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Books matching: political complexities

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Way of Kings - The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
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    'The Way of Kings' in 'The Stormlight Archive' series by Brandon Sanderson is an epic fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with unique magic systems, intricate world-building, and deep character development. The plot revolves around multiple main characters, each with their own complex storylines that eventually intertwine. The magic system in the book is innovative and tied to gems that capture stormlight, which powers magical armor and various other elements in the world. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of slow-paced world-building and action-packed sequences that keep readers hooked throughout the 1000+ pages of the book.

    “You’ve killed me. Bastards, you’ve killed me! While the sun is still hot, I die!” —Collected on the fifth day of the week Chach of the month Betab of the year 1171, ten seconds before death. Subject ...

  2. #2

    Son of a Witch - The Wicked Years by Gregory Maguire
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    'Son of a Witch' by Gregory Maguire is a sequel to 'Wicked' that follows Liir, the son of the Wicked Witch of the West, as he navigates through his life in the land of Oz. The book delves into Liir's struggles, his search for his mother, and his interactions with various characters from the original Oz book, portraying a dark side of human nature and the complexities of the world created by Maguire. The narrative style of the book includes flashbacks to Liir's earlier life and explores themes of corruption, identity, and the impact of characters like Glinda and the Scarecrow in Liir's journey.

    The opinions on 'Son of a Witch' highlight mixed feelings among readers, with some finding the book a worthy continuation of the series that offers a deeper look into the world of Oz and the character of Liir. However, others express disappointment in the plot development, characterization, and the unresolved nature of the story, leading to varied reactions towards Maguire's storytelling and the overall impact of the book on readers.

    SO THE TALK OF RANDOM BRUTALITY wasn’t just talk. At noontime they discovered the bodies of three young women, out on some mission of conversion that appeared to have gone awry. The novice maunts had ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Wicked Years )

  3. #3

    The Man From Berlin - Gregor Reinhardt by Luke McCallin
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    'The Man From Berlin' by Luke McCallin follows the story of Captain Gregor Reinhardt, an officer of the Abwehr, who is assigned to investigate the murder of a German officer and a Croatian journalist in Sarajevo during World War II. Set against the backdrop of the complex political landscape of Yugoslavia, the novel delves into Reinhardt's personal struggles, his investigation into the murders, and the intricate web of ethnic rivalries and political factions in the region. As Reinhardt uncovers more about the case, he is faced with questions of loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil in the midst of wartime chaos.

    The narrative combines elements of a murder mystery, historical fiction, and wartime drama, showcasing McCallin's skill in crafting a compelling and atmospheric story. Through Reinhardt's perspective, the readers are taken on a journey filled with tension, intrigue, and moral dilemmas, as the protagonist navigates through the treacherous waters of Nazi-occupied Sarajevo, trying to unravel the truth behind the killings while confronting his own past and uncertainties about the future.


  4. #4
    The Golden Barbarian
    Book 18 in the series:Sedikhan

    The Golden Barbarian - Sedikhan by Iris Johansen
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    The Golden Barbarian by Iris Johansen is a romance novel set in a fictional middle eastern country around the beginning of the 19th century. It follows the marriage between a European princess and a middle eastern Sheik, highlighting themes of love, adventure, and cultural differences. The story features a fiesty heroine named Tess, who is willing to fight for what she wants, and a handsome Sheik named Galen. The book also touches on controversial topics like child abuse, whipping, and polygamy, adding depth to the plot.

    The narrative of The Golden Barbarian is engaging, with readers expressing enjoyment over the character development and the chemistry between the main characters. Despite mixed opinions on certain aspects like the age of the heroine or the predictability of the plot, the book is praised for its romantic elements, intriguing setting, and the author's ability to draw readers into the story.

    Sacha hadn’t changed a whit, Tess thought with relief. His auburn hair so like her own, blazed in the sunlight. As they drew close to shore, she saw that his slim, muscular body was garbed as it alway...

  5. #5
    The Fifth Elephant
    Book 24 in the series:Discworld

    The Fifth Elephant - Discworld by Terry Pratchett
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    In "The Fifth Elephant," Commander Vimes from the Discworld City Watch is sent as an ambassador to Uberwald for the coronation of the new Low King of the dwarves, but things quickly spiral out of control with the theft of the sacred Scone of Stone and complex political plots involving werewolves, vampires, and dwarves. The book is praised for its mix of fun, drama, and literary jokes, as well as the development of characters like Sybil Vimes and the exploration of themes like race relations and diplomacy in a fantastical setting.

