Books matching: love and loyalty
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- #1
'Book of a Thousand Days' by Shannon Hale is a retelling of the lesser-known Brothers Grimm fairy tale, focusing on the maid Dashti who is locked in a tower with her lady, Saren, for seven years. The story is narrated through Dashti's journal entries, detailing their escape from the tower and the challenges they face in a world destroyed by a malevolent lord who desires to marry Lady Saren. The writing style is described as a mixture of fairy tale and diary format, with elements of Mongolia infused into the narrative, making the story feel real and compelling.
And here's the bit that makes me tremble with delight — in our cellar there is a mountain of food! Barrels and bags and crates of it. And we have a fine well dug right in the cellar floor. My lady is ... - #2
In the series 'Promethean Age' by Elizabeth Bear, the book 'Hell and Earth' is a sequel to 'Ink and Steel' where the poets Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare navigate intrigues involving rebels, sorcerers, faeries, and even the Devil himself to shape the future of England and humanity. Set during the final years of Elizabeth I's reign and into James I's era, the tale delves into darker themes while seamlessly blending historical elements with fantastical elements. The writing style is noted for its intricate plot, rich language, and vivid imagery that brings to life an Elizabethan age filled with plots, treason, and dark magic.
It is too Late: the life of all his blood Is touch’d corruptibly; and his pure brain, Which some suppose the soul’s frail dwelling-house, Doth, by the idle comments that it makes, Foretell the ending ...
(Also, see 4 recommendations for the series Promethean Age ) - #3
"Mercy" by Jodi Picoult revolves around the lives of Cameron and Allie MacDonald in the small village of Wheelock, Massachusetts. Set in a town rich in Scottish history, the story delves into the complexities of love, marriage, and moral dilemmas. The plot unfolds with unexpected events that lead the characters down a path of questions, desires, and challenges. From the act of mercy committed by Jamie MacDonald towards his cancer-stricken wife to the introduction of Mia, a new character who disrupts Cam and Allie's marriage, the book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness in a thought-provoking manner. Picoult's writing style is described as informative, compelling, and poetic, with a focus on character development and controversial topics that engage readers' minds.
For a long while they sat side by side, staring out a streaked window at a town neither of them knew very well. He watched her breathing pattern in the reflection of the glass, and tried to slow his o... - #4
Sisters of Sword and Song by Rebecca Ross is a beautifully crafted standalone YA fantasy book that follows the intertwined lives of two sisters, Halcyon and Evadne. When Halcyon is accused of treason, Evadne agrees to work for Lord Straton to secure her sister's freedom, leading them both on a dangerous journey filled with secrets, magic, and betrayal. The writing style is described as captivating, with a blend of action, intrigue, magic, and politics, switching between the perspectives of the two sisters seamlessly to create a compelling narrative.
Evadne stood beneath the olive tree watching Maia climb with a knife clenched in her teeth. The sun was setting, but the breeze was warm, sighing from the west, where the Origenes Sea churned just bey...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Queen's Rising ) - #5
'For the Roses' by Julie Garwood is a heartwarming story about a group of boys who come together to form a family after finding a girl child abandoned on a rubbish heap. The bond between the Clayborne family, not bound by blood but by love, is the central theme of the book. As Mary Rose returns from school, their lives are changed forever when a stranger named Harrison Stanford MacDonald arrives in their town with a secret that could potentially tear the family apart. The book beautifully captures the essence of love, loyalty, and the dynamics of a unique family unit.
The plot of 'For the Roses' is driven by love, loyalty, and the intricate relationships within the Clayborne family. The story delves into the past of the siblings, their bond with Mama Rose, and the addition of new members like Harrison and Elliot into their unconventional family. The narrative explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit, making it a captivating and heartwarming read for fans of historical romance.
Cole waited next to his wagon for the stagecoach to round the last bend in the road. He was so excited, he could barely stand still. The cloud of dust coming from above the hill indicated she was clos... - #6
'Age of Gods and Mortals' by Kathryn Le Veque follows the emotional journey of Tresta, a determined woman who follows her husband, Teague, as he leaves for the Crusades, only to be sent back with his loyal knight, Tarran. The story delves into intense love, terrible loss, and the beginning of an unlikely relationship born out of tragedy and grief. The plot unfolds with gripping adventures, emotional turmoil, and the struggles of loyalty and love amidst the backdrop of the Crusades.
The writing style of Kathryn Le Veque in 'Age of Gods and Mortals' is described as smooth, clear, and well-researched, capturing the historical period without falling into modern slang or inaccuracies. The author expertly portrays the agony of grief, the challenges of saying goodbye, and the journey of coming out the other side to live and love again. offers a heart-wrenching yet beautifully written narrative that explores the impact of the Crusades on the lives of not just the knights, but also their families left behind.
- #7
The Italian by T.L. Swan is a captivating story revolving around Enrico, a Mafia boss who is torn between his love for Olivia and the dangerous world of crime he is involved in. The plot is filled with drama, romance, and secrets, keeping the readers hooked till the end. Swan's writing style is described as controlled and on point, with a good balance of swoon-worthy moments and intense scenes that bring the story to life.
I’m in week two of a five-week Italian vacation. I’ve been to Venice and I’ve been to Tuscany. I may also be in the middle of a small midlife crisis, but whatever. It’s forced me out of my comfort zon... - #8
'The Underneath' by Kathi Appelt is a beautifully written story that weaves together multiple narratives, including the lives of a mother cat and her kittens, a hound dog, a mystical creature named Grandmother Moccasin, and a malevolent character named Gar Face. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, friendship, abuse, and the power of common bonds amidst cruelty and hatred. The plot unfolds in the southern bayou, blending elements of reality with mythology, Native American folklore, and supernatural beings like serpents and shape-shifters.
The writing style in 'The Underneath' is described as poetic, lyrical, and evocative, capturing both the beauty and harshness of the world portrayed in the story. The book tells a complex tale that mixes magic, shifts in time and place, and rich imagery, creating a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
THERE IS NOTHING lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a while, and then abandoned on the side of the road. A small calico cat. Her family, the one she lived with, has left her in this ... - #9
The Russia House by John le Carre is a spy novel set during the late 1980s, revolving around the exchange of military secrets in Moscow that could have cataclysmic consequences. The story follows Barley Blair, a British publisher enlisted by British Intelligence to uncover the source of the documents, along with a Soviet physicist burdened with secrets and a young Russian woman entrusted with the papers. The narrative explores the complexities of espionage during the era of perestroika and glasnost, highlighting the uneasy relationship between the CIA and Russian spies, and delving into themes of trust, love, and betrayal.
In a broad Moscow street not two hundred yards from the Leningrad station, on the upper floor of an ornate and hideous hotel built by Stalin in the style known to Muscovites as Empire During the Plagu... - #10
Contact by M.D. Neu is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Todd, a happily married man living a quiet life in San Jose until he receives news of the imminent arrival of an alien species called the Nentraee. As Todd navigates mistrust, terrorist attacks, and personal loss, he finds himself caught between two worlds, believing in the possibility of peaceful coexistence with the aliens while facing opposition from others. The book skillfully explores the doomsday scenario of Earth's response to new alien life forms, weaving together multiple viewpoints from average humans, the government, the media, and the alien species themselves.
The storytelling in Contact is characterized by a slow but engaging pace, allowing for a detailed introduction to the world of the Nentraee and the complexities of human-alien interactions. The author skillfully incorporates themes of love, loyalty, compassion, sacrifice, and the true nature of humanity, creating a narrative that keeps readers on edge with the looming threat of war and the high stakes of every decision made to secure peace between Earth and the Nentraee.