Books matching: mythical elements
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Crane Wife' by Patrick Ness is a modern fairy tale that expands on a traditional Japanese folktale. The story follows three main characters: Kumiko, a mysterious woman who becomes the wife of George, a kind but unfulfilled man; George, who unites his art form with Kumiko's to create beauty; and Amanda, George's socially challenged daughter. The narrative weaves between the ordinary lives of these characters and the mythical love story of the crane and the volcano, exploring themes of love, yearning, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. The writing style varies between mythological, everyday, and harmonious tones to depict the different perspectives of the characters and their intertwining stories.
‘That’s the colour of the charity. Pink is the colour of the charity. Breast Cancer. Pink. Because it affects women. Mostly women do the fundraising, but some men do, too. We run, we raise money. It’s... - #2
Save:'Mythology 101' by Jody Lynn Nye follows the adventures of Keith Doyle, a young college student with Irish ancestry, who unexpectedly encounters elves in the basement of his college library. This story provides a fresh look at European mythology, portraying the Little People in a modern setting and exploring life from their perspective. As Keith navigates his newfound friendships with the fair folk, he faces challenges that endanger his new friends, leading to a fast-paced and whimsical tale filled with misadventures and humor.
“Are all now present?” the Master enquired, squinting over the top of his gold-rimmed spectacles. The light of two dozen burning lanterns hanging around the huge room flickered off the glass and metal... - #3
Save:The Ice Schooner by Michael Moorcock is a high fantasy novel set in a far future Earth covered in ice. The story follows Konrad Arflane, a ship captain without a ship, who embarks on an expedition to discover the lost city of New York. The novel explores themes of adventure, exploration, and the protagonist's journey of self-discovery in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in ice cities.
Moorcock's writing style in The Ice Schooner is praised for its evocative imagery and imaginative storytelling. The narrative is described as a departure from his usual sword and sorcery style, focusing more on the expedition-style story of a big sailing ship skiing across the ice on a voyage of discovery. The book is noted for its unique twist on high fantasy elements and its exploration of traditional values in a futuristic setting.
When Konrad Arflane found himself without an ice ship to command, he left the city-crevasse of Brershill and set off on skis across the great ice plateau; he went with the intention of deciding whethe... - #4
Save:The Winter Prince by Elizabeth Wein is an Arthurian retelling focusing on the complex relationships within King Artos' family, particularly between his children Medraut, Lleu, and Goewin. The story is narrated by Medraut, the illegitimate son, who struggles with his feelings towards his family members, especially his mother Morgause. The novel delves into themes of power, love, betrayal, and the internal conflicts faced by the characters, all set against a backdrop of ancient legends and historical fantasy. The writing style is described as seductive and sharp, with a focus on character dynamics and family relationships that linger in the reader's mind long after finishing the book.
The courtier who knelt before me was no older than I. He was dressed like Kidane, with a shamma overmantle and head cloth of closely woven linen, except that this young man’s head cloth was banded wit... - #5
Save:'Frostborn' in the series 'Thrones and Bones' by Lou Anders follows the journey of two unlikely heroes, Karn and Thianna, who feel like they don't belong in their respective communities. Karn, a gamer and dreamer, is being groomed to take over his family farm but would rather explore and play Thrones and Bones. Thianna, a Frost Giantess and human hybrid, struggles with her identity and desires to embrace her Frost Giant heritage. When the two protagonists unite, they embark on an adventure facing trolls, the undead, and a dragon, learning that being different can be an advantage that may save their lives. resonates with readers who have experienced the challenges of feeling like an outcast, providing hope and a reminder that things can improve over time.
The writing style of 'Frostborn' is engaging, with a rich fantasy world setting, compelling action, and well-developed lead characters, including both a male and a female protagonist. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing and eager to find out more about the world created by Lou Anders. The Norse-inspired land of Norrongard and the unique creatures like the draug and their leader, Helltoppr, add depth and originality to the story, making it a refreshing and captivating read for both kids and adults.
- #6
Save:In a tiny medieval kingdom, the prime minister, DeCree, is compiling a dictionary but faces disagreement over the definition of "delicious." His young assistant, Gaylen, is sent on a mission to poll the citizens to determine the most delicious food. However, the queen's brother, Hemlock, stirs up trouble to overthrow the king. Along the way, Gaylen encounters fantasy creatures like a mermaid named Ardis and faces challenges in his quest. The story intertwines the search for delicious and the kingdom's power struggle but lacks character depth and a cohesive connection between the plots.
A charming fairy tale, "The Search for Delicious" explores themes of definitions, power struggles, and the search for identity. The narrative, while well-told, is criticized for being forgettable and predictable, with characters lacking richness. Despite this, the book offers adventure, humor, wordplay, and lessons, making it suitable for younger readers and fans of children's fantasy.
In his workroom at the top of the tower, DeCree, the Prime Minister, was pacing up and down. Occasionally he would pause, throw up his arms in a gesture of helplessness, and then resume his pacing. Fr... - #7
Save:The Epic of Gilgamesh follows King Gilgamesh of Uruk, a near perfect man who is actually part god. The story begins with Gilgamesh feeling lonely and lacking a worthy friend, leading the gods to create Enkidu as a competitor out of clay. Enkidu and Gilgamesh start as rivals but become best friends. However, Enkidu is killed by a jealous god, forcing Gilgamesh to confront mortality and embark on a quest for eternal life. The book delves into themes of friendship, coping with death, and the search for meaning in life, all set against a backdrop of ancient Mesopotamian culture and beliefs.
With the exception of Column I the text of this tablet is preserved almost completely. Gilgamesh is introduced as the ruler of Uruk, but his rule soon became unpopular, since he compelled all the youn... - #8
Save:In the book To Best the Boys by Mary Weber, the protagonist Rhen Tellur disguises herself as a boy to compete in a prestigious scholarship competition in a historical setting similar to the 19th century. The story incorporates diverse characters, feminism, and fantastical elements, focusing on Rhen's determination to pursue her dream of becoming a scientist despite societal expectations and obstacles.
Either way, it hardly matters because—while a bloodsucker would be an interesting twist on my day—the cadaver just moved, and the fact that I’m not keeling over from heart failure right now is rather ... - #9
Save:'The Stories of Jacob' in the series 'Joseph and His Brothers' by Thomas Mann is a monumental novel that intricately weaves together the biblical narratives of Jacob and Joseph. Mann's writing style brings to life ancient Egypt, creating vivid characters and settings that immerse the reader in a world filled with mythology, psychology, and historical elements. The book delves deep into the stories of Jacob's struggles with his brother Esau, the trials of Dinah, and the rise of Joseph from being thrown into a pit by his jealous brothers to becoming a prominent figure in Egypt.
Mann's narrative skillfully explores themes of mythology, monotheism, and interconnected human stories, intertwining them with the biblical events to provide a rich and thought-provoking reading experience. The book is not just a retelling of familiar tales but a profound exploration of human nature, history, and the complexities of faith, making it a compelling and enlightening read.
There were other trees in the vicinity as well, though none so venerable as the one standing off to itself. Some were of the same species, but there were large-leaved fig trees, too, and stone pines, ... - #10
Save:In 'Galilee' by Clive Barker, the story revolves around two powerful and strange families, the Barbarossas and the Gearys, with divine or supernatural origins. The narrative spans mythic times, the Civil War South, and modern-day New York City, following the intertwined fate of these families. The characters, while complex, are hindered by the choice of narrator, with some of the most interesting aspects of the tale being held back, leading to an anti-climactic ending. Barker's writing style immerses the reader in strange, mystical worlds and eccentric characters, creating a rich and interesting read despite the narrative shortcomings.
At the insistence of my stepmother Cesaria Barbarossa the house in which I presently sit was built so that it faces southeast. The architect—who was no lesser man than the third President of the Unite...
