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Books matching: moral ambiguity

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    The Black Company
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:The Black Company

    The Black Company - The Black Company by Glen Cook
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    The Black Company is a gritty military fantasy novel that follows the exploits of a mercenary band in service to a powerful sorceress known as the Lady. The story is narrated from the perspective of Croaker, the company's physician and annalist, providing a unique viewpoint of the conflicts between the Lady and the rebels who oppose her. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a world where mercenaries must navigate treacherous alliances and deadly battles.

    Lightning from a clear sky smote the Necropolitan Hill. One bolt struck the bronze plaque sealing the tomb of the forvalaka, obliterating half the spell of confinement. It rained stones. Statues bled....

  2. #2
    Sandman Slim
    Book 1 in the series:Sandman Slim

    Sandman Slim - Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey
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    'Sandman Slim' is a gritty and dark fantasy novel that follows the story of James Stark, also known as Sandman Slim, who returns to Los Angeles after surviving eleven years in Hell. Seeking revenge on those who betrayed him and killed his girlfriend, Stark navigates a world filled with monsters, demons, angels, and magic. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with dark humor, making it a thrilling and engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and modern noir.

    Personally, I don’t have anything against shroud eaters. They’re just another kind of addict in a city of addicts. Since most of them started out as civilians, the percentage of decent vampires to com...

  3. #3

    The Spy Who Came in from the Cold - George Smiley by John le Carré
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    'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carre is a classic spy novel set during the Cold War era, focusing on the protagonist Alec Leamas, a British spy navigating a complex world of espionage and counter-espionage. The plot revolves around Leamas' final assignment in East Germany, filled with twists and turns, moral dilemmas, and unexpected outcomes. The writing style is described as taut, gripping, and masterfully crafted, with a focus on subtle deception, intricate character development, and a sense of paranoia that reflects the mood of the Cold War era.

    ‘Shut up,’ said Leamas from the window. One of the policemen left the hut and walked to the sandbag emplacement two feet short of the white demarcation which lay across the road like the base line of ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series George Smiley )

  4. #4

    Brown's Requiem by James Ellroy
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    'Brown's Requiem' by James Ellroy is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that showcases the early attempt of the author at crime writing. Set in 1980, the book follows a compelling protagonist who is a recovering alcoholic with a unique perspective on right and wrong. The story is filled with mystery, romance, violence, and a touch of philosophy, keeping readers engaged and wondering as they turn the pages. Ellroy's writing style in this debut novel is described as well-crafted, with a complex plot that moves the story along seamlessly.


  5. #5
    The Churn
    Book 3.5 in the series:The Expanse

    The Churn - The Expanse by James S.A. Corey
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    The Churn by James S.A. Corey delves into the backstory of the character Amos from The Expanse series. The novella focuses on Amos' life in a criminal organization based in Baltimore, providing insight into his past and the environment in which he existed. The writing style is efficient, not wasting time but still setting the scene effectively for both Amos and Earth. The story is character-focused, with multiple viewpoints that paint a bleak future on Earth, fitting well within the larger Expanse universe.

    The Churn is praised for maintaining the standard of the full-length novels in The Expanse series while covering different ground by exploring Amos' background. Readers appreciate the suspenseful and dark nature of the story, with a focus on character development and the gritty reality of life in a criminal organization. The novella is well-received for providing additional depth to the character of Amos and offering a compelling read that ties into the overarching series.

    He rolled another one out of the little workshop behind his house and toward one of First Landing’s electric carts. The little stretch of buildings spread to the north and south, and then ended, the d...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Expanse )

  6. #6

    The Singer's Gun by Emily St. John Mandel
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    The Singer's Gun by Emily St. John Mandel is a novel that delves into the life of Anton Waker, a man trying to escape his family's criminal past but is pulled back in by his cousin Aria for one last job. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, weaving together themes of love, crime, and moral complexity. The plot moves between New York, the Arctic Circle, and an Italian island, exploring the characters' struggles with identity and the consequences of their past actions.

