Books matching: gritty atmosphere
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- #1
Save:In the rich and corrupt oil-driven city of Titanshade, a disgraced cop named Carter is called upon to solve the murder of a powerful squib ambassador. As Carter delves into the mystery, he uncovers a world filled with magic, different races, and a dwindling resource called manna. Teaming up with a rookie detective named Ajax, the duo navigates through a gritty and noir setting to unravel the murder case that has major consequences for their universe. The book expertly combines elements of noir, fantasy, and urban magic genres, creating a unique and compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked with intense action and unexpected plot twists.
IT WAS THE BACK SIDE of Friday and I sat at the bar of Mickey the Finn’s. My hands laced around a cup of warm joe as I kept silent time to the jukebox, eyes fixed on the clock where it hung by a singl... - #2
Save:The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is a dark fantasy novel that delves into a world filled with political intrigue, impending war, and morally ambiguous characters. Set in a medieval-like world, the story follows multiple characters such as Logen Ninefingers, Inquisitor Glokta, and Captain Luthar, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. The plot weaves together their stories as they navigate through a world on the brink of change, with war looming and alliances shifting. Abercrombie's writing style is characterized by its gritty realism, grounded characters, and a focus on the inner thoughts and struggles of the protagonists.
Logen opened his eyes a crack. Light, blurry bright through leaves. This was death? Then why did it hurt so much? His whole left side was throbbing. He tried to take a proper breath, choked, coughed u... - #3
Save:'Reign of Night' in the series 'A Study in Shadows / The Duskhunter Saga' by Sara C. Roethle follows the story of Lyssandra, a strong and independent vampire hunter who navigates a world filled with supernatural beings. The plot combines elements of fantasy, murder mystery, and a hint of romance, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with a nice balance of action, adventure, and character development, making it an enjoyable read for those who appreciate a mix of genres.
- #4
Save:'The Lesser Dead' by Christopher Buehlman is a vampire tale set in 1978 New York City, following the story of Joey Peacock, who appears as a teenager but is actually in his 50s. Joey and his vampire pack live in the tunnels under the city, surviving by feeding on victims and using their ability to glamour. The arrival of young children vampires disrupts their harmony, leading to a battle for dominance. is praised for its period portrayal, including 1970s culture, and the compelling backstories of the vampire characters.
I’m going to take you someplace dark and damp where good people don’t go. I’m going to introduce you to monsters. Real ones. I’m going to tell you stories about hurting people, and if you like those s... - #5
Save:Sin With Me is a dark and angsty romance novel set in Las Vegas, where two broken souls, Maddie and Tyler, find themselves entangled in a complicated and turbulent relationship. The story delves into their past traumas, struggles, and the sins that bind them together, all while exploring themes of alchemy, hopelessness, and the search for redemption. The unique dual POV writing style, with chapters alternated between the male and female lead characters, adds depth and authenticity to their voices, making the reader feel the intensity of their emotions and desires.
The narrative unfolds with a mix of humor, suspense, and steamy scenes, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats as the dark hero, Tyler, battles with his inner demons while Maddie navigates through a world of secrets and despair. The book offers a compelling blend of originality, twisted plot twists, and a touch of mystery that leaves the readers craving for more, promising an enthralling journey filled with passion, intrigue, and unexpected revelations.
- #6
Save:Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a fortune in drug money near the Texas-Mexico border, setting off a deadly chase involving a drug cartel, a ruthless killer, and the aging Sheriff Bell. The narrative delves into the decay of modern society through Bell's eyes, showcasing McCarthy's unique writing style that mirrors spoken language with a thick Southern accent. The story unfolds with a sense of inevitability, exploring themes of death, violence, and the loss of nature in a brutal, unforgiving landscape.
