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Books matching: ornate language

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Lycanthia by Tanith Lee
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    In 'Lycanthia', author Tanith Lee presents a dark and original interpretation of the werewolf myth, set in France in the early 20th century. The story follows Christian Dorse, a young man diagnosed with a terminal illness, who inherits a chateau in the countryside. As he delves into the history of the manor, he uncovers disturbing behaviors of its former occupants and becomes entangled in a complex web of werewolf lore, ancient tragedies, and family secrets. Lee's ornate prose style, full of metaphors and similes, creates a decadent and eerie atmosphere as Christian navigates the foreboding mansion, eccentric servants, and the enigmatic werewolf neighbors.

    Christian's journey in 'Lycanthia' takes unexpected turns as he grapples with his own mortality, encounters werewolves who claim kinship with him, and delves into his family's dark past. The narrative weaves together themes of inheritance, violence, seduction, and the supernatural, culminating in a haunting exploration of werewolf lineage, erotic dreams, and the blurred lines between reality and myth.


  2. #2

    Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tom Robbins
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    "Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates" by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and eccentric novel that follows the wheelchair-bound protagonist, Switters, on a globetrotting adventure filled with love, danger, and spiritual exploration. The book delves into themes of contradiction, light and dark coexisting, and the complexities of human nature. With a diverse cast of characters including a pyramid-headed shaman, a matisse model turned nun, rogue CIA agents, and a squawking parrot, Robbins weaves a tale that challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality.

    The naked parrot looked like a human fetus spliced onto a kosher chicken. It was so old it had lost every single one of its feathers, even its pinfeathers, and its bumpy, jaundiced skin was latticed b...

  3. #3

    Burning Your Boats: The Collected Short Stories by Angela Carter
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    Angela Carter's 'Burning Your Boats: The Collected Short Stories' showcases her exceptional talent as an imaginative writer, reinventing common genres with a series of insightful and darkly feminist tales. The stories are rich in symbolism and require a slow, thoughtful reading to fully appreciate the poetic language and dense narratives. Carter's unique style, reminiscent of gothic fairy tales, explores themes of human depravity, sexuality, and feminism through reimagined classic tales like Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood.

    The last time I visited Angela Carter, a few weeks before she died, she had insisted on dressing for tea, in spite of being in considerable pain. She sat bright-eyed and erect, head cocked like a parr...

  4. #4

    The Kingdom of This World by Alejo Carpentier
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    'The Kingdom of This World' by Alejo Carpentier is a historical fiction novel set in Haiti, following the life of a slave named Ti Noel. The book portrays the traumatic evolution of Haiti's history post-liberation from French colonial rule, highlighting the reign of King Henri Christophe and the subsequent social injustices faced by the black regime. Through Ti Noel's eyes, readers witness the rebellion against the French, the rise of dictatorial regimes, and the cyclical nature of oppression in Haiti. The novel blends magical realism with historical events, depicting the brutal realities of slavery, the complexities of power dynamics, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    Carpentier's writing style in 'The Kingdom of This World' is described as lush, spare, and vivid, capturing the harshness and turmoil of the time period with rich imagery and engaging storytelling. The narrative spans decades, from the period of slavery through revolution, upheaval, and the oppressive rule of Henri Christophe. Through a mix of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling, Carpentier brings to life the characters, landscapes, and cultural elements of Haiti, offering a compelling exploration of power, resistance, and the impact of historical events on individuals.

    Of the twenty stallions brought to Cap Français by the ship’s captain, who had a kind of partnership with a breeder in Normandy, Ti Noël had unhesitatingly picked that stud with the four white feet an...

  5. #5
    Cobweb Bride
    Book 1 in the series:Cobweb Bride

    Cobweb Bride - Cobweb Bride by Vera Nazarian
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    In 'Cobweb Bride' by Vera Nazarian, Death stops collecting souls until his Cobweb Bride is found, leading to a kingdom where no one dies and the repercussions are dire. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including Persephone, a character who grows in confidence and wit throughout the book. The writing style incorporates rich world-building, unique storytelling, and a refreshing take on Death mythology, keeping readers engaged with its intricate plot twists and detailed character development.


  6. #6
    Ink and Steel
    Book 3 in the series:Promethean Age

    Ink and Steel - Promethean Age by Elizabeth Bear
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    In "Ink and Steel," Elizabeth Bear weaves a fantastical tale set in an alternative Elizabethan London where Queen Elizabeth reigns alongside the Faerie court. The story follows the intricate relationships between historical figures like Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Queen Mab, blending elements of love, betrayal, magic, and political intrigue. Bear's writing style is described as ornate, with fluid and emotive dialogue that captures the essence of the Elizabethan era.

    Baines, Richard: An intelligencer and Promethean Bassano lanyer, Abilia: England’s first professional woman poet. Mistress of Henry Carey. Sadly, not appearing in this book because I did not have room...

    (Also, see 4 recommendations for the series Promethean Age )

  7. #7

    Pigeons from Hell by Robert E. Howard
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    "Pigeons from Hell" by Robert E. Howard is a horror short story set in a decaying mansion haunted by supernatural forces, rooted in the legacy of slavery. The plot revolves around two men trapped in the mansion, encountering terrifying entities like zombies and voodoo hauntings. Howard's writing style is described as atmospheric, creepy, and intense, with vivid descriptions that evoke a sense of dread and horror.

    Griswell awoke suddenly, every nerve tingling with a premonition of imminent peril. He stared about wildly, unable at first to remember where he was, or what he was doing there. Moonlight filtered in ...

  8. #8

    The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
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    'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic novel set in Puritan New England during the 17th century. The story revolves around Hester Prynne, an adulteress who is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' on her dress as a symbol of her sin. The narrative delves into the consequences of adultery on the lives of Hester, her daughter Pearl, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth. The book explores themes of morality, guilt, sin, and redemption against the backdrop of a society obsessed with morals. Hawthorne's prose is described as beautiful and the book is considered a work of art due to its compelling portrayal of human frailty and sorrow.

    A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women, some wearing hoods, and others bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door ...

  9. #9

    Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
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    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...

  10. #10

    The Phoenix Guards - Khaavren Romances by Steven Brust
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    The Phoenix Guards by Steven Brust is a clever homage to The Three Musketeers set in the world of Dragaera, focusing on a group of friends who join the Phoenix Guards and embark on adventures filled with intrigue, danger, and duels. The book is narrated in a style reminiscent of eighteenth-century novels, with a mix of old-fashioned language and convoluted plotlines that add to the charm and wit of the story. Through the eyes of the historian Paarfi, readers are taken on a journey through a richly detailed world where honor, politics, and friendship collide in a playful and engaging manner.

    IT HAS NOW been a mere two score of years since we had the honor to have our work, Toward Beginning a Survey of Some Events Contributing To the Fall of the Empire, rejected by Lord Tri'ari and Master ...

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