Books matching: fluctuating pacing
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- #1
Save:Yukio Mishima's 'Spring Snow' is a beautifully written novel that delves into the forbidden love affair between two aristocratic young adults in early 1900s Tokyo. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Japanese society transitioning from feudal tradition to modernity, the story follows Kiyoaki, an aristocrat's son, and his secret relationship with Satoko, a longtime family friend engaged to a prince. Mishima's prose elegantly portrays the clash between social norms and personal desires, creating a poignant narrative that explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the struggle between tradition and modernization.
The novel is a blend of a tragic romance and a commentary on Japanese society, with Mishima's descriptive writing style capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters and the cultural nuances of the time period. Through the characters of Kiyoaki and Satoko, Mishima weaves a tale of love, manipulation, and impending doom, showcasing the complexities of human emotions and the conflicts between individual desires and societal constraints.
WHEN CONVERSATION at school turned to the Russo-Japanese War, Kiyoaki Matsugae asked his closest friend, Shigekuni Honda, how much he could remember about it. Shigekuni’s memories were vague—he just b... - #2
Save:"Stinger" by Robert R. McCammon is a sci-fi horror novel set in a small Texas town named Inferno. The town is facing economic hardships and is on the brink of collapse when an alien spacecraft crash-lands, bringing with it two alien entities - one hostile and one benign. The townspeople must band together, overcoming their differences, to fight off the hostile alien named Stinger. The novel combines elements of alien invasion, possession, and monsters, set against the backdrop of a crumbling town and a diverse cast of characters.
The purple light took on a tint of orange. Muted gray and dull brown gave way to deep crimson and burnt amber. Stovepipe cactus and knee-high sagebrush grew violet shadows, and slabs of rough-edged bo... - #3
Save:"Magician: Apprentice" by Raymond E. Feist follows the story of Pug, a young orphan who becomes an apprentice to a magician named Kulgan in the Kingdom of the Isles. As Pug struggles to master magic under his mentor's guidance, the kingdom faces a threat from the Tsurani invaders from another dimension, leading to a series of events that change the lives of key characters in the story. The plot includes elements such as interplanetary war, elves, dwarves, and a battle between the forces of Order and Chaos, all set in a medieval-style society. The writing style is described as simple, engaging, and enjoyable, with a mix of fantasy tropes and unique twists that keep readers engrossed in the story.
Pug danced along the edge of the rocks, his feet finding scant purchase as he made his way among the tide pools. His dark eyes darted about as he peered into each pool under the cliff face, seeking th... - #4
Save:The Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert is a Christian historical novel set during World War II and its aftermath. The story follows the journey of Gretl, a young German girl, who survives a bomb attack on a train headed to Auschwitz and is rescued by Jakob, a Polish teenager. The plot spans decades and continents, exploring themes of friendship, love, religious and ethnic intolerance, and the impact of war on individuals. Joubert's writing style is authentic and mesmerizing, providing readers with a powerful and emotional read that delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the importance of faith.
Jakób Kowalski moved the heavy bag to his other shoulder. Flashes of lightning played sporadically among the dense clouds. It was their only source of light. The terrain was reasonably even underfoot,... - #5
Save:A rich re-imagining of the lives and culture of biblical women, particularly Dinah, daughter of Jacob, and her experiences as a daughter, wife, mother, friend, and midwife. The narrative expands upon the brief mention of Dinah in the Book of Genesis, exploring the relationships and traditions of women in ancient Canaan and Egypt, showcasing their struggles and joys in a male-dominated world.
The Red Tent tells the story of Dinah and the four wives of Jacob through the lens of women's experiences during biblical times. It delves into themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and the sacred rituals of the 'red tent', providing a rare insight into the lives of ancient women, their connections, and the challenges they faced in a patriarchal society.
THEIR STORIES BEGAN with the day that my father appeared. Rachel came running into camp, knees flying, bellowing like a calf separated from its mother. But before anyone could scold her for acting lik... - #6
Save:The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe is a dark and disturbing novel that follows the descent of young Francie Brady into obsession, mental illness, and ultimately murder. The story is narrated straight from Francie's stream of consciousness, showcasing his increasing mental instability and downward spiral into violence. Set in a small town in Ireland in the 1960s, the book delves into Francie's dysfunctional family life and the tragic events that shape his troubled mind. The writing style, characterized by a stream of consciousness narrative, provides a deep dive into Francie's psyche, making the reader witness his disturbing thoughts and actions.
WHEN I WAS A YOUNG LAD TWENTY OR THIRTY OR FORTY years ago I lived in a small town where they were all after me on account of what I done on Mrs Nugent. I was hiding out by the river in a hole under a... Lirael is the second book in the Abhorsen trilogy by Garth Nix, following the journey of Lirael, a young woman from a race of Seers who lacks the Sight. Working as a librarian's assistant, she embarks on an adventure with her friend, the Disreputable Dog, delving into the mysteries of the Great Library. As she discovers her true family history and destiny, Lirael navigates self-discovery and empowerment, intertwined with the overarching theme of coming into one's own within the fantastical world of the Old Kingdom. The book is praised for its dark undertones, engaging characters, and intricate world-building, making it a compelling addition to the series.
Deep within a dream, Lirael felt someone stroking her forehead. A gentle, soft touch, a cool hand upon her own fevered skin. She felt herself smile, enjoying the touch. Then the dream shifted, and her...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Abhorsen )- #8
Save:Tony and Susan is a story within a story, where Susan, a reader, is sent a novel by her ex-husband Edward. The novel she reads is a dark and violent thriller that grips her like a vice, while also making her reflect on her own life and relationships. The book delves into themes of fear, revenge, and the impact of fiction on reality, with a writing style that switches between a straightforward thriller narrative and a more introspective and thought-provoking tone.
That night, as Susan Morrow settles down to read Edward’s manuscript, a fear shocks her like a bullet. It begins with a moment of intense concentration which disappears too fast to remember, leaving a... - #9
Save:In a post-apocalyptic world, a healer named Snake uses genetically modified snakes to produce drugs and treat diseases. When her rare dreamsnake is killed, she embarks on a quest to find another one, facing dangers and meeting new friends along the way. The story unfolds gradually, offering glimpses into a world of contrasts between technology and lack of technology, with a well-rendered female protagonist at its core.
The writing style of 'Dreamsnake' is described as a mix of soft sci-fi and fantasy, with an unusual premise involving a healer woman who uses venomous snakes to create medicines. The book explores themes of female empowerment, self-sufficiency, and gender roles in a world filled with post-apocalyptic landscapes, alien snakes, social commentary, and intriguing world-building.
The little boy was frightened. Gently, Snake touched his hot forehead. Behind her, three adults stood close together, watching, suspicious, afraid to show their concern with more than narrow lines aro... - #10
Save:Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe is a unique blend of RPG elements and intricate magic systems set in a world filled with dungeon crawls and magical schools. The story follows Corin Cadence, a character who is speculated to be on the autism spectrum, as he navigates through a world of attunements and cultivation-like progression. The book combines dungeon diving, magic school, and world-building with elements of betrayal and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style in Sufficiently Advanced Magic is characterized by detailed descriptions of the magic system and the world, reminiscent of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign or a computer program technical manual. The narrative balances between a dungeon grind and a detailed exploration of magical systems, enchanting, and attunements, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre with modern touches on topics like racism, asexuality, and child abuse.
Bringing weapons and armor into the test was strictly forbidden, but there weren’t any rules about bringing a backpack full of supplies. I had double checked, triple checked. Maybe they’d consider my ...