McCarthy's novel is a gripping tale of survival, morality, and the relentless pursuit of power and money. The characters, including the larger-than-life antagonist Chigurh, are sharply drawn and engage in a battle of wits as they navigate a world where death looms large and the rules of storytelling are upended. The narrative propels forward with sparse, haunting prose that captures the harsh beauty of the West Texas landscape, leaving readers on edge as they witness the characters' fates unfold.
I sent one boy to the gaschamber at Huntsville. One and only one. My arrest and my testimony. I went up there and visited with him two or three times. Three times. The last time was the day of his exe... - #7
Save:'Night Film' by Marisha Pessl is a psychological thriller that delves into the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova, daughter of famous filmmaker Stanislas Cordova. The story follows journalist Scott McGrath as he investigates Ashley's apparent suicide, leading him into the dark world of the occult, magic, and the underbelly of New York City. The book weaves a complex narrative filled with twists and turns, incorporating elements of horror and suspense, keeping the reader engaged throughout its over 600 pages.
The writing style of 'Night Film' is described as intense, colorful, and intriguing, with a dark and atmospheric tone that adds to the overall suspense of the story. The book includes multimedia elements such as photos, newspaper clippings, and online content, enhancing the reader's experience and creating a sense of immersion in the world of Stanislas Cordova's films and mysteries.
A large chandelier showered golden light on the crowd as I surveyed the party in the bronze mirror over the mantel. I was startled to spot someone I barely recognized: myself. Blue button-down, sports... Midnight Blue: Sonja Blue Collection by Nancy A. Collins is a dark and gritty vampire series that follows the story of Sonja Blue, a hybrid creature seeking revenge after being attacked and left for dead. The book is described as a must-read for vampire genre enthusiasts, featuring ruthless characters, violent scenes, and a unique take on the vampire mythology. The collection includes three books - Sunglasses After Dark, In the Blood, and Paint it Black, each delving deeper into Sonja's dark and complex character, making it a captivating read for those who enjoy urban fantasy with a macabre twist.
- #9
Save:Anna is wrongfully accused of her best friend's murder on their group vacation. With a ruthless prosecutor on Anna's tail, her life is ripped apart turning her image into a monster in the eyes of the media and the public. Even her friends don't believe her. So begins her fight for freedom in a foreign country. What looms around the corner, put me into shock. As mentioned in title. It's missing one star due to more information required on a certain topic that needed a bit more fuel but I have to get vague not to spoil it.
The whole book is a character study, not just of Anna, but of every other person she knows. Her boyfriend, Tate. Elise. The other friends in their circle. Her lawyers. Her father. The media. It's an intense look at how awful people can be. I've been calling it in many ways the Gone Girl for Young Adults, because that's what I think of when I read this. These aren't perfect characters they are realistic, and every one of them is hiding something. Every one of them has messed up and is being selfish and horrible to their fellow human beings.
We yell it together, slamming our hands on the sticky wooden table. The dreadlocked waiter pours a row of something lurid, neon blue. It’s our first night on the island, and the music is almost too lo... - #10
Save:'Sweet Obsession' in the series 'Ruthless Games' by Callie Rose follows the story of Ayla, a young woman who saves a man named Marcus from an assassination attempt, resulting in her losing one arm. Unbeknownst to her, Marcus and his two friends, Ryland and Theo, have been watching over her since the incident. As Ayla navigates her new reality, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of power and loyalty among the three men. The plot unfolds with elements of mystery, dark romance, and intense character dynamics, keeping readers hooked with its unique storyline and raw character development.
The writing style of Callie Rose in 'Sweet Obsession' is described as captivating, engaging, and immersive. Readers praise the author's ability to craft complex characters with raw emotions and flaws, as well as her talent for building suspenseful and intriguing plot twists. delves into themes of survival, loyalty, and unexpected connections, offering a dark and gritty narrative that sets it apart from typical romance novels.
I eye the rowdy crowd of rich college kids sitting across the room—yelling, drinking, and slamming their fists against the table like cavemen who’ve just learned to make fire. The leader of the group ...
