Books matching: exciting pace with humor
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- #1
Save:Inventive, action-packed, and intelligent - The Rising builds beautifully on the series with engaging characters and philosophical depth. A must if you enjoyed the first book, but newcomers should definitely start with The Mechanical!
The Rising in the Alchemy Wars series by Ian Tregillis is a continuation that builds on the original world and characters, focusing on the intertwined stories of two brilliant and ruthless women, a freed mechanical servitor finding his moral code, and the philosophical reflections interwoven with action and adventure. The story delves into questions of free will, the nature of evil, and the consequences of humanity's reliance on mechanical servants in an alternative 1800s setting where the Dutch control thinking machines.
As had become his custom in recent mornings, Hugo Longchamp, captain of the guard of Marseilles-in-the-West, climbed the tallest tower in New France to await the end of the world. Doom had proved slow...December 2015•480 pages
(Also, see 31 recommendations for the series The Alchemy Wars ) - #2
Save:A delightfully cozy, laugh-out-loud British rom-com with a big heart - a perfect festive escape when you want guaranteed good feels.
In "The Twelve Dates of Christmas" by Jenny Bayliss, Kate Turner, a fabric designer living in a small village, embarks on a journey of twelve blind dates set up by a dating app in the run-up to Christmas. As Kate navigates through the different venues and partners, she discovers more about herself and the true meaning of love. The heartwarming and funny plot, narrated from Kate's perspective, follows her as she balances family issues, a blossoming social life, and the search for 'Mr. Right' amidst the festive season.
Kate Turner stepped gingerly on the crisp ice-dusted leaves and tried not to slip and land on her backside. She couldn’t see where she trod because of the large plastic containers in her arms. The sky...October 2020•387 pages - #3
Save:A grisly, action-packed creature feature that's perfect for those who love their horror fast, furious, and fiendishly fun; just be ready for a wild and bloody ride.
Savage Species by Jonathan Janz is a fast-paced horror novel that follows a group of characters, including reporters and campers, as they face unimaginable terror after a horrific event is unleashed at the Peaceful Valley Nature Preserve. The story is filled with high-octane action sequences, well-defined pages of chaos, and terrifying monsters that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. Janz expertly crafts life-like characters that readers can empathize with, while also creating antagonists that are easily hated, adding layers of depth and tension to the narrative. The book is a full-on gore fest, a creature feature that delivers a roller coaster ride of suspense, gore, and dark, grim storytelling.
Emma gave her friend another sharp glance in the mirror. Not for the first time, Jesse doubted the wisdom of calling the passenger’s seat back at the newspaper. He’d thought sitting next to Emma would...2013•309 pages - #4
Save:An Indian gas station attendant is shot, and a pregnant woman pulls her van into the station, unwittingly contaminating the crime scene already mishandled by the police. This leads to a collaboration between the disgraced reporter, Lee, and the pregnant woman, Andrea, to uncover the truth behind the murder. Together, they unearth a cover-up of another murder spanning over 50 years, all set in a small New Jersey town plagued by racism, inept policing, and deep-rooted secrets. The book delves into themes of justice, friendship, societal issues, and the complexities of human nature, all while delivering a gripping mystery plot with original and insightful protagonists.
June 2021•400 pages - #5
Save:A wildly entertaining, fast-paced noir with a memorable anti-hero - Gun Monkeys is pulp crime fiction at its snarky, blood-soaked best. Perfect for fans of dark humor and hardboiled action.
In 'Gun Monkeys' by Victor Gischler, readers are introduced to Charlie Swift, a skilled gun monkey working for Stan's crew. When things take a turn for the worse with dead cops, missing monkeys, and looming threats, Charlie finds himself in a dangerous predicament. The novel is praised for its fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and a mix of ultraviolence and dark humor that keeps readers hooked till the end.
2001•294 pages - #6
Save:A time-capsule of vintage mystery tropes - fun in its pulpy way, but dated in both style and social attitudes. Enjoy as campy entertainment or a piece of crime fiction history.
The Bat by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a mystery novel originally published in 1926. The story follows an elite, rich, and spunky older lady who rents a country house for the summer along with her skittish Irish maid and niece. The central plot revolves around a mysterious and effective murder burglar dubbed by the frustrated police as The Bat, who has been operating in the vicinity of the country home. The narrative unfolds with nightly noises, strange sights, a dead man who isn't quite dead, and a bank robbery, all leading to a series of mysterious events within the large mansion. The writing style is described as melodramatic, with a touch of humor and twists, as Miss Reinhardt weaves a good tale with a focus on mystery and suspense.
