Books matching: engaging pacing
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- #1
Save:A Lesson in Love and Death by W.H. Lockwood follows the adventures of Anna James as she enters the gothic Endymion College with a scholarship in hand. Excitement quickly turns to surprise as Anna discovers her room is haunted, setting off a series of unusual events involving demons, ghosts, and mysterious occurrences. The story is a perfect blend of gothic horror, romance, and academia, with engaging characters and a gripping narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Lockwood's writing style is described as spooky, dreamy, and engagingly crafted, with lush descriptions that bring the world of Endymion College to life. The book features a mix of suspense, humor, and romance, creating a captivating reading experience that keeps readers invested from beginning to end.
August 2022•297 pages - #2
Save:Captain Fracasse is a romantic adventure set in 17th century France. The story follows Baron de Sigognac, a proud nobleman whose wealth has dwindled. He meets a troupe of traveling actors and is captivated by Isabelle, an actress. In an attempt to restore his family’s fortune, he joins their journey to Paris and takes on the role of Captain Fracasse, a bumbling military officer. Throughout the story, he learns about humility and love, leading to an unexpected life renewal.
The writing style is direct and lyrical, typical of Theophile Gautier’s Romantic influence. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the plot unfolds in a straightforward manner. The descriptions of the French countryside and the life of the nobility enrich the narrative. Some readers find the book entertaining and nostalgic, reflecting on both the romantic themes and engaging character sketches. However, the physical presentation of the book can be challenging with large pages that make it difficult to read.
1863•380 pages 'Persians: The Age of the Great Kings' by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is a captivating exploration of the ancient Persian Empire from a fresh perspective. The author delves into the lives of Persian Kings, their courts, and the vibrant culture of the time. Through a blend of historical facts and engaging storytelling, readers are introduced to the rich history of Persia, shedding light on a civilization often misrepresented in Western historical narratives.
The book challenges traditional views of Persian history, aiming to correct misconceptions and present a more balanced portrayal of the Persian Empire. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones weaves together ancient cuneiform documents and archaeological findings to offer readers a deeper understanding of the highly developed and advanced culture of ancient Iran, providing a comprehensive introduction to a civilization that has often been overlooked in mainstream historical accounts.
April 2022•424 pages- #4
Save:Phantom Lady by Cornell Woolrich is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of Scott Henderson, a man accused of murdering his wife under suspicious circumstances. The plot revolves around Henderson's desperate search for a woman he spent an evening with, who could provide him with an alibi to prove his innocence. As the narrative unfolds, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, creating a sense of urgency as the days count down to Henderson's execution. Woolrich's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, suspenseful atmosphere, and skillful character development that immerses readers into the story.
The night was young, and so was he. But the night was sweet, and he was sour. You could see it coming from yards away, that sullen look on his face. It was one of those sustained angers, pent-up but s...January 1942•290 pages - #5
Save:A wild, spicy romp that delivers on its unique premise - just don’t look here for subtlety or tidy endings. Steamy, unpredictable, and perfect if you like your fantasy on the hot side.
Kiss of the Basilisk is a unique romance centered around basilisks, shifters with sexy qualities, and a human character named Tem. The story explores themes of seduction and the tension between humans and basilisks. Characters like Tem, Caspen, and Leo navigate complex emotions and seduction, but some readers felt the world-building was lacking. The plot, while engaging, sometimes got bogged down by repetitive scenes, especially regarding intimacy.
The writing style is fast-paced and easy to read, capturing a range of emotions. Many found Tem to be a standout character, but some struggled with aspects of her personality. The book comprises intense, steamy moments, making it a gripping read despite frustrations with the ending. Readers felt emotionally invested in the characters and wanted to see more complexity in their relationships, leaving them eager for a sequel.
February 2025•528 pages - #6
Save:Imaginative, weird, and darkly funny - it’s a love-it or leave-it portrait of artistic obsession and family fallout. Perfect for those who appreciate off-kilter humor mixed with genuine emotional depth.
