Books matching: personal and external conflicts
76 result(s)
"88 Names" by Matt Ruff is a speculative fiction novel that follows John Chu, a video game sherpa hired by wealthy clients to navigate through virtual worlds. When a mysterious client offers him a large sum of money to tour major video games, John suspects a dangerous conspiracy involving the North Korean government. As the story unfolds, flashbacks reveal John's complicated virtual relationship with a gamer named Darla. The book combines elements of virtual reality, gaming culture, espionage, and personal relationships, while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging narrative style with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the end.
sherpa— A person who acts as a paid guide in a massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Sherpas provide their clients with playable characters, equipment, and skilled teammates, allowing...- #2
Save:'Norwood' by Charles Portis is a character-driven novel set in the 1960s South, following Norwood Pratt, a restless ex-marine who embarks on a road trip from Texas to New York. Throughout the journey, Norwood encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a surly bread delivery man, an educated chicken, and the girl of his dreams. The book is filled with deadpan humor, crisp writing, and witty dialogue, making it a hilarious and entertaining read that focuses on the journey rather than the destination.
NORWOOD HAD TO GET a hardship discharge when Mr. Pratt died because there wasn’t anyone else at home to look after Vernell. Vernell was Norwood’s sister. She was a heavy, sleepy girl with bad posture.... - #3
Save:'Silent Joe' by T. Jefferson Parker follows the story of Joe Trona, an adopted son of a former Orange County deputy Sheriff, who works as a guard in a jail facility. Joe's life was forever altered when his alcoholic father disfigured him as an infant. Despite his scars, Joe becomes a tough and resilient character, navigating through a complex web of corruption and shady dealings in and around LA. As Joe delves into investigating his father's killers, he faces danger from various adversaries, including crooked politicians, gang members, and wealthy individuals with dark secrets. The book is praised for its unique storyline, well-developed characters, and the unexpected twists that lead to a surprising ending.
Will was on edge again. Lots of that lately. He sat down beside me like he usually did. Never in the backseat unless he was in conference. Only in the front, where he could watch the road and the gaug... - #4
Save:In the book 'Numbers' by Rachel Ward, we follow the story of Jem, a teenage girl who has the ability to see the date of a person's death when she looks into their eyes. Orphaned and in foster care since her mother's overdose, Jem leads a lonely and isolated life until she meets Spider, a fellow misfit at school. Together, they embark on a trip to London where they witness a chilling revelation about people's death dates, leading to a series of events that turn them into fugitives and suspects of a terrorist investigation. The book is a fast-paced thriller with a unique premise, delving into themes of friendship, love, and the consequences of knowing the future.
The plot of 'Numbers' is gripping and full of unexpected twists, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout the story. The writing style is described as captivating, touching, and at times, unsettling, creating a blend of suspense and emotional depth that makes the book a compelling read for both young adults and adults alike.
There are places where kids like me go. Sad kids, bad kids, bored kids, and lonely kids, kids that are different. Any day of the week, if you know where to look, you’ll find us: behind the shops, in b... - #5
Save:'Sword in the Storm' by David Gemmell is a well-crafted novel of love, death, and magic set in a world based on ancient Celts, the Rigante, and their struggles against invading forces. The main character, Connavar, serves as a vehicle for the flawed hero, exploring the human flaws faced when dealing with overwhelming events. The story weaves a tale of love, loss, and warfare, with a constant theme of protecting loved ones against betrayal and violence.
ON THE NIGHT of the great man’s birth a fierce storm was moving in from the far north, but the lowering black clouds still were hidden behind the craggy, snow-capped peaks of the Druagh mountains. The... - #6
Save:'Sebastian' in the series 'Ephemera' by Anne Bishop follows the story of Sebastian, a half wizard, half incubus, who resides in the Den of Iniquity created by his cousin. When the Eater of the World is accidentally set free, Sebastian becomes the protector of the Den and must race with his cousins to save their world from this malevolent force that thrives on the darkness in people's hearts. The world of Ephemera is intricately crafted, with landscapes reflecting the emotional states of individuals, and the magic users who connect and shape these landscapes to maintain balance.
