Books matching: entertaining narrative
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Taking of K-129' by Josh Dean is a detailed and engaging account of one of the most complex and secretive intelligence operations of the Cold War. It narrates the daring covert mission where the CIA used Howard Hughes as a cover to recover a sunken Soviet submarine, K-129, from the depths of the ocean. intricately weaves together the stories of real-life spies, brilliant engineers, government subterfuge, and audacious schemes, providing a riveting tale of espionage, risk-taking, and pushing the boundaries of technology during the Cold War era.
The narrative style of the book guides readers through the knotted history of Cold War intelligence gathering and the covert operation to retrieve the Soviet sub, K-129. It delves into the intricate details of the construction of the Glomar Explorer retrieval vessel, the challenges faced by the engineering teams, and the political maneuvering involved in maintaining secrecy. offers a lively and engaging account of the characters involved, from covert operatives to young engineers, painting a vivid picture of a high-stakes mission shrouded in secrecy and intrigue.
As he often did in the morning, Curtis Crooke was reviewing projects with members of his engineering staff when his intercom chimed. A resolute rail of a man with buzzed hair and metal-rimmed Wayfarer... - #2
Save:'Princess Daisy' by Judith Krantz is a captivating novel that follows the journey of the titular character, Daisy, through her multi-generational backstory and struggles as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her identity as a princess while facing the problems of a commoner. Set in a time period that resonates with readers, particularly those who experienced the 70s, the book immerses the audience in a world of glamour, wealth, beauty, and deviousness. The writing style of Judith Krantz is praised for its ability to bring the characters to life, making them relatable and vibrant against the backdrop of international settings.
The plot of 'Princess Daisy' is a mix of escapism and fantasy, offering readers a delightful romp through a world filled with captivating characters, intriguing storylines, and glamorous settings. The novel's appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a different time and place, allowing them to indulge in a guilty pleasure that has stood the test of time, offering a mix of romance, drama, and sensuality that keeps them engaged until the last page.
We could always shoot this on top of the RCA Building,” Daisy said, walking past the parapet, above which rose a high, metal railing designed to forestall would-be suicides. “They’re not nearly as par... - #3
Save:'Swarm' by B.V. Larson follows the story of Professor Kyle Riggs who witnesses his children being killed and himself being abducted by aliens. The aliens put him through tests and make him a captain of a spaceship, along with other survivors who are now tasked with fighting off an alien invasion. The book combines elements of thrilling sci-fi battles with a male wish-fulfillment fantasy, featuring a mix of engaging plot twists, alien encounters, and the protagonist's journey towards understanding and dealing with the invaders.
The second night—the bad night—started off good. Both my kids were in a fine mood. It was only Tuesday, but school was out next week for summer, and the excitement of the coming vacation had caught up... - #4
Save:'With a Tangled Skein' is the third book in the 'Incarnations of Immortality' series by Piers Anthony. The story follows Niobe Kaftan, a mortal woman who becomes an aspect of Fate, known as Clotho. She must navigate the intricate plots of Satan while trying to ensure that Luna, a key figure in future events, achieves her destiny. The book delves into themes of fate, immortality, and the battle between good and evil. Readers found the plot to be engaging, with elements of fantasy and supernatural woven into a complex narrative structure. However, some opinions noted that the book had a slow pace and felt convoluted at times, leaving room for more editing to enhance the story.
Niobe was the most beautiful young woman of her generation, with hair like buckwheat honey and eyes like the sky on a misty summer morning and a figure that was better imagined than described. But she...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Incarnations of Immortality ) - #5
Save:'The River of Dancing Gods' by Jack L. Chalker follows the story of two individuals from Earth who find themselves transported to a fantasy world where they must navigate through stereotypes and rules set by a committee. The plot involves a unique twist on the traditional fantasy genre, incorporating humor, parody, and originality in the creation of a world where heroes are made and must live with their roles. Chalker's writing style is described as entertaining, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, and engaging with a focus on exploring cliches of the fantasy genre.
She was walking down a lonely stretch of west Texas freeway in the still dark of the early morning, an area where nobody walked and where there was no place to walk to, anyway. She might have been hit... - #6
Save:'With a Single Spell' by Lawrence Watt-Evans follows the journey of Tobas, a wizard's apprentice who is left with only one minor spell after his master's death. Tobas must navigate the world with his limited knowledge of magic, but as he embarks on his adventures, he learns to harness his abilities and delve deeper into the complexities of magic. The book is set in the world of Ethshar, offering readers a glimpse into a well-developed magical system and a light-hearted tone that keeps the action flowing while exploring Tobas' growth as a character.
The little cottage at the edge of the swamp wherein old Roggit had lived out his life was not, strictly speaking, a part of the village of Telven. However, located as it was just over a hill from the ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Legend of Ethshar ) 'The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson' by author Jeffrey Toobin provides a clear and engaging account of the O.J. Simpson trial without delving into excessive legalese or tedious trial transcripts. Readers find it to be an interesting read even years after the trial, gaining insights into the legal process, key players, and the societal issues surrounding the case. Toobin's writing style is praised for presenting a well-rounded view of the events, incorporating his opinions seamlessly without imposing a personal bias.
One after another, the Jaguars, the BMWs, and the odd Porsche pulled off the Avenue of the Stars and slipped into the nearly deserted underground parking garage. The owners of these cars, about two do...- #8
Save:Vampire High by Douglas Rees follows the story of Cody Elliot, a regular high school student who is transferred to Vlad Dracul High, a school filled with vampires. Despite the initial shock, Cody navigates through the challenges of fitting in with his new vampire classmates, particularly by joining the water polo team. As Cody gets to know his unusual friends and unravels the mysteries of the school, he discovers that life at Vlad Dracul is far from ordinary. The book blends humor, teen issues, and supernatural elements to create a light-hearted and entertaining story with surprising character development.
"I see the letters," he said. "And the comments with them. 'Cody has turned in no homework at all for nine weeks.' 'Cody has been absent or tardy every day this quarter.' Oh, this one's a classic. 'Co... - #9
Save:The Boat Who Wouldn't Float by Farley Mowat is a light-hearted tale of woes brought about by the purchase of a sailing boat in Newfoundland. The author, through his book, brings to life many long-forgotten memories and shares his experience of buying a fixer-upper schooner with a friend with the idea of bringing it back from Newfoundland to Ontario. The story follows their efforts over years, facing challenges with the boat's survival and the journey to reach their goal.
I happened to be passing through that town on auction day accompanied by a young lady for whom I had conceived a certain passion. However her passion was primarily reserved for auctions. When she saw ... - #10
Save:'Krondor: The Assassins' is the second in the Riftwar Legacy trilogy, set before the SerpentWar trilogy. It follows the Empire dealing with a sudden influx of assassins in Krondor, with a focus on the characters Jimmy the Hand and William, Pug's natural child. The plot involves mysterious deaths in Krondor that lead to a deeper conspiracy involving various groups working together, culminating in a quest to keep the kingdom safe and unravel the labyrinth of plots.
(Also, see 4 recommendations for the series The Riftwar Legacy )