'The Family Fang' by Kevin Wilson follows the story of the Fang family, consisting of performance artists Caleb and Camille, and their children Annie and Buster. The parents involve their children in their disruptive art pieces since childhood, leading to a dysfunctional upbringing where the children struggle to establish their own identities separate from their parents' performances. As adults, Annie becomes an actress and Buster an aspiring writer, both trying to break free from their manipulative parents. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, art, self-discovery, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood.
The narrative of 'The Family Fang' is described as whimsical, darkly humorous, and at times disturbing. The writing style is noted for being creative, unique, and engaging, with a plot that unfolds with elements of tension, mystery, and self-destructive tendencies. The story navigates through the complexities of parent-child relationships, showcasing the struggles of the Fang siblings as they come to terms with their unconventional upbringing and strive to find their own paths in life.
Buster was standing in a field in Nebraska, the air so cold the beers he was drinking were freezing as he held them. He was surrounded by former soldiers, a year returned from Iraq, young and strangel...August 2011•336 pages - #7
Save:A standout, thoughtful dystopian read - optimistic, well-paced, and refreshingly different. If you want something more than just survival angst, this series will be your next late-night obsession.
In 'Lethal Seasons' by Alice Sabo, readers are taken on a thrilling post-apocalyptic journey where the world has been decimated by a deadly virus. The story follows a group of survivors who band together to create successful settlements like High Meadow, facing challenges such as rebuilding civilization, dealing with ferocious weather, and combating evil gangs. The plot is filled with suspense, engaging characters like Nick, Angus, and a biobot named Whisp, and a note of optimism that shines through the narrative. The writing style is immersive, with details about life in the settlements revealed gradually, and the use of quotations from a historical book adds depth to the world-building.
GALE FORCE WINDS RAMMED into Nick forcing him back into the train station. Rain slashed at him raking his skin like cold claws. Drenched in a second, half blind against the wind, he staggered into the...August 2014•371 pages - #8
Save:A beautifully written, emotional read perfect for those who love thoughtful romance with rich character development - just be prepared for a slow burn and a touch of inspirational messaging.
Running Barefoot by Amy Harmon is a poignant story of an unlikely friendship between Josie Jo Jenkins, a musically gifted girl, and Samuel Yazzie, an angry and confused Navajo boy. The plot unfolds as Josie teaches Samuel about music, friendship, and life, leading to a deep bond between them. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of a small town in Utah. Despite the predictable nature of the story, readers are drawn into the lives of Josie and Samuel through Amy Harmon's realistic character portrayals and emotional storytelling. The book delves into Navajo myths and traditions, creating a rich tapestry of culture and morals that adds depth to the coming-of-age narrative.
I’ve lived all my life in a small town in Utah called Levan. Levan is located right in the center of the state, and people from the town like to joke about how Levan is ‘navel’ spelled backwards - “We...April 2012•443 pages - #9
Save:'Bodyguard Of Lightning' in the series 'Orcs: First Blood' by author Stan Nicholls is a unique take on Orcs, portraying them as disciplined warriors with a strict code of honor, unlike the chaotic hordes of Tolkien's Mordor. The story follows the Orcs as they navigate a world where Humans are divided into different factions, and the Orcs find themselves battling against evil forces while trying to maintain their noble qualities. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action sequences, and introduces readers to a world where Orcs are the central characters, providing a fresh perspective on traditional fantasy storytelling.
The narrative style of the book attempts to humanize Orcs, depicting them as misunderstood creatures facing moral dilemmas and fighting against oppressive forces. Despite some deviations from traditional Orc characteristics, the book presents a gripping storyline that delves into themes of honor, power struggles, and the clash between different civilizations.
January 1999•304 pages - #10
Save:'Downed' by Jen Frederick is a compelling story about redemption, love, and second chances. The book follows the journey of JR Ace Anderson, a former championship-winning quarterback who is trying to start over with a new team and a better attitude. The plot revolves around Ace's struggles to fit in with his new teammates, his past experiences haunting him, and his unexpected connection with Bryant Johnson, the coach's daughter. The writing style of the book is described as flawless, with a perfect blend of football knowledge and character development, creating a story filled with highs and lows, sadness, betrayal, and hope.
I head to practice wondering what in the hell just happened. I’m not really meeting up for brunch with this chick, right? I mean, she didn’t even give me a chance to respond, so if I’m a no-show, she...