    The writing style of Emily St. John Mandel in The Singer's Gun is praised for its ability to create complex and believable characters, shifting timelines that illuminate rather than confuse the story, and a subtle yet suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book is described as having a melancholic feel, with a mix of eerie existential thriller elements that add depth to the storytelling.

    For reasons that were difficult to think about in any great detail, let alone explain to his wife in New York, Anton had rented a room on the island of Ischia for the off-season. In exchange for a hun...

  7. #7

    The Digger's Game by George V. Higgins
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    The Digger's Game by George V. Higgins follows the story of a degenerate gambler and his brother, a man of the cloth, as the former digs himself into a deep hole with a loan shark and plans a robbery for insurance money. Set in 70s Boston and other locations, the book delves into themes of gambling, debt, family issues, criminal elements, and the complex relationships between the characters. Higgins' writing style is characterized by gritty dialogue-driven storytelling, with conversations playing a central role in driving the narrative forward.

    The plot of The Digger's Game weaves through various locations and characters, portraying a world of criminals, enforcers, chancers, and family dynamics. The book's focus on dialogue, flawed characters, and morally questionable individuals creates a rich and realistic portrayal of Boston's less reputable social circles during the seventies. Higgins' unique approach to storytelling, where characters are studied through their interactions and conversations, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven crime fiction.

    “Back door,” the driver said. “Three steps, aluminum railing, no outer door. No alarm. You got a problem of being seen. There’s a whole mess of apartments back up on the place, and they got mostly kid...

  8. #8

    Wizard War by Hugh Cook
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    'Wizard War' by Hugh Cook is a fantasy novel that follows a diverse cast of characters in a well-thought-out world filled with unique magic systems. The story is an epic quest type narrative that delves into moral ambiguity, complex character development, and a colorful yet dark world. The author's writing style is described as original, gritty, and humorous, with elements of cosmology and metaphysics adding depth to the plot. Despite some initial strangeness in the writing style, readers find themselves engrossed in the book as it progresses, akin to the works of Joe Abercrombie.


  9. #9
    Blue and Gold
    Book 1 in the series:Saloninus

    Blue and Gold - Saloninus by K.J. Parker
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    Blue and Gold follows Saloninus, an alchemist known for his charisma and deceit, as he navigates a life of crime and deception while attempting to fulfill the demands of his patron, Prince Procas. The novella delves into Saloninus' pursuit of creating the elixir of eternal life and transforming base metal into gold, all while dealing with the consequences of his actions, including the accidental poisoning of his wife. The story unfolds with an unreliable narrator, blending elements of alchemy with themes of deception, ambition, and the complexities of human nature.

    The narrative of Blue and Gold is presented in a series of scenes that shift between past and present, gradually revealing more about Saloninus' character and motivations. The writing style captures the essence of academia and alchemy, using the science of alchemy as a metaphor for various aspects of life such as time, money, social status, and personal growth. Through its fast-paced and dramatic storytelling, the novella explores themes of trust, morality, and the blurred lines between truth and deception in a world where nothing is as it seems.

    “Ah.” The barman nodded and turned away. Alchemists, murderers and other cheapskates, the back of his neck seemed to be saying. I picked up my beer and looked at it. Worse things had happened, but not...

  10. #10

    Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    'Mother Night' by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a novel that delves into the life of Howard W. Campbell, Jr., an American who becomes a Nazi propagandist during World War II while secretly working as a spy for the United States. The story unfolds as Campbell awaits trial in Israel for war crimes, reflecting on his past actions and the moral dilemmas he faced. The book explores themes of morality, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil, all presented in Vonnegut's signature dark humor and simple yet profound writing style.

    The novel is structured as a fictional memoir, narrated by Campbell himself as he reflects on his past experiences infiltrating the Nazi propaganda machine. Through Campbell's complex character, the book raises questions about the nature of human intentions versus actions, the consequences of pretending to be something we are not, and the impact of war on individual morality. Vonnegut weaves a tale that is both thought-provoking and unsettling, challenging readers to consider the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our choices.

    Because it is written by a man suspected of being a war criminal. Mr. Friedmann is a specialist in such persons. He had expressed an eagerness to have any writings I might care to add to his archives ...

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