Books matching: impossible mission
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- #1
Save:A wildly entertaining, twisty heist with unforgettable characters - definitely worth the hype, especially for fans of YA fantasy and ensemble casts! Just be warned: you might immediately want to grab the sequel.
'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is a gripping YA heist novel set in a fantasy world where a mastermind, Kaz Brekker, assembles a team of teenagers with special gifts and dark pasts to undertake an impossible mission in the dangerous city of Ketterdam. The story revolves around their quest to kidnap a scientist experimenting with enhancing special powers for military purposes, leading to a tale of revenge, loyalty, friendship, and intricate schemes against a backdrop of a richly imagined world filled with magic and complex characters.
The book is a heist thriller with a fantasy twist, featuring a group of misfits led by Kaz who navigate through a city controlled by gangs and a corrupt council. The narrative is driven by detailed schemes, plot twists, and the individual growth of the characters, as they face challenges, form relationships, and strive to achieve their goals in a world on the brink of change and chaos.
He was supposed to be making his rounds at the Hoede house, but for the last fifteen minutes, he’d been hovering around the southeast wall of the gardens, trying to think of something clever and roman...September 2015•497 pages - #2
Save:A witty, nail-biting tale of survival on Mars that's both scientifically savvy and genuinely fun to read. Perfect for anyone who loves science, adventure, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
'The Martian' by Andy Weir is a thrilling science fiction novel that follows the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is mistakenly left behind on Mars after his crew believes he is dead. The plot revolves around Watney's incredible survival journey as he uses his ingenuity, humor, and scientific knowledge to overcome challenges, from building a potato farm to contacting NASA for a rescue mission. The writing style is engaging, filled with details and technical know-how that immerse the reader into the world of space exploration without being too tedious, making the character of Watney well-fleshed out and likable.
For the record…I didn’t die on Sol 6. Certainly the rest of the crew thought I did, and I can’t blame them. Maybe there’ll be a day of national mourning for me, and my Wikipedia page will say, “Mark W...2011•410 pages - #3
Save:A gritty, fast-paced cyberpunk action-thriller with noir vibes and a ruthless antihero. Not for everyone, but a blast for anyone craving hard-boiled sci-fi with attitude.
In a rough and seemingly hopeless future, Avery Cates is a hired assassin who uncovers a conspiracy involving a growing religion called the Electric Church, where converts become immortal cyborgs. The novel is described as dark, intense, and suspenseful, with a gritty noir feel and a lot of action. The story follows Cates as he navigates through a world filled with cyborg Monks and suspenseful surprises, guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style of the book is praised for being witty, biting, and engaging, drawing readers into a cool, future noir setting with a post-war disaster backdrop. The main character, Avery Cates, is well-developed and interesting, adding depth to the fast-moving plot filled with action and suspense. Despite some criticisms, such as repetitive dialog and comparisons to video game-like scenes, readers find the story cinematic and exciting, with a unique blend of cyberpunk and hard-boiled detective elements.
I wasn’t really listening to Nad. I never listened to Nad, actually. We were standing in a shadowy doorway on Bleecker—just a doorway, a rectangle of ancient brick melting away to dusty rubble on eith...September 2007•396 pages - #4
Save:Ingenious, optimistic sci-fi adventure that's heavy on science, light on complex characters; a must-read for space and STEM fans, especially if you loved The Martian.
'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Ryland Grace, a man who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he is there. He soon discovers that he is on a mission to save humanity from an alien infestation that is consuming the sun. The book combines elements of suspense, science, and adventure as Ryland navigates challenges, solves scientific problems, and forms unexpected alliances with alien lifeforms to unravel the mystery and find a solution to save Earth.
The writing style of 'Project Hail Mary' is described as fast-paced, humorous, and engaging. The author, Andy Weir, expertly weaves scientific details into the narrative, making complex concepts accessible and adding credibility to the mind-bending events in the story. The book alternates between present-time events on the spaceship and flashbacks that provide background information, creating a well-balanced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
What’s going on? I want to find out, but I don’t have much to work with. I can’t see. I can’t hear anything other than the computer. I can’t even feel. No, that’s not true. I feel something. I’m lying...May 2021•497 pages - #5
Save:Dazzling for hard sci-fi fans and anyone craving fresh, big-picture ideas, but less engaging if you want character-driven stories. An intriguing, ambitious collection that’s well worth sampling for its sheer imagination.
'The Wandering Earth' by Liu Cixin is a collection of science fiction short stories that explore a variety of future scenarios, ranging from cautiously optimistic to dark and deeply pessimistic. The stories delve into themes of the fate and future of Earth and humanity, presenting jaw-dropping ideas and imaginative concepts. The writing style is reminiscent of classic science fiction authors like Asimov and Clarke, focusing on big ideas and exploration of speculative scenarios, sometimes at the expense of character development.