    The narrative of "The Fifth Elephant" is filled with exciting action, world-building, and memorable character moments, even though it is meant to be a parody with a rare touch of seriousness. While some readers appreciate the humor and fully realized setting of Discworld, others find certain elements like the B story focusing on Sgt. Colon to be less successful, questioning whether Pratchett's writing could have been even better without the pressure to maintain constant levity.

    No one actually saw it land, which raised the interesting philosophical point: When millions of tons of angry elephant come spinning through the sky, but there is no one to hear it, does it—philosophi...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld )

  6. #6
    City of Secrets
    Book 1 in the series:City of Secrets

    City of Secrets - City of Secrets by Victoria Ying
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    City of Secrets by Victoria Ying is an imaginative graphic novel set in a mysterious and steampunk-inspired world. The plot centers around Ever Barnes, a shy orphan with a dangerous secret who navigates the enigmatic Switchboard Operating Facility, where he is watched by a curious girl named Hannah and a vigilant operator named Lisa. As Ever faces threats from rogues and secret societies, he must uncover hidden truths that affect not only his life but the fate of the city of Oskar.

    The writing style possesses a whimsical tone paired with engaging illustrations that evoke a sense of wonder. However, some readers found the storyline to become convoluted and politically complex, making it challenging for some middle-grade audiences. Despite these issues, the dynamic friendships and character development shine through, providing an entertaining mix of adventure and intrigue that captivates both younger and older readers. The art complements the narrative beautifully, contributing to the overall rich experience of the story.


  7. #7

    By the Rivers of Babylon by Nelson DeMille
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    'By the Rivers of Babylon' by Nelson DeMille is a gripping thriller set in the late 1970s, where terrorists attempt to derail a peace conference by planting bombs on Concordes carrying delegates. After one plane is destroyed, the surviving passengers of the second plane are hijacked and taken to Babylon, where they must defend themselves in a battle against the terrorists. The writing style is described as intense, exciting, and fantastic, with a touch of surrealism that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

    In the Samarian hills, overlooking the Plain of Sharon, four men stood quietly in the predawn darkness. Below them, spread out on the plain, they could see the straight lights of Lod International Air...

  8. #8

    Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan by William Dalrymple
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    Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan by William Dalrymple is a detailed historical account of the first Afghan War, focusing on the British invasion of Afghanistan in the 1840s. The book delves into the political and military disasters that led to the wiping out of a British army and the downfall of the puppet state they established in Afghanistan. Dalrymple's writing style is described as well-researched, detailed, and enlightening, offering insight into the complexities of Afghan history and culture.

    There may be easier places to research a history book than Afghanistan and Pakistan, but few which provide more unexpected diversion in the course of hunting down texts, letters and manuscripts. On th...

  9. #9

    The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames by Kai Bird
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    "The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames" by Kai Bird is a biography that delves into the life of CIA officer Robert Ames, focusing on his expertise in the Middle East and his relationships in the region. The narrative portrays Ames as a complex figure who navigated the volatile political landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showcasing his dedication to understanding the cultural nuances and historical background of the area. Bird's writing style captures the intricacies of espionage, diplomacy, and personal relationships, offering a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by operatives like Ames.

    Ames's story unfolds against the backdrop of key historical events in the Middle East, including the Embassy bombing in Beirut and the rise of fundamentalism in the region. Bird skillfully weaves together the personal and professional aspects of Ames's life, painting a vivid portrait of a man who strived to forge common ground amidst political tensions. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book sheds light on the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and the blurred lines between good and evil in the world of espionage.


  10. #10

    Songmaster by Orson Scott Card
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    Kidnapped at an early age, Ansset, a young singer raised in isolation at the mystical retreat called the Songhouse, develops a unique voice that reflects the hopes and fears of his audience, capable of healing or destroying. When it is discovered that his voice is what the Emperor has awaited, Ansset is summoned to the Imperial Palace on Old Earth. Many fates rest in Ansset's hands as his songs are put to the test, either to salve the conqueror's conscience or drive the universe into chaos. The novel explores themes of love, music, leadership, and life, set in a future world where children with exceptional singing abilities are sold as property and used to change an empire within a lifetime.

    There were many ways a child could turn up in the baby market of Doblay-Me. Many children, of course, were genuine orphans, though now that wars had ended with Mikal’s Peace orphanhood was a social po...

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