Books matching: heroic quest
56 result(s)
- #1
Icefalcon's Quest is a continuation of the Darwath series, focusing on the character Icefalcon, a White Raider with a mysterious past. The story follows Icefalcon's journey to rescue the young king Tir, who has been kidnapped by an old enemy. Set in a world filled with necromancy, madness, and old enmities, the book delves into themes of heroism, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by the characters. The writing style by Barbara Hambly is described as detailed, with rich character development and a focus on world-building.
Had the Icefalcon still been living among the Talking Stars People, the penalty for not recognizing the old man he encountered in the clearing by the four elm trees would have been the removal of his ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Darwath ) - #2
'The Worm Ouroboros' by E.R. Eddison is a high epic fantasy novel written in a unique style emulating 17th-century epic prose. The story chronicles a war between different peoples living on a planet resembling Mercury but set in a world similar to Middle Earth. The plot revolves around the noble lords of Demonland who must battle King Gorice of Witchland, featuring magic, heroic quests, and intense battles. The writing style is described as poetically written, using faux Tudor English and featuring intricate descriptions of scenery, clothing, and buildings.
Quotations can give some idea of the rhythm of his sentences, but it can give none of the massive sweep and intensity of his narrative. Milton fell in love with the devil because the dramatic action l... - #3
Commissioner Nils Hansen is drafted from his role as head of an elite futuristic SWAT team to investigate a missing planet called Northworld. The story unfolds across various worlds, some peaceful and others militaristic, including a medieval teutonic Icelandic fantasy setting with artificially intelligent armor and weapons systems. As Hansen navigates the challenges of literal gods, the plot delves into Norse mythology elements and heroic quest motifs. The narrative blends action-packed scenes with godlike power dynamics and complex character interactions, all set in a science fiction backdrop.
Author David Drake's writing style incorporates Icelandic myth and Norse saga elements, providing a unique and intriguing storyline that combines space opera with mythological themes. The book features brief chapters, fast-paced action sequences, and memorable characters, with a clear and engaging narrative that keeps readers immersed in the unfolding events.
Hansen saw the blast bubble like an orange puffball above the building roofs three kilometers away. He stuck his head out the side-window of his chauffeured aircar and heard the whump! over the rush o... - #4
"Beren and Luthien" by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien, delves into the tale of Beren, a mortal man, and Lúthien, an immortal elf, one of the oldest and most central stories in Tolkien's mythology of Middle Earth. Christopher Tolkien has compiled various versions of the story, showcasing its evolution over time from inception to final form. includes prose, verse, and illustrations by Alan Lee, adding depth and atmosphere to the story. It is recommended for readers familiar with Tolkien's works, particularly "The Silmarillion," as it provides insight into the roots of stories like "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
Two children had Tinwelint then, Dairon and Tinúviel, and Tinúviel was a maiden, and the most beautiful of all the maidens of the hidden Elves, and indeed few have been so fair, for her mother was a f... - #5
'The Slayer' in the series 'Aether Gate Online' by Darren Hultberg Jr. follows the main character, Adam, as he embarks on a virtual reality game with his friends, facing challenges and gathering allies along the way. The story presents a mix of interesting characters, epic quests, and valiant familiars while exploring a world where the lines between reality and the game blur. However, the narrative is criticized for inconsistencies in game mechanics, character motivations, and storytelling, impacting the overall reading experience for some.
The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls, written by Claire Legrand, is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of Victoria, a perfectionist tween, who embarks on a mission to rescue her best friend Lawrence from the mysterious orphanage run by the eerie Miss Cavendish. As Victoria delves deeper into the puzzling disappearance, she uncovers a town under a strange spell, filled with creepy crawlies, a frightening caretaker, and a spooky headmistress. The book weaves a tale of friendship, bravery, and overcoming fears, all set in a beautifully drawn, eerie world that captures the reader's imagination.
The writing style of Claire Legrand is described as vividly told, subtly terrifying, and reminiscent of authors like Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman. The plot is filled with dark fantasy elements that appeal to readers of all ages, not just children, with a focus on facing fears, standing out in a crowd, and the virtues of being true to oneself, all while providing a spooky and entertaining read that keeps the reader engaged till the end.
WHEN VICTORIA WRIGHT WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD, she had precisely one friend. In fact, he was the only friend she had ever had. His name was Lawrence Prewitt, and on Tuesday, October 11, of the year Victor...'The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights' by John Steinbeck is a retelling of Malory's 'Morte d'Arthur'. Steinbeck's interpretation starts close to the original text but gradually delves deeper into the characters, plot, and language. The book remains unfinished, leaving readers content yet yearning for more of the Arthurian tales.
Steinbeck's translation is described as engaging and modern, focusing on the emotional depth of the characters rather than just the chivalric adventures. The book offers a fresh perspective on the Arthurian legend, exploring themes of chivalry, honor, and dignity while staying faithful to the original stories.
WHEN UTHER PENDRAGON WAS KING of England his vassal, the Duke of Cornwall, was reported to have committed acts of war against the land. Then Uther ordered the duke to attend his court and to bring wit...- #8
The City of Gold and Lead is the second installment in the Tripods trilogy by John Christopher. The story follows Will, Beanpole, and Henry as they train for the Games in order to infiltrate the Tripods' city and gather vital intelligence for the human resistance. As they navigate through the alien world, encountering strange customs and facing challenges, the plot takes unexpected turns, keeping the readers engaged. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions of the alien landscape and the character development, making it an engrossing and thought-provoking read for both young adult and non-YA readers.
Even when we first came to the White Mountains, in summer, the upper reaches of the Tunnel looked out over fields of snow and ice; but at the lower end there were rocks and grass and a view of the gla...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Tripods ) - #9
"Glory Road" by Robert A. Heinlein is a blend of sword and sorcery with elements of alternate universe travel, where an American soldier named Gordon is recruited by the Empress of the Multiverse to embark on a hero's journey to recover the stolen Egg of the Phoenix. The story involves ogres, flame-breathing dinosaurs, swordfights, and the challenges faced by a retired hero. The writing style is described as a fast-paced adventure with humor, social commentary on gender discrimination and religion, and a mix of science fiction and fantasy elements.
I know a place where there is no smog and no parking problem and no population explosion...no Cold War and no H-bombs and no television commercials...no Summit Conferences, no Foreign Aid, no hidden t... - #10
'Reef of Death' by Paul Zindel is a suspenseful story targeted towards readers between the ages of 10 to 14. The plot revolves around a group of individuals searching for a hidden treasure on the Great Barrier Reef to protect their lands from being taken over by outside commercial interests. The story takes a dark turn as they encounter a primal sea monster and face various challenges in their quest for the treasure. The writing style of the book is described as intense, with multiple viewpoints that add to the suspense and thrill of the narrative.
The creature swam in the blackness at the base of the reef, ganglia rising out of its head like glistening, dead eels. It moved gracefully between the white underwater cliff and a world of sulfurous m...