Books matching: fantastical elements
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- #1
'Collected Stories' by Peter Carey is a collection of surreal and imaginative short stories that explore a variety of themes such as class struggles, political commentary, and twisted realities. The stories range from elements of fantasy and science fiction to dark and pessimistic narratives, all tightly constructed with surprise endings and thought-provoking themes. Carey's writing style is described as a cross between Hemingway's descriptive prose and Flann O'Brien's surreal storytelling, creating a unique blend that captivates readers.
To begin with one must understand the nature of the yearly census, a manifestation of our desire to know, always, exactly where we stand. The census, originally a count of the population, has graduall... - #2
The story revolves around Syd Jarrett, a down-and-almost-out, newly divorced 35-year-old in a dying rural Pennsylvania steel town. To try and cheer himself up, he heads to a local club and gets picked up by Nora, a wild, beautiful woman with a dark secret and a murderous boyfriend on her trail. The first half of the book does an outstanding job of fleshing out Syd and Nora as they enter into a wild affair of sex, booze, and awakenings. Skipp and Spector guide the reader through their emotional tornado with remarkable skill, and end the opening act with a bang. The idea presented in the book is that a wolf lives within some people, albeit latent, waiting for the right set of circumstances and a large amount of provocation.
"Damn," Syd muttered, easing up on the gas, slowing to a 35-m.p.h. crawl. He just thanked God he had the road to himself, no hellbent crystal meth-crazed eighteen-wheelers on his tail. There wasn't mu... - #3
'Cronopios and Famas' by Julio Cortazar is a collection of short pieces divided into four groups, each offering somewhat surreal, hilarious, and at times profound stories. The writing style is whimsical, clever, and truly bizarre, reminiscent of Franz Kafka's strange little tales. The stories are often funny, thought-provoking, and sometimes absurd, creating a unique reading experience that blends humor and depth.
- #4Princess of the Midnight BallBook 1 in the series:The Princesses of Westfalin Trilogy
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George is a charming retelling of the classic fairy tale 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses'. The story follows Galen, a soldier returning home from war, who becomes entangled in the mystery of the twelve princesses who inexplicably wear out their dancing shoes every night. With elements of magic, curses, and bravery, the plot unfolds as Galen, aided by an invisibility cloak and his knitting skills, sets out to break the curse that plagues the princesses. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of suspense, emotion, and adventure, as the story is told from various perspectives, offering a fresh take on a beloved fairy tale.
Exhausted almost beyond the point of thought, Galen nevertheless kept moving forward, alone in the middle of the dusty road. In his head he sang the marching song of his old regiment, but his feet stu... - #5
"Dangerous Angels" by Francesca Lia Block is a compilation of the five enchanting Weetzie Bat stories that revolve around the whimsical and magical life of Weetzie and her eclectic group of friends in L.A. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop of gritty urban reality intertwined with elements of fantasy and magic realism. The characters, such as Weetzie, Witch Baby, and Secret Agent Lover Man, navigate through life's joys and pains, learning lessons and experiencing the extraordinary in their everyday lives.
The writing style of Francesca Lia Block is described as lyrical, magical, and wonderfully strange, with a playful use of language that brings the colorful 1980s urban landscape of L.A. to life. The book captures the essence of adolescence, portraying the messy feelings, excitement, and general angst that come with growing up, all while showcasing the beauty of love and acceptance in a unique and enchanting manner.
The reason Weetzie Bat hated high school was because no one understood. They didn’t even realize where they were living. They didn’t care that Marilyn’s prints were practically in their backyard at Gr... - #6
The story of 'The Counterclockwise Heart' revolves around Prince Alphonsus, who embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his past when the mechanical clock within him starts spinning backward. As he delves into his mysterious origins, aided by a cryptic poem and facing an ominous message, Alphonsus must race against time to find the truth before it's too late. The narrative weaves together elements of Germanic folklore and steampunk, offering a unique blend of fantasy and mystery that captivates readers from start to finish.
The book employs a magical system where each spell is followed by a Balance that challenges the caster, adding depth and cost to the use of magic. Through multiple points of view and a third person omniscient perspective, readers are immersed in a fairy tale-like world where characters navigate themes of truth, survival, and self-discovery. With unexpected twists, engaging character development, and a richly detailed setting, 'The Counterclockwise Heart' presents a compelling story that resonates with middle-grade readers and adults alike.
- #7
'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that follows Shadow, a man fresh out of prison who is recruited by Mr. Wednesday to assist in rallying forgotten gods from various religions across America for an impending clash. The story delves into the concept of gods existing based on belief, exploring a war between old gods and new gods like media and technology. The plot takes readers on a journey filled with myth, magic, dreams, and visions just beneath the surface of reality, set against the backdrop of tacky American tourist spots and idyllic small towns.
Gaiman's writing style in 'American Gods' is described as stunningly beautiful, clever, and surreal, combining elements of philosophy, mythology, humor, and depth. The novel weaves together various religions' gods into a cohesive and engrossing narrative, providing thought-provoking insights on belief, life, and the relationships between humans and their beliefs. The book incorporates twists, interesting characters, and plot developments that keep readers engaged in a journey that works on multiple levels, offering a mix of entertainment and reflection.
The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, on the north we are bounded by the Aurora Borealis, on the east we are bounded by the rising sun, on the south we are bounded by the procession of the Equi... - #8
In "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman, readers are taken on a fantastical journey through the parallel worlds of London Above and London Below. The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, finds himself invisible to the people of London Above after helping a woman named Door, leading him to navigate the dangers and mysteries of London Below. The book is described as a dark fantasy filled with creepy and atmospheric elements, featuring a cast of eccentric characters and a captivating storyline that delves into power struggles and hidden realms beneath the surface of the familiar city.
SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING for four days now, a harum-scarum tumbling flight through passages and tunnels. She was hungry, and exhausted, and more tired than a body could stand, and each successive door was... - #9
"Good Omens" is a witty and humorous take on the end of the world, where an angel and a demon work together to prevent the apocalypse from happening. The story involves a mix-up at a maternity hospital that leads to the Antichrist being raised by the wrong family, setting off a chain of events involving witches, witch hunters, prophecies, and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The writing style is described as clever, funny, and full of gentle humor, blending the unique senses of humor of both Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett seamlessly.
You may be feeling run down and always in the same old daily round. Home and family matters are highlighted and are hanging fire. Avoid unnecessary risks. A friend is important to you. Shelve major de... - #10
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows the story of Linus Baker, a bureaucratic caseworker who is tasked with investigating an orphanage for magical children on Marsyas Island. Through his interactions with the children, including Lucy the Antichrist and other unique characters like a were pomeranian and an endearing blob, Linus undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The book combines elements of fantasy, found family, and queer romance, all wrapped in a heartwarming and enchanting narrative that explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the power of love.
The writing style in The House in the Cerulean Sea is described as charming, delightful, and heartwarming, with a touch of humor and magical realism. The story unfolds with a mix of whimsical elements, poignant moments, and gentle allegory, creating a narrative that celebrates diversity, found family, misfits, and queer love. The characters, especially the magical children, are portrayed with real and relatable emotions, making the book a comforting and uplifting read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.
That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head. The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. Daisy frowned in...