippery as quicksilver and scuttled sideways at the last possible moment. Mo...