Books matching: predestination
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- #1
Save:'Out of Spite, Out of Mind' in the 'Magic 2.0' series by Scott Meyer is a continuation of a great world and comedic model, but it falls short due to unmotivated character behaviors and a darker tone. The novel explores difficult concepts, struggles with the free will vs predestination argument, and features time travel elements. The characters, while hilariously flawed, seem to lose their essence in this installment, causing a disconnect for many readers.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Magic 2.0 ) - #2
Save:"Galactic Pot-Healer" by Philip K. Dick follows the story of Joe Fernwright, a pot healer living in a dystopian future Earth who is chosen by an alien named Glimmung to join a team of specialists on a distant planet to raise a cathedral dedicated to oceanic gods. The plot is described as iffy, the dialogue terrible, and the character development non-existent, leading to mixed opinions on the overall quality of the book. Despite the unconventional storyline and writing style, the book explores themes of meaninglessness, free will versus predestination, and the interaction between advanced technology and alien mythology.
His father had been a pot-healer before him. And so he, too, healed pots, in fact any kind of ceramic ware left over from the Old Days, before the war, when objects had not always been made out of pla... - #3
Save:'What in God's Name' by Simon Rich revolves around the premise of God running an Asian fusion restaurant and being the CEO of Heaven Inc. The story follows two angels, Craig and Eliza, who are tasked with performing a miracle to save Earth from God's wrath. Rich's writing style is described as witty and humorous, with a focus on exploring the absurdity of human behavior and the flawed nature of both Heaven and Earth. delves into themes of free will, predestination, and the comedic misadventures of the characters as they navigate the complexities of fulfilling a miracle.
THE CEO LEANED BACK IN his swivel chair and flicked on his flat-screen TV. There was some kind of war going on in Venezuela. He forced himself to watch for a few minutes—it was the type of thing that ... - #4
Save:'A Prayer for Owen Meany' by John Irving is a novel that follows the story of two young boys, Owen Meany and John Wheelwright, growing up in Gravesend, New Hampshire. The pivotal moment in the story occurs when a foul ball hit by one of the boys during a Little League baseball game results in the death of the other boy's mother. This event sets off a chain of extraordinary occurrences, with Owen Meany believing himself to be an instrument of God and having unwavering faith in his destiny. The novel beautifully portrays their friendship, the mysteries surrounding Owen Meany's fate and John Wheelwright's paternity, and delves into themes of faith, God, fate, and predestination.
John Irving's writing style in 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' is described as roomy, intelligent, exhilarating, and darkly comic, reminiscent of Dickensian scope. The novel features unforgettable characters, such as the titular character Owen Meany, who is small in stature but full of confidence and foresight. The story weaves together powerful themes of predestination and faith with compelling characters and a rare sense of humor, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.
I AM DOOMED to remember a boy with a wrecked voice-not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because ... - #5
Save:'The Rise of Endymion' is the conclusion to the Hyperion Cantos series by Dan Simmons. It follows the journey of Raul Endymion as he navigates a complex and mysterious world, trying to protect a child who may hold the power to bring down a religious group ruling the universe. The book delves into metaphysics, advanced science fiction concepts, and personal drama, providing a fitting conclusion to the series with unexpected twists and revelations. Despite mixed opinions on the character development and plot progression, the book weaves together various storylines and resolves lingering mysteries, offering a satisfying end to the epic tale.
The cry reverberated in and around the Vatican courtyard of San Damaso where the body of Pope Julius XIV had just been discovered in his papal apartments. The Holy Father had died in his sleep. Within...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hyperion Cantos ) - #6
Save:'Pulling The Wings Off Angels' by K.J. Parker is a theological fantasy novella that follows a clerical student with a weakness for gambling who gets caught up in a dangerous plot involving a gangster and an imprisoned angel. The story delves into themes of good and evil, predestination, free will, and religious exploration, all presented in Parker's unique writing style that combines humor, wit, and philosophical musings. The protagonist is a realistic character who struggles with moral dilemmas and questions of divinity, set against a backdrop that feels like a Byzantine world closer to history than traditional medieval fantasy.
The novella is filled with twists, intriguing thoughts, and solid pacing, making every scene matter in the narrative. Despite the protagonist's lack of redeeming qualities, the story offers plenty of sardonic wit, cynicism, and logical critiques of religion and belief systems. The plot revolves around the protagonist's journey to deliver an angel to a gangster in order to clear his debts, leading to unexpected consequences and a deeper exploration of human themes within a speculative fiction setting.
"The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner" by James Hogg is a gothic novel set in Scotland in the early 1700s. It follows the story of two brothers, one raised as the son of a laird and the other as the adopted son of a clergyman, whose meeting leads to trouble. The novel delves into themes of religion, fanaticism, and the supernatural, particularly focusing on the character of a mysterious stranger who influences the main character to commit heinous crimes. The narrative is presented from multiple viewpoints, including an observer's, the author's, and the sinner's, blending elements of parody, criticism of extreme theology, and horror.
It appears from tradition, as well as some parish registers still extant, that the lands of Dalcastle (or Dalchastel, as it is often spelled) were possessed by a family of the name of Colwan, about on...- #8
Save:Huntress by Malinda Lo is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of two young women, Kaede and Taisin, along with the king's son, as they travel to the realm of the Fairy Queen in response to a mysterious invitation. The story unfolds as they face dangers and hardships, develop a romantic attraction to each other, and work together to restore the balance of nature in the human world. The writing style is described as well-paced, engaging, and filled with rich character interactions that bring depth to the storyline.
The plot of Huntress centers around themes of love, adventure, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships. The narrative explores the characters' growth and the challenges they face as they navigate a world filled with magic and mythical creatures. The book is praised for its beautiful and engaging storytelling, highlighting the journey of Kaede and Taisin as they embark on a quest that tests their courage, friendship, and the strength of their bond.
The ground where she stood was frozen white, but twenty feet away, cold blue ocean lapped at the jagged shore. Someone there was climbing into a rowboat, and she knew that she loved this person. She w...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ash ) - #9
Save:The novel 'Miracle Workers: A Novel' by Simon Rich is a humorous and satirical take on the concept of Heaven and God. The story follows two angels, Craig and Eliza, who work for God at Heaven, Inc. They are tasked with performing a miracle to save the Earth from God's wrath within a month. Rich's writing style is described as fast-paced, funny, and easy to read, with a focus on showcasing the absurdity of human behavior and the flawed nature of Heaven and God in a lighthearted manner.
- #10Opusby:
Save:Satoshi Kon's 'Opus' is a metafictional tale that blurs the lines between creator and creation, fiction and reality. The story follows manga creator Chikara Nagai as he struggles to finish his graphic novel 'Resonance', where the character Lin objects to his planned demise. This leads to a captivating journey where characters move between the real world and the manga world, exploring themes of destiny, predestination, and the impact of creators on their creations.
The book delves into the complexities of storytelling, with a focus on character development, metafiction, and the interaction between the author and their creations. Through a mix of psychological elements, engaging plot twists, and beautiful visual exposition, 'Opus' offers a unique reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling norms and keeps readers enthralled till the end.
