Books matching: intrigue
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- #1
Save:The Traitor Baru Cormorant follows the journey of Baru, a brilliant and complex protagonist, who is plucked from her native family to be educated by an empire that is taking over her homeland. As she rises through the ranks of the empire, she navigates a world of political intrigue, betrayal, and difficult choices. Baru's ultimate goal is to gain enough power to potentially liberate her home, but the central question remains: is she a traitor, and to what exactly? The book delves into themes of morality, sacrifice, and the cost of trying to change a system from within, all while exploring a society undergoing colonization, economic manipulation, and cultural suppression.
The writing style of The Traitor Baru Cormorant is described as intellectually devastating and emotionally rigorous, blending elements reminiscent of authors like Guy Gavriel Kay and KJ Parker. The story unfolds with intricate plot twists, deep character studies, and a focus on political and economic intrigue. Despite being a fantasy novel without traditional magic elements, the book captivates readers with its complex characters, well-built world, and a narrative that challenges readers to question the boundaries of power and loyalty.
The Masquerade sent its favorite soldiers to conquer Taranoke: sailcloth, dyes, glazed ceramic, sealskin and oils, paper currency printed in their Falcrest tongue. Little Baru, playing castles in the ... - #2
Save:'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison follows the story of Maia, the overlooked and despised half-goblin son of the emperor, who unexpectedly becomes the emperor after a tragic accident claims the lives of his father and brothers. Thrust into a world of court intrigue and political maneuvering, Maia must navigate his new role as emperor, facing challenges of betrayal, loneliness, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on interpersonal tensions, political negotiations, and a subtle touch of fantasy elements to explain cultural differences.
“Get thy clothes on.” Setheris shoved yesterday’s clothes at him. Maia dropped them, fumbling with the strings of his nightshirt, and Setheris hissed with exasperation as he bent to pick them up. “A m... - #3
Save:In the book 'A Memory Called Empire' by Arkady Martine, Mahit is a young diplomat from a small space station who is sent to a colonizing empire after the mysterious death of her predecessor. Equipped with a brain implant that contains her predecessor's memories, Mahit finds herself immersed in palace intrigue and political complexities, struggling to navigate a world obsessed with language and cultural nuances. The story unfolds as Mahit questions her loyalty to her own people while trying to uncover the truth behind her predecessor's death and the empire's hidden agendas.
'A Memory Called Empire' is a complex science fiction saga that delves into themes of political intrigue, cultural identity, and personal relationships. The book follows Mahit's journey as she grapples with the complexities of the Teixcalaanli Empire, where every action and conversation holds deeper meanings, and trust is a scarce commodity in a world of shifting allegiances and hidden motives.
And from behind the curve of the large gaseous planet at coordinate B5682.76R1, the Emperor Twelve Solar-Flare arose on the bow of her ship, and she was a radiant blaze flooding all of the void. The r... - #4
Save:In an alternate version of Europe, descendants of angels have created a unique society where their primary mandate in life is to love as thou wilt. Jacqueline Carey's writing style, while slightly wordy, is very lyrical, and the subject of sex is prominently dealt with both practically and philosophically in this society. The book follows Phedre's journey, a courtesan gifted with the ability to feel pleasure as pain, as she navigates political intrigue and her complex relationship with her protector, Joscelin.
Lest anyone should suppose that I am a cuckoo’s child, got on the wrong side of the blanket by lusty peasant stock and sold into indenture in a shortfallen season, I may say that I am House-born and r... - #5
Save:In the first installment of The Farseer Trilogy, "Assassin's Apprentice," readers are introduced to FitzChivalry Farseer, the bastard son of a prince, who is raised in a dangerous position where there are people who want him dead. Swearing allegiance to his grandfather the king, Fitz becomes an apprentice to the royal assassin, navigating a world filled with courtly intrigue, political tensions, and the looming threat to his life. The book is praised for its in-depth story, intricate world-building, and fantastic character development, setting the stage for a tale full of twists and intrigue.
A history of the Six Duchies is of necessity a history of its ruling family, the Farseers. A complete telling would reach back beyond the founding of the First Duchy, and if such names were remembered... - #6
Save:'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu is an epic fantasy novel that takes inspiration from ancient Chinese history while incorporating elements of Polynesian and Japanese culture. The story follows the lives of two main characters as they navigate through a world filled with political intrigue, battles, and complex relationships. The narrative style of the book has been described as quasi-historical, allowing the author to cover large events over vast distances and time periods, creating a rich tapestry of a world.
Kuni Garu decided to take his band deep into the Er-Mé Mountains to minimize the risk of encountering Imperial patrols. The trail, winding slowly up the side of the mountain, was not steep, and the fa... - #7
Save:In 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black, the story follows Jude and her sisters who are taken to Faerie after witnessing their parents' murder. Set in a world of magic and intrigue, Jude navigates the dangerous court as she strives for power and a place among the faerie lords and ladies. With twists and turns, the book keeps readers engaged with its lush descriptions and complex characters.
The book is a dark fantasy tale filled with revenge, drama, courtly intrigue, and magic. Readers are introduced to a world where danger and betrayal lurk around every corner, as Jude faces challenges and choices that will impact not only her family but the entire kingdom of Faerie.
“The tournament is still four nights away,” the creature says. Her name is Tatterfell, and she’s a servant in Madoc’s household, stuck here until she works off her debt to him. She’s cared for me sinc... - #8
Save:'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon is an immersive and expansive high fantasy novel that presents a world where women of diverse backgrounds take center stage, breaking away from traditional tropes. The book delves into a world without sexism, homophobia, and racism, while exploring themes of religious intolerance, political intrigue, and the balance of power. The story follows multiple characters as they navigate conflicting political currents and eventually unite to confront an ancient evil threatening their world.
The book offers a feminist reboot of Arthurian legend with LGBTQ representation and a focus on strong female characters. Despite some pacing issues and slow world-building, the novel weaves together a complex narrative with dragons, magic, and diverse cultures, creating a unique and engaging fantasy world that challenges traditional fantasy norms.
Every morning she kept the same routine. To be predictable was to be safe. First she went to the Master of the Posts, who confirmed he had no letters for her. Then she went to the gates and gazed out ... - #9
Save:'The Final Empire' in the 'Mistborn' series by Brandon Sanderson follows the story of Vin, a young thief with extraordinary abilities, as she becomes involved in a plot to overthrow the immortal emperor. Set in a world plagued by slavery, crime, and political corruption, the story unfolds with intricate magical systems and complex characters facing moral dilemmas and making compromises. The rebellion to dethrone the seemingly unkillable Lord Ruler and free the oppressed Skaa forms the central conflict, providing a mix of action, intrigue, and character development.
Vin watched the downy flakes drift through the air. Leisurely. Careless. Free. The puffs of soot fell like black snowflakes, descending upon the dark city of Luthadel. They drifted in corners, blowing... - #10
Save:In a dystopian future on Mars, the society is highly stratified, with the Reds working in deadly slavery while the Golds live in freedom and opulence. The story follows Darrow, a Red who infiltrates the elite Golds to bring about change and overthrow the caste system. Drawing from Greek and Roman philosophy, the book is fast-paced and innovative, filled with violence and revenge. The protagonist's journey is compared to a hero's journey, and the world-building is excellent, with a satisfying ending that sets up the next book in the trilogy.
The first thing you should know about me is I am my father’s son. And when they came for him, I did as he asked. I did not cry. Not when the Society televised the arrest. Not when the Golds tried him....