“YOU’VE GOT TO GET him, boys—get him or bust!” said a tired police chief, pounding a heavy fist on a table. The detectives he bellowed the words at looked at the floor. They had done their best and fa...January 1878•223 pages
(Also, see 25 recommendations for the series Miss Cornelia Van Gorder ) - #7
Save:A wildly entertaining, cinematic crime novel with loads of heart - think "True Grit" meets "Breaking Bad." If you’re up for a dark, high-octane, and surprisingly touching ride, bump this to the top of your list!
'She Rides Shotgun' by Jordan Harper is a gripping crime fiction novel that follows Nate McClusky and his eleven-year-old daughter, Polly, as they navigate a dangerous world of violence and crime after Nate becomes the target of a dangerous gang. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with gritty settings like LA, Stockton, and the desert. The relationship between Nate and Polly is at the heart of the novel, showcasing their journey of survival and bonding amidst chaos and danger.
The book explores themes of family, survival, and the lengths a father would go to protect his daughter. Harper's writing style is described as masterful, with a blend of raw emotions, intense action sequences, and well-developed characters that keep readers engaged from start to finish. The narrative unfolds through a series of adrenaline-pumping adventures, making it a compelling and unforgettable read.
Gunfighter eyes just like her dad, her mom would tell her, usually after a few whiskey pops when Mom could talk about her ex-husband without the anger she carried for him poisoning her. She’d crunch i...June 2017•400 pages - #8
Save:A shamelessly macho, explicit military fantasy that's as much wish-fulfillment as action-adventure - gloriously politically incorrect, totally over the top, and definitely not for everyone.
In "Kildar" by John Ringo, the story follows ex-SEAL Mike Harmon who, under the cover name Mike Jenkins, buys a castle in a remote valley in Georgia along with its feudal retainers, the Keldara people. As Harmon establishes himself as the Kildar, the ruler of the valley and its people, he transforms the Keldara into a well-armed militia with the help of military trainers. The book combines elements of action, military training, and the dynamics of leadership as Harmon navigates through challenges and enemies to protect his newfound home and people.
The writing style in "Kildar" is described as entertaining, action-packed, and engaging, with a focus on detailed descriptions of team-building, historical social fantasies, and character development. The book delves into themes of military adventure, adult content, and the complexities of leading a warrior race in a modern setting, providing a mix of excitement, humor, and controversial elements that keep readers intrigued.
Mike Harmon quietly cursed himself as he considered what to do. He'd made some stupid decisions in his life, more than one of which had been nearly fatal, but dying in the Caucasus Mountains in a bliz... - #9
Save:Bold, funny, and groundbreaking, "The Rover" is a lively Restoration romp with sharp social insights. Worth picking up if you’re curious about early female playwrights or in the mood for a clever, chaotic classic.
The Rover by Aphra Behn is a racy comedy set in Naples during carnival time, following the amorous adventures of a group of Englishmen. The plot includes intricate relationships, betrayals, and revenge, all unfolding against the backdrop of a vibrant and lively setting. The writing style is described as rich and fast-paced, with strong character dynamics, witty dialogue, and a blend of humor and depth that keeps the reader engaged. Behn's exploration of sexual politics and gender roles in society adds an intriguing layer to the storyline, making it a thought-provoking read.
1677•159 pages - #10
Save:A solid, adventurous return to the beloved IAD universe packed with action, familiar faces, and a strong heroine - perfect for fans, even if it's not the spiciest entry.
Shadow's Heart is an engaging tale in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, featuring Cosmina, a strong Dacian princess, and Adham on a perilous journey in a monstrous realm. The story unfolds with thrilling adventures, where Cosmina surprises everyone with her combat skills, shaped by her family, while navigating dangerous challenges and unexpected romance with Adham, who has a troubled past.
Kresley Cole's writing shines with dynamic characters and intricate world-building. The plot mixes excitement and clever humor, with a refreshing change of scenery and a host of beloved side characters, including the unpredictable Lothaire. Readers experience a depth of emotion in character transformations and thrilling escapades, leaving them eager for the next installment.
“No, I haven’t. Not in real life, anyway,” she hastily added to avoid the lie. A handful of other types of Loreans made their home in the vampiric kingdom of Dacia, but not a forest lech. “I’ve never...February 2025•378 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Immortals After Dark )
