Books matching: identity and manipulation
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- #1
Save:Utterly unique, gorgeously written, and deeply imaginative - A Face Like Glass is a must for creative fantasy lovers, but the quirky style may not be for everyone.
A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge is a captivating tale set in the underground world of Caverna, where facial expressions are learned and manipulated for social status. The story follows Neverfell, a girl with natural and varied expressions, as she navigates the intricate society of Caverna, uncovering political machinations and dark secrets. Hardinge's writing style is praised for its imaginative world-building, rich characters, and intricate plot twists that keep readers engaged till the very end.
On a certain murky hour about seven years after that fateful day, a skinny figure could be seen capering sideways beside Grandible as he growled and slouched his way through the tunnels with a great w...2012•496 pages - #2
Save:Dark, stylish, and brimming with big ideas - Electric Forest is a quick, mind-bending ride for those who crave psychological depth in their sci-fi, but it isn’t Tanith Lee’s most accessible or essential work.
'ELECTRIC FOREST' by Tanith Lee is a dark, cyberpunkish science fiction story that explores the ethics of life-extending science through the character of Magdala, whose consciousness is transferred into a beautiful body by Claudio. As the story progresses, Magdala begins to suspect Claudio's true intentions and finds herself entangled in a web of manipulation and intrigue. The narrative delves into themes of identity, manipulation, and the consequences of advancements in technology, all set in a world where traditional birth is considered obsolete.
The book presents a unique take on the Pygmalion myth, where flawed characters navigate a world that appears beautiful on the surface but harbors dark undercurrents. Tanith Lee's prose is described as beautiful, immersive, and thought-provoking, leading readers to question what is real and what is artificial in a world where science blurs the lines between authenticity and deception.
The machine made certain types of cottene clothing, but Ugly never saw the syntho-cotton fed in at one tube above, nor the crisp white garments snowing out from the other below. Neither did she witnes...August 1979•176 pages - #3
Save:Come for the twisty, character-driven mystery; stay for Tana French's gorgeous writing and the brooding, immersive atmosphere. Suspend disbelief, settle in, and enjoy the ride!
'The Likeness' by Tana French is a psychological thriller that follows Detective Cassie Maddox as she goes undercover to impersonate a murder victim who bears a striking resemblance to her. The story delves into identity, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The plot is described as tense, unusual, and filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged. French's writing style is noted for its atmospheric and moody tone, reminiscent of authors like Donna Tartt and P.D. James.
This is Lexie Madison’s story, not mine. I’d love to tell you one without getting into the other, but it doesn’t work that way. I used to think I sewed us together at the edges with my own hands, pull...July 2008•472 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dublin Murder Squad ) - #4
Save:A slick psychological thriller set under the blazing sun of Provence - perfect for fans of clever cons, layered secrets, and a good holiday escape. An engaging, twisty beach read even if the ending doesn’t land for everyone!
In the novel 'Sun Damage' by Sabine Durrant, readers are taken on a thrilling journey to a luxury holiday home in Provence where secrets, lies, and deceit unravel under the scorching sun. The story follows a group of seemingly familiar guests who are not as they appear, and a young woman named Lulu who is hiding more than anyone could imagine. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the plot twists and turns, keeping readers engaged throughout the glamorous and riveting narrative. The writing style expertly builds up suspense, delivering a perfectly paced and intriguing storyline that culminates in unexpected twists.
Ali and Sean, two con artists, find themselves entangled in a dangerous game of deception and survival in the picturesque setting of the French Riviera. As Ali assumes the identity of Lulu and navigates through a web of lies and manipulation, the stakes heighten, leading to a gripping and high-stress narrative. The book expertly weaves together themes of trust, betrayal, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, making it a captivating psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
It was the English voice that caught our attention – the sub schoolgirl French, grappling with an order for a demi-carafe. We were close to the bar as usual: you tend to pick up most there. She was at...2022•319 pages - #5
Save:A stylish, mind-bending YA thriller that's more about the journey (and how you get there) than shocking reveals. You'll either love its originality and dizzying structure or wish for a little more substance and warmth.
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart is a psychological thriller that follows the mysterious and unconventional story of Jule and Imogen, two orphaned outcasts who will do almost anything to attain a happy and wealthy life. The narrative is structured in reverse chronological order, starting at Chapter 18 and moving back towards Chapter 1 before ending at 19, revealing and concealing events in Jule's life in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The book is filled with twists, turns, deception, and a complex friendship between the two main characters, Jule and Imogen, creating a story that is both horrifying and mesmerizing.
The minibar in Jule’s room stocked potato chips and four different chocolate bars. The bathtub had bubble jets. There was an endless supply of fat towels and liquid gardenia soap. In the lobby, an eld...September 2017•290 pages - #6
Save:Sharp writing and jaw-dropping twists make this a suspenseful page-turner - perfect for fans of psychological mysteries who love exploring the messy side of human nature. Expect plenty of secrets, some slippery morals, and an ending that will keep you thinking.
Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia is a murder mystery set in a small town in Minnesota that revolves around the life and death of high school senior Hattie Hoffman. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Hattie herself, the sheriff investigating her murder, and her English teacher. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed about Hattie's dual life as a seemingly perfect student and a girl with dreams of escaping her small town for New York City. The book delves into themes of identity, deception, and the complexities of human relationships, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns.
The writing style of Everything You Want Me to Be is engaging and captivating, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and the mystery surrounding Hattie's murder. Mejia skillfully weaves together different narratives to provide a multifaceted view of the events leading up to the tragic death of Hattie. The book explores dark themes with depth and sensitivity, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Here I was, standing in the exact place I’d daydreamed about in math class so many times, right in front of the departures board at the Minneapolis airport, and every detail was just like I’d pictured...January 2017•381 pages - #7
Save:A stylish, unsettling thriller about friendship, envy, and reinvention in the Instagram age - unputdownable for some, but not for readers wanting warm fuzzies or tidy morals.
In "Social Creature" by Tara Isabella Burton, the story revolves around Louise, a struggling young woman in New York City who becomes entangled in the glamorous and hedonistic world of Lavinia, a wealthy and daring socialite. As Louise is drawn into Lavinia's extravagant lifestyle filled with parties, drugs, and social media, their toxic friendship takes unexpected turns. The narrative explores themes of envy, deception, and the darker side of social media influence, leading to a shocking and unpredictable conclusion. Burton's writing style captures the essence of the characters and their actions, drawing readers into a world of privilege and manipulation.
“Anyway, the second I saw it—Christ! I wanted to—oh, I just wanted to genuflect, you know? Kiss the ground—do Catholics kiss the ground, or is that just sailors? Anyway, I wanted to put my mouth right...June 2018•297 pages - #8
Save:A compulsively readable, over-the-top, high-drama thriller - the perfect pick if you’re in the mood for a wickedly entertaining page-turner, but maybe skip if you prefer nuance or need content warnings.
'The Last Mrs Parrish' by Liv Constantine follows the story of Amber Patterson, a woman determined to marry wealthy businessman Jackson Parrish by manipulating his wife, Daphne. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of both Amber and Daphne, revealing the deceit, manipulation, and psychological suspense that ensue as Amber infiltrates the Parrish family's life. As the story progresses, secrets are unveiled, leading to unexpected twists and turns that challenge the characters' perceptions of each other and themselves.
Amber Patterson was tired of being invisible. She’d been coming to this gym every day for three months—three long months of watching these women of leisure working at the only thing they cared about....October 2017•560 pages - #9
Save:A lush, twisty, and seriously unique dark fantasy with standout ace and queer rep. A must for anyone craving original magic, deep representation, and a blend of mystery and romance - with just a hint of darkness.
'Beyond the Black Door' by A.M. Strickland is a dark fantasy novel that follows Kamai, a soul walker who discovers hidden truths about her past and her abilities after her mother's murder. The story delves into a world of soul walkers, court intrigue, and mysterious black doors that lead to secrets that challenge Kamai's understanding of herself and her society. The writing style is described as atmospheric, compelling, and original, with intricate world-building, nuanced exploration of asexuality, and a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
We’d done this for as long as I could remember, exploring her soul while our bodies slumbered, our spirits free to traverse the sleeping realm to which souls belonged. My mother would explain how peop...October 2019•407 pages - #10
Save:A harrowing yet hypnotic dive into a self-destructive marriage, told with Erdrich's signature lyrical style. Difficult but unforgettable - perfect for readers who like their fiction bold, smart, and unafraid of the dark.
'Shadow Tag' by Louise Erdrich is a gripping portrayal of a troubled marriage between Irene and Gil, two damaged individuals bound together by secrets and manipulations. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, their abusive tendencies, and the impact on their three children. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of their daughter, revealing a tale of obsession, lack of boundaries, alcoholism, and emotional turmoil. The writing style is terse, tense, and spare, with rich details that vividly capture human emotions and relationships.
The plot revolves around Irene's discovery that Gil has been reading her diary, leading her to keep two diaries - one filled with truths hidden in a safe deposit box, and the other with manipulative fabrications for Gil to find. As the marriage unravels into a violent and secretive environment, Irene spirals into alcoholism, seeking an escape from the destructive relationship. The title 'Shadow Tag' serves as a metaphor for the shadowy need and strange ironies that define their bond, while exploring themes of love, hate, addiction, and the haunting effects of a dysfunctional marriage.
I have two diaries now. The first is the hardbound red Daily Reminder of the type I have been writing in since 1994, when we had Florian. You gave me the first book in order to record my beginning yea...February 2010•268 pages