The Reining lasted for 42 years, three years longer than the Unity Government had projected. My mother once told me about the time our family witnessed the last sunset. The Sun had ever so slowly crep...2000•126 pages - #6
Save:A meticulously crafted, deeply realistic generation ship saga - brilliant if you want science and philosophy with your sci-fi, but be ready for a somber, challenging look at humanity’s push for the stars.
The novel 'Aurora' by Kim Stanley Robinson is a science fiction story that follows a multi-generation spaceship on a journey from Earth to colonize the Tau Ceti system. The book delves into the challenges encountered during the expedition, focusing on engineering obstacles, biological adaptations, and social issues that arise within the crew. The narrative is driven by the perspective of an AI or AIs, providing unique insights into human intentionality and evolution, as well as exploring themes of sustainability, adaptation, and the consequences of space colonization.
Freya and her father go sailing. Their new home is in an apartment building that overlooks a dock on the bay at the west end of Long Pond. The dock has a bunch of little sailboats people can take out,...July 2015•509 pages - #7
Save:An emotionally charged WWII thriller with sky-high stakes and unforgettable tension - perfect for history buffs and thriller fans, as long as you're ready to suspend disbelief for a powerful, heart-wrenching story.
'The One Man' by Andrew Gross is a historical thriller set during WWII, focusing on the daring rescue mission of physicist Alfred Mendl from Auschwitz. The story follows Nathan Blum, a Polish Jew working for the US intelligence, who is tasked with infiltrating the concentration camp to bring Mendl out. The plot is filled with suspense, historical facts, and intricate twists, making it a compelling read for those interested in WWII fiction.
The book seamlessly weaves together elements of espionage, historical events, and human resilience, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed, the plot is fast-paced, and the writing style effectively captures the horrors of Auschwitz while maintaining a sense of hope and determination throughout the story.
The two men clawed through the dense Polish forest at night, clinging to the banks of the Vistula, only miles from Slovakia. Their withered bodies cried out from exhaustion, on the edge of giving out....2016•460 pages - #8
Save:A top-notch blend of hard-hitting military action and epic strategy - highly recommended for military sci-fi fans, but maybe keep it for days off (unless you don’t mind being sleep deprived!).
"The Hammer" in the series "The General" by David Drake and S.M. Stirling follows the story of Raj Whitehall, a young Brigadier who embarks on a Southern Expedition under the command of Barholm Clerett. Raj faces challenges such as outnumbered battles near Port Murchison and strategizes to retake the southern provinces from the Civil Government. The plot unfolds with elements of armed conflict, political intrigue, and alliances as Raj navigates through treacherous territories with his troops and companions. The writing style captures the realism of combat and military tactics, intertwined with personal relationships and character development.
The two young men stared at each other for a moment. Raj Whitehall felt his skin ridging in horror; nothing had changed here in nearly two years. Nothing at all since that moment when Thom Poplanich h...February 1992•320 pages
(Also, see 11 recommendations for the series The General ) - #9
Save:A classic WWII thriller full of heart-pounding adventure and old-school heroics - perfect for fans of action, suspense, and impossible missions, but don’t expect gritty realism or deep introspection.
'The Guns of Navarone' by Alistair MacLean is a World War II thriller that follows a small group of Allied soldiers on a seemingly impossible mission to destroy massive German guns on the Greek island of Navarone. The plot involves a daring commando raid, where the team must scale an unclimbable cliff, infiltrate a Nazi fortress, and sabotage the guns to save 1,200 stranded British soldiers. The writing style is described as suspenseful, with well-crafted prose that keeps the readers engaged and turning pages, showcasing the characters' fear, bravery, and human side amidst the intense action.
The match scratched noisily across the rusted metal of the corrugated iron shed, fizzled, then burst into a sputtering pool of light, the harsh sound and sudden brilliance alike strangely alien in the...1957•392 pages - #10
Save:A hilarious, high-speed heist with heart - Swindle is a popcorn-munching, feel-good read for anyone young at heart. Perfect for reluctant readers, families, and anyone who likes their adventures with a lot of laughs and a dash of mischief.
'Swindle' by Gordon Korman is a fast-paced fiction adventure story that follows the protagonist, Griffin Bing, also known as The Man with a Plan. Griffin embarks on a thrilling journey after being swindled out of a valuable item by a deceitful antiquities dealer. To retrieve his treasure, Griffin concocts elaborate schemes involving a diverse team of classmates with unique talents. is filled with surprises, twists, and action-packed sequences that keep readers engaged from start to finish. Gordon Korman's writing style is likened to a mix of 'OCEAN'S ELEVEN' and 'MISSION IMPOSSIBLE' for kids, showcasing his ability to captivate readers of all ages with his storytelling prowess.
SNEAKING OUT AT NIGHT — HELPFUL HINTS: (i) When lying to your parents, maintain EYE CONTACT. (ii) Make sure you ask permission to attend the correct FAKE SLEEPOVER. (Boys — Stan Winter’s place. Girls...2008•256 pages