Anne Bishop introduces a compelling narrative with strong characters reminiscent of her Black Jewels series, where themes of power, connection to nature, and gender dynamics are explored. delves into a complex urban fantasy world, quickly immersing readers in the shifting landscapes and the intricate bridges that connect them, all while maintaining a fluid and engaging writing style that effortlessly explains the unique concepts of Ephemera.
Standing at the kitchen counter, Sebastian closed his eyes and inhaled slowly and deeply to savor the smell of freshly ground koffea beans. Better than a woman. At least, a more sensual experience tha... - #7
Save:Wheelers is a futuristic science fiction novel set in the twenty third century, where Earth faces a crisis as a comet is redirected towards it after the inner moons of Jupiter alter their orbits. The story follows Prudence Odingo, an ex archaeologist, who teams up with Zen Buddhists and an academic to make contact with alien intelligence connected with mysterious wheeled artifacts discovered on Callisto. The plot involves a mix of alien ideas, futuristic concepts, dramatic courtroom scenes, and a race against time to prevent the comet from colliding with Earth.
The writing style of Wheelers is described as a mix of gripping storytelling, interesting science concepts, and a blend of hard science with speculative fiction. The authors, Jack Cohen and Ian Stewart, bring together their expertise in biology and mathematics to create a plot filled with twists, intricate details, and a balance between suspenseful drama and academic wit.
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Save:Close Pursuit by Cindy Dees is an action-filled novel that follows the story of Katie McCloud, a kindergarten teacher turned translator for Doctors Unlimited, and Dr. Alex Peters, a brooding and enigmatic doctor. Set in a region ravaged by war and civil unrest, the book takes readers on a journey filled with espionage, action-packed suspense, and a budding romantic relationship between the two protagonists. The writing style is described as insightful, intelligent, and engaging, with well-developed characters and blistering hot sex scenes.
The story delves into the dangerous world of international counterintelligence, where Katie and Alex find themselves running for their lives in a war-torn area, facing unknown threats and navigating through a complex plot filled with twists and turns. As they work together to save a baby and unravel a web of deception and espionage, they must learn to trust each other in order to survive.
KATIE MCCLOUD STUDIED the barren valley at her feet and shook her head. Mars. It looks like freaking Mars. Who’d have guessed anywhere on Earth looked like this? Of course, she’d had to go to the foot... - #9
Save:In the book 'Wicked Sexy' by J.T. Geissinger, readers are taken on a thrilling journey of cyber warfare, romance, and self-discovery. The story revolves around Tabitha 'Tabby' West, a former hacker known as 'Polaroid,' who now freelances on legal jobs but is pulled back into the world of hacking when a notorious cyber criminal threatens chaos. Enter Connor Hughes, a former Marine turned cyber security expert, who finds himself working alongside Tabby to stop the impending threat. As they navigate through high-stakes situations and intense banter, the sparks between them ignite, blurring the lines between animosity and attraction. With a mix of suspense, humor, and steamy romance, the book delves into themes of trust, redemption, and facing one's past.
The writing style of 'Wicked Sexy' is described as engaging, humorous, and captivating by readers. The author, J.T. Geissinger, skillfully weaves together a story of opposites attracting, with multifaceted characters and intriguing storylines that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The interactions between Tabby and Connor are filled with tension, both in terms of cyber threats and undeniable chemistry, making for a compelling and entertaining read.
Half an hour later, I’ve toured the executive offices, the acres of employee cubicles, and the enormous manufacturing facility, where I had to don booties and a cloth hair cap and pass through two set... - #10
Save:'Elemental Pleasure' in the series 'Trinity Masters' by Mari Carr and Lila Dubois is an adult erotic contemporary romance with a unique twist. It follows the story of three main characters - Carly, Preston, and Lance - who are brought together in a menage relationship by the mysterious Trinity Masters. The plot revolves around their complex dynamics, individual strengths, and their journey to navigate the unconventional relationship they find themselves in. The writing style is described as engaging, well-balanced between romance, erotica, suspense, and mystery, capturing the readers' attention and drawing them into the story seamlessly.
