Books matching: metaphysical speculation
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- #1
Save:The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe is the third installment in The Book of the New Sun series, following the protagonist Severian on his journey from apprentice to Autarch. The book is described as a mix of episodic adventures, introspection, and metaphysical speculation as Severian wanders aimlessly through a strange and wondrous world. The narrative is rich in symbolism and offers a critical view of society, exploring themes of life, humanity, and the forces at play in the portrayed world.
ON A MOUNTAINTOP beyond the shores of Urth there once lived a lovely woman named Early Summer. She was the queen of that land, but her king was a strong, unforgiving man, and because she was jealous o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Book of the New Sun ) - #2
Save:'Pulling The Wings Off Angels' by K.J. Parker is a theological fantasy novella that follows a clerical student with a weakness for gambling who gets caught up in a dangerous plot involving a gangster and an imprisoned angel. The story delves into themes of good and evil, predestination, free will, and religious exploration, all presented in Parker's unique writing style that combines humor, wit, and philosophical musings. The protagonist is a realistic character who struggles with moral dilemmas and questions of divinity, set against a backdrop that feels like a Byzantine world closer to history than traditional medieval fantasy.
The novella is filled with twists, intriguing thoughts, and solid pacing, making every scene matter in the narrative. Despite the protagonist's lack of redeeming qualities, the story offers plenty of sardonic wit, cynicism, and logical critiques of religion and belief systems. The plot revolves around the protagonist's journey to deliver an angel to a gangster in order to clear his debts, leading to unexpected consequences and a deeper exploration of human themes within a speculative fiction setting.
- #3
Save:'Pure Colour' by Sheila Heti is a novel that challenges traditional storytelling structures, delving into themes of life philosophy, existentialism, and metaphysical speculations. The book follows the character Mira on a journey filled with heart, grief, humor, and complex thoughts about existence. Through innovative writing, Heti explores the concept of creation attempts by a dissatisfied God, leading to reflections on the purpose of human existence and the possibility of a second draft of reality.
- #4
Save:'The Wounded Sky' by Diane Duane is an early Star Trek novel that follows the adventures of the starship Enterprise and its crew as they test a new type of space drive developed by the Hamalki and Vulcan co-developers. The novel introduces unique characters like K't'lk, a crystalline spider-like life form, and explores the consequences of the new drive on the laws of Space Time, leading to the creation of a new universe. The plot delves into metaphysical themes and philosophical concepts while showcasing excellent character development and memorable guest aliens.
The problem with waiting around in space to see a starship go by is that, when a ship is in warp drive, she’s hardly there at all. The otherspace in which the warp field embeds her is just that—other;... - #5
Save:"The Shadow of the Torturer" by Gene Wolfe follows Severian, a young apprentice torturer with the burden of total recall, as he navigates a vivid and haunting alternative world. The book immerses readers in a masterfully crafted setting with detailed descriptions, but some find the plot dour and the pacing meandering, leading to mixed feelings about the protagonist and the overall story.
Severian's journey is filled with mysterious encounters, cryptic dream sequences, and a slow revelation of the world's setting. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and dreams, creating a challenging yet rewarding reading experience for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and thought-provoking allegories.
It is possible I already had some presentiment of my future. The locked and rusted gate that stood before us, with wisps of river fog threading its spikes like the mountain paths, remains in my mind n... - #6
Save:'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell is a unique and ambitious novel that weaves together six different stories, each set in a different time period and genre. The stories are interconnected in subtle ways, exploring themes of survival, humanity, and the interconnectedness of events throughout history. The book is known for its complex structure, where the stories are nested within each other, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that range from the 19th century to a post-apocalyptic future.
The writing style of 'Cloud Atlas' is praised for its versatility and ability to adapt to different time frames and genres. David Mitchell's narrative technique involves writing in distinct registers for each period, creating a diverse reading experience that includes elements of historical fiction, science fiction, and political commentary. The novel challenges readers with its non-linear storytelling and intricate connections between the six novellas, ultimately delivering a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the cyclical nature of history.
Beyond the Indian hamlet, upon a forlorn strand, I happened on a trail of recent footprints. Through rotting kelp, sea cocoa-nuts & bamboo, the tracks led me to their maker, a White man, his trowzers ... - #7
Save:In 'A Wrinkle in Time,' Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin embark on an adventurous quest to find Meg's missing father, encountering mythical creatures and Aunt Beast along the way. The author expertly blends elements of fantasy with religious overtones, creating a suspenseful and mysterious tale that captivates readers of all ages.
The story follows Meg Murry, a high school student who embarks on a journey through time and space to save her father, showcasing themes of individuality, sibling relationships, and the importance of embracing one's strengths and differences. Through a mix of science fiction and fantasy elements, the characters navigate challenges, confront evil, and ultimately discover the power of love and self-sacrifice.
In her attic bedroom Margaret Murry, wrapped in an old patchwork quilt, sat on the foot of her bed and watched the trees tossing in the frenzied lashing of the wind. Behind the trees clouds scudded fr...
