Books matching: imaginative cities
66 result(s)
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- #1
Save:Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino is a collection of fantastical and imaginative descriptions of cities, as told by explorer Marco Polo to Kublai Khan. The book is filled with poetic and philosophical dialogue, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Each chapter presents a different city, each with its own unique qualities and symbolism, creating a dreamlike and mesmerizing reading experience.
The writing style of Invisible Cities is described as evocative, dreamy, and surreal, with intricate descriptions that transport the reader to these imaginary places. The book is a blend of prose, poetry, and philosophy, challenging traditional storytelling structures and inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind the cities and the conversations between Polo and Khan.
Kublai Khan does not necessarily believe everything Marco Polo says when he describes the cities visited on his expeditions, but the emperor of the Tartars does continue listening to the young Venetia... - #2
Save:'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran is a collection of poetic essays that cover a wide range of topics such as love, marriage, children, work, joy, sorrow, religion, time, and death. The book presents the teachings of a prophet who imparts wisdom on various aspects of life to the townsfolk. The writing style is described as reflective poetry that inspires and enlightens readers, with each short chapter offering important insights and guidance on navigating life's challenges.
The author, Kahlil Gibran, uses a protagonist simply known as the prophet to deliver homilies on different subjects central to daily life, providing philosophical, spiritual, and inspirational musings in a concise and poetic manner. The book, first published in the 1920s, is noted for its timeless wisdom and relevance, with readers appreciating the depth of insight and the profound messages conveyed through the prophet's teachings.
Too many fragments of the spirit have I scattered in these streets, and too many are the children of my longing that walk naked among these hills, and I cannot withdraw from them without a burden and ... - #3
Save:Ombria in Shadow by Patricia A. McKillip is a beautifully written fantasy novel set in a kingdom facing turmoil after the death of the prince. The story follows a cast of characters including a young prince, a plotting great aunt, a royal bastard, a mysterious sorceress, and her assistant, all intertwined in political maneuverings and secrets. The narrative explores the mystery of Ombria, a city with a shadowy existence, blending elements of power seeking, magic, ghosts, and political intrigue. McKillip's writing style is described as poetic, lush, and detailed, with a focus on character development and rich storytelling.
While the ruler of the ancient city of Ombria lay dying, his mistress, frozen out of the room by the black stare of Domina Pearl, drifted like a bird on a wave until she bumped through Kyel Greve’s un... - #4
Save:Iron Council by China Mieville is the third novel in the Bas Lag series, set in the city state of New Crobuzon during a time of war, unrest, and insurrection. The story follows various characters on quests for revolutionary social justice, personal vendettas, and the legendary Iron Council, a socialist train that symbolizes hope for oppressed citizens. Mieville's writing style is described as dense and challenging, blending elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and western genres to create a dark and dystopian mix with explicit language, graphic violence, and political commentary.
Just before dark he found his place. Dim hotchi paths led him to a basin ringed by roots and stone-packed soil. Trees gave out. The earth was tramped down and stained with scorching and blood. The man...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series New Crobuzon ) - #5
Save:Melusine by Sarah Monette follows the intertwined fates of Felix Harrowgate, a master wizard, and Mildmay the fox, a thief and assassin, as they navigate a world of magic, intrigue, and dark secrets. The story delves into their tortured pasts, their struggles with mental and emotional traumas, and their unlikely alliance as they embark on a journey filled with harrowing adventures. The narrative is characterized by lush world-building, intricate character development, and a compelling writing style that immerses readers in a city of danger and romance.
The Hall of the Chimeras, having no windows, was lit by seven massive candelabra hanging above the mosaic floor like monstrous birds of prey. Their fledglings, twisted iron stands crowned with candles... - #6
Save:The Dreaming Place by Charles de Lint is a fantasy novel that follows two teenage cousins, Nina and Ash, as they navigate a world where magic exists. Ash, dealing with anger and loss, finds herself drawn to the dark side of magic, while Nina tries to conform to societal expectations. When a demon targets Nina's soul, Ash must journey to the Otherworld to save her cousin and learn to let go of her fear and anger. The story weaves together themes of forgiveness, love, and the power to change for the better, all set in a modern fairy tale with elements of Native American myth and urban fantasy.
- #7
Save:'Roma Mater' in the series 'King Of Ys' by Poul Anderson follows the story of Gratillonious, a Roman soldier who becomes the King of Ys after winning a duel against the previous king. The plot delves into the political and spiritual challenges faced by Gratillonious as he navigates the clash between different religions, including Mithras and Christianity. Set in a historical fantasy world, the book intricately weaves together elements of history, legend, and fantasy, providing a rich backdrop for the protagonist's journey.
The writing style of 'Roma Mater' is described as heavily researched, with detailed footnotes explaining the authors' interpretations. offers a wealth of historical detail about the waning days of the Roman Empire and sets the stage for the rest of the series. Despite some readers finding the descriptive factors to be overly detailed at times, the story presents a fascinating blend of history, legend, and fantasy, making it an engaging read for those interested in a well-crafted narrative.
- #8
Save:City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer is a captivating story set in the city of Newham, where nightmares come to life, and people struggle to cope with their fears. The protagonist, Vanessa Ness, navigates a world where dreaming means turning into your worst nightmare, and she must confront her own anxieties while uncovering dark secrets about the city and herself. The plot is filled with suspense, mystery, and character growth as Ness grapples with her past traumas and fears, all while forming unexpected alliances and facing dangerous threats.
The writing style of Rebecca Schaeffer in City of Nightmares is praised for its fast pace, interesting plot, and dynamic characters that keep readers engaged and eager to continue reading. The worldbuilding is fresh and exciting, offering a unique blend of dark comedy, realism with fear and habits, and a touch of emotional depth that resonates with readers. The story is described as a mix of Gotham meets Strange the Dreamer, combining elements of urban fantasy, horror, and character-driven narratives that make for a compelling and memorable read.
- #9
Save:Chasm City is a standalone novel set in Alastair Reynolds' Revelation Space universe. The story follows Tanner Mirabel, a man seeking revenge against the killer of his former employer, as he navigates through a complex and gritty world filled with body modifications, a cyber biotic plague, and mysterious memories induced by a virus. The narrative weaves together multiple plot threads, exploring themes of memory, identity, and shared pain in a future society. The book features intricate world-building, unexpected twists, and a mix of space opera and cyberpunk elements.
"And that's a problem?" I brought our wheeler to near-halt, then parked it amongst a motley row of vehicles lining one side of the street. I dropped the stabilisers, the overheated turbine smelling li...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Revelation Space ) - #10
Save:'Hawk & Fisher' by Simon R. Green follows the adventures of a married pair of city guards named Hawk and Fisher in the fantasy town of Haven. The couple, known for their intelligence and combat skills, take on various cases ranging from murder mysteries to dealing with supernatural beings like vampires. The story is a mix of fantasy and mystery, with a touch of humor and a focus on the solid partnership between the protagonists.
In a dark and gritty urban setting filled with magic, demons, and thieves, Hawk and Fisher navigate their roles as crime-fighting cops while tackling special cases involving sorcery, murder, and political intrigue. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-crafted characters and a detailed portrayal of the town of Haven, making the book stand out as a unique blend of fantasy and police procedural.
