Books matching: financial and political intrigue
5 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set in 15th century Holland, "The Folly of the World" by Jesse Bullington follows the journey of a disenfranchised son, Jan, who is separated from his fortune due to class customs and a great flood. Teaming up with a psychotic henchman, Sander, and a poor sea diver, Jan embarks on a quest to reclaim his wealth amidst civil strife. The novel blends historical knowledge with elements of violence, graphic sex, the supernatural, and dark humor, creating a compelling narrative that delves into Dutch politics of the time.
The story unfolds in a late Middle Ages Renaissance setting with magical elements, where a fiesty teenage shellfish gatherer, a psychotic henchman, and his ruthless gay lover navigate a freshly flooded Holland. As the trio navigates through financial and political intrigue, the narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of fortune in a world rife with violence and deception.
A hush fell over the dingy, cramped tavern. Such an occurrence was not particularly rare, requiring little more than a dirty joke, even a bewhiskered one, but quiet the place did, and the handsome str... - #2
Save:The Folding Knife by K.J. Parker is a gripping tale following the life of Basso the First Citizen, a character with charisma and grand schemes. The story delves into the realms of politics, economics, and warfare, focusing on Basso's rise to power and eventual downfall. The book is praised for its detailed exploration of financial strategies, political maneuvering, and the intricate relationships between characters, all set in a world with strong world-building elements.
Basso's mother assessed her. About her own age, though she looked much older; a foreigner, most likely a Mavortine (blonde hair, short, fat nose, blue eyes); there were always Mavortines in the city a... - #3
Save:'Paranoia' by Joseph Finder is a fast-paced corporate thriller that follows the story of Adam Cassidy, a corporate slacker who gets caught embezzling money from his employer, Wyatt Enterprises. Facing the threat of prosecution, Cassidy agrees to become a corporate spy for Wyatt's competitor, Trion Systems. As Cassidy infiltrates Trion, he is forced to take increasingly risky actions to steal trade secrets, all while navigating a world of deceit and betrayal. The plot keeps readers on edge as Cassidy's situation becomes increasingly dire, leading to a surprising and explosive ending. Finder's writing style captures the tension and suspense of the high-tech corporate world, with well-developed characters and a cleverly crafted storyline that keeps readers engaged until the final line of the book.
Until the whole thing happened, I never believed the old line about how you should be careful what you wish for, because you might get it. I believe it now. I believe in all those cautionary proverbs ... - #4
Save:The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss is a historical thriller set in post-Revolutionary America, focusing on the power struggle between the Jeffersonians and Federalists, particularly revolving around the establishment of the US Bank and the Whiskey Rebellion. The novel weaves together two seemingly unrelated stories that eventually converge, featuring complex characters, intricate financial chicanery, and rich historical detail that brings the era to life with passion and wit.
It was rainy and cold outside, miserable weather, and though I had not left my boardinghouse determined to die, things were now different. After consuming far more than my share of that frontier delic... - #5
Save:The Magnificent Century by Thomas B. Costain is the second book in the Plantagenets series, focusing on the reign of Henry III in twelfth century England. Costain's writing style brings the historical characters and events alive, making the intricacies of the time period, including the intrigues, battles, and financial chaos, easily understandable and engaging for readers. Despite some challenges with similar names of important individuals, the book provides a smooth and continuous narrative, offering insights into the lives of key figures like Robert Grosseteste, Roger Bacon, and Simon de Montfort.
OCTOBER 19, 1216. King John was dead. The storm which roared about the towers of the Bishop of Lincoln’s castle at Newark and tore at the windows of the room where the royal body lay was sweeping over...
(Also, see 2 recommendations for the series The Plantagenets )
