Books matching: power and corruption
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- #1
'Dukes of Ruin' in the series 'The Royals of Forsyth University' by authors Samantha Rue and Angel Lawson follows the story of Lavinia, a strong and defiant young woman who has faced abuse and captivity in her life. Traded off to the Lords and then gifted to the Dukes, she strives to live life on her own terms amidst twisted relationships, dark pasts, and hidden agendas. The narrative delves into the intricate dynamics between Lavinia and the Dukes - Nick, Sy, and Remy - each with their unique flaws, weaknesses, and obsessions, as they navigate through dark themes, mysteries, and a society filled with corruption and secrets.
The writing style of 'Dukes of Ruin' captivates readers with multiple points of view, vivid characterizations, and a richly crafted world that immerses them in a symphony of darkness and chaos. The narrative unfolds with layers of tension, intrigue, and passion, gradually peeling away the characters' backstories and revealing their vulnerabilities, creating explosive chemistry and suspenseful dynamics that keep readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries hidden within the story.
Guy was an arrogant son of bitch, but sometimes he was right. It doesn’t matter why I started working for him or why I eventually turned. The King of South Side always had a lesson to give, and a lot ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Royals of Forsyth University ) - #2
'Punk Land' by Carlton Mellick III is a bizarro fiction novel set in a unique afterlife called Punk Land, created by punk icon Sid Vicious. The story follows Goblin, a guard at the main gate of Punk Land, as he navigates through a series of bizarre and grotesque scenarios after the afterlife begins to deteriorate. With the help of new friends like Shark Girl, Nan, and Mortician, Goblin unravels the mysteries behind the strange rules and corrupt leaders of Punk Land, aiming to restore the anarchistic essence of the afterlife.
The book combines elements of horror, satire, and parody to deliver a fast-paced and darkly humorous narrative. Through unexpected plot twists, grotesque imagery, and witty writing, Carlton Mellick III crafts a story that explores themes of rebellion, identity, and the absurdity of existence in a punk-inspired afterlife.
- #3
"Steelheart" by Brandon Sanderson is set in a world where ordinary people suddenly gain superpowers, known as Epics, but use them for tyranny rather than good. The story follows David, a young man seeking revenge against the most powerful Epic, Steelheart, who rules over a futuristic Chicago. Joining forces with a group called the Reckoners, David navigates a world filled with underground rebellions, intense action sequences, and unexpected twists and turns. Sanderson's writing style blends fast-paced action with intricate world-building, creating a dark and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The book explores themes of good versus evil, power struggles, and the consequences of wielding extraordinary abilities. With a mix of intense battle scenes, complex characters, and a touch of humor, "Steelheart" offers a unique take on the superhero genre, presenting a post-apocalyptic Earth where super villains reign and a young protagonist must confront his fears and uncover secrets to challenge the oppressive rule of Steelheart.
I skidded down a stairwell and crunched against steel gravel at the bottom. Sucking in air, I dashed through one of the dark understreets of Newcago. Ten years had passed since my father’s death. That... - #4
Death Note is a gripping story revolving around Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook capable of killing those whose names are written in it. As Light uses the notebook to eliminate criminals, a game of cat and mouse ensues when the world's greatest detective, known as L, is called in to uncover the mysterious killings. The book delves into themes of horror, death, and suicide, drawing readers in through elements of humor, action, and romance. The plot is described as a psychological journey where Light's initial intentions to create a crime-free world spiral into a battle to evade the law and maintain his power.
The setup for Death Note involves a death god dropping a notebook in the human world out of boredom, leading to a series of events where humans wield the power to cause deaths. The story evolves into a detective narrative with a touch of the supernatural, maintaining mystery and suspense that keeps readers engaged. The book is commended for taking the mystery murder genre to the next level, exploring the consequences of individuals wielding immense power and the moral dilemmas that arise from it.
- #5
'An Inheritance of Magic' by Benedict Jacka is a new series that introduces readers to a world where magic is controlled by a corrupt elite. The protagonist, Stephen Oakwood, is a young man struggling financially and lacking magical education. As he navigates through his quest for safety, security, and magic, readers are taken on a journey of overcoming loneliness and forming connections with others in modern-day London. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of magic, realistic world-building, and relatable characters, setting the stage for an engrossing new series.
- #6
Absolute Power by David Baldacci is a riveting thriller that delves into the consequences of power and corruption within the highest levels of government. The story follows Luther Whitney, a professional burglar who witnesses a murder involving the President of the United States. As Luther becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Secret Service, a web of conspiracy, betrayal, and cover-ups is unveiled, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative filled with shocking twists and turns. Baldacci's writing style is described as solid, enjoyable, and fast-paced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish with well-defined characters and a well-planned plot.
HE GRIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL LOOSELY AS THE CAR, ITS lights out, drifted slowly to a stop. A few last scraps of gravel kicked out of the tire treads and then silence enveloped him. He took a moment t... - #7
'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare is a classic tragedy that delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, guilt, and the consequences of seeking power for its own sake. The story follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, who is driven by prophecies to commit murder in order to fulfil his ambitions, ultimately leading to his downfall. The play is known for its dramatic and intense plot, supernatural elements, and memorable characters like Lady Macbeth and the three witches.
A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap, And munch'd, and munch'd, and munch'd:— 'Give me,' quoth I: 'Aroint thee, witch!' the rump-fed ronyon cries. Her husband's to Aleppo gone, master o' the Tiger... - #8
'The Feast of the Goat' by Mario Vargas Llosa is a political thriller based on historical events surrounding the end of the dictatorship of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. It weaves fiction with real-life events, focusing on the assassination of the dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1961. The novel is praised for its portrayal of political drama, the downfall of a dictatorship, and the aftermath of the assassination from different perspectives. It explores themes of power, corruption, political intrigue, and family revenge, offering an insightful look into the Latin American island nation's history.
The writing style of Mario Vargas Llosa in 'The Feast of the Goat' is highly acclaimed for its historical accuracy blended with fictional elements. Readers appreciate the way the author creates a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of political corruption, machismo, and the consequences of challenging authoritarian regimes. is described as a compelling and well-paced story that provides a window into the lives of characters affected by the regime of Trujillo, offering a thought-provoking reflection on power dynamics and the impact of dictatorship.
Urania. Her parents had done her no favor; her name suggested a planet, a mineral, anything but the slender, fine-featured woman with burnished skin and large, dark, rather sad eyes who looked back at... - #9
'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu is an epic fantasy novel that takes inspiration from ancient Chinese history while incorporating elements of Polynesian and Japanese culture. The story follows the lives of two main characters as they navigate through a world filled with political intrigue, battles, and complex relationships. The narrative style of the book has been described as quasi-historical, allowing the author to cover large events over vast distances and time periods, creating a rich tapestry of a world.
Kuni Garu decided to take his band deep into the Er-Mé Mountains to minimize the risk of encountering Imperial patrols. The trail, winding slowly up the side of the mountain, was not steep, and the fa... - #10
"My Beautiful Life" by K.J. Parker is a novella that delves into themes of intrigue, backstabbing, wit, and dark humor, typical of Parker's style. The story follows a nameless main character who narrates his life story which involves humble beginnings, manipulation, and a rise to power. The plot revolves around the complex relationships between the characters, particularly focusing on the dynamics between the narrator, his brothers Nico and Edax, and their mother. The setting is a standard low fantasy world with minimal magic, serving as a backdrop to the character-driven narrative. The novella plays with structure and characters, providing a unique perspective on storytelling that may not resonate with all readers.