Books matching: gripping tale
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In 'Down to a Sunless Sea' by David Graham, the story unfolds as a commercial jet pilot navigates a post-apocalyptic world caused by Peak Oil and nuclear war. The plot follows the crew and passengers of the plane as they try to find a safe haven amidst the chaos and destruction. The book combines elements of a dystopian world, aviation details, and survival themes, keeping readers on edge with tension and suspense. Despite some cliched characters and cheesy dialogue, the narrative grips readers with its believable depiction of a world on the brink of collapse.
The book delves into themes of human behavior in crisis situations, providing an interesting character study of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Set against the backdrop of a nuclear apocalypse, the story explores the actions and decisions of the characters as they navigate through a world plunged into chaos and uncertainty. Despite its gloomy premise, the book offers memorable moments that keep readers engaged and invested in the characters' fates.
Flight decks are traumatic places. Memory storages impregnated with sweat, fear, boredom and stress. Somewhere in there, traces of pleasure, satisfaction: nostalgic echoes of vast starry nights like i...- #2
"The Children's Blizzard" by David Laskin explores the devastating blizzard that hit the Great Plains in 1888, focusing on the personal tragedies and triumphs of those who experienced the storm firsthand. Laskin delves deep into the historical, economic, and scientific context surrounding the blizzard, detailing the meteorological causes and the impact of hypothermia on the victims. Through narratives of immigrant families from Norway, Germany, and Eastern Europe, the book paints a vivid picture of the hardships faced by settlers in the Midwest during this natural disaster.
The author weaves together accounts of the blizzard's victims, the struggles of pioneers, and the evolving field of meteorology, creating a comprehensive narrative that combines elements of collective biography, history, and science. offers a detailed exploration of the events leading up to and following the blizzard, shedding light on the human resilience and tragedy intertwined with the forces of nature.
Land, freedom, and hope. In the narrow stony valleys of Norway and the heavily taxed towns of Saxony and Westphalia, in Ukrainian villages bled by the recruiting officers of the czars and Bohemian far... - #3
'The Ones That Got Away' by Stephen Graham Jones is a collection of thirteen stories that delve into horror fiction with a literary twist. The stories range from gruesome and disturbing tales to sensitive narratives of fatherly love, all written with an engaging voice that keeps the reader on edge. Jones showcases his vivid conceptual imagination and ability to create chilling scenes without becoming gratuitous, striking a perfect balance between horror and storytelling.
The author's writing style is described as sharp and engaging, with the ability to prod the reader along with sentences that cut deep. Jones explores childhood as a gateway to horror within the collection, paying close attention to the characters and their experiences, creating stories that worm their way into the reader's mind and linger long after the book is finished.
A finger bone vomited into park grass. A snake oil salesman traveling through the land of the dead. A primeval island where the human population of one is about to tick over to zero. A baby monitor th... - #4
'God of Vengeance' in the series 'The Rise of Sigurd' by Giles Kristian follows the gripping tale of Sigurd, a young warrior seeking vengeance after his family is betrayed and killed by their own king. Left with loyal friends and a determination for justice, Sigurd must gather a war band to take on powerful enemies and avenge his family. The plot moves quickly, filled with vivid descriptions, Old Norse references, and a mix of savageness and humor among the diverse and memorable characters. The story is set in a gory, honorable world of survival where loyalty, trust, and honor are core values, as Sigurd and his warriors navigate battles, challenges, and personal growth.
THE JARL RAN his fingers through the scraps of gristle and white knuckles of bone on the platter before him. Then, his hand gleaming, he raised it to the rings of twisted silver which sat below the mu... - #5
'SYLO' by D.J. MacHale is a fast-paced teen sci-fi adventure that follows Tucker Pierce as he unravels the mysteries surrounding the sudden invasion of his hometown, Pemberwick Island, by a secret branch of the U.S. Navy called SYLO. As Tucker investigates strange occurrences like unexplained deaths, mysterious aircraft, and a powerful drug, he begins to question the true motives of SYLO and the government's actions. The story is filled with suspense, conspiracy, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind the quarantine and the secrets of SYLO.
SYLO combines elements of action, mystery, and sci-fi with a relatable protagonist and a well-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. introduces intriguing characters like Tucker, Quinn, and Tori, each with their own complexities and motivations, adding depth to the story. MacHale's writing style adeptly captures teenage emotions and reactions, making the characters and their experiences feel authentic and engaging. Overall, 'SYLO' offers a thrilling adventure filled with suspense, unexpected revelations, and a sense of mystery that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Not that the two have anything in common. When you hear the term “sudden death,” you normally don’t expect there to be an actual loss of life, sudden or otherwise, but there was nothing normal about t... - #6
'Quicksilver' by Neal Stephenson is a hefty historical fiction novel set in the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing on the birth of scientific and financial modernity. The book follows various characters, including Daniel Waterhouse, as they navigate through significant historical events like the Glorious Revolution, the Royal Society, and the interactions between famous figures like Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke. The writing style blends elements of science, history, and humor, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that delves into the complexities of the era.
ENOCH ROUNDS THE CORNER JUST as the executioner raises the noose above the woman’s head. The crowd on the Common stop praying and sobbing for just as long as Jack Ketch stands there, elbows locked, fo... - #7
'Cataract City' by Craig Davidson is a gripping tale set in Niagara Falls, Canada, following the lives of two childhood friends, Owe and Dunk. The story delves into their close friendship, their diverging paths in life - one becoming a cop while the other ends up in jail for murder, and their shared experiences in the gritty world of Cataract City. The writing style is fast-paced, gritty, and descriptive, keeping the reader engaged with plot twists and detailed descriptions of the characters and their environment.
The novel weaves back and forth in time, narrated from the perspectives of the two protagonists, offering a deep understanding of their characters and the city they inhabit. The story unfolds with elements of organized fights, human and canine, cigarette smuggling, and the struggles faced by the characters in a tough and unforgiving environment. Despite the graphic descriptions, the book also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and hope amidst adversity, making it a compelling and immersive read.
After dropping Duncan at his folks’ house, I drove south, stopping at a lookout a few miles upriver from the Falls. A spit of land arrowed into the river; the ground closest to shore was overhung with... - #8
In the short story "Thrawn Janet" by Robert Louis Stevenson, the plot revolves around the minister of Balweary, Reverend Murdoch Soulis, and his encounter with Janet McClour, who is suspected of being a witch by the villagers. When Soulis demands Janet to publicly renounce the devil, she is struck with a mysterious affliction that twists her neck, leading to eerie suspicions of supernatural involvement. The story is narrated in a mix of standard English and broad Scots dialect, adding to the atmospheric horror of the tale and delves into themes of good versus evil, with a chilling climax that leaves a lasting impact on the characters.
- #9
In Into the Dark, Lyra and Elijah form a complex and intense relationship, delving into the depths of their dark pasts and psychological struggles. The book portrays the unconventional love story between a serial killer and a deeply troubled young woman, exploring themes of obsession, trauma, and emotional turmoil. Dana Isaly's writing style is described as dark, raw, and emotionally heavy, with a focus on creating relatable characters and delving into their mental illnesses in a realistic and empathetic manner.
- #10
Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson is a gripping tale of a young woman, Rose Mae Lolley, who flees from her abusive husband and embarks on a journey to find her long-lost mother. Through various versions of herself - from a rebellious high schooler to a battered wife named Ro Grandee - the story unfolds across different locations, exploring themes of domestic violence, self-discovery, and the search for truth amidst a backdrop of complex relationships and dark family secrets.