Books matching: morally complex world
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- #1
"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... - #2
'Raphael' in the series 'Deadly Virtues' by Tillie Cole is a dark and intense story that follows the character Raphael, a member of the Fallen Brotherhood who has a twisted past filled with abuse and darkness. When he meets Maria, a nun-in-training who agrees to help the Brethren as her final test, their worlds collide in a tale of healing, sacrifice, and love. The plot unfolds in a dark and violent setting, exploring themes of redemption, complex relationships, and the impact of past traumas on the characters.
The writing style of 'Raphael' is described as poetic yet not overly flowery, with a focus on emotional depth and rawness. The characters are portrayed as complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own dark pasts and inner struggles. The story delves into the depths of human emotions, showcasing the journey of Raphael and Maria as they navigate their twisted connection amidst a backdrop of darkness and violence.
The loud clang of the bell broke through Maria’s sleep. Hymns sung by the sisters walking the hallways drifted under the gap at the bottom of the door. It was still dark outside, the Massachusetts win...
(Also, see 21 recommendations for the series Deadly Virtues ) - #3
'Then We Take Berlin' by John Lawton is a historical novel set in post-World War II Berlin, following the life of protagonist Joe Wilderness as he navigates the black market and intelligence operations in the aftermath of the war. The book delves into the complexities of the immediate postwar period, detailing the struggles and challenges faced by individuals in a war-torn city. Lawton's writing style vividly recreates the atmosphere of postwar Berlin, providing rich historical detail and fully dimensional characters that captivate the reader's imagination.
Christina Hélène von Raeder Burkhardt had too many names, so was known simply as Nell. She was attending the first of her twice weekly meetings with the mayor to agree an itinerary for the impending v... - #4
Thomas Cale, a young acolyte raised by the Redeemers at the Sanctuary of Slotover, is trained to be a soldier in a brutal and unforgiving environment. After witnessing a horrific act, Cale escapes with two friends and a girl, setting off a chain of events that could lead to war. The book follows Cale's journey as he navigates a world filled with religious zealots, secret societies, and the struggle to find his own identity amidst the chaos. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of fantasy elements and references to familiar places that blur the lines between reality and imagination.
Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie, for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary. The country around it is full of scrub and spind... - #5
Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan is a dark and compelling fantasy novel set in a world torn apart by war and differing beliefs. The story follows Nadya, a powerful cleric who can communicate with the gods, Serefin, a blood mage prince, and Malachiasz, a mysterious and broken boy. As these characters navigate their intertwined fates, the plot unfolds with elements of magic, political intrigue, and conflicting loyalties. The writing style is described as gripping and fast-paced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish with its unique blend of Slavic folklore, complex characters, and a world on the brink of destruction.
Death, magic, and winter. A bitter cycle that Marzenya spins with crimson threads around pale fingers. She is constant; she is unrelenting; she is eternal. She can grant any spell to those she has ble... In the epistolary novel 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, set in 18th-century France, two aristocrats, the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, engage in a dangerous game of seduction and manipulation. Through a series of letters, they plot to ruin the lives of innocent individuals for their own amusement and revenge, leading to a web of deceit, betrayal, and scandal. The characters' intricate schemes and immoral actions reveal the dark side of human nature and the consequences of selfish desires in a society on the brink of change.
The novel's writing style, characterized by vividly portrayed characters and cleverly crafted letters, immerses the reader in the morally complex world of the French aristocracy. Themes of love, revenge, morality, and manipulation are skillfully woven into the narrative, creating a compelling and thought-provoking tale of intrigue and deception that challenges societal norms and explores the boundaries of human behavior.
You SEE, MY DEAR friend, that I keep my word to you, and that bonnets and frills do not take up all my time; there will always be some left for you. However, I have seen more adornments in this one si...- #7
The Honourable Schoolboy is a continuation of the George Smiley series, following the aftermath of the discovery of a mole within the Circus. The plot delves into the intricate world of espionage, with agents working in British Hong Kong and Communist China, amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The narrative is dense and complex, focusing on the mission to uncover Karla's operations and the challenges faced by the characters involved. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and intricate, with a mix of spy thriller elements, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling.
Afterwards, in the dusty little corners where London’s secret servants drink together, there was argument about where the Dolphin case history should really begin. One crowd, led by a blimpish fellow ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series George Smiley ) - #8
'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 ) - #9
Devices and Desires by K.J. Parker is an epic fantasy novel set in a world where engineering and mechanics replace magic. The story follows Ziani Vaatzes, an engineer from a regimented society who escapes a death sentence and triggers a chain of events that lead to war and political intrigue. The book is characterized by complex politics, intricate world-building, and morally grey characters with hidden motives, creating a compelling and unpredictable narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The plot of Devices and Desires revolves around Ziani's escape from his city and his involvement in the conflicts between different countries with varying ideologies. The writing style is described as engaging and readable, with a focus on themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. The story is filled with intricate details about engineering, politics, and war, creating a rich and immersive fantasy world that challenges traditional genre conventions.
Like a whip cracking, he uncurled his languid slouch into the taut, straight lines of the lunge. His forearm launched from the elbow like an arrow as his front leg plunged forward, and the point of th... - #10
'The Court of Miracles' by Kester Grant is a young adult book that takes inspiration from Les Misérables, set in an alternate history of France. The story follows Nina, a member of the Thieves Guild in the criminal underworld of the Miracle Court, as she navigates through a world filled with revolutionaries, strict laws, and a mission to save her sister and ward. The book combines elements of fantasy with a reimagining of classic characters and settings, offering a dark and violent narrative with a focus on strong female characters.
It is before dawn, dark and silent. The corpses of the starved have been laid out on the cobblestones overnight, waiting for the carts to bear them away. The dead are wide-eyed, unhearing, uncaring, u...